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Old Nov 14, 2021 | 11:28 PM
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Default Communicators

I think this is the right forum...

Looking for recommendations on a good Bluetooth communication system.
It need to have enough range to talk bike to bike, music and phone is good.

Suggestions?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 03:17 AM
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I think the 2 manufacturers to focus on would be Sena and Cardo. Both have fans and nay-sayers. Both have pros and cons. Both have similar capabilities across various competitive models to meet a variety of price points. If tight integration with the Harley Boom! audio system is required I'd focus on Harley branded Sena but it is significantly more expensive than regular Sena. I've tried both and I prefered the Cardo units form factor and functionality for the price (particularly at the lower end of the product line) but I use the Harley WHIM and so ended up with HD Sena. It really is a bit of a toss-up and you should try both if you can.
 

Last edited by hamah; Nov 15, 2021 at 03:21 AM.
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 04:22 AM
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Upgraded our sena to 50s, the older version was better. When the 50 works it's awesome, great battery life. But the clicks, pops not connecting to the phone, in and out of MESH network. Customer service is dicey(covid).
so I reluctantly recommend the older 20s sena.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 04:33 AM
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and Hoginedgewood brings up another point. Do you need to communicate with more than just a few other bikes at a time? If so a mesh network capable unit makes sense and if not why spend the extra money?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 05:12 AM
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I have the Cardo Packtalk Bold. My buddies and I like these. Only drawback is they are a bit on the expensive side....but they work well, mesh up with others, and I run ear buds from the unit and listen to my phone music through the system.
But as Hamah says, try them all. Or look at all of them. They all have their good and bad points. Good luck!
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 06:32 AM
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Sena is not waterproof the last time I checked, so no warranty on that, Cardo is waterproof

I have 4 Sena's, SP10, 20, 20S (2) and 30HD but probably wont buy another Sena,

buddy bought a Cardo that I got to test and other than the fact that it can be ejected off the mount accidentally, if you push the wrong button, It seems to be a good unit.... my Sena and his Cardo could connect up to @ 3/4 mile


i
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 07:10 AM
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I have the Sena SHM-10, these are the ones designed to fit the Bell helmets, The sound quality is good, just could use a little more volume when the tunes are playing. The communication aspect is excellent in my opinion, tap the dial and you're talking to your passenger and or other riders. I know it does more I just haven't really messed around with them. But for what I use it for, it's perfect.....for me anyway.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by hamah
and Hoginedgewood brings up another point. Do you need to communicate with more than just a few other bikes at a time? If so a mesh network capable unit makes sense and if not why spend the extra money?
No one else in my club has a communicator so I don't need multiple user capabilities. This is mainly so I can talk to my maiden when she is riding with me and so I can hear the GPS/music. I think waterproof is going to be a necessity
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Bonaro
No one else in my club has a communicator so I don't need multiple user capabilities. This is mainly so I can talk to my maiden when she is riding with me and so I can hear the GPS/music. I think waterproof is going to be a necessity
Waterproof in the NW is a must. I am just down the road!
 
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 08:39 PM
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I am gonna look into the Cardo and Sena units.
Am I going to need a special helmet or will any of these attach to a regular fullface?
 
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