After a bunch of research into bluetooth helmet headsets, I settled on the SENA SMH10. I purchased the dual set in anticipation for an upcoming ride with a buddy of mine. He'll get a chance to test it out and may purchase a set of his own if he likes it. After that ride, the intention is that the second unit will be used for my pillion riders (typically one of my sons). So, my goals for this system were mainly twofold - I was looking for good 2-up or bike-to-bike intercom and I wanted something that I could use to answer my phone while riding. I commute every day on the mc, and it is pretty frustrating when you are expecting a call to feel the phone vibrate on your hip and then look for a place to pull off and return the call. It would be much easier to just answer the call while riding.
When shopping for these units, I was also initially looking for something that I could use with my MP3 player and / or plug my existing earbuds into. I have become a big fan of the sound quality and road noise isolation of the Etymotic er6i ear buds (other have their personal faves, but these work great for me). As near as I could tell, only the Chatterbox allowed for plugging in your own headphones, and I wasn't crazy about some of the other feedback I read about them. I also heard that the next version of the SENA headsets would allow for using your own earbuds, but I needed to pull the trigger to get these before my trip and didn't want to wait on a rumor.
I had heard that the sound quality and volume from the SMH10 was very good, and I have found that to be true. In my first real test of them to date (just installed one on my helmet last night), I called a friend before leaving the house this morning and talked with him for 1/2 of my commute. The sound quality was excellent on both ends (after I moved the microphone slightly). I was still wearing my Etymotic earbuds connected to my MP3 player, which I had paused during the call, and I could still have a clear and normal conversation over the phone. When the call was done, I pushed play on the MP3 player, and everything was just the same as it has always been. I had my windshield down in the lowest position (which produces the most wind noise) and could still hear very well. My friend noted that he could not hear any background noise. The microphone is very directional and needs to be placed close to the lips when talking. When I pushed it back up against the chin bar he said my voice was too soft. Since the microphone is on a boom and not fixed to the inside of the helmet, you can move it around even while riding to find the best position.
While this wasn't the way I had originally thought I was going use a helmet headset, I think it actually for the best. By not piping the music through the SENA set, I am not using any of its battery power to relay the signal. I can still hear the incoming call, press pause on the player and answer the phone.
I did try connecting the MP3 player to the SENA headset, and it worked OK. However, the sound was a bit tinny compared to what I am used to and it didn't seem like the volume would have been loud enough if I were wearing foam earplugs.
So, my initial impressions are very positive :yahoo: . I haven't had a chance to try the intercom features yet, but I will add to this post when I do.
When shopping for these units, I was also initially looking for something that I could use with my MP3 player and / or plug my existing earbuds into. I have become a big fan of the sound quality and road noise isolation of the Etymotic er6i ear buds (other have their personal faves, but these work great for me). As near as I could tell, only the Chatterbox allowed for plugging in your own headphones, and I wasn't crazy about some of the other feedback I read about them. I also heard that the next version of the SENA headsets would allow for using your own earbuds, but I needed to pull the trigger to get these before my trip and didn't want to wait on a rumor.
I had heard that the sound quality and volume from the SMH10 was very good, and I have found that to be true. In my first real test of them to date (just installed one on my helmet last night), I called a friend before leaving the house this morning and talked with him for 1/2 of my commute. The sound quality was excellent on both ends (after I moved the microphone slightly). I was still wearing my Etymotic earbuds connected to my MP3 player, which I had paused during the call, and I could still have a clear and normal conversation over the phone. When the call was done, I pushed play on the MP3 player, and everything was just the same as it has always been. I had my windshield down in the lowest position (which produces the most wind noise) and could still hear very well. My friend noted that he could not hear any background noise. The microphone is very directional and needs to be placed close to the lips when talking. When I pushed it back up against the chin bar he said my voice was too soft. Since the microphone is on a boom and not fixed to the inside of the helmet, you can move it around even while riding to find the best position.
While this wasn't the way I had originally thought I was going use a helmet headset, I think it actually for the best. By not piping the music through the SENA set, I am not using any of its battery power to relay the signal. I can still hear the incoming call, press pause on the player and answer the phone.
I did try connecting the MP3 player to the SENA headset, and it worked OK. However, the sound was a bit tinny compared to what I am used to and it didn't seem like the volume would have been loud enough if I were wearing foam earplugs.
So, my initial impressions are very positive :yahoo: . I haven't had a chance to try the intercom features yet, but I will add to this post when I do.
They worked flawlessly throughout the trip. The range was great (about 1/2 mile), the sound quality was excellent, and battery life was as advertised - nearly all day. We made sure they would last the day by plugging them in and sticking them in my tank bag during lunch. I like the form factor - the jog dial is very easy to manipulate while riding with gloves on and we experienced no problems.
