You, good sir, are the single best youtuber who combines funny and actual proper information in such a nice way. "You'd be better of burning it and deciphering smoke signals." I laughed so hard. PS. i'd love to see a video where you review some of the worst motorcycle's or gear.
+FortNine well you did an OK job of these blue tooth. but I have the Cardio Freedom 4 Dual.. and it is the best I think. money right.. the radio works great. easy to use with Gloves.. totally water and dust proof.. I can hook up to my buddy's com. just buy opening the app. on my phone and pressing a button. that easy. ! and it speaks the radio stations as you surf through to the one you want. like 92.1. 107.4. it's really nice. I don't think you could go wrong with this system. and the speakers are great with Auto volume control.. !
(...That is: Cardo Scala Rider Freecom 4 Duo www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MXUW98A/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&%3Bqid=1494149186&%3Bsr=8-1-fkmr0&%3Bpi=SL75_QL70&%3Bkeywords=cardo%2Bfreecom%2B4%2Bdual&th=1&psc=1 )
Sena 20S is absolutely waterproof and field tested for several hundred miles in Tropical Storm Cindy by me, along with a friend last summer. It can be had for $175 apiece, and I can say honestly it has a 1 mile effective range. It also does music sharing, can link up to 8 riders, has high quality audio, and the battery life is very strong. Fully charged at the end of the day...I was done before the battery on the Sena 20S. Very impressed with it.
Ryan I love your videos and style of reviewing, no channel does it better. But 90% of the stuff you share always seems out of my price range. Would be much appreciated if you did more reviews of the cheap stuff for us broke college students.
All reviews on these units only cover their functionality, not their sound quality. Finally, someone who at least glosses over. From my experience, these units are tinny at best, and are impossible to hear at full volume at speed. Usually best to just get a decent in-ear headset. No, you cannot walkie talkie with them, but you can at least hear what you are listening to, block out 80 to 90% of the road noise at speed, and make calls. Even the wired sets work nicely. Alos, do not need to spend upwards of US$300 for a decent pair.
20S is easy to use with gloves. Also I rode in super hard rain for 2 days straight, never failed. Not saying its perfect, but it always connects to my phone, and it is definitely waterproof, had it going on 3 years now.Also, 3 years of hard riding, the clip has NEVER failed. The device has remained secure.
I have the SENA10. I love it. The only issue I have had is the unit's connection to the helmet clip. Sometimes it does not make good enough contact resulting in the left ear/speaker dropping out. I can fix that with a little 'wiggle' of the unit. Beyond that, this little guy rocks! Great video.
I own the Sena 100 and in my opinion it's worth every penny. As you said, camera is not good enough for vloggong but it's perfect to record any incidents. As for a comms system it's perfect and very good to cut out noise when in comms mode or on a phone call. People on other other hand of the call never noticed I'm on a bike. Keep up the good work :)
I use a dirt cheap freedcon to keep myself, my brother and my dad in communicando on the roads, granted, it's not great, but for a group of bikers on a budget, and occasionally needing to listen to GPS instructions, it does the job brilliantly.
I've bought one of these 6riders intercoms of eBay with a friend. costs 37€ per unit, with a range of 1.2 kilometres (more like 1km in reality) with Bluetooth for music or navigation. only drawback is a a max of 2 riders talking at the same time. but honestly for this price that's just to awesome
it is called the G6 BT interphone. Or look up 6 riders intercomm but if you like to use ebay I found a link for you to make it easy :p you can also buy them on aliexpress!! www.ebay.com/p/V6-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-1200m-BT-Interphone-Intercom-Helmet-6-Rider-Headset/804759185
Packtalk is the only way to go imo. We've switched entirely, 8 of us, and there's simply no going back. Packtalk's DMC is on a completely different level!
F9: Good piece, as usual. On the subject of comms with "yuuuge" external controls: I wanted to avoid those like the proverbial plague, and, while I'm no social hermit, I have little need to virtually hope up with a posse of other riders at one go. What I ended up doing was getting hold of Sena's 3S just a few days ago. Its arrangement is brutally straightforward - speakers & mic (at least on the 3S-W version I got) are hardwired to each other, and since the battery powering the setup is actually built into the speaker housing, the speakers are slightly chunkier than usual, but they fit my HJC CL-17 just fine. The speakers won't win any prizes for stuff like bass slam, but they're clean sounding, and phone conversations are clear and painless both ways - hell, you even have VOX for hands-free answering of calls, which is a huge deal for me. Not all the bells and whistles, but for under a c-note, it works great so far.
Hi Ryan, sorry if this is a bit long-winded, but maybe you can help. I'm in New Zealand and the cost of a Scala Duo is NZ$900 so I am doing as much research as I can before I buy anything. And I read on Scala's website that if you don't buy from an approved re seller NO warranty i.e buying cheaper from eBay is a no-no to them I purchased a Rider Bluetooth motorcycle headset (pair), with the following specs. These cost NZ$290 *Long range-1200 meters intercom, Bluetooth interphone kits for helmet motorcycle, Snowmobile, ski, ATV etc. *communication system 6 Riders. *1200m maximum intercom range *Up to 120km/h speed *Up to 7hours talking time *Auto-receiving mobile call *Mobile/mp3/stereo music *Audio navigation from GPS *Line-in audio interface via bluetooth *Wind noise DSP cancellation *Full weather protected *It can pair "rider to rider" or "rider to pillion". Can pair 6 interphones at a time, and easily switch to any 2 of them. *Works with any Bluetooth equipped mobile phone,GPS or MP3 Stereo music *Headphone Can work with external media play devices, like MP3/portable CD player/IPOD and etc. by connecting the headphone wires directly (without main unit) * Plastic + Rubber button, more stable structure, better waterproof performance. This system is fully weather protected. * Wireless hands free communication for motorcyclist * Safe driving while talking with friends * Play stereo music from your mobile phone * Can be used as a Bluetooth headset and a wireless music headset while you're not riding After 30 frustrating minutes I finally got them to pair together and we could talk 'rider to pillion' (on foot) up to 60 mts before the static overpowered everything) but as soon as we got on the bike and just started moving they basically stopped. If we stopped and got off you could talk to each other again. Now I don't know if it makes a difference but I ride a HD Softail Std 1450cc fitted with Reinhart exhausts (and yes it's loud & proud lol). I sent them back and they supposedly replaced something but it looked like they just 'bench tested' & returned my original units, I tried again with the same results. Needless to say I managed to get a refund. I've considered the S20 but after some of the feedback I am now looking at the Scala Packtalk Duo. Have you or any of the people watching and commenting here, come across anything maybe to do with the sonics of the Softail disrupting talk connectivity on the Scala or other brands out there. All the bikes I've see in all of the videos are quieter Jap or European bikes that don't have the sound and rumble of a Harley
ahhhhhhh the metric system. Hilariously efficient. Don't forget the Sena 10R. Small, light, easy to use, and now updated to Bluetooth 4.1. It sticks on the side and provides a much lower profile fitment for helmets like the Airframe Pro. Also less wind noise on the left side of your skull. It's a really great solution. I've had terrible luck with uClear. They have super cool technology hobbled by the worst industrial designers ever. The difference between uClear and Sena or Cardio is significant. Great video... I love that it provides a "real" review so I can... decide... and...... ride?
as someone who sells these on the daily, I can tell you you covered pretty much all the bases. one thing I recommend with audiophiles on a budget is to nab a lower end uclear and mating the pulse pro speakers to it. yeah it's a subpar communicator but when you're an audiophile it's great audio quality on a budget. was also gonna leave a comment on the 10c evo but you seemed to cover that just as the video ended :^) cheers -disgruntled 20s slim owner who wish he bought an amp pro
First thing i said to myself while watching your video is: what if i dont have any friends ??? not disappointed since you've covered that as well. thanks Ryan XD
Hi, I watch your videos all the way from Texas. Thank you so much for all of your reviews, but especially this one. I have been googling and looking for a bluetooth communicator with good audio quality for weeks, until I heard you speak highly of Uclear Amp Pro. Definitely getting that one, thank you for the review!.
Very good presentations you do...Here is an idea applicable to all these systems: Split these devices into two components, i.e. one smart unit, like one at the helmet, but put it into a cradle e.g. on the tank, and have in the helmet a slave unit only with connection to micro and loudspeakers. The two component units communicate by two-way radio frequency separate from the [Bluetooth/Mesh] connectivity of the smart unit.Advantage: Better operability of the controls [which you can see now], the controls can be made larger, clearer, illuminated ,etc.. You can add additional micro and loudspeakers for your other helmets, one smart unit will serve all of them...The passenger has the controls on the inside left/right wrist or strapped to right/left upper leg.Since you obviously have better contacts with e.g. Cardo than I....think about it and maybe forward the idea.
The Freecom 1 (yes I am 68 and have no friends with a motorcycle anymore) adjusts it’s volume automatically to the ambient noise, which is nice in a city. I use it in a Shark spartan carbon. The ultmate luxury Shuberth never delivered. There is even an app for the cardo Freecoms, so you can make adjustments on your phone.
Yeeesssssssss! Thanks for covering kit for us lone wolves that get lost in the Colorado Rockies by ourselves. May as well listen to good tunes as you dig out your big alone
I bought the new Sena 20S Evo and HATE THEM. LISTEN! If you could listen to anyone from the internet about bluetooth, do what I did. Take your garbage Sena back and order the Uclear Amp Pro. The speakers are crazy awesome. The are so clear! And they are LOUD if you choose. There is also a bass boost if you feel they are too weak by themselves, and they are NOT weak at all. The sena was very thin with only treble. I couldn't hear my music cruising around. The Uclear Amp Pro is 100X better than that garbage. At first, I had no choice but to get the Sena in which I was excited for. I went to 4 different motorcycle shops in San Diego. San Diego is a hot spot for motorcycle riders so you would think theyd have the Amp Pro. NOPE. They ALL had the sena models. I'm so glad I ordered the Amp pro and waited a week to get it because I cannot stress enough how clear and loud and full it sounds. No regrets AT ALL! And no, I'm not a sponsor, I just do not want other people wasting their money when they could do so much better when it comes to clarity. Even the weird mic that comes with it sounds good over someones phone. AMAZING!
I own a 10U in my Shoei GT-Air. I have no friends and take long road trips solo. It's an amazing unit. Decent sound (even with earplugs) and pairs reliably. I enjoy the remote actually and you missed out on mentioning that there are controls inside of the helmet that do everything the remote does. If you don't plan on having friends, it's awesome. You don't even know I have one if you look at my helmet.
Although I prefer to ride with no distractions, there are situations when this devices become useful. When you park and you want to call someone quickly, this comes handy. When your pillion is giving you instructions to get to his/her home, this comes handy. I'll pick one, but i'm not intereseted in the "audiophile grade" or "16 riders communication" features. Have fun!
While I appreciate the opinion here, to completely ignore the Sena 20s is criminal. It's been the standard bearer for a while now, and what you see most people using.
Yeah, my whole squad and their wives have them. We've had up to 8 people in a group and it's crystal clear with good range. Music is tinny as hell, but works.
Kyle Kennedy my 20s has been good, not great but good, there are a total of 6 20s's in the crew and some times we can get them to connect. Most of the times we can't get everybody. Adding new senas to the group is a 20 mins ordeal. We've all tried forums, TH-cam videos, smoke signals, hailing all sorts of Gods but haven't been able to get stable operation. The continuous stream of updates makes the process even tougher. I would happily look at another option but having $500 in my dual pack means is gonna stick around until it pisses me off enough to throw it against a wall.
Bought 4 Sena 20s in my group. Only 1 unit is fully operational 1½ years after. Mine started locking up randomly after 5 days, didn't ever see rain by then. Heard a lot of same around town and on advrider forums. Never Sena again!
Just an FYI to anyone who is looking for information on communicators: . . . Not all the info FortNine provided here was correct. I've used all three of the initial 3 systems he discussed and can tell you the UClear is by far the least complicated system to use. The 3 BIG buttons are easy to find with your gloves on. The instructions for pairing from one to another, or to multiple units, is very simple and the range is 700M between riders, not in total. In total, they will leapfrog up to 7 km under perfect conditions (ie: rural Saskatchewan - lol) Yes, UClear has the leapfrog technology he was describing with the Scala. In fact, UClear had it before Scala. Last, but not least, we have little to no technical issues with the UClears. While other groups are fiddling with their Sena's & Scala's upon powering-up, all we do is power-up our UClear's and we're connected after any one of the previously paired units holds the up button for 2 seconds. They work every time. If you go out of range, they reconnect on their own when you come back into range (90% of the time). If you come back into range and your UClear doesn't reconnect automatically, just have one of the other connected units hold their up button for 2 seconds & you're back in.
Hey Ryan, love the video, great reviews! But if I can throw in my two cents, I wouldn't throw the products around as much. It kinda take the attention away from you and makes it distracting. But great vid none the less!
Got a Sena for the latest and greatest tech. It has no range around corners with trees or hills takes to long to reconnect . Two years later threw it out. Back to Chatterbox using to two way radio with Bluetooth for phone or music. Much better range no limit to number of riders. New tech does not always equal better
I have a Scala Cardo Q3. It's been solid for years, but is literally takes "voodoo" to sync up to another Q3, its battery life doesn't last a full day of riding, and well it just syncs up to one other rider. I wish FM scanning was built in to all comms so I didn't have to pre-program them... a pain once you travel outside your local area. Still, Scala did have to do a warranty repair and they did no prob, so me and my fellow 4 Scala Q3 riders are fans. Also, I can attest it NEVER stops working even in the heaviest or rains (woohoo). The packtalk looks like then next upgrade.
Honestly, I thought it was going to be Sena vs Sena vs Sena vs Sena vs Sena. It's good to see there are other good options; competition is good for the consumer
I'm currently on my 2nd 20S. The first one went back to Sena as a warranty claim because VOX and talking (for phone calls or with other friends on comms) stopped working after my 1st season with it. Otherwise I'm reasonably happy with the 20S.
At 6:48 you show the Sena handlebar remote installed upside down . . . . . just saying . . . Waiting for Spring (and Quebec's stupid 'you must have snow tires between December 15 and March 15' law to time out) to try out my new Sena 30Ks, which replace my 20S units which replaced my SMH10Bs.
Still too cold for a group ride. But from reports by fellow riders from farther south whose opinions I trust and who ARE on the road with their 30Ks, there seem to be some serious software issues to resolve.
Well done, as usual, but you missed the mark on the Uclear units. You should talk to Uclear, or test one yourselfl before reviewing off the box. All thier speakers and units are cross compatible, they have a smartphone app making firmware and setup a breeze, most rugged system for foul weather, and really is the simplest most versatile system out there. Not the most advanced, but the simplest and most rugged for sure.
Awesome video.. this is on my list for 2017! Please do one for motovlogging setup.. just getting better audio.. or best send one to me.. LOL (had to try) but am in India so forget it about. Cheers!
FortNine, I think that the 10c is a good communication device, but it does have a Mic that can be wore out with consistent use, as I know this first-hand, but I think that your "tinny" comment is not the camera's fault, but maybe the settings that you have on it, when you recorded the video. Either you did not know the settings, or you did not update the firmware. Latest version is 2.21.
well im pumped to buy a packtalck because of the waterproof and its features DMC etc.. however i would like to hear something about Midland BT NEXT PRO but i can't find anything on the internet about it
A good review but I would have liked to hear your impressions on the battery life of the various units and if you can use them on the go whilst charging them.
First off, your videos have been a joy in this last week of looking for gear and accessories. However I have been stuck on my helmet choices due to the simple fact that I want bluetooth but unsure whether to buy an integrated system or an add-on system. I am looking to get a 3/4 helmet and haven't seen too many choices with full integrated. Do you have any suggestions on this matter? Again thank you for all the content and help in these decisions
To echo the sentiment below, aye, you're far better than Revzilla, or anyone else for that matter, so far as I've seen. I don't know why but I just can't take listening to anyone on Revzilla anymore; they come across as fast-talking, bullshit artists, especially that one dude whose name I'll not mention. I don't like bullshit artists. People aren't stupid, and even the dullest among us can generally tell when they're dealing with a smooth-talking bullshitter. Their language. Their cadence. How they comport themselves. Certain things, small to large, that people say or how they say them, such as the bullshit phrase "price point," turn me off immediately. Admittedly, I've heard you use this phrase once before, but you get a pass bc you're still in a league of your own and do a great job. Uniquely honest, informative and thorough style. So much obliged, Ryan F9. You've steadily become my go-to on certain matters, certainly when it comes to gear. No doubt I speak for many on this. King's to you, Fernand. Well done.
I have a Nolan N-86 helmet, which is definitely a keeper. Nolan offers it's N-Com B-3 for this particular helmet, but info on that is very scarce in North America. Is this a good choice? Is it reliable? The fact that it fits unobtrusively on the N-86 sure appeals, as I've never been impressed with those systems that hang out in the wind.
I currently use Cardo g9x and I'm thinking about upgrading to Packtalk. But i think the Cardo speakers are kinda shit for music and loud helmets. Anyone with a recommendation for separate speakers i can buy?
Thanks for this review! Could you add maybe a small one for comms that are linked to a radio with a push to talk button on a handlebar or, if there are some, with voice activation? That would be interesting to compare with these. Thanks!
Thanks Ryan. U help me come to a conclusion. But this time you added a lot of confusion. The one I'm considering (10R) isn't even on your list and the others all have some or the other dealbreaker for me. Could you test out a couple of cheap chinese alternatives and tell us if they're any good?
Another great vid, just what I was looking for. My next question: any chance you could do a "Best denim bike jeans for 2017"? Summer is coming....mucho thanky
I will love to see some comparison with the small budget Chinese intercoms like the vnetphone v5 and v8 that at least in specs. Offer some great feature for a very low price and can be a nice starter intercom fort newbie riders with low budgets
That was a lot of data to take in. So if its just me and my passenger which one is best? I am guessing they all do the basic stuff; rider/passenger comms, phone calls, GPS, music....
I'm a new rider, and am building up my gear collection right now. In my city, I seem to see a lot of the Sena 10, so I'm wondering if the PackTalk works with other common brands and models that are likely to show up in group rides.
Any thoughts on the Interphone F5MC Stereo Bluetooth Intercom? I've had mine for about 2 years now, and it still works flawlessly. Setup with other comms is easy, the sound is pretty good (imo), pairing it to your phone is a snap. My only gripe is that the external jack is a 2.5mm, so if you want to hook up an archaic MP3 player, you have to get a 3mm to 2.5mm conversion cable.
I have one too, considering the sometimes gnarly weather we have in NZ, the F5MC never misses a beat, great battery life, good sound levels (setup in a GTAir) and all the necessary phone, comms, bluetooth functions. Why Ryan didn't mention it I can only imagine they don't have them in Bear country, or his sponsors are fussy!!!
Wow, bit surprised you didn't really talk about the 20s - I don't even know anybody whose top pick isn't that (or the 10s if they don't have the $). I love my 10s, works super well, I don't care about mesh riding, only care about talking to pillion. The speakers are loud enough, but not super loud. They're fine at 75 on the highway, but that's about the top of it before they get too hard to hear. Speaker upgrade sounds like a good idea, wonder if I can get those pulse speakers separately and wire them in..
Great review for someone who has until now not thought about intercoms. My priorities are communication with a pillion and music sound quality. I am deciding between Freedom 2 and Uclear Amp Pro. How would you split these two if price were no object?
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_6lZ6b3_7Vo/mqdefault.jpg)
You, good sir, are the single best youtuber who combines funny and actual proper information in such a nice way. "You'd be better of burning it and deciphering smoke signals." I laughed so hard. PS. i'd love to see a video where you review some of the worst motorcycle's or gear.
i second that , a video of what NOT to buy in terms of gear , tech or even actual motorcycles.
David Lovejoy... I second that. ~RF9
+FortNine
well you did an OK job of these blue tooth. but I have the Cardio Freedom 4 Dual.. and it is the best I think. money right.. the radio works great. easy to use with Gloves.. totally water and dust proof.. I can hook up to my buddy's com. just buy opening the app. on my phone and pressing a button. that easy. ! and it speaks the radio stations as you surf through to the one you want. like 92.1. 107.4. it's really nice. I don't think you could go wrong with this system. and the speakers are great with Auto volume control.. !
(...That is: Cardo Scala Rider Freecom 4 Duo www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MXUW98A/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&%3Bqid=1494149186&%3Bsr=8-1-fkmr0&%3Bpi=SL75_QL70&%3Bkeywords=cardo%2Bfreecom%2B4%2Bdual&th=1&psc=1 )
Sena 20S is absolutely waterproof and field tested for several hundred miles in Tropical Storm Cindy by me, along with a friend last summer. It can be had for $175 apiece, and I can say honestly it has a 1 mile effective range. It also does music sharing, can link up to 8 riders, has high quality audio, and the battery life is very strong. Fully charged at the end of the day...I was done before the battery on the Sena 20S. Very impressed with it.
Always love the intro.
'Hi, I'm Ryan F9 and we're getting right to the point'
Ryan I love your videos and style of reviewing, no channel does it better. But 90% of the stuff you share always seems out of my price range. Would be much appreciated if you did more reviews of the cheap stuff for us broke college students.
All reviews on these units only cover their functionality, not their sound quality. Finally, someone who at least glosses over. From my experience, these units are tinny at best, and are impossible to hear at full volume at speed. Usually best to just get a decent in-ear headset. No, you cannot walkie talkie with them, but you can at least hear what you are listening to, block out 80 to 90% of the road noise at speed, and make calls. Even the wired sets work nicely. Alos, do not need to spend upwards of US$300 for a decent pair.
20S is easy to use with gloves. Also I rode in super hard rain for 2 days straight, never failed. Not saying its perfect, but it always connects to my phone, and it is definitely waterproof, had it going on 3 years now.Also, 3 years of hard riding, the clip has NEVER failed. The device has remained secure.
Man, you are a gift to the rider community. I have mad respect to your work.
I have the SENA10. I love it. The only issue I have had is the unit's connection to the helmet clip. Sometimes it does not make good enough contact resulting in the left ear/speaker dropping out. I can fix that with a little 'wiggle' of the unit. Beyond that, this little guy rocks! Great video.
I own the Sena 100 and in my opinion it's worth every penny. As you said, camera is not good enough for vloggong but it's perfect to record any incidents. As for a comms system it's perfect and very good to cut out noise when in comms mode or on a phone call. People on other other hand of the call never noticed I'm on a bike. Keep up the good work :)
Damn, this guy has a great voice; he was born for this.
I use a dirt cheap freedcon to keep myself, my brother and my dad in communicando on the roads, granted, it's not great, but for a group of bikers on a budget, and occasionally needing to listen to GPS instructions, it does the job brilliantly.
Can you activate Siri/Google assistant with it?
I've bought one of these 6riders intercoms of eBay with a friend.
costs 37€ per unit, with a range of 1.2 kilometres (more like 1km in reality) with Bluetooth for music or navigation.
only drawback is a a max of 2 riders talking at the same time.
but honestly for this price that's just to awesome
helicopter234 can you share the model number and name ? Link would be great thank you
it is called the G6 BT interphone. Or look up 6 riders intercomm but if you like to use ebay I found a link for you to make it easy :p
you can also buy them on aliexpress!!
www.ebay.com/p/V6-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-1200m-BT-Interphone-Intercom-Helmet-6-Rider-Headset/804759185
The reviews of the communication systems not withstanding, you my man, have a great future as an announcer / radio personality.
Packtalk is the only way to go imo. We've switched entirely, 8 of us, and there's simply no going back. Packtalk's DMC is on a completely different level!
F9: Good piece, as usual.
On the subject of comms with "yuuuge" external controls: I wanted to avoid those like the proverbial plague, and, while I'm no social hermit, I have little need to virtually hope up with a posse of other riders at one go. What I ended up doing was getting hold of Sena's 3S just a few days ago. Its arrangement is brutally straightforward - speakers & mic (at least on the 3S-W version I got) are hardwired to each other, and since the battery powering the setup is actually built into the speaker housing, the speakers are slightly chunkier than usual, but they fit my HJC CL-17 just fine. The speakers won't win any prizes for stuff like bass slam, but they're clean sounding, and phone conversations are clear and painless both ways - hell, you even have VOX for hands-free answering of calls, which is a huge deal for me. Not all the bells and whistles, but for under a c-note, it works great so far.
That might be the best review you've ever done. Outstanding. Thank you for it.
Hi Ryan, sorry if this is a bit long-winded, but maybe you can help. I'm in New Zealand and the cost of a Scala Duo is NZ$900 so I am doing as much research as I can before I buy anything. And I read on Scala's website that if you don't buy from an approved re seller NO warranty i.e buying cheaper from eBay is a no-no to them
I purchased a Rider Bluetooth motorcycle headset (pair), with the following specs. These cost NZ$290
*Long range-1200 meters intercom, Bluetooth interphone kits for helmet motorcycle, Snowmobile, ski, ATV etc. *communication system 6 Riders.
*1200m maximum intercom range
*Up to 120km/h speed
*Up to 7hours talking time
*Auto-receiving mobile call
*Mobile/mp3/stereo music
*Audio navigation from GPS
*Line-in audio interface via bluetooth
*Wind noise DSP cancellation
*Full weather protected
*It can pair "rider to rider" or "rider to pillion". Can pair 6 interphones at a time, and easily switch to any 2 of them.
*Works with any Bluetooth equipped mobile phone,GPS or MP3 Stereo music
*Headphone Can work with external media play devices, like MP3/portable CD player/IPOD and etc. by connecting the headphone wires directly (without main unit)
* Plastic + Rubber button, more stable structure, better waterproof performance. This system is fully weather protected.
* Wireless hands free communication for motorcyclist
* Safe driving while talking with friends
* Play stereo music from your mobile phone
* Can be used as a Bluetooth headset and a wireless music headset while you're not riding
After 30 frustrating minutes I finally got them to pair together and we could talk 'rider to pillion' (on foot) up to 60 mts before the static overpowered everything) but as soon as we got on the bike and just started moving they basically stopped. If we stopped and got off you could talk to each other again.
Now I don't know if it makes a difference but I ride a HD Softail Std 1450cc fitted with Reinhart exhausts (and yes it's loud & proud lol).
I sent them back and they supposedly replaced something but it looked like they just 'bench tested' & returned my original units, I tried again with the same results. Needless to say I managed to get a refund.
I've considered the S20 but after some of the feedback I am now looking at the Scala Packtalk Duo.
Have you or any of the people watching and commenting here, come across anything maybe to do with the sonics of the Softail disrupting talk connectivity on the Scala or other brands out there.
All the bikes I've see in all of the videos are quieter Jap or European bikes that don't have the sound and rumble of a Harley
recent subscriber, long time rider. your reviews are honest with no BS. Thankyou for this, keep up the Stella work!
ahhhhhhh the metric system. Hilariously efficient.
Don't forget the Sena 10R. Small, light, easy to use, and now updated to Bluetooth 4.1. It sticks on the side and provides a much lower profile fitment for helmets like the Airframe Pro. Also less wind noise on the left side of your skull. It's a really great solution.
I've had terrible luck with uClear. They have super cool technology hobbled by the worst industrial designers ever. The difference between uClear and Sena or Cardio is significant.
Great video... I love that it provides a "real" review so I can... decide... and...... ride?
as someone who sells these on the daily, I can tell you you covered pretty much all the bases. one thing I recommend with audiophiles on a budget is to nab a lower end uclear and mating the pulse pro speakers to it. yeah it's a subpar communicator but when you're an audiophile it's great audio quality on a budget. was also gonna leave a comment on the 10c evo but you seemed to cover that just as the video ended :^)
cheers
-disgruntled 20s slim owner who wish he bought an amp pro
First thing i said to myself while watching your video is: what if i dont have any friends ??? not disappointed since you've covered that as well. thanks Ryan XD
Dude, you're on fire! Your videos are informative and we'll organized. You're the Dougie Hauser of motorcycling!
you are what is right about the internet, thank you to you and your team
Hi, I watch your videos all the way from Texas. Thank you so much for all of your reviews, but especially this one. I have been googling and looking for a bluetooth communicator with good audio quality for weeks, until I heard you speak highly of Uclear Amp Pro. Definitely getting that one, thank you for the review!.
Very good presentations you do...Here is an idea applicable to all these systems: Split these devices into two components, i.e. one smart unit, like one at the helmet, but put it into a cradle e.g. on the tank, and have in the helmet a slave unit only with connection to micro and loudspeakers. The two component units communicate by two-way radio frequency separate from the [Bluetooth/Mesh] connectivity of the smart unit.Advantage: Better operability of the controls [which you can see now], the controls can be made larger, clearer, illuminated ,etc.. You can add additional micro and loudspeakers for your other helmets, one smart unit will serve all of them...The passenger has the controls on the inside left/right wrist or strapped to right/left upper leg.Since you obviously have better contacts with e.g. Cardo than I....think about it and maybe forward the idea.
...Just purchased a Cardo Packtalk courtesy of your recommendation. It's a good unit, so far. Thanks!...
The Freecom 1 (yes I am 68 and have no friends with a motorcycle anymore) adjusts it’s volume automatically to the ambient noise, which is nice in a city. I use it in a Shark spartan carbon. The ultmate luxury Shuberth never delivered. There is even an app for the cardo Freecoms, so you can make adjustments on your phone.
Everything I wonder about motorbike stuff is already covered by this channel. Good stuff sir, well done.
Hey I subscribed because you're one of the only motovloggers who doesn't scream, wave or ask for subs.
10/10 Review, proud to support Canadian TH-camrs!!
you have saved me hundreds of dollars. All I wanted was great sound quality thanks !
Yeeesssssssss! Thanks for covering kit for us lone wolves that get lost in the Colorado Rockies by ourselves. May as well listen to good tunes as you dig out your big alone
This is exactly the video I needed. I'm looking for one of these and I have no friends, so the Freecom 1 sounds perfect for me! Thanks!
I bought the new Sena 20S Evo and HATE THEM. LISTEN! If you could listen to anyone from the internet about bluetooth, do what I did. Take your garbage Sena back and order the Uclear Amp Pro. The speakers are crazy awesome. The are so clear! And they are LOUD if you choose. There is also a bass boost if you feel they are too weak by themselves, and they are NOT weak at all. The sena was very thin with only treble. I couldn't hear my music cruising around. The Uclear Amp Pro is 100X better than that garbage. At first, I had no choice but to get the Sena in which I was excited for. I went to 4 different motorcycle shops in San Diego. San Diego is a hot spot for motorcycle riders so you would think theyd have the Amp Pro. NOPE. They ALL had the sena models. I'm so glad I ordered the Amp pro and waited a week to get it because I cannot stress enough how clear and loud and full it sounds. No regrets AT ALL! And no, I'm not a sponsor, I just do not want other people wasting their money when they could do so much better when it comes to clarity. Even the weird mic that comes with it sounds good over someones phone. AMAZING!
You are magnificently eloquent, and make me want to visit Canada.
I laughed out loud when you made the comment about the Freecom being for people without friends... Until I remembered that describes me.
I own a 10U in my Shoei GT-Air. I have no friends and take long road trips solo. It's an amazing unit. Decent sound (even with earplugs) and pairs reliably. I enjoy the remote actually and you missed out on mentioning that there are controls inside of the helmet that do everything the remote does. If you don't plan on having friends, it's awesome. You don't even know I have one if you look at my helmet.
Although I prefer to ride with no distractions, there are situations when this devices become useful. When you park and you want to call someone quickly, this comes handy. When your pillion is giving you instructions to get to his/her home, this comes handy. I'll pick one, but i'm not intereseted in the "audiophile grade" or "16 riders communication" features. Have fun!
I went 20S last summer. And it seems to work just fine for me.
While I appreciate the opinion here, to completely ignore the Sena 20s is criminal. It's been the standard bearer for a while now, and what you see most people using.
I own a 20S... haven't been that pleased with it. Do you like yours? ~RyanF9
Yeah, my whole squad and their wives have them. We've had up to 8 people in a group and it's crystal clear with good range. Music is tinny as hell, but works.
Kyle Kennedy my 20s has been good, not great but good, there are a total of 6 20s's in the crew and some times we can get them to connect. Most of the times we can't get everybody. Adding new senas to the group is a 20 mins ordeal. We've all tried forums, TH-cam videos, smoke signals, hailing all sorts of Gods but haven't been able to get stable operation. The continuous stream of updates makes the process even tougher. I would happily look at another option but having $500 in my dual pack means is gonna stick around until it pisses me off enough to throw it against a wall.
Bought 4 Sena 20s in my group. Only 1 unit is fully operational 1½ years after. Mine started locking up randomly after 5 days, didn't ever see rain by then. Heard a lot of same around town and on advrider forums. Never Sena again!
I had the same issue, returned my 20s twice, the third time I opted for the 10c and it's great! and so far lasted about a year.
Absolutely mind blown this is one of the only reviews on youtube that was good #goodjob
320 likes and 0 dislikes. Man, this kid's got a great rep.
Ryan, your awesome! I'm just waiting for India to get there. For now... Just too expensive :(
Absolutely love your channel. Ride safe :)
Had added Uclear AMP Pro into my list ~
Just an FYI to anyone who is looking for information on communicators: . . . Not all the info FortNine provided here was correct. I've used all three of the initial 3 systems he discussed and can tell you the UClear is by far the least complicated system to use. The 3 BIG buttons are easy to find with your gloves on. The instructions for pairing from one to another, or to multiple units, is very simple and the range is 700M between riders, not in total. In total, they will leapfrog up to 7 km under perfect conditions (ie: rural Saskatchewan - lol) Yes, UClear has the leapfrog technology he was describing with the Scala. In fact, UClear had it before Scala. Last, but not least, we have little to no technical issues with the UClears. While other groups are fiddling with their Sena's & Scala's upon powering-up, all we do is power-up our UClear's and we're connected after any one of the previously paired units holds the up button for 2 seconds. They work every time. If you go out of range, they reconnect on their own when you come back into range (90% of the time). If you come back into range and your UClear doesn't reconnect automatically, just have one of the other connected units hold their up button for 2 seconds & you're back in.
these Bluetooth systems are all great but what about for the poor man? any great underpriced or cheap com systems out there?
Ryan Stevenson a few out of China. .... legit too. pm me if you want details I'm not about to 'sell' on F9's channel.
Ryan Stevenson Get a job, buy a good comm system, profit
Steve I ... even I have a job but throwing down the price of a new Jacket on a com system is stupid in my own eyes.
Ryan Stevenson BT-S2, roughly 35-40$
I bought this system and also did a review on my channel... it's shit. Save for the 10s
Hey Ryan, love the video, great reviews! But if I can throw in my two cents, I wouldn't throw the products around as much. It kinda take the attention away from you and makes it distracting. But great vid none the less!
I'm impressed with the quality of your videos man.
Informative. Honest. Great reviews.
Got a Sena for the latest and greatest tech. It has no range around corners with trees or hills takes to long to reconnect . Two years later threw it out. Back to Chatterbox using to two way radio with Bluetooth for phone or music. Much better range no limit to number of riders. New tech does not always equal better
I have a Scala Cardo Q3. It's been solid for years, but is literally takes "voodoo" to sync up to another Q3, its battery life doesn't last a full day of riding, and well it just syncs up to one other rider. I wish FM scanning was built in to all comms so I didn't have to pre-program them... a pain once you travel outside your local area. Still, Scala did have to do a warranty repair and they did no prob, so me and my fellow 4 Scala Q3 riders are fans. Also, I can attest it NEVER stops working even in the heaviest or rains (woohoo). The packtalk looks like then next upgrade.
Your right on the 10s the clip is terrible mine broke very early on. The unit is now siliconed to the base and I leave it on Helmet.
Honestly, I thought it was going to be Sena vs Sena vs Sena vs Sena vs Sena. It's good to see there are other good options; competition is good for the consumer
I'm currently on my 2nd 20S. The first one went back to Sena as a warranty claim because VOX and talking (for phone calls or with other friends on comms) stopped working after my 1st season with it. Otherwise I'm reasonably happy with the 20S.
Once again: Great video, Uber-informative, in a funny but serious style. My favorite go to for info I'm looking for.
Your articulation using the word shit, seems to really make this video work and the review was pretty good too. Thank you.
At 6:48 you show the Sena handlebar remote installed upside down . . . . . just saying . . .
Waiting for Spring (and Quebec's stupid 'you must have snow tires between December 15 and March 15' law to time out) to try out my new Sena 30Ks, which replace my 20S units which replaced my SMH10Bs.
Well, we are March 20th now, care for a quick review of your new 30Ks ?
Still too cold for a group ride. But from reports by fellow riders from farther south whose opinions I trust and who ARE on the road with their 30Ks, there seem to be some serious software issues to resolve.
''you'd be better of burning it and deciphering smoke signals'' hahaha belter
Massive PACKTALK fan myself!!! Nice vid!
So PackTalk is the boss of big group hug!
Question: Is it possible to link multiple communication systems from different brands?
Nice Video, thanks FortNine!
BT-S2 is a surprisingly good com unit!
Well done, as usual, but you missed the mark on the Uclear units. You should talk to Uclear, or test one yourselfl before reviewing off the box. All thier speakers and units are cross compatible, they have a smartphone app making firmware and setup a breeze, most rugged system for foul weather, and really is the simplest most versatile system out there. Not the most advanced, but the simplest and most rugged for sure.
I bought an apple AirPod and works great.
"An ideal unit for people without friends." hahaha F9 u savage
Me haha. Still want the option though in case I do find a friend or better yet...
a girlfriend as a passenger (I can only dream)...
Your strange but the best out there, thank you, u rock
I would buy the BT-S2 but it only allows you to pair with one other user... I'd like to connect to multiple riders at once (4 specifically).
Awesome video.. this is on my list for 2017! Please do one for motovlogging setup.. just getting better audio.. or best send one to me.. LOL (had to try) but am in India so forget it about. Cheers!
FortNine, I think that the 10c is a good communication device, but it does have a Mic that can be wore out with consistent use, as I know this first-hand, but I think that your "tinny" comment is not the camera's fault, but maybe the settings that you have on it, when you recorded the video. Either you did not know the settings, or you did not update the firmware. Latest version is 2.21.
Also FORTNINE, RECORD WHILE WEARING IT..?.? As it's intended to be used.?..?
well im pumped to buy a packtalck because of the waterproof and its features DMC etc.. however i would like to hear something about Midland BT NEXT PRO but i can't find anything on the internet about it
I’d love to hear Ryan’s take on the Cardo Packtalk Slim.
Ask and you shall receive
th-cam.com/video/-AMoXbXHALc/w-d-xo.html
A good review but I would have liked to hear your impressions on the battery life of the various units and if you can use them on the go whilst charging them.
thnx got the cardo, u are the best man
Could you do a review on 1 piece race suits.
Working on it. Still trying to get a bunch here so I can try a large enough sample. ~RyanF9
FortNine Ok, I'd like to hear your thoughts on a Dainese Aero Evo C2.
LOVE your videos dude.
Like your style, entertaining and informative.
Love this channel - you crack me up.
First off, your videos have been a joy in this last week of looking for gear and accessories. However I have been stuck on my helmet choices due to the simple fact that I want bluetooth but unsure whether to buy an integrated system or an add-on system. I am looking to get a 3/4 helmet and haven't seen too many choices with full integrated. Do you have any suggestions on this matter? Again thank you for all the content and help in these decisions
To echo the sentiment below, aye, you're far better than Revzilla, or anyone else for that matter, so far as I've seen. I don't know why but I just can't take listening to anyone on Revzilla anymore; they come across as fast-talking, bullshit artists, especially that one dude whose name I'll not mention. I don't like bullshit artists. People aren't stupid, and even the dullest among us can generally tell when they're dealing with a smooth-talking bullshitter. Their language. Their cadence. How they comport themselves. Certain things, small to large, that people say or how they say them, such as the bullshit phrase "price point," turn me off immediately. Admittedly, I've heard you use this phrase once before, but you get a pass bc you're still in a league of your own and do a great job. Uniquely honest, informative and thorough style. So much obliged, Ryan F9. You've steadily become my go-to on certain matters, certainly when it comes to gear. No doubt I speak for many on this. King's to you, Fernand. Well done.
I have a Nolan N-86 helmet, which is definitely a keeper. Nolan offers it's N-Com B-3 for this particular helmet, but info on that is very scarce in North America. Is this a good choice? Is it reliable?
The fact that it fits unobtrusively on the N-86 sure appeals, as I've never been impressed with those systems that hang out in the wind.
Do you have a more upto date video of the newer systems??
Hey man I suggest you include affiliate links for Europe as well. At least amazon uk, as there're loads of bikers here
As always very interesting and informative, though I'm wondering why Interphone wasn't mentioned at all.
I currently use Cardo g9x and I'm thinking about upgrading to Packtalk. But i think the Cardo speakers are kinda shit for music and loud helmets.
Anyone with a recommendation for separate speakers i can buy?
Nice review. I would have been interested to get your comments on the Nolan N-com B5 too and how it compares to the others
While they are good products they are just so expensive that other cheaper options are more appealing to me
What about the Interphone tour ? and if you add the sound pro kit well ?
Thanks for this review! Could you add maybe a small one for comms that are linked to a radio with a push to talk button on a handlebar or, if there are some, with voice activation? That would be interesting to compare with these. Thanks!
I was surprised you didn't even mention the smart pack as a cheaper alternative to the pack talk
Thanks Ryan. U help me come to a conclusion. But this time you added a lot of confusion. The one I'm considering (10R) isn't even on your list and the others all have some or the other dealbreaker for me.
Could you test out a couple of cheap chinese alternatives and tell us if they're any good?
Another great vid, just what I was looking for.
My next question: any chance you could do a "Best denim bike jeans for 2017"? Summer is coming....mucho thanky
Would love to see/hear/read your opinion on the BT-S2 I've read about (the cheap man's alternative to the Sena).
get the amped uclear speakers and use them with the 10s.
I will love to see some comparison with the small budget Chinese intercoms like the vnetphone v5 and v8 that at least in specs. Offer some great feature for a very low price and can be a nice starter intercom fort newbie riders with low budgets
That was a lot of data to take in. So if its just me and my passenger which one is best? I am guessing they all do the basic stuff; rider/passenger comms, phone calls, GPS, music....
I'm a new rider, and am building up my gear collection right now. In my city, I seem to see a lot of the Sena 10, so I'm wondering if the PackTalk works with other common brands and models that are likely to show up in group rides.
The PackTalk *does* work with other brands, but you just won't be able to make as many pairings with non-Cardo units. ~RF9
Any thoughts on the Interphone F5MC Stereo Bluetooth Intercom? I've had mine for about 2 years now, and it still works flawlessly. Setup with other comms is easy, the sound is pretty good (imo), pairing it to your phone is a snap. My only gripe is that the external jack is a 2.5mm, so if you want to hook up an archaic MP3 player, you have to get a 3mm to 2.5mm conversion cable.
I have one too, considering the sometimes gnarly weather we have in NZ, the F5MC never misses a beat, great battery life, good sound levels (setup in a GTAir) and all the necessary phone, comms, bluetooth functions. Why Ryan didn't mention it I can only imagine they don't have them in Bear country, or his sponsors are fussy!!!
Wow, bit surprised you didn't really talk about the 20s - I don't even know anybody whose top pick isn't that (or the 10s if they don't have the $).
I love my 10s, works super well, I don't care about mesh riding, only care about talking to pillion. The speakers are loud enough, but not super loud. They're fine at 75 on the highway, but that's about the top of it before they get too hard to hear. Speaker upgrade sounds like a good idea, wonder if I can get those pulse speakers separately and wire them in..
Great video as always, is there any review or something of headset to put in the helmet? like plugfones or whatever? to get the ultimate sound
Great review for someone who has until now not thought about intercoms. My priorities are communication with a pillion and music sound quality. I am deciding between Freedom 2 and Uclear Amp Pro. How would you split these two if price were no object?