Best Motorcycle Bluetooth 2021

[@RevZilla]

To learn more about all the featured communicators in this video, head over to RevZilla's Common Tread for an in-depth article covering the best Bluetooth of 2021: rvz.la/38gpO53

[@brianslane1058]

You forgot to mention that the Cardo units are also rated as waterproof while everyone else just says water resistant. This is important for those of us who frequently get caught in the rain.

[@theguitarhero898]

Can confirm. Been caught in multiple thunderstorms. Never an issue.

[@markbock3027]

For what it’s worth though, I’ve ridden in lots of rain with my Sena SMH10 and my 50S and never had any problems either.

[@brianslane1058]

@@Fee.1 It has an IP67 waterproof rating.

[@brianslane1058]

@@markbock3027 I'm glad that yours have been fine. I know a guy who's 20S got wet once, and it stopped working. Wasn't covered under warranty either.

[@barrettwbenton]

Been caught in multiple storms/showers with my PackTalk Slim (owned since 2018), haven't had a hiccup yet.

[@markbock3027]

One of the things you guys should mention when you do these videos is that if you have a group of friends you ride with, you should buy the same brand as them when trying to decide between Cardo and Sena. The two brands don’t like to talk to each other, so to avoid lots of frustration, just buy the same brand that your friends have. Both make excellent comms.

[@sarptetikel9341]

I don't understand why people just don't go on a discord voice channel on their phones together to have infinite range and freedom, like is there a reason why?

[@nikupls]

@@sarptetikel9341 I tried this with my Cardo unit. Sadly Cardo doesn't like being used by any other apps. I believe I read in a reddit post that Discord works with Sena, but I already bought my unit 2 years ago and its been over a year since I read that post so don't quote me on that.

[@thebeardchronicles5051]

@@sarptetikel9341 internet coverage in more rural areas, phone battery dependency, etc using discord sounds good for urban rides, audio pickup/Push to talk, I see a lot of reasons

[@markbock3027]

@@sarptetikel9341 You need a reliable data connection for that to work. A lot of the areas I like to ride in have no cell service at all.

[@Vic6]

@@sarptetikel9341 “infinite range and freedom” if you ever go riding in the canyons (Aka one of the best terrains for riding..) you’ll realize that it’s the opposite. Being able to use the built in (radio fqz?) is critical in areas like this with no cell service let alone data. I’m in Southern California and the second you start going up a canyon it’s bye bye any reasonable data. Also riding through tunnels / tall buildings / parking lots etc all can messed up your data / discord call,

[@evodingo3375]

I’ve been riding for a little over 20 years. When sena dropped their first headset I got it. Kept into the sena family with my last one being the 30k. I switched to cardo in 2019 just to try something new. I’ll never go back to Sena. The packtalk is beyond amazing compared to sena. Highly recommend.

[@rexixtencia1]

For 10 years I had different Sena sets, upgraded and always no matter what the unit failed at some point, my latest 10u just failed for the second time and it’s out of warranty same happened to every friend that had one. I’m done with Sena, going to try the Cardo like you.

[@highmilagerider1154]

I used to use the Cardo system but the battery life sucked. I switched to the SENA 20S about 5 years ago and love it. The battery easily lasts 12 hours or more of continuous use. I have ridden over 200,000km with this unit and it has never failed. Works great with my riding buddies and has spent over 100,000km in the pouring rain and still works like a champ. The darn thing just won't die. Keep up the great videos

[@maxspies8908]

what i do is: connect to phone join discord. and every headset can join. no out of range. or connecting problems.

[@AkaiSuzume]

big brain

[@robertcasey]

oooo... excellent strategy... will definitely try.

[@xtimbea]

Tried this definitely will work but might have issue when you dont have good mobile data signal. do you need to make special discord server with bots or just regular rooms?

[@GiulioImparato]

if you have unlimited data it is an option

[@zero11010]

That’s great for around town. Mountain rides and coastal trips often go out of cell range. When having issues joining Cardo and Sena units I’ve used the discord strategy in the past. It’s great for stuff in urban and suburban areas. It gets really unreliable really fast on some of my favorite routes through the SF Bay Area’s mountains and coastlines.

[@suds782]

Cardo packtalk well deserved ... am rocking the slim for two years and couldn’t be happier

[@Uno707]

I won a set of Cardo PackTalks at a fundraiser ride....BEST prize I've ever won! Love that you have the option for voice control for everything allowing both hands to stay on the bars when needed.

[@Max.527]

Cardo all the way 👌👍 I have the Freecom 4 and it's a beast. Upgraded from not-so waterproof Sena lol

[@BoilerRealm]

Love my packtalk bold. My 2 riding partners use a Uclear and a Sena. I wish it was easier to connect different brands.

[@jakubdudarewicz9626]

Are there significant difficulties? Does it take more time, or is it less automatic?

[@BoilerRealm]

@@jakubdudarewicz9626 It’s darn near impossible. I haven’t had any luck at all.

[@GrimYak]

@@BoilerRealm thats a problem you will face if buying different brands. bluetooth has a standard communication protocol but these companies tweak it and implement their own mesh technology on top of it. If you want to talk to each other your buddies need to agree on a brand.

[@JoseSierradeLeste]

@@jakubdudarewicz9626 yeah it really is damn near impossible. Uclear doesn't bother with mesh technology (correction - apparently they do currently have a mesh implementation) and Sena just reverse engineered a Cardo unit like two years ago, so their tech isn't very mature and connecting mixed-brand units will take you twenty minutes and with no guarantee of success due to it being forced to use direct bluetooth and differences in how they handle connecting. Heck, even connecting bluetooth-only units of the same brand can be a pain in the dick (we used to joke that Sena did a great job labeling their units SMH lol). Dynamic mesh is the way - Cardo's been doing it for a while and even Sena has finally gotten on that technology train... But as expected, they're not compatible with each other. It's to their advantage to get you to buy several units with your friends than to make them compatible. Nothing personal, just business lol. But yeah, stick to dynamic mesh style units and keep to one brand and you'll be golden.

[@jakubdudarewicz9626]

Thanks for the replies! How about different models from the same brand?

[@49Roadmaster]

Bought a pair of Sena years ago and loved them. Word of WARNING: DO NOT get sunscreen on the units or they will melt like that guy's face in the first Raider's of the Lost Arc movie. LOL. Had to buy a new set after that little experiment, and a new Garmin GPS unit...

[@khaccanhle1930]

And Packtalks win again. I'm glad I bought it last year. Love the JBL speakers.

[@xMaximilian614x]

I just picked up a Packtalk Slim for an insane discount. Fits my RF-SR perfectly and sounds great.

[@12masterr]

Care to share about discount! Want to buy one too!

[@xMaximilian614x]

@@12masterr motomummy has them for $234, no tax, no shipping. cheaper if you buy a two pack. shipping was two days in az.

[@mysticmusafir3344]

Cycle gear price matched with amazon. Got it for $202.. Still think freecom 4+ was a better choice. I have rf sr the best damn helmet on the planet

[@xMaximilian614x]

@@mysticmusafir3344 man my cyclegear refused to price match basically anyone but revzilla. nice snag

[@DeuceVideoHD]

@@xMaximilian614x cycle gear and zilla are the same company.

[@ItsMattCheney]

My pack talk slim was the best purchase I have ever made. Even if it was one of the most expensive purchases

[@electricstartclint]

On the freecom, do you have to have the mic? I just want one for music. I have no interest in talking while on the bike

[@zlink8]

My biggest hold up on Sena is that they don't warranty the unit if rain kills it but Cardo will. Big win for Cardo on the waterproof and first to the upgraded speakers... unfortunately everyone in my area uses Sena so I'm stuck.

[@TofuProductionCinema]

Also Sena's CS is garbage, in my past experience at least.

[@piperfect]

I have ridden in a downpour for 13 hours straight with my Sena 20S Evo it was fine. I doubt rain will actually cause a problem.

[@mantis3574]

Discord bro

[@timetraveler2yearsago758]

I spent ten bucks for a no question asked warranty at CycleGear

[@d-nic3515]

How are the speakers are the noise cancellation?

[@alp3781]

I never owned a good Com. Always with crap/cheap units from Amazon. I am going to invest in one due to my new HJC 90S Carbon. I think the Cardo is the winner. Bold or Edge. Yes, not cheap, but I think they really made an effort to design a solid unit. Waterproof, voice commend, over the air updates all A+++++++++.

[@hardcore88]

Helmet communicators have fascinated me for several years, but the high cost of top end units ($2-300) didn't appeal to me because at that price point, what if I didn't use or like it. While searching Sena on Amazon a few years ago, I came across Sena's bottom line model, the SMH-5. It would do almost everything that the top end units would do and it was only $95.00. For under a $100, I took the plunge. When I received it, the directions were clear, the install was easy, paired with my phone immediately and I was off and running. I called a few MC friends when I took it out for the first time and none of them guessed I was on a MC. I did discover that at high freeway speeds (65 mph plus), I had to crank the volume up to hear clearly, but at anything less than 60 mph, it was fine. I use the Sena with a 2016 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT, a 2014 Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom (with windshield) and a 1984 Honda 700SC Nighthawk, so 3 different types of MC's. The question you should ask yourself is: What will be my primary use for a helmet communicator? I prioritized mine as follows: 1. Safety. I wanted to hear driving directions without looking at a cell phone or map, especially in inclement weather. 2. Intercom communication. While the SMH-5 can only "speak" to one other unit at a time (maximum of 4), my wife and I can talk while riding, while my son, brother and riding buddy who have the same units, can all communicate, though I've never ridden with all 4 at the same time. 3. Receive or make phone calls. It's very convenient to call or receive calls for time of arrival, meeting place, notifying someone about change of plans, or receive an important call. 4. Music. I rarely listen to music while I ride. I'm a retired music teacher. If I'm listening music, I want to devote my full attention to listening, not while riding a MC. To say that I'm pleased is an understatement. I can't imagine taking a MC ride without my Sena. I will probably upgrade to the Cardo PackTalk at some point for the voice commands, mesh technology, up to date bluetooth and the JBL speakers. The only drawback I foresee is the ability to have group conversations. While it might appear to be a bonus, I just don't know if the ability of several people talking among each other would become annoying. Even though it's convenient, the sound of your MC, the open road and intermittent conversation are sufficient for a great ride. I read a couple posts about Sena's poor customer service. I've had the opposite experience. The Sena SMH-5 speakers are bottom line speakers and have gone bad twice while under the 2 year warranty. Sena promptly replaced the speakers with no questions asked. I should also mention that I ride at least 200 + days a year, one of the benefits of living in SoCal, so the unit gets a lot of use. In addition, the speaker plug that goes into the Sena unit went bad after the warranty expired. I mentioned to the Sena representative that my wife's unit was still under warranty. He had me take a picture of her unit, send it to Sena and 2 weeks later, there was a new plug and speaker set. I was impressed.

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Thanks for taking the time to write your clear and helpful comment.

[@camerond8176]

Pactalk Slim holds the title for the 3rd year in a row for a reason on other video's....................Picked one up last year to replace my Sena 10s, and couldn't be happier. I should have upgraded earlier for sure.

[@dennisaston3551]

Just one (not) fun fact/tidbit on the Cardo: When you have an additional Audio source like CB, when an incoming transmission comes in the until starts at a low volume and over 2-3 seconds slowly increases until its at whatever volume you have set. This causes you to miss most transmissions entirely with simple yes or no answers or "upcoming bicycles" warnings or the like not heard. Sena doesn't have this confusing choice set so if CB is required for you, skip the Cardo's, it simply isn't an option and I've confirmed with Support and heard complaints of the same in forums going back years. Not sure how this isn't common knowledge OR why Cardo hasn't fixed this puzzling intentional choice. I purchased and own two packtalk black units and they are only suitable as paperweights for me now.

[@jovo500]

I had a packtalk slim... and while it had good usability, daily use was bad. You can only charge it, when mounted on the helmet. When you then pick it up, as I did, the charging hole broke. I asked cardo if it was possible to repair it (at my cost) and only got a very insolent answer, that this was not necessary and I should only buy a new system. Very bad service. NEVER AGAIN CARDO. Now I have a Sena 30s and am more than happy.

[@KleinAB]

Commenting before watching: I ordered a Cardo Packtalk Slim this morning, so of course RevZilla would release a video telling me what I should have bought immediately after I place the order..... (edit): okay, I'm relieved I picked the "right" product and it was selling on Amazon for

[@cliff8675]

I would have been genuinely surprised with any other results. Cardo has recently been ahead on features alone, but they also have a better "water-proof" warranty. The Packtalk Black is a a step up again with 45mm JBLs for less than the cost of buying them separate ... but it doesn't come in a slim form factor.

[@KleinAB]

Also it fit great with no trimming required on the Shoei RF 1400. Short bracket with large skirt.

[@elestruqui3093]

other than one having the waterproof rating, the correct and unbiased answer is get what you're buddies have. There was a lot of talk about the Cardo Mesh but when everyone else you ride with is on the Sena mesh then it means nothing and vise versa

[@barrettwbenton]

Well, to paraphrase RyanF9, I have no friends…who use either brand of comm. So there.

[@MrCrazeDawg]

almost one year usage on packtalk bold, its epic

[@HotrodsMotorcycling]

I still use the Sena SMH10, guess it's time for a upgrade

[@watchmelowsidekappa9184]

aye same

[@ThePromidience]

Same

[@bryangrant2636]

Same

[@rempel29]

How are the speakers in comparison between the freecom 1 and 4? For the price difference with adding better speakers it seems you might as well just go with the freecom 4

[@RevZilla]

The upgraded JBL speakers in the Freecom 4+ have a more premium sound to them. The same speakers can be found in the Cardo Packtalk Bold.

[@turkeyphant]

Does it have noise cancelling on the mic too or only the headphones? Else how do you control wind and engine noise on the mic?

[@RevZilla]

Most mics have a pop filter of sorts that helps with cutting out surrounding noise. There are also settings that can be adjusted on certain units to make it harder for surrounding noise to set off voice activation functions.

[@RatingARKReviews]

Great music quality, battery lasts a very long time, easily 8+ hours at full volume.

[@scorpion-ninja8228]

Bah I still dig using my X1slim chatterbox! Did a group buy many years ago and over the years we all have lost touch with each other. I'm the last one left! Waiting for Hologram comm tech until I buy new! :)

[@whskywolf]

Not mentioned in video, but I have seen Sena has a mounting dock so the communicator can be removed easily form helmet to charge it, does Cardo have something similar or do you have to have the helmet setting while charging it?

[@kenjikenjikenj]

The packtalk bold can be detached and charged via micro usb but the slim can't easily be detached so you need to bring your helmet to wherever your cable is

[@synopticdesigns7868]

You may not be aware but some states have statutes which prohibit protrusions greater than a specified distance from the shell of a motorcycle helmet. I've seen a KZbin video of a biker being stopped and cited for having a GoPro attached to his helmet for that reason (which does make sense, a protrusion could have a significant impact, no pun intended, on the protection provided). Buyers should make sure their selected helmet communicator is not illegal. I purchased a Shoei Neotek II helmet which completely integrates a Sena unit without any external protrusions.

[@itsFritz]

The best headset out there is Chatterbox USA. These guys are taking off on the West coast.

[@embracethesuck1041]

Seriously? I had their cheap crap 20 years ago. I can't believe they're still in business.

[@seesaw7289]

@@embracethesuck1041 We're still using our Chatterbox duos since 2004 after crossing the country twice - rain and all. Just replaced batteries three years ago. Spent 12 hour days with them on. Charge them up overnight.

[@KickAssets]

What would you recommend for 2 guys who wanted to ride around on biycles and talk to each other AS WELL AS record what they are saying? What should we get?

[@im.js.17]

Does the natural voice technology change between the packtalk bold/slim and the freecom 4+? Is it better on the packtalk, or the same for both?

[@taybeltz]

Same for both. The Freecom 4+ is basically the bold without mesh.

[@im.js.17]

@@taybeltz thanks! I didn't know if it worked better on the more expensive model or not😅

[@patrickmchugh8039]

@@im.js.17 T Grant is right, it's the same tech and usage. Really nice to just be able to say "Hey Siri" or "OK Google" at any point to make a call or skip a song on Pandora/Spotify etc.

[@paulkondralian]

Forgive me for not understanding completely. I am a new rider what do you recommend for a driver and passenger to use to communicate on the same motorcycle? Thank you in advance.

[@Roy_Godiksen]

So the Cardo Packtalk Black isn't better then the Bold or slim?

[@bunbunson27]

Ive been using sena 10c units for 6 years. I am on the evo now and I love them. Why use 2 seperate units when one combined unit works very well

[@caltexhawk]

Communications newbie question...do most of y'all use any sort of ear plugs with these coms units?

[@sgomez3047]

I think its interesting how all were well received..I guess when one sells all these one can't afford to really slam one brand saying how bad it is. 🤔 For me....Ryan F9 for a non bias review. 👍🏼

[@AkaiSuzume]

I have the pack talk slim on my helmet with the jbl speakers for the past 2ish years, they're really good. definitely recommend that over the bulky bold if you've got the cash.

[@jecoa174]

Pro tip, if you don’t want to buy an expensive one and ride with multiple people, everyone buy a cheap one that makes phone calls and have a group phone call with your buddies

[@naseeb46]

That's what I've done before, but with wired earphones.

[@blacksapphire256]

Which is a great idea with one major exception that we discovered in our riding group. If you travel in an area with poor cell coverage it's going to drop the call.

[@SavaVeo]

@Jecoa Yes but that could be an issue when you're riding in area with low to no signal. Me and my boys we ride in mountain ranges a lot and cell signal's terrible up there.

[@naseeb46]

@@blacksapphire256 Yes, I agree that is a downside. Again, you can't complain too much what's basically something lying around.

[@ChiliBuRevolution]

Motorola Walkie Talkies, Ryan F9 approved, bless up eh and safe riding! B^)

[@kuhndj67]

I was a Sena fan until we upgraded to 30k's (for a LOT of money). That headset was crap from the beginning and while they've fixed some of the problems it's still a relatively low quality $100 headset that I paid $250 for. Their "fix" was to ask me to pay to get it working (like upgrading the junk speakers) or give me a pittance to "upgrade" to something else. No more Sena for me.

[@AndrewFearn42]

Would love to know how these stack up considering the newly announced Spirit/Spirit HD and the Freecom 2x/4x, and whether previous generation should be considered for the savings or if the upgraded connectivity and charging are worth the difference.

[@RevZilla]

Just received some new units, and are testing some of these questions. Keep your eyes open for an upcoming review from us!

[@abrahamsaavedra2786]

I've had the Pactalk bold for maybe 3 years now. I even went down on it and it survived, didn't pop off at all. It really is worth the money.

[@smokeythegreat7131]

Thanks for these videos, as a new rider still trying to figure out good products to use. Already have a helmet gloves and boots.

[@dev1360]

As a user who uses the Freecom 2+ with my fiancee...I honestly question all of these reviews. I've never used a more clunky, antiquated, and unintuitive system in my life. Slow to connect to my S21 Ultra, and the app repeatedly says my headset isn't connected. That's not even the worst part...The absolute WORST part is the music/intercom systems. They cannot overlap, and swapping back and forth is extremely unreliable. If I'm sharing music and my fiancee talks, or accidentally sings too loud, the units will pause, beep, music, pause, beep, pause....then talk. Then it will not go back to music. So I try to use the app to turn music sharing back on after talking. "Lost communication, your headset is not connected". It's horribly frustrating.

[@GoodGuysCarry]

My wife and I have the Sena 30. We do a lot of highway driving and We struggle hearing. I’m not sure if it’s the mics or the speakers… I think it’s the speakers. Any suggestions?

[@happytrails1963]

Have SMH10s, later moved to 10U and then 20S that had to replace battery. Many happy miles from those no complaints. Getting close to time to replace. Maybe good time to look into Cardo's. Something I wish these manufacturers would do is make the comms easier to swap from helmets. I have 2 or 3 helmets that I'm swapping during riding season. With Sena was able to buy another mount kit, wasn't cheap but at least I could use the same 20S on 2 different helmets. Does Cardo offer this ability??

[@patrickmchugh8039]

Yeah the Cardo's entire line (not including the Slim) offers the option to buy another mount and swap between helmets. It's what I do with my Bold from dirt helmet to street etc.

[@bingbing2515]

Sena 20S, 30K, 50S uses the same mourning system

[@Mereshot101]

Just got the Cardo Smart H. My buddies have the slim and I can't tell the difference other than the branded jbl speakers. Ended up driving earbuds as the experience is just much more consistent. Oh and the smart H is half the price is the slim

[@patrickmchugh8039]

The SmartH was the older version of the Packtalk SLIM before they partnered w/ JBL on the speakers, and added the Natural Voice tech that allows you to speak to your Siri/Google Assistant without having to press any buttons. Which would explain the price reduction your were able to find on that older model.

[@Mereshot101]

@@patrickmchugh8039 Good to know I can't comment too much on the voice control between the two. My Google voice commands seem to work fine maybe the newest firmware changed some things. I know on the old firmware you could only have 4 people on the intercom

[@kevingallagher3]

I love my new Pac Talk Bold Black. I went from a Sena 20s Evo and that thing has been trash from day one. The Cardo does EVERYTHING the Sena unit says it can do...

[@JayantW55]

Is there music sharing feature in Cardo packtalk bold and slim?

[@zero11010]

The best unit for you is usually dictated by which brand your friends use because these are so terrible at connecting from one brand to the other.

[@Regdor]

TLDR: Go get a Cardo

[@justinrhoadscamop]

You guys could've just said watch last year's videos for our picks, plus we're wearing the exact same shirts. 😆

[@13lilSilencer]

Can all these brands connect to each other for group comms?

[@benboldeman4099]

If you ride a BMW with a TFT the cardo slim has a weak bluetooth signal (perhaps antenna is in the battery module) and your audio constantly cuts in and out - whereas the Sena for me is faultless.

[@3xcho]

picked up the free call plus 1 because of this... thanks!

[@Lugare2011]

I'm the type of guy that will research every purchase for days, weeks or even months depending on the purchase before making a decision. When I decided to get back into riding in early 2018 my son was old enough to start riding so I looked into com units so we could communicate while riding. The one feature that sold me on Cardo was 100% waterproof. Not everyone will be willing ride when the weather is bad but there's always that chance of getting caught out in bad weather which has happened to me 4 times now lol. This is why I chose Cardo is for those chances of getting caught in a rain storm while out riding. Everything about the Cardo Packtalk bold is awesome and pretty easy to use.

[@PracticalTacticalSheepDog]

All of those are absolutely absurdly priced when you think about what you're getting

[@barrettwbenton]

It all depends on your wants/needs: some people don't need/want an in-helmet comm *at all*, and that's cool. I like the ability to listen to music, place/answer calls (if needed…I don't make a big habit of it, but as a freelance IT guy, it's handy), map a route…all without taking my hands off the bar (Cardo PackTalk Slim). For me, worth the bucks.

[@kermyfroggy7904]

Why cant I find a link to your guide when thats the first thing you mention in the video...

[@Ragnorak-mz3gi]

How are these models with handling wind noise?

[@Lailahailaallah1]

Is surrounded sound for music and calls??

[@codykiehn7803]

My partners sena 10s no longer puts any audio out, all the controls work and it's only 2 years old. My unit from the duel pack still works. But it looks like I'm going to hop on the cardo bandwagon

[@devinthomas3267]

Can you and your buddy link them to the same phone to listen to the same music and also talk?

[@roywalls5595]

Thinking upgraded my Bluetooth Cardo freecom-2 because I upgraded my helmet to LS2!

[@GeauxGillespie]

If Cardo is reading, PLEASE update your units with USB-C. That's the only downside to getting the Cardo units vs the 50K and 50S

[@Procxlite]

And BT 5.0. 4.1 makes for some pretty silly experiences when it comes to their audio sharing feature; everyone sounds like a robot because there isn’t enough bandwidth.

[@salsamancer]

Bluetooth phone/streaming has not changed since 4.1. All the new updates are only for Bluetooth Low Energy. Every phone/device on the market still uses the legacy Bluetooth technology for hands free calls and music streaming

[@RayESesma]

Hi, I love the review... I wanna get one of these but I’m wondering if they would fit my agv x3000 thanx!!!

[@bartsnieder341]

If you look at the Freecom 4+ (which I own), it comes with a clip and a sticker for your helmet, making it pretty much fit for every helmet. I'd highly suggest looking up some installation videos on all the comm systems. It gives you a good sense of how big they are compared to the helmet and how easy it is to install them! Also, if you ride with friends, I'd suggest you buy te brand/type they own. Alot of people (including me) find that the diffrent systems don't work well together.

[@RayESesma]

@@bartsnieder341 thanx for the tips 🙏🏼

[@Mastiffman1]

Which system can i use earbuds with a 3.5mm jack? I use sony mdrex110 ap buds because they are small i use a full helmet. All day comfortable btw. Help please.

[@renolta1365]

This was very informative thank you. However, it would have been nice to compare the Pactalk Bold and the Freecom 4+, I don't really understand the big difference, other then the Bold uses a mesh technology vs the Freecom using bluetooth? Why offer both options? Both come with 40mm JBL speakers and you can join large groups with both. I just don't see why the Bold is so much more money???

[@ffBkLee]

Mesh technology

[@tristanedwards5986]

do you think for the next one you could a best for dirtbike rides category

[@alefuentes781]

I have a question. if i want to keep one and give one to someone else, am I able to get a dual pack and have it work individually for both parties? or does it have to be 2 single packs? (For the cardo freecom 4+)

[@RevZilla]

A dual pack will work just fine, the units are not permanently linked or anything. Just a savings for buying both units at once.

[@UltimaWeaponz]

One thing I would like to know is the compatibility options between Cardo and Sena. Currently own a sena. Would like to purchase a second to talk to my backseat, as well as other riders on mesh. I would assume that if the manufacturers did their job, they comply to mesh protocol and should in theory work with each other. Is that a wrong assumption?

[@RevZilla]

That is a wrong assumption. Unfortunately Mesh echos the BT market for years and only works within the same brand. If you are looking to get a second unit, you are better off sticking within the same brand. Maybe in the future this will change, but nothing for the moment.

[@cyclechris6591]

I continued to have voice command issues with my 50s. Also had low volume with my gopro backpack compared to 20s. On a guess I went to swap mics from 20s to 50s and found I had installed 50s mic backwards, so now voice commands are 98% reliable compared to my cardo. On sena the big fin faces away from face and small arrow is close to face. Check yours if your having issues. Also I confirmed with the old sena gopro backpack on my hero4 silver (b cam) you can record a mesh conversation.

[@ridin_low193]

Check out the Lexin G16, the speakers are very loud.

[@ggram.]

I've gone through two Sena 10Cs in three years. The first one stopped reading its card, and the second will no longer hold a charge. Never again.

[@Need4SteveMoto]

The 10c pro is complete shit. I’m on my 4th unit. And it still has issues. SENA is a joke

[@enclave3908]

I have a normal 10s. In the 2 years ive had it my mic stopped working for no reason, so i replaced the mic but thought it odd since it had power going to it and was structurally sound. Only then did i realise the prongs on the dock had bent. Im never rough with my unit. It cost a decent chunk of change here in aus. Im pretty disappointed. But i cant be without a com, so because my gf, my dad and everyone else i ride with has a sena ive gotta buy another unfortunately. Might try a 30k and pray harder this time.

[@kevingallagher3]

My 20s Evo was trash from day one... I never knew what I was missing until I went to the Crado Pac talk Bold Black.. The speakers are fantastic and it works the way it should. Sena should take some pointers.

[@Need4SteveMoto]

@@kevingallagher3 SENA is such a shit company with such shit products

[@eatingplaydoh]

We use older senas, but have a question. Is there a model that will pair automatically with the person I ride with?

[@markbock3027]

Sena 50S or 50R when set to open mesh. I’m guessing the Cardo Packtalk Bold probably has open mesh too, but be aware that the Sena and Cardo mesh networks are different and don’t talk to each other.

[@patrickmchugh8039]

Anything after BT 4.1 typically remembers prior pairings too. So once you turn the units on it just takes a tap of the comm button on the side for them to reconnect with one another.

[@petershute3580]

You guys need to check out the new forcite smart helmet

[@cyclechris6591]

Sena open mesh is a great feature. Cardo ???

[@freebehindbars8654]

Talk pack Black with 45mm JBL’s for $303 on EBay. That’s an $80 upgrade if you try to get the with the Bold. $303 vs $360 at Revzilla.

[@jiggalojonski]

Whats the loudest headset

[@timothy9596]

I own both the Packtalk Bold and 50S. I can tell you without hesitation that the Packtalk is a much better device in every way. The sound from the Sena is almost as good as the Packtalk but the voice commands, for lack of a better term, suck.

[@cyclechris6591]

Hey I own both also. Like you , same issue untill I found i had sena mic backwards as instructions are confusing. Check your sena. The big fin points away from face, the small arrow is next to face. Made a world of difference.

[@timothy9596]

@@cyclechris6591 When you say the big fin, what do you mean? If I turn the mic in the opposite direction, the velcro side would be facing the wrong way.

[@cyclechris6591]

@@timothy9596 depends on the mic u use. I use boom with small wire.

[@timothy9596]

@@cyclechris6591 I was using the wired mic. I switched it to the boom and made sure the arrow was pointing toward me and am still having the same issues. Maybe half the time it will do the command I give it.

[@cyclechris6591]

@@timothy9596 say hey see nah not sin a . see page 47 of manual. say words exactly, takes practice.

[@just_teen9848]

How about the cardo special black edition?

[@NelisLamprecht]

Black edition has slightly bigger speakers - 45mm vs 40mm and the speaker is also thicker. Upside - slightly better bass and sound with the right conditions, looks slick. Downside - can interfere with helmet fitting, costs more and combined with wind noise makes very little difference.

[@DawsonTyson]

Bought my Sena 30k in 2019 when it was on sale. Love it.

[@gregbonham8659]

Try the PackTalk Slim - it's a lot better.

[@drunkenpoptart7408]

I think you guys should consider separate channels for the gear guides and the entertainment/video essays. To be totally honest, I watch this channel for the podcasts, daily rider, shop manual, and ride reviews. I'm not going to subscribe though, only because I don't want my subscriptions to be filled with endless amounts of gear stuff that I really don't care all that much for

[@Drives88]

My Uclear HBC's have been repairing since we bought them. Don't all communicators do this?

[@julius9695]

I just got the Sena 30k for 160 bucks. Is that a bad deal?

[@nirdvorkin135]

Where?????

[@julius9695]

@@nirdvorkin135 There was a great deal up on Rad.eu

[@jameswhite1692]

Thanks boys - Great info.

[@nllommertnl]

If you have unlimted data why not just buy the freecom 1+ and then group call them?

[@SmittyAZ]

I've got the cheapo BT-S2 types. It can't charge while in use. For you guys with the name brand $$ ones, can they all charge while being used?

[@molonlabe9602]

FODSPORTS BT/intercom is value priced and charges while using.

[@alexilot]

ya imma stick with my Sena 3S-W under 90 dollars and went thru a crash survived was able to just take it off and put it in a new helmet also isnt bulky the only thing showing in a very small two button thing

[@davidroberts1960]

We are only in the third month of 2021, so how can these best of 2021 series be accurate?

[@johnjacob688]

The major companies in the motorcycle world usually only debut new products once a year and the distributors and vendors know what's going to be available for the entire market at the beginning of the year.

[@davidroberts1960]

Not all manufacturers and if someone is looking at this video in the final 6 months of the year, there can be better products available at this company or others.

[@johnjacob688]

@@davidroberts1960 And what has been the trend for com systems in the last few years? Have they come out with new products in the middle of the year?

[@stubbisNO]

Got the Freecom 4+ and its pretty nice

[@dino5254]

They are both hit and miss if you’re trying to use all the cool features, every one I ride with which is about 10 riders are on Sena. I use my Cardo when I ride solo. Go with the unit that your buddies are on.

[@Th3An0malyy]

Anybody what speakers to upgrade the ones from the cardo freecom 4??

[@Ranveer_Singh_sangha03]

Why there is no Bluetooth connect with gopro and record group conversation 🤔

[@patrickmchugh8039]

Most of the older Sena's had a GoPro piggy-back system that would record in HD audio. I think the main problem is that majority of riders have no interest in recording a group conversation on cameras, so it isn't a high priority for manufacturers over other features for the masses. The Sena 10C EVO will record you voice though, and I believe can be set up to record others as well - but from what I've heard it is very tricky to setup and pull off.

[@JoseSierradeLeste]

Something that should be mentioned is that the Packtalk Slim, while awesome in every way, is only compatible with specific helmets. Check with the Cardo website before committing. If you're lucky enough (or planned ahead) and have one of those helmets, it really is a fantastic unit. The Bold is more "universal" but even so won't work with helmets that have aerodynamic "lips" or weird shaping down around the jawline where the unit sits. There has to be room for the clamp. The new RF-1400, for example, looks like it'll be a huge PITA to install into (it's got those slider pads at the jawline.) Not saying it won't work or you can't just use some double sided tape, but it's for sure a consideration. Sena clamp-style units have the same issue... I'd make sure and buy from Revzilla or a company that has easy returns just in case.

[@Firebirdeo]

The packtalk bold comes with an adhesive for helmets that can’t use a clip. I use it on my RF1200, as the Cyclegear guy was having tons of difficulty installing the clip.

[@cgem8426]

No one ever mentions Sena 3 as the most discreet basic option for those who don’t want to hang anything on the helmet. The tiny control unit can almost always be mounted facing down fully out of sight.

[@brentfrank7012]

The Sena advanced noise cancelation is nonsense. Until they figure out how to get their microphone to turn off like the Cardo, they make way to much constant noise. I almost fell over laughing when you said Cardo has five miles of connection. While I do think Cardo is the best thing available today, lucky if you get a mile of distance between you before losing your connection. I’ve tried every communication device for motorcycles for many years and there is no perfect system. Sena allows further connection but will give you a terrible headache with noise all day long. Cardo has the amazing microphone that shuts off when not being used and comes back on the moment you speak. I also think Cardo has the best sound quality. Sena hands down has the best customer service, they really want to make you happy and try hard to do so. Cardo has no customer service, it’s clear they could care less about making you happy. Everything has to run through management in Israel and those folks tell you to go pound sand if you have a problem. So there really is no perfect set up yet. When Sena gets the microphone figured out they will own the market.

[@cyclechris6591]

Hey did you try the sena app, vox sensitivity? Try down a step or two?

[@Xiph1980]

Why is Spurgeon shouting? Was there only a clip-on mic for Brandon or something

[@cliff8675]

He was using a Sena ...

[@John_Ridley]

I had a Packtalk Slim 2 years ago, and it just didn't work for me. The voice commands were horrible, I had to repeat the commands multiple times, sometimes 5 or 6 times before it would do them, and it only lasted a week before it died and wouldn't turn on anymore despite the battery being fully charged. I returned it, got a $75 Chinese unit and it's fine for me.