EXTRA TIPS: Trouble hearing at highway speeds? Consider ditching the speakers and use a set of plug-style ear phones. Plug them into the 3.5mm output jack. A bit of messing around with the cord every time you put the helmet on, but you can hear your music and conversations much better at speed. CARDO V SENA? I checked a lot of comparisons and Sena seems to rate a bit higher. Generally less issues with connections. But Cardo is rated as waterproof (IP67), Sena is rated 'water- resistant' (IP65 and IP66).

Definitely a practical use when in a pack I guess. But really I prefer not having them, I go riding to get away from all those phones, intercoms, music etc etc.

@ljprep6250

4 ай бұрын

And sometimes get away from inane and constant chatter.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Same here. We are lucky to have riders that don't talk constantly. We'll only need that one guy to bugger it up though lol.

Extremely worth it, especially for training. Instant realtime feedback is of great help. Also with group riding it helps with the comradery.

My group bought a cheap unit in 2018 for maybe 50 bucks for a Moab trip and loved it. We used that same setup for a 2 week Continental Divide trip the next year and will never go without again. There are no negatives that I have found after thousands of road and trail miles. We upgraded to Cardo two years ago and they work flawless. I'm sure the Sena is just as good, but we went with Cardo because of it's IP67 waterproof advertisement that Sena does not have. They have been abused, submerged, dirty and just work good. I see where people have trouble linking with others, but it just takes using it a few times to remember the steps. And after they are synced, they connect as soon as you turn them on there after. If all you want to hear is exhaust and rocks smacking your fender, tell them your going silent for a while, hit the mute button and turn the volume down. Too easy. They will wave if they have something important to relay.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Yes, Sena is one step below Cardo in terms of waterproofing. I'll have to remember to pop mine off in heavy rain! But then I usually pull over anyway...

A buddy was throwing away an older Sena 10 because it wouldn't hold a charge. Being interested in the tech as well as frugal, I took it off his hands, changed the internal battery and it was good to go. I ride solo most of the time so I just installed the headset, no mic and I use it exclusively for music/directions. I wish I had installed the mic because it would have come in handy for phone calls. I can see the advantages of a mic for group riding as well. Much like the DCT in my AT, it's tech I didn't think I'd like, but have actually come to really appreciate. Keep up the great content Barry!

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Good score on that Sena 10, David! That's what my brother has and it seems to be equally as good as my recent purchase. If anything his seems to have a longer range...

Bluetooth/Mesh systems have real range issues, especially offroading. Go around one single turn out of visual sight and they immediately drop off. There doesn't seem to be one single end-all be-all solution yet, but you can add an OxBow FRS radio which supports Bluetooth to your Cardo/Sena/etc. They have a Bluetooth PTT button you can mount on your bar, that connects to the Oxbow radio. This PTT method allows for you to still use the same BT headset, so no wires, but gain the range that an FRS or GMRS radio (BTECH has a GMRS too).

Like and dislike them at the same time. Great for communicating with my sons when riding both on and off-road. Sometimes they can be a pain to get paired up and that takes away from the joy of the ride and adds a level of frustration. And it's just something else to keep charged and fiddle with. It's getting better, but different brand wouldn't communicate with each other which is the biggest drawback for me because some groups ran Sena, some ran Cardio which always seems ridiculous to me. Cheap FRS radios communicate with each other regardless of brand and that is making improvements as well for motorcycle use which may be an option on the future with better range.

@BigBergJohnson

4 ай бұрын

You can switch cardo to Bluetooth and pair with any brand I'm not ready to use them for off-road Just the roadbike currently

Riding solo, no big deal, riding with the wife, absolutely essential. No more screaming for pee breaks or any communication. And really, it turns out we use the comms way more frequently than I ever expected.

I bought a set of Cardo Bluetooth headset nine years ago when my son first got his license and started riding with me. I don’t think I could ride without them now. It’s nice to have even when riding alone for music or podcasts or if you want silence, turn it off. simple. The ability to chat with your partner or partners while riding is indispensable As far as I’m concerned, I get some of the old timers don’t like the technology and just want the silence but they’re the same grumps that probably don’t have any riding buddies anyways. 😂 PS at 59 I’m bordering on old timer myself 😂

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Ha, I was just thinking yesterday about how I'm settling into grumpy old man syndrome comfortably in my 60s!

Cardo user here.. several of the people in my riding group have ditched the speakers and we use a set of plug phones ear phones and just plug those in to the 3.5mm output jack. The only down side is that you have to mess with the cord a little every time you put the helmet on, but you can hear your music and conversations much better even at highway speeds.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Very interesting! I'll put this in the pinned first comment. Our group are rarely at highway speeds so not an issue, but I know it's a widespread problem for most riders.

@DonkeyDongDoug

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure It wouldn't be an issue if I wanted to run with a quieter road helmet. The speakers worked better in my Arai XD4, but in my Klim Krios I have a tough time hearing the conversation above 50mph, and I have to max out the music volume. In my Bell MX-9.. I would need to install an amplifier to even consider hearing anything.

Getting an intercom where you can hook up headphones and no need to mess with your helmet is highly recommended. Also using Velcro to attach the unit to the helmet makes it easier to use on different helmets.

Never used one, as I ride solo and not into music while riding. But I can see the benefits for teaching motorcycle road craft or group rides.

@darrenglasson7200

4 ай бұрын

I usually ride solo too brought a cheap blue tooth set up on eBay for about $20 works great with maps to give directions

When I bought my Cardo the first thing my wife said to me is "you don't expect to talk to me while we ride so you?" Heck no! I live being able to listen to music while I ride but I have zero interest in talking to others while I ride. There is a bunch of us that ride together with intercoms and I don't think anyone has ever brought up the idea of linking them.

Love my Cardo. Riding to music is awesome 😎. Being able to communicate is a game changer on the trail. Wouldn't be without it now.

I just use my Sena for audible map directions when in new territory. It’s an old model. A hard rain that lasted a couple hours took it out, so now when it starts to rain hard, i unplug and bag it. I’ll get cardo if I ever replace it. I never take calls or listen to music. I prefer to focus on riding when in traffic, and zen hot dog when in the woods… “make me one with everything”

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I'm a bit the same. "Make me one with everything... except the ground". 😁 That's a shame the rain killed it eventually. I figured Sena would make them ultra waterproof. I wonder if the seals can fail with time?

@tommeyer6033

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure it was pretty new when that happened. I was in a pretty heavy rain a couple days ago and it stayed connected, but it was only for an hour-ish and not at highway speeds. I think much of Cardo’s initial popularity was due to Sena’s vulnerability to rain. Then they introduced mesh networking and that pretty much put them up front. A Cardo is on my list, but a few places below the top.

A mate lent me a cardo unit for a trip we did and it was great. I'm definitely getting one for our group rides. I don't like having my phone connected for calls but I do enjoy music on long rides by myself so phone goes on "Do not disturb" mode. Connecting without head phone wires is rather nice.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I must admit the idea of phone calls while riding doesn't appeal. But I guess it could be handy for the rider who needs to buy or sell millions in shares on the spot lol.

Another great and informative video. Thanks!

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

My pleasure! I do piles of research before buying stuff so glad to share what I learn. I just hope it's reasonably accurate lol. And I always put useful comments from viewers in the pinned first comment to share the knowledge.

There are no single edged swords. They can be helpful in group rides alerting following riders to road hazards, but can be distracting and annoying and can detract from the experience of riding. Also, I hate riding with closed face shield, but the wind noise bothered others since the stock Sena foam windscreen sucks. Much more effective is a cloth band-aid, maybe with a second pad added. And yes, I did used to do pro sound...

Best set up I've found is bluetooth 5. To a bluetooth dongle ptt into a uhf radio . Everyone on the same frequency and as many participants as you like kms of range and the ability to talk to roadtrains etc.

@duncanwhitcombe4392

4 ай бұрын

Ps because it's ptt you don't get all the grunts and groans or that one guy that sings whilst riding.

I have used a sena and now have a cardo bold. Comms are great in general for ADV and I try to use them when I ride. But most of the time they are a pain to connect. That is their only issue imo. When I ride with a buddy the first 15 minutes is standing around at a gas station trying to get them to pair, eventually giving up and then 20 minutes later they miraculously pair as we are riding down the highway. Once they pair they usually connect seamlessly for the weekend. I use the Sena and Cardo when riding 2 up and it's the same song and dance.

@silverdale3207

4 ай бұрын

I found the Sena mesh system works well for that , just on the same channel instantly.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I must admit those connection issues are partly why I went with Sena. One button and it's almost instant. I would like the Cardo's full waterproofing though.

We use the ancient art of yell ing works great over short distances not real good over long range ,I don’t want a voice in my head mines enough mate great vid baz ride safe

I was the same as you initially,But bought one to ride with a group in Australia (I'm Kiwi), as they all had senas , mostly wanted it to Navigate my way out of Melbourne without having to look at a screen ( I'm a country boy not used to traffic) it worked a treat at home sadly I couldn't get maps to work on your network,buggar. But I found it very useful when riding with the others not knowing where I was going as they would tell me when a turn was coming up etc , warn of Roos or just poke fun at the kiwi. The banter on a long trip was surprisingly enjoyable. I have mesh only, mesh plus bluetooth would be good to be able to connect with cardos as well. Warning , Senas don't like rain, I killed mine in a thunder storm ( should have removed it). But I will be replacing it.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

The banter is good fun, hey? I thought I'd hate it which was why it took so long for me to get one. I only just found out the Cardo is fully waterproof, the Sena is only water resistant. 😢 Bit of a bummer for the cost!

I ride alone and use a Cardo Freedom 1+. It has been excellent for me. Music, phone calls, and map app are my common usage. Upgraded the mic, and easy install. Long battery life between charging. Never had an issue, 3 years running.

Love your no nonsense video style. I've just got a simple bluetooth set from Snell for music; for a solo-rider it makes rides more enjoyable!

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Great to hear! I've always focused on trying to present objective useful info in less than six minutes if possible. I always get frustrated with long rambling vids where it takes so long to get the info you are chasing lol.

I was initially hesitant to get comms too, but now I find riding with people without them frustrating and a bit boring. For some strange reason, chatting about how much fun you're having actually makes it more fun.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Same here, I"m trying to convince our non-intercom riders to get them. "But it's so expensive, dude!" But they are happily spending hundreds on exhaust mods and bike bling lol. Each to their own I guess.

A cheaper alternative that works very well is fodsports , had my unit for 2 years and still works great

I use earmold custom bluetooth earplugs. Excellent wind noise protection. Tiny speakers sit inside the earplugs/ inside the ear so volume of music etc can be low, even at speed. Great quality sound. Bluetooth, no fiddling with wires. In built mic. Only thing I have used that doesn't aggravate my tinnitus.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Great tip!

I Use sena for years now , will always have coms and probably won’t change brand , I have had 10s and now using a 20s , looking at a 50s because not too happy with the 20s fit to my lid. it is an excellent unit and fit wife’s lid but not mine very well**important to know what will fit when looking for one** Safety is the number 1 reason I always use one.

Cardo Packtalk here. Expected to hate it, but love it on ADV rides. Good for nav prompts, less stopping and has saved a few crashes for sure with lead riders warning others of hazards. Worthwhile.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Same here, it's why I resisted for so long. But I'm loving it!

Never thought I needed one but now wouldn't be without it

Have used Uclear...they did the job and simple. Speakers were a bit junk, even the upgraded set. Using Lexin B4FM now...way better. Wear earplugs, the volume doesn't need to be full. They pair with other brands. I mainly just listen to music. I don't even have my phone connected either. The female on/off voice is pleasant😆 Coms are super handy, especially when different xp riders or something happens. As long as lead and tail can communicate✌

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Haven't used any cheapies, everyone I spoke to said not to waste my time. Are the Lexins cheap?

@KLRmurdercycle

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure amazon canada has them for $280 a set. I will never pay for cardo or those elite brands...against my religion😆

I love mine, I talk to my son so I can keep my eyes on the road, I know someone who died looking back talking to there pillion, but the main use is for the gps unit I just use a basic Bluetooth Chinese but it does connect to other units and last a long time and has some hammer 👍

I use Cardo. And I chat too much, I will admit. But having the ability to say if you need to pee, or eat (diabetics especially), get fuel, warn about road conditions etc. is very valuable. Also, sharing if you observe something interesting can enhance the experience.

Excellent discussion of rider communication Barry! I have used the cheap coms and it was a challenge to hear my fellow rider while riding due to the loud exhaust on my DR650. A better setup such as a Cardo is in my future. Have the coms capabilities makes a huge difference when riding trails and being able to talk about upcoming obstacles. Great video as always! Cheers!

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I was very tempted by the full waterproofing on the Cardo. But the Sena seemed to have the edge in other respects. I hate riding in heavy rain and usually just pull over so the Sena won out!

I use a Fodsport FX6. Great for music and the occasional phone call. It has a large button that controls the volume, next/previous song or can pause. Can even do FM stations.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Just had a look, great price...

I used my first to chat with my wife - we were literally wired together, none of this newfangled blue mesh guff... 😂 It worked well - not so well with a Walkman attached. Now I just listen to music and GPS directions

The first. Nice Video :) Thank you. Second. I am using Cardo Packard. I love it❤. We are riding hard enduro in a group of 6.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Great to hear! Any trouble connecting? I looked at the Cardos because they are more waterproof than the Senas but it sounded as though lots of guys found it time-consuming to get connected...

@artisbriska6694

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure First 10min have a problem, after it, find out how to do it :)

There’s a certain KZreadr husband and wife team, every time she talks on the coms omg it’s so annoying he must have so much patience , because I would turn the coms off straight away🤔 he deserves an award for putting up with that, or he might be slightly deaf lol

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Not sure who that is, but is she a chatterbox? I'd find that hard enough at home, let alone while riding!

I have a cargo pack talk. I like it but I wish it was easier to get everybody connected. It's a bit more complicated than I was expecting.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

It was a major selling point for the Sena mesh. Just one button and it's almost instant. It's just the price that hurts lol.

@philipmarr7325

Ай бұрын

A few years back I bought a used cardo set. I had trouble getting them to pair. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didnt. Im not too tech savvy and it just took all the fun out of riding. Went back in the box after a few rides and I havnt touched them since. I have zero interest in listening to music etc…. But talking w/ riding partners sounds fun.

My brother kept telling me to buy a cardo so we could connect. I kept puttin it off. On a riding safari in the Rift Valley, bro hit a sick bump, caught air, and his top box flew open (cheapo plackie affair I'd been telling him to upgrade). I watched his camera bag levitate a foot+, and the come slamming back into the box. It was during the chase to catch him up, to let him know he needed to check the lock the box, that I decided to I'd buy that Cardo unit. We go on long rides every couple of months, and It's been more than worth it! (Oh.. and I'm LOVING your vids, out here in Kenya.. can't wait to come out there for a "rideabout"😝)

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Interesting! It's dozens of little things like that where you appreciate getting these intercoms, along with all the well known benefits.

Picked up a Cardo Packtalk, works well over very short distances of roughly 100yds in the woods (maybe further on the open road). Only real drawback is trying to "pair" before the ride which can be infuriating as they will fail to pair or add and remove certain members without warning. Overall a sold B rating and generally worth the aggravation.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I read up a lot on Cardo v Sena, Michael.. and it seems Sena usually gets the nod overall. Ease of connection was one of the points. But then the Cardo is fully waterproof whereas the Sena is one step down and only water resistant.

My brother got a Cardo several years ago.. Called me one day, sounded great, I wanted one!.. A bit later I asked if he was riding & if so call me later.. Nah, kept chatting & he had a road wreck that I got to hear too.. He's fine, but definitely distracted!

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Damn! Glad he's okay. Yeah I'm really watching out for that, Bryan. We tend to go really quiet in traffic or gnarly tracks as we don't need the distractions. Even driving, I'm not a fan of taking phone calls. I'll either pull over, or there will be big pauses in the conversation as I simply stop talking when going through intersections or changing lanes.

@bryanreeme8584

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Yessir I agree.. I love them for communication among riding buds off road, & boogie-breaks (tunes), but got to pay attention amongst strangers on the road!

I got a Cardo Packtalk Black withJBL speakers last year and love it. The music is great on long trips and the daily commute. If I had paid more attention I would have gotten a Sena as my Shoei helmet has an inset specifically for a Sena. When I am in more gnarley stuff I turn it down or off.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Sena seems to be more hightly rated overall but it is only water resistant while the Cardo units are all properly waterproof.

I don't use one. I've been tempted. But I ride in mountains where there are giant piles of granite or other stones blocking "line of sight" So far, folks say that they work well with essentially line of sight, but not when the other guy is on the other side of the mountain. I don't really care about communicating short distances, but it sure would be nice if you could talk over the mountain top.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Definitely line of sight only. I think the Sena is meant to have the best range of all brands but you still need that line of sight. Of course the mesh can connect a group through mountains like that but only if each rider has line of sight with another rider.

My wife and I bought cardo neo and they are a great thing, espewhile she is learning! Definitely good for rider safety. You do loose the Zen factor, but for us the benefits outweighs the negatives 😊

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

A few guys have mentioned this, it's great for training purposes.

Worth it to do away with hand signals that no one knows anyway. Fodsports fx2 owner here. I don't know how I used to ride without one. A mate and I bought one for $50ea. So good for communication whilst on the ride. Nice to have access to the phone for calls if need be, music where/when I want to be, and FM radio if I've not got my phone on me att.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Just had a look, that is so cheap! They claim 1km range, what's the reality like?

@cobrin6437

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure1km is correct, about 1.2km. However, if you're on a spirited ride the high speeds can affect the range and signal, weird but true.

Good earplugs will dampen the engine and wind noise, but not so much speech, especially the vibration that intercom transfers directly to your earlobes, so for me, cheap intercoms and earplugs do the job even at 200+ kph.

@crosstrainingadventure

3 ай бұрын

Is that behind a windscreen? I find it hard to hear at highway speed due to no windscreen and the XD4 helmet gets quite noisy. That's with good earplugs.

@Dowent

3 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventureI'm quite tall, so my aim for windscreens is to hit the top of my chest, so that should not be a factor. Certainly, some helmets, like shoei, are quieter and ADV hemlets are quieter than MX, with integral helmets being quieter still, but with all of these, I just get silicone earplugs from a pharmacy. They have a selection for different frequencies. It was a trial and error, but since they are $2-3 USD, I've just bought a bunch.

Hate the things, love the piece and quiet of riding.

@PeterR0035

4 ай бұрын

😂 you ride an electric motorcycle?

Personally, I'm not gonna say I'm THAT old school. I'll take technology as they come only if they provide more value than they cost and don't eat into other valuable factors like weight and procedure steps. The thing about even the good Sena 50s' is that they take up additional real estate on my helmet where I already have a camera, and its an additional item I need to juggle around for the attention of my power bank. Its pretty pointless for communicating with a pillion. The only pillion I'll take is my wife and by now we've been together long enough that the kind of tap on the shoulder will give me a rough idea what she wants. I never needed it for rides with 1 or 2 friends, beeping the horn and pointing is often more than enough for most communication.

Love the end quote, hope you don't mind if I steal it. I have to say I like having intercoms, using borrowed ones on a couple of rides, but can't seem to get my main riding partners to commit to a brand.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Not my quote so feel free!

Grumpy old man shouting at clouds here.....since I do a fair bit of riding by myself, I've yet to see the value, although in a group situation to benefits are obvious. I do like "getting into my own head" on longer remote trips though, without distraction. Last time I was Outback, I solved world hunger, the Ukraine and Palestinian conflicts, and definitively worked out the best way to brew coffee. Unfortunately I forgot all the answers as I pulled into the servo.......

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Good old grandpa Simpson. I still laugh whenever I see that meme! I reckon the United Nations should pay you to ride... and have a brain monitor grabbing all these solutions. I wanna know the coffee brewing solution. 🤔

My buddy and I got a set of intercoms when he was getting back into riding after a 20 year break. One of the best moments of my life was when he was complaining about a steep nasty downhill in quite abusive and profane language when he started coughing and hacking. He then screamed "I just swallowed a BUG?

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

😂 Nothing like that in our group yet. Just one day when a guy couldn't stop burping...

I have the HJC 10B, only $200 and you CAN connect to more than 1 rider at a time, despite what is written on the box.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I didn't see this one when looking... seems to be made for HJC helmets? www.smarthjc.com/21/smart-hjc-10b/

@MOOKY6G72

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure yes, that's the downside.

Have 3 Cardo units but I found out that I hate them 😂 Always distracting, talking on the hwy not so great when you have ear plugs, you need to slow down below 60-65mph to hear well. Another thing to charge and think about. It’s good for off road use if you ride with buddies, but 99% of the time I ride alone so it’s waste of money for me.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Yes, same with the Senas. Once you get over 60mph with ear plugs the volume doesn't cut it anymore... unless youv'e got a full windscreen.

I bought a used Cardo Packtalk bold and it's ok. I mostly use it for the things you've already touched on. The biggest problem I've had is my inability to have the Cardo communicate with my iphone and my Garmin GPS consistently. (my personal struggle with "anything electronic" issues are unbelievable)! Other than, everything that's my fault, I have found the battery life is usually only good for about 7 to 8 hours.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I was tossing up between Cardo and Sena, Terry. The frequent connection issues finally swung me toward the Sena. It's been perfect... so far. But the Cardo's full waterproofing is a good feature.

I've tried to get into these things only for ride comms, not for music. Started with ALDI bluetooth intercom. Used mainly for teaching son to ride. Speaker/charge plug broke quickly. Not enough battery life for my day rides and can't charge while using as speakers/charging uses the same port (so stupid). Speakers are too quiet for road use. Went in the bin. Then bought a FODSPORTS M1S Plus. It's big selling point is you can share your music to others on the call. Who gives a crap about that feature! I will say it has been more durable than the ALDI one but otherwise has all the same flaws. Anything over 40kph and it seems to get quieter. Something weird happens with the engine noise just completely silences my mates voice. It will go in the bin too now. I won't bring myself to pay for a Sena or Cardo going off my experiences with helmet speakers thus far and having to sell a child to fund it, second hand maybe. As an experiment I bought a pair of noise isolation earbuds of Amazon (40 bucks) and a Bluetooth adapter (8 bucks) just to trial some music while riding at 100 kph. Results: Surprisingly good. It won't suit motorbike use, but I did learn that wired earbuds are the way forward for me. This whole idea of putting loud loud-speakers in your helmet without noise isolation seems farcical (I actually like my hearing and I always wear foam or moulded ear plugs). With this realisation brings me to the next problem. There are very few intercoms (and none of the cheapo ones) that have a 3.5 mm output for earphones. Only really expensive units costing hundreds of dollars. I researched that the FODSPORTS FX4 can use a referee headset for it's 3.5mm output. But I got excited too soon as they don't seem to sell an earplug adapter for it??? I just had an idea. I will cut the speaker cords off my M1Splus and solder to a 3.5 mm plug. Then I might be happy.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

A few of my riding buddies tried the Aldi gear and said it's just not worth it, despite the cheap price. Another viewer said he adapted plug-style earphones with success, I've added that to the pinned first comment.

I usually ride alone so no need for one. I carry a flip phone for emergencies.

I can listen to music and answer my phone ...so it is about half good. I have a sena built in to my bilt helmet and a cheap amazon unit on my dual sport helmet. The amazon unit is ezer to use with thick gloves on. Other than that they work about the same.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Interesting! All the guys were telling me the cheap units are usually harder to use with gloves. Good to know at least one of them got it right. Does the cheapie have enough volume for highway speed? Good range?

I only used my Sena for directions from Garmin when I’m in places I really don’t know, especially big cities with either tiny backstreets or big freeways with 6-8 lanes and easily missed exits…never used as an intercom, ride solo, not interested

I have both a Sena and a Cardo, cardo's packtalk slim is by far the better unit, especially for dirt riders. It puts the bulk of the unit at he back of the helmet and keeps the controls on the side minimal. It's also easier to use and pair up with a group than the Sena. They're an excellent safety tool to be able to communicate dangers to your riding group or alerting others if you need help.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info, I want to do an intercom vid for the enduro channel and I didn't know if there were better intercoms for enduro... Interesting point about the connecting. Everyone seems to be saying they find connecting harder with Cardo and easier with Sena?

Something no channel seems to talk about is the safety and the wind noise generated by these external extra chunks on your helmet. When you crash, these external blocks on the side of your helmet can generate quite some rotational force on your head, before breaking off. External Intercom also generates quite some extra wind noise at highway speeds. I specifically chose a Shoei neotech 2 helmet that can have an internal design Sena intercom headset for exactly that reason.... I ride alone, but quality is good enough for GPS. music or phone calls.❤

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

But is there extra noise generated? We use Arai XD4s and haven't noticed any extra wind noise. Does this happen with certain helmets? I used to work in the brain injury area and I'm aware of rotational forces and their potential contribution to brain trauma. However, there haven't been any definitive studies on this in relation to helmets. Nonetheless, manufacturers have introduced technology like MIPS. And some standards have a maximum distance for any external protrusions from the helmet. Personally I don't think it's a huge issue with intercoms as research shows impacts to the helmet in a crash are most likely in the temporal region, higher than where the intercom is normally placed.

@PeterR0035

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Hi and thanks for your reply! Before I bought the Shoei Neotec 2, I read some background info on the development regarding internal noise and aerodynamics and I was surprised at how much R&D goes into that. You can see the little ridges/spoilers etc on the helmet and I can also exactly feel that the helmet is very aerodynamic when riding at high speeds (upwards 100km/h), especially doing something like 180 at the German Autobahn... So, I don't want to spoil that with a big external headset... Mips exists only on a few helmets so far and why take the risk on impact location, if there are other (agreed on few) options. I survived very near bad brain trauma, so I'm a bit cautious about it, my brain is precious and can not heal like broken bones... and I also hear your point of view. I love your channel BTW

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Glad you survived, Peter! And of course surviving is only half the battle when you are dealing with the (often permanent) changes it brings about in the following years.

Can't think of anything worse than someone yacking in my ear and spoiling my ride and why would I want to listen to music I'm riding my bike which is all the entertainment I need

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Yeah I don't need the music either. Or phone calls. But if you have a good bunch of buddies I find it's a real plus especially if they don't natter the whole time. But I totally get that some riders just want the solititude, at least while riding.

A friend and I recently purchased a Fodsports M1-S pro each. It's an inexpensive bluetooth unit that allows up to 8 riders. Have used it for one ride so far and it performed excellently. Absolutely fantastic experience and now I wouldn't want to ride without one. Comes in a more impressive box and overall package than I expected.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I didn't come across those. Amazing price. Do the reviews stack up well for it?

@julius8966

4 ай бұрын

I've seen a handful of reviews and all have been positive. Some have said they stack up fairly well against the higher end brands especially considering the price. I've not yet had a chance to try any other brand, but if I do I'll post something here. @@crosstrainingadventure

I tried a Fodsport and found I couldn’t hear the music at speed and my helmet lining was attacking my ears I think the main problem was helmet fit (Shoei hornet)

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I was looking at a pile of cheaper headsets but soft volume seemed to always be an issue... not great for adventure riding when you are often at highway speeds.

@nickabrahall1412

4 ай бұрын

Sounds right, on a big highway stretch through Wilcannia we nearly went crazy and one mate got off his bike happy because he’d been engrossed in a true crime podcast 😂

I use one so my wife can call to complain ive been gone too long 😂

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

😂

If you like your riding partners they're worth it

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

I remember one ride there was only one other guy with a Sena. And everyone warned me he was a bit of dick. Just talked about himself non-stop and telling others what they needed to buy or do to their bike lol. I just hid my Sena!

You can always turn off the intercom and switch back to musicians someone's talking to much shit. I went cardo because of the full waterproof vs the sena being water resistant (at the time of purchase) I only use on the road bike and not the dirtbikes. I know there's benefits to that but I think I'll draw the line at dualsporting and not cross into the trail rides with intercoms

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Interesting! I read up about Sena v Cardo comparisons and the Sena seemed overall to be rated higher. But I didn't come across Cardo actually being waterproof... Just googled it. Cardo is IP67 waterproof). Sena units are rated either IP65 or IP66 for water resistance. 🤔

@BigBergJohnson

4 ай бұрын

@crosstrainingadventure I bought the pack talk bold duo, about 3 years and the microphones are so shit you have to yell into them. But as I'd put them into my work helmets (tree work) I didn't get any customer service. I bit the bullet and bought another harness (1 year ago) and put it into my roadbike helmet and it works brilliantly. I read on some forums there was a faulty batch of microphones at the time I originally purchased but the new microphone works fine. I think cardo is the overall better product basing that final decision not on my experience with them but just on Chris birch being sponsored by them

Where’s the Sherco ?😢

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

On the adventure channel, Scott? I don't think a two stroke would be much fun! Mind you, I used to ride with a guy who adventurised an old RMX250...

Do the Senas cancel out wind noise or do you still wear ear plugs?

@MrEtnorb

4 ай бұрын

In a word NO. We still wear ear plugs to cut wind noise but they cut intercom volume and the highest volume isn’t high enough at 80+ kph. They are useless on windy roads and a separation of more than 1km or so. I’m still running ancient Sena 10’s And refuse to spend hundreds more on the new ones.

@jordancaleb5790

4 ай бұрын

@MrEtnorb thank you i was considering ear buds since they can act as ear plugs as well but still not sure. Id still reather have it kind of built into the helmut like the senas. Could maybe try a half ear plug or are their specialized earplugs i wonder

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

The noise cancellation for the microphone is amazing with the wind, engine or traffic... at least on our setups. But no, they don't cancel wind noise via the speakers. We all still wear ear plugs that block the maximum amount of sound. We find around 8/10 volume is fine at highway speeds. If you have a full windscreen you would need less volume. These are Arai XD4 helmets which are reasonably quiet. It could be different with a noisy helmet.

@jordancaleb5790

4 ай бұрын

@crosstrainingadventure great to know thanks!

That guy who won't shut up isn't going to get invited again, intercom or not

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

😂 Years ago we had a guy like that in our road riding group. Nice enough bloke but he just talked non-stop about himself. Would cut others off. Annoyed the shit out of me but the other guys all seemed okay with it...

"I ride bikes to meet girls...mostly nurses." TFF

Sena and similar brands have a great concept, but the idiotic use of Bluetooth and shitty overall quality ruins it for me. I have a Sena 20S evo, and it's very much a love/hate relation. Range is shit, build quality is poor, software is lacking and stupid... Music and GPS integration sucks. But I can talk to the other rider, most of the time. Useful and that's what you get them for. But for $200 a piece it's way overpriced for what they actually do.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

Yeah the price is a bummer, Arnan. I wonder if they do actually cost a fair bit to manufacture, or are they recouping R&D costs? I only went for the top model as everyone was saying I'd regret a cheaper unit due to soft volume, poor range etc. A shame the 20S has those bugs...

@arnandegans

4 ай бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Probably just cashing in on the niche... I did get a cheaper set before the senas and while not waterproof, they worked just as poorly as the way way more expensive senas. But sena can withstand torrential rain :)

When I used to do group scooter rides on my Ruckus, 10 or 15 years ago, my brother and I got a set of walkie talkies with like a 20 mile range. We bought the helmet mounting stuff and a thumb control. Had to watch all the darn cords getting on and off the scoot, but it was nice to be able to quickly relay messages with each other, even if we couldn't go to far out of line of sight.

@crosstrainingadventure

4 ай бұрын

No school like the old school!