Helmet intercom review: Fodsports FX8 PRO

I compare the M1-S Plus with the all-new FX8 Pro model.
With two bluetooth circuits built in, it can now continue to play music WHILE using the intercom to talk!
My previous full review video of the M1-S Plus intercom - • Helmet intercom review...
Check out the Fodsports range at www.fodsports.com/
FX8 PRO - www.fodsports.com/fx8-pro-mot...
For 12% off your purchase enter this Coupon Code in the checkout: Keith
Note: Intercom units were provided for review by Fodsports.
UPDATE 1/2 - The giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced on the community tab.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other discounts from this channel:
Globetrottin' racks: www.globetrottin.com/
Get 10% off with Coupon Code: keith10
EngDuro DoubleTrak tool here*: engduro.com/keithjob
Get 10% off with Coupon Code: keithjob
Fodsports helmet intercoms www.fodsports.com/
For 12% off your purchase enter Coupon Code: Keith
All my music is from Epidemic Sound. Get a 60-day free trial using this link: share.epidemicsound.com/a2riln
Insta360 affiliate links, with FREE accessory bundles:
GO 2 www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins...
ONE X2 www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i...
X3 www.insta360.com/sal/x3?insrc...
ONE RS www.insta360.com/sal/one_rs?i...
ONE R www.insta360.com/sal/one_r?in...
Insta360 accessories store.insta360.com/accessory?...
See something on the bike you like? There's probably a video.. Check these playlists:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All my KTM 500 EXC videos:
• KTM 500 EXC-F 2019
All my Ride Tech and Gear videos:
• Ride Tech and Gear
All my Ride videos:
• Ride videos
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like this vid? Buy me a coffee at ko-fi.com/keithjobson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My camera gear:
- Helmet mount: Sony FDR X3000
- Insta360 GO 2
- Insta360 ONE X2
- GoPro Hero 5 Session
- Canon G7X II
- Canon 70D
- iPhone 11

[@myclassiccarstory]

Thanks for the review. I was trying to decide what headset to purchase without breaking the bank. After this video it helped me decide.

[@jeremywest5433]

Great content. Thanks, I've been contemplating these units so I'm glad to see an honest review of them and it's very timely for me. Would love to see some direct comparison videos of some of the products you've tested. I'll happily use the discount code you provided as well. Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@djnmv]

Loving the channel content, especially videos about the KTM 500 as I just got one myself, which is how I discovered you! Some channel ideas I thought of were a video on mapping techniques, what to use, how to record a trip, how to follow someone else’s map etc. Another video idea is tips/tricks and useful tools for changing moto tyres, both at home and on the trails. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@Johnster_53]

Hi Keith, I'd love to see another big trip video series. Always my favourite videos

[@KiwiIyer]

Great review. Thanks Keith!

[@stevo4585]

hey mate love the channel. i’d love to see maybe a 3 part series of you and the boys doing a few days/week of travelling thru the vic high country seeing all the huts and iconic places up there, camping and river crossings! keep up the good work keith 😉

[@LilKing420s]

Thanks Keith! I'm looking for some decent budget intercoms for my girl and I to use when we go ebiking. Your vids have given me good insight into the Fodsports products that I have found no where else on the interwebs thus far! You have been a great help in my search. MUCH appreciated!! Cheers!

[@keithjob]

Great to hear! Don't forget the 12% code at Fodsports.com, if that's what you end up going with!

[@moto4x4adventure9]

G'day Keith, It's Jamie here, you just sent me the homemade Rhino Bluetooth cable, thanks heaps!! - I would love to see another father daughter ride like you did last year 👍 I ride enduro with my 10 year old and helmet comms would be excellent 👌 Thanks for everything

[@scottyyy3608]

Always great info, thanks. Head stem bearing replacement/ adjustment be great to see..

[@BMXaster]

Some long distance light ADV vlogs are always a joy to watch, so I'd vote for those :)

[@lounginglizard5255]

I’d love to see a video on ‘creating a KZbin video’. All the gear you use. Keeping everything charged and safe on a trip. Would love to get an appreciation into everything (financial and effort) that goes into creating a video. Thanks Keith. Great job.

[@shaneosuptenitsaboutthejou3343]

I like the videos around these products and I also own a KTM 500 exc so your content is very applicable. Keep up the good work and look forward to your next video.

[@frankenpixel]

Hey Keith, love your videos and owe a lot to your DIY maintenance clips, also love your 2023 new look 😘 🔥 Your big trips are awesome, maybe since your based in Vic, the Great Ocean Road has a good mix of on and off road which would be perfect for a trail bike such as the mighty 500 😁

[@_scooter98_92]

Your review of the M1-S Plus is half the reason I went with it (Nerb1's review was the other half). Looking at the FX8 Pro, I definitely could have waited. Music alongside the intercom is definitely worth it for me and my riding mate, especially outside reception. But we will manage, not enough of an improvement to justify a new unit...yet. Edit: Keep up the reviews and workshop tutorials

[@volttk9732]

Exaclty the infos I needed and super clear and short explained!

[@markmckell8817]

Hi Keith, great video as usual. I’d like to suggest you consider a few ride videos that include some of the history or background of some of the locations you ride to: country towns or historical tracks/ locations, monuments etc. Cheers.

[@gianlucajandelli6387]

Spot on, Keith, as usual!

[@justinquinton8653]

Hi Keith. Love your content. How about sharing how you go about planning and preparing for a multi day ride. Route planning, bike and gear check/prep, what to take, agreeing with ride buddies on who carry’s what to save double Ups etc etc. Thanks

[@legendfilms6185]

I love your channel, there are lots of great topics and when fixing things on my KTM I have learned a lot from your videos which in turn have saved me a lot of money from going to a service tech. I am interested in how to check my stator and voltage rectifier with a multimeter tool, I am trying to understand why my brand-new lithium battery is losing power after a couple of hours into my ride, sometimes when my bike is running the meter says 12.2 which is low, then sometimes it says 13.5. I think I have an intermittent stator issue. Keep the channel going great work.

[@imanazman2076]

Thanks Keith, its was a great video! I really love on the dual bluetooth chip design, wish I could get this set soon or for free! Lol! Ride safe!!

[@tomcummings975]

Hey Keith would love to see an update on how the mosko 80s have been going. A video on what tools you take with you for the 500 would be super handy too. Would also love to see some videos about the gear you wear and some of your thoughts about what to take away on rides. Cheers!

[@MrAussieClay]

Hi Keith, love the channel. One of the biggest concerns people have when adventurising a 500EXC is the oil change intervals. As such, I’d love to see a video where you take oil samples and have then lab tested at set intervals so it’s possible to asses under ADV riding conditions, how long the recommended Motorex oil remains useable prior to requiring an oil change. Thanks, Clayton.

[@paulybee1018]

Good vid Keith, like to see anything on “ride tool kits” cheers

[@nwadventurez]

1. Wonnagatta Valley ride with the map overlay at points like you did with the old reefton road! 2. Open roads rally - Myrtleford 3.Keep up the good work and creative videos! 4. Another family ride

[@donaldrorie5404]

Thank you for the info, been looking at bluetooth headset for my wife and I there are a lot out there , the two I keep coming back to are the M1-S Plus or the FX8 Pro I like both, while have a great day thanks again

[@JimyOfficial]

Which one you think is better?

[@Wazim_s]

Great reviews, you make my choice easy 👍

[@keithjob]

Glad you like them!

[@justinquinton8653]

Hi Keith - more blooper reels would be great! 😊

[@natebuske2757]

Hey Keith thanks for the video my wife and I teach a small private school and one of my parts is I take them all riding several times a year I use these intercoms because they’re cheaper I bought several sets and they work really well for the kids I don’t have enough for all of them yet but I’m working on it I also rider Husqvarna FE 350 S and loved your review on the Cush drive hub thanks for doing that video as well I plan to get myself a set of those wheels as well I ride a lot of on road and off-road both I would love to see a review of the gearing you use for off-road And on road and tires that seem to do the best to bridge the gap of both thanks agin

[@philtrack1870]

Hi Keith, very much enjoy the channel. I do like the reviews / technical bits around air compressors, cush hub etc plus the actual riding. I would like to understand a little more about how you stay 'bike fit' What if any physical training do you do? Do you do things to prepare your body for longer rides. Do you do any training on the bike / practice particular skills? I'm an older out of shape guy who is getting into the off road riding scene and would be keen to learn how you stay fit and how you have progressed your skills over the years. Keep up the great work.

[@Geseda]

Would like to see you explore interesting sites on your bike in your country. Take more time to show the country side and culture. Love the 500.

[@morehanthanchewyproduction6823]

Hi Keith. Love the vids, engineering detail and practical, unbiased analysis. I don't expect you to turn into a foodie, but I'd like to see how you approach food pack and prep for day and multi-day trips. (dirt) soldier (ride) march on their stomachs after-all. 🤔👨‍🍳🫕🏍🏕

[@idevilk]

thanks, just bought an FX8 Pro after watching your review.

[@JimyOfficial]

How do you like it?

[@idevilk]

@@JimyOfficial Honestly, the unit itself is well made and that where it ends. Over 50MPH on Motorway, if on a phone call, you can't hear anything. Same applies to intercoms with your fellow rider, I can't hear them at all whilst they can hear me fine. On top of that, the customer service is crap. No aftersales exist.

[@JimyOfficial]

@@idevilk ima just go with the Fx10C

[@idevilk]

@@JimyOfficial you have been earned :) go for sena or likes mate a lot better

[@mindaugasjankauskas9973]

Hi, enjoyed watching your videos, very simple and detailed. Great content, but really would like to see water proof intercoms to be dipped or splashed with water. It would be interesting experiment.

[@nowisthewayforward6252]

Hey Keith enjoy your channel, I would like to see your take on setting up the rear suspension for different loads-camp gear-day ride Maybe x-trig setup and review? Pros and cons? I also need a intercom 😉

[@lisandrogabales6951]

I learned a lot from this video. in the fodsport tutorial it's a bit confusing. but everything is clear in our video, I hope you can also review the lexin gtx, sending love from the Philippines, i hope you will choose me ♥️

[@danielgriffiths8725]

I got the fx8 air and they are so good for the value. My mate has Sena and he stated the toggle wheel broke twice

[@JimyOfficial]

You’re still using Fx8?

[@adamp7448]

Keith. Thanks for the offer and chance for a intercom. I’m interested in rides and tracks that you go on particularly close to Melbourne with some good loop of the high country, any refuelling spots that suit the 500’s Adam

[@lesleegrinnell8531]

Love the video,, Very informative. I just have one question. How far do they actually work distance wise?

[@arronjack3507]

I enjoy your videos as you offer practical advice for riders in Australia. I recently have started the transition from trial bikes with Victorian rec reg to fully road registered dual sport or adventure bikes. Having never really ridden on the road up until now I'd like to see some more content regarding the move from mx or enduro based riding gear to adventure based riding gear. I find myself questioning if much of the adventure specific riding gear sold here is actually suited to Australian conditions? I understand everyone has different needs and there are constrants with each type of gear, however I personally perfer riding dirt or 4x4 tracks to tarmac riding. Now i want to do longer rides and link different riding areas together I need to ensure my gear is suitable for road riding too. How do you find a good balance and stay protected for both road and offroad riding?

[@alanbanister4948]

Hi Keith, I would like to see a video on software used to plan routes and then the transfer of the file to a gps unit. Thanks

[@raffs_adv]

Hi Keith , It’d be great to see you hook up a cheap tachometer to your 500 to see how hard it is actually revving at 110kph

[@amoore46]

G'day Keith..Would love to see how you go about doing the top end on the 500 ( probably a wee way off yet )

[@UKPete]

Great review thanks, What's is the thickness of the speakers?

[@Chris_Z.]

Head west to Googs track and Gawler Ranges. Did you try it with the Rino bluetooth uhf.

[@noomvulan2109]

love your vids on bt dongle mods...love to see camp and ride videos...cherios....

[@martinbatchelor2426]

Hey Keith you are a dag sometimes but we love you for that! I'd like to see you come over to Tasmania and ride some geaat tracks.

[@HoagesMoto]

Hey Keith, a mate and I have been using the older FX8 units for a few years now and were chuffed with how they've held up with quite abit of abuse. I'd say there are a couple of things it would have been nice for you to discuss in this review that I'd like to have known personally. 1. Real world battery life? - my old FX8 battery life is amazing, it would have to be close to 25-30hours of music/talk time on a charge. 2. Actual hardware differences in the two speakers sets - why are they not as loud as the M1-S Plus - I've found the slightest difference in speaker placement in a helmet can make a very significant difference in volume, any decrease/increase in driver thickness/translation in the mounting postiting etc.that may be why you specifically found them quieter? or just side by side outside the helmet with both running at max volume you noticed an obvious/measurable difference - is it noticable enough to pickup on a simple phone db level meter? Video's wise I'd certainly like to see you attempt to go through all your gear and cull some weight where possible & look into some more enginious ways to drop/move forward any gear you're carrying to lower your CoG and get that top heavy weight of the tail/lighten overall: I think it would be good for your riding enjoyment and entertaing too :) Anyway, always enjoy your videos, my mate and I would gladly update our pretty flogged original FX8's if you'd be so kind haha. Ride safe.

[@carls.2071]

I you were to have a visitor from a fellow ADV rider from let’s say the USA what kinda of ADV ride experiences would you expose them to? Looking forward to the video answer.

[@brendenvosper7772]

May I suggest some behind the scenes work you do to preparing for a longer trip. Do you have a general idea and wing it or gpx the route and stick to a schedule? How do you manage the group dynamic, there’s usually the brains trust that initiates and keep things together. Do you have someone at home that keeps an eye on progress and is the allocated liaison should things not go to plan? (I have found value in this) Any reason you have not gone for a Rade fairing on the 500?

[@andronuss]

A set up for runing lights on Bike for trail rideing both off road and on for longer trip and best way to wire in go stand alone switch or add to bikes existing lights switches

[@09Tedesco]

Hi Keith, can you do a video on navigation apps vs dedicated GPS (I’m thinking like a Garmin or vortex)

[@branislavstanic5195]

Nice review, bought the intercom and regretted it. Has a lot of features, none of them work. Here are the list of issues: 1) intercom connection breaks over 60km/h between devices even though my passenger is right behind me😂 2) phone call quality is really bad, like no noise cancelation is applied. Peaple can't really hear me well. My 2017 vnetphone v6 had this feature and people had no idea i was riding a motorcycle. 3) when connected to phone and to other intercom, if you receive a call, the other intercom still hears what you are talking?!?😂 4) Music sharing, you can share music to other intercom, but you cannot talk to each other😢 5) when using intercom and playing fm radio at the same time, radio is playing on a single speaker😅 6) listening to music and talking to your passinger via intercom does not really work in real life (auto volume control on music does not exist) On the plus side, sound, battery and controls are good. Still, I will revert back to the trusty old v6. I really wanted to like this device, but it was a major let down 🥲

[@keithjob]

I am sorry to hear that. Intercom performance is very susceptible to individual variations in helmets and airflow. Thanks for your comments.

[@nashole23]

background music yes! no music sharing... no.... Is there any model you're aware of that has background music, and music sharing?

[@jc7654]

can the any of fodsports work with the rode 2 mic and have you tried it

[@jeroenquint4617]

Hello, Do you know how i can use google assistant with de voice command button M? When i push it, it will go directly to samsung bixby

[@TC-gv5fs]

Can a different set of headphones be connected to the Fodsports FX8 PRO unit without having to use the AUX port or are the provided headphones hardwired to the plug?

[@roymerriman4244]

I'm unable to use my FX8 between my wife and I - blue lights on and red light operates appearently indicating blue tooth try to connect which blue light indicates positive connection, but nor sound from either unit. Also which way is louder clockwise or counter clockwise?? Thanks...

[@keithjob]

The very first time it is turned on it goes into mobile phone pairing mode, with blue/red flashing. That sounds like what is happening. But you should be able to essentially ignore that and go to intercom pairing mode. Check the quick start guide, I think it's hold the small "helmet" button for a few seconds. Louder is clockwise.

[@francisburlaud6954]

Hi keith, i am interested in the fx8 pro but concerned by the volume level. Has rhe the ms1 bur ik google was not good. Do you think the souns volume is still behind the ms 1?

[@keithjob]

Yes. FX8-Pro volume nowhere near loud enough for me. The M1S is great.

[@kevinmeier5545]

Once it's paired up (set of 2) do you need to pair them up again the next time you use them? Also is it possible to pick up other riders in the area without pairing to them?

[@keithjob]

Once paired they should remain paired. You will just need to tap the small button to reconnect the pair. Picking up other riders without pairing is not possible unless the intercom has a mesh system. (Which the Fodsports do not currently have).

[@jasehsv]

Does the music go to both headsets or does each he’d set need individual music input

[@keithjob]

I believe there is a music sharing function on this unit. Or, each can do their own music phone their own phone.

[@moto4x4adventure9]

Hi Keith, Have you made a vid on your newish Garmin Montana? I couldn't find one after you had water damage on the previous one. I'm about to buy one and would be keen to hear your thoughts on it? Cheers, Jamie

[@keithjob]

Hi Jamie. No review. In short, I prefer the 680. I found the screen on the 700 is not as bright, which gets worse with sunnies on. And it is a BIG unit, much heavier than the 680. There's some good features for sure, but it doesn't suit the 500 IMO.

[@moto4x4adventure9]

@@keithjob Thanks mate, I may need to rethink it. The montana 650 I'm using is just a bit dated and slow, I'll see how I go 👍

[@charleskiddy5450]

Hey Keith, Does this unit work with the Bluetooth UHF setup?

[@keithjob]

Yep

[@giocharizo]

Godmorning Keith. I have a difficult question.... I want the dual pack units of fx8 pro for me and my passenger. We will listen to music from our mobiles and when we start to talk, the music will volume down automatically. At the same way, when we stop talking, the music will volume up also automatically. Is that right? I read on review of fx8 pro a lot of things. I want one and only. with talking (music down) and stop talking (music on) automatically right? Without pressing any button to go from intercom to music or from music to intercom. Best regards

[@paulgerk3301]

Hi Keith, I don't suppose you have tried to make your own female single plugs side by side for the UHF radio to Bluetooth. (maybe 3d printer to make the housing?) I have the Garmin Rhino UHF Tried 4 units all squelch out on Ch 40 Do you have the same problem? Great channel keep them coming

[@keithjob]

Hi Paul, I'm not sure what you mean about the plugs. The Rino doesn't do ch 40, it is just static. Known issue with the Rino. It has never worked, been an issue from day 1, Garmin never bothered to fix it. It would be handy to have to call up trucks etc.

[@paulgerk3301]

@@keithjob Hi Keith yep could be great if ch 40 worked, thought it was just me. In your 2nd video you had what I was thinking 2 separate plugs (mic & speaker) held with heat shrink by the looks thanks again I'm in SA country

[@keithjob]

@@paulgerk3301 Do you mean the UHF to Bluetooth solution I cover here? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYu7nKeOhdKMeq8 You can buy the twin-socket cable, check out this vid for details. I also sell them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYbSiKGNmM10r5o

[@martinhoppan7529]

Hi, Keith. I have a question. What is the difference between FX8 pro and FX8 air? Thank you.

[@keithjob]

I haven't seen the Air, but looking at the specs on the Fodsports site it seems the Air lacks a lot of features of the Pro. Eg. only 2 riders instead of 8.

[@martinhoppan7529]

hi. I bought FX8 pro. It's really good. Super clear sound... I have a question. Can I share music and have the intercom on at the same time? I can share music, but I can't at the same time with the intercom. I want to share music and have the intercom on at the same time. do it? thanks for the advice.

[@user-qs6rw8kt3c]

Hi Keith, does the Fodsports FX8 pro allow you to mute your mic so that you can still hear others but they cant hear me screaming on difficult terrain?

[@keithjob]

Not that I can see in the manual.

[@trentl4973]

Will this link to senas and Cardos?

[@keithjob]

yes, via universal pairing mode on the other units. But this is my biggest bugbear with intercoms... the same brand will pair simply and easily between its units, but linking to another brand is tedious and inconsistent. The best solution is that all riders use the same brand of intercom.

[@D_F_A]

Can you do reviews on different bikes? I'm looking for a unicorn bike (like so many others) so that I only need 1 bike in the garage. Help me find it.

[@09Tedesco]

500 vs 690

[@D_F_A]

@@09Tedescoor bigger?

[@andythurlow1614]

Always amazes me how companies update a product but still f*#k something up😂