Intercom reviews?

[tuska]

We're touring uk in aug, think intercom between the 2 bikes be good idea so mrs can tell me i'm going wrong way;) . so whats every one using ?would you recommend? any bad experiences models to avoid? battery life to expect?

[Ulsterkiwi]

Most folks I know use SENA, including myself.
I have used the SMH10 mostly, works well, battery life is great, easily get a full day's use. Range is acceptable just remember you need line of sight. They come with the ability to mount on most helmets. Sound quality is good.

I now have a 10U which is custom made for my Shoei GT-Air. Much better sound quality and everything integrates into the helmet very neatly. It comes in a kit with a handlebar remote. They suggest you mount the remote on your left grip. I dont like it there so mount it mid bars but its still easy enough to use. I have one real criticism of it which is you cannot charge the unit on the go. That is a useful feature most of the rest of the SENA range have. If you have a 12V outlet you will never be caught out with anything BUT the 10U

SENA also allow you to pair with non-SENA comms units.

I know quite a few people who have the 20S, better range and sound quality and you can run the thing with a phone app......hmmmm does that make it better? Its a tried and tested brand but there are others out there to consider. Cardno, Scala, Interphone.

If you are buying two prepare your wallet, these things are not cheap.

[Akzle]

uhf, dawg.

[Blackbird]

+1 for the Sena, either the SMH 10 or 20S. SMH 10 is cheaper and perfect for your purpose - had mine several years. The local importer charges an arm and a leg. Bought mine direct from Revzilla in the US and had it shipped via the NZ Post YouShop service. Saved about $200.

[skippa1]

Interphone F5
used for about 3 years, seems to do what its meant to, talk between bikes, bluetooth to phone for calls or music, has a built in radio tuner.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Interphone F5
used for about 3 years, seems to do what its meant to, talk between bikes, bluetooth to phone for calls or music, has a built in radio tuner.

Interestingly Ride magazine in the UK did a synopsis of a lot of the options out there quite recenltly. That model came out as their top buy. Beat the 20S by some margin, if you look at the scores broken down though they penalised SENA heavily on price.

[skippa1]

Interestingly Ride magazine in the UK did a synopsis of a lot of the options out there quite recenltly. That model came out as their top buy. Beat the 20S by some margin, if you look at the scores broken down though they penalised SENA heavily on price.
Not surprised really, 4 of us have them, 2 have gone back on warranty, 1 leaked and the other had a battery issue. I like the look of the Sena with integrated camera. Im not using mine anymore, not likely to get another bike....

[caspernz]

Sena 20s works well. I'd say a twin pack from Revzilla or E-Bay if you go this way.

At least you're not leaving it until the last minute eh?

[Akzle]

not likely to get another bike....

auu. Nothing set in stone bro.

You got some air trekkers bolted on or what?

[skippa1]

auu. Nothing set in stone bro.

You got some air trekkers bolted on or what?
True......I would now but fams a bit traumitised

not air trekkers but fkn near that, pick up the mean hydraulic leg with blade type foot in a few weeks

[Akzle]

True......I would now but fams a bit traumitised

not air trekkers but fkn near that, pick up the mean hydraulic leg with blade type foot in a few weeks

fark.... Back in the day you'd have had to whittle your own peg out of a virgin swamp log using aut but your nails and teeth... blardy youth of today, luksharry!

Beggar the fam. Trike maybe, if that wouldnt be too frustrating...

[skippa1]

fark.... Back in the day you'd have had to whittle your own peg out of a virgin swamp log using aut but your nails and teeth... blardy youth of today, luksharry!

Beggar the fam. Trike maybe, if that wouldnt be too frustrating...
Trike.....yeh nah

[Akzle]

piaggio, then :bleh:

[WristTwister]

With so many things to consider, SENAs are popular but if you're touring long distances in all weather conditions, maybe consider http://www.interphone.com/en/products/intercoms/interphone-tour-twin-pack/193894

[caseye]

piaggio, then :bleh:

Jeez Akz! good news on the new leg skippa1, real good news, hope it does the trick and gets you going like you want to.

[Duncan74]

I've been very disappointed by my 20s. Not used as intercom, but for radio, phone and satnav. Audio clips badly or is badly compressed to the point that it is very hard to understand. Volume is supposed to be adjustable for each source and then a master setting, but it's impossible to time the adjustment right of what you're trying to change and crazy easy to adjust the wrong thing.

Abysmal response through the support which is not the same support as the well received US local support. Basically sent me links to how to pair to an I-phone (I'd said I had an android phone), and then closed the support ticket. Get a bit of wind noise from it too. Finally, although not an issue now, I'm worried at the rubber grommet for the charge port getting lost and then it's one rainy ride from drowning the electronics.

On the plus side, the ability to change most settings (not the volume unfortunately) from either a PC app or a smartphone app is handy. Voice recognition for functions is pretty good.

[nzspokes]

Trying to make my mind up which to get at the moment. I do like the look of the SMH10r.

[Ulsterkiwi]

I've been very disappointed by my 20s. Not used as intercom, but for radio, phone and satnav. Audio clips badly or is badly compressed to the point that it is very hard to understand. Volume is supposed to be adjustable for each source and then a master setting, but it's impossible to time the adjustment right of what you're trying to change and crazy easy to adjust the wrong thing.

Abysmal response through the support which is not the same support as the well received US local support. Basically sent me links to how to pair to an I-phone (I'd said I had an android phone), and then closed the support ticket. Get a bit of wind noise from it too. Finally, although not an issue now, I'm worried at the rubber grommet for the charge port getting lost and then it's one rainy ride from drowning the electronics.

On the plus side, the ability to change most settings (not the volume unfortunately) from either a PC app or a smartphone app is handy. Voice recognition for functions is pretty good.

I am not impressed by their online support at all. They didn't understand the query (deliberately because it was too awkward to deal with?) replied with some bullshit and closed the ticket.

Its good gear though.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Trying to make my mind up which to get at the moment. I do like the look of the SMH10r.

new ones have upgraded components and its a very neat form factor.

[Hagakure]

I have a 20s for sale almost new if anyone's interested

[nzspokes]

I have a 20s for sale almost new if anyone's interested

How may $$$$$?

[rustys]

Anyone using the TRIBE Interphone?

[Gremlin]

Been using Sena for a few years, got the old SMH10R (seriously, who re-uses the exact name again for a different unit?) and an SMH10B for other helmets. Been happy.

Re line of sight, testing with a mate on one trip, he has a 20S, lifting his external aerial improved the range by a noticeable margin, so much so we could continue conversations around a couple of corners with no line of sight. Usually broke up after 2 corners, going to 3 etc. My observation to him, wonder what 2x 20S with aerials up could be capable of.

Does seem like the 20S has suffered a bit re quality, reliability and ease of use. Seems they need more of a degree to operate to full extent.

[Duncan74]

Does seem like the 20S has suffered a bit re quality, reliability and ease of use. Seems they need more of a degree to operate to full extent.

This. Times lots. And not helped by the APAC support which appears very very different to the USA one. I may well 'fib' next time.

Unless you need features on the 20s then the 10? would seem better depending on form factor. The jog dial is good, so don't discount that one in favour of the flatter one out of hand.

[Gremlin]

The jog dial is good, so don't discount that one in favour of the flatter one out of hand.
Depends on your situation. My SMH10R is mounted to a Nolan N104. It has a wide plastic skirt around the bottom that no pinch clamp can tackle unless you cut a slot in it (which some have). It does have space for comm units (specifically for Nolan's own N-Com) so there is a slot at the rear of the helmet for the battery etc. For those situations the 10R is a very neat install, just means you take the whole helmet to charge the unit (and the 10R has a shorter life but replaceable battery).

[GrayWolf]

I have 3 sets of intercomms
The Sena SM10 {new type} and apart from a battery failure {3 days short of guarantee expiry} have had no real issues with them, used regularly, and last time was 3 weeks touring the south Isle. The battery was replaced with no problems, and the unit sent was also upgraded to the latest 'firmware'. As Gremlin said, very line of sight, but good audio, loud enough to hear through earplugs. Charge lasts from 5-8hrs {air temperature seems to effect this} when left switched on in intercom mode.

also picked up a pair of interphone V6 with the antenna sticking out. Again have to agree with Gremlin, they seem to give longer range, but, audio isnt quite as good or as loud as the Senna. Havent used them regularly enough to give a time for the charge lasting.