Sena Impulse Modular Helmet With Mesh Communications | Cruiseman's Reviews

I check out the Sena Impulse modular helmet which includes Sena's revolutionary mesh communications technology.
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[@ericd701]

I had talked to Sena, and they said that they manufacture the helmets themselves. I've done 20k miles with my helmet so far. I'm very happy with the helmet my friend and I use the open mesh all the time and it works very well. The battery last about 8 hours using open mesh and 3 days when riding by yourself. One tip it be careful where you place the helmet down because the charge port is magnetic and could pick up metal partials. Make sure you attache the charging cable to the helmet before you plug it into power because you could short it out and melt the charger side of the cable. (I know because I did this and had to replace the charger.)

[@cruisemansgarage]

Good tips

[@goldwingmoments]

Thanks for the video Cruiseman. Great information. Well done.

[@4loyal]

Hey Cruiseman, I just watched your video on the new SENA IMPULSE, modular helmet; impressive! I like the looks as well as the features you highlighted in your video. I’m looking forward to future review/evaluations you present! Thanks, Loyal.

[@allenchevalley5322]

Wow! I will definitely be buying that the next time I need to get a new helmet. I currently own a Shoei neotech 2 with the latest Sena SRL mesh headset. But I like the all in one system of the new Sena helmet. Great review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@davidallen1213]

Great review, CM, thanks! I note that, as per the Sena website, this helmet is only "P" homologated, so you shouldn't ride along with the chinbar in the up position. The Schuberth C5 is both P and J ("Jet") homologated, so you can with that one.

[@JamesClayson-rr2jv]

Cruiseman this is a spectacular helmet. Your discussion about how you can turn down the sound on your Goldwing was the same for me. The sound on mine is outstanding. I agree about your comment about the buttons while wearing gloves. I had difficulties with upgrading firmware. Apparently it would connect to my house Wi-Fi but says it didn’t connect.. the only way I knew it was downloading firmware was by seeing the red lights on the back of the helmet change. Thanks for all you do for the Goldwing community!

[@alp3781]

Nice review, Chris! I strongly recommend to everyone to just try the new HJC 90S Carbon. I don't work for them or get any kicks. For 500 shipped, this helmet is unreal. It cleared my list all around and ordered it. I went by European reviews, went to try it and sealed the deal. Again, before you write a check, check it out. Just superb head protection. The best so far, in 32 years of riding. This helmet takes the Sena 20B, built in unit.

[@tomholstrom5457]

Very nice Chris! Perfect timing as well. I'm currently using some of my Arai's on the GW and while great for racing they are noisy. I'l be seriously looking at the Impulse as I need communication and would appreciate a quiet helmet that is also modular. Be nice to get a comparison of the Sena Impluse against the Shuberth line that supports the integration of the SC1.

[@FranklinBurns42]

I have owned my Impulse since February 2022. I agree the sound and volume is better than anything else I’ve tried. The battery is superior too. It lasts a good hour or more than my buddy’s 50s. But I’ve noticed the chin bar was stiff as well and hasn’t gotten better. In fact it’s getting stiffer and tougher to lock down. Other than that I’m pleased

[@raymondmccranie3611]

You may have convinced me to purchase this helmet. Great review. You answered a lot of my questions.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Good choice!

[@danrahn9863]

Very nice video!! :) I wouldn't be surprised if HJC did manufacture this helmet. My next helmet could likely be this helmet from SENA.

[@Info-Med]

Excellente review, thx I will buy one.

[@dennisjones9636]

Would love to see a similar review of the comparable Schuberth helmet.

[@David-yp4fl]

Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇲

[@nealfeikema5161]

Aftyer using them for years I think it looks more like a Nolan. Especially with the different latch and 'nicer' padding.

[@daveellis9301]

Modular helmets lift the chin bar and it goes fully back as an open faced helmet such as LS2 valiant or a shark evoline

[@jeffkantrowitz7756]

Great review. If I had the money I’d buy it asap.

[@tomcondon6169]

I'm just starting, patience may answer my question. I'm thinking about getting back into riding. My problem in the '80s was that the noise in my pretty high end helmet gave me tinnitus something fierce. I wonder how loud it is.

[@thebikerphotographer3774]

Seems very Shoei to me which is a good thing. Thank you for this review. Ill pull the trigger on purchasing this now.

[@morganfreeman710]

Do you enjoy it?

[@420911929]

Let’s go!

[@berniegarvey5219]

Built in Bluetooth is nice but I was expecting a built in camera also at this stage

[@sibbert1]

They do that too.

[@davidallen1213]

I went to a dealer, who confirmed that the helmets are manufactured by MT, a Spanish company. They showed me the equipment MT model, which was almost identical, without the audio of course.

[@mikeypro7534]

Great review! I "kind of" have a related question. I currently ride a 2020 DCT Airbag Wing up here in the Alberta wilds. I have two helmets. One is an Arai full face with a Sena s10 system installed. The other is a Schuberth C5 with the SC2 intercom (I believe it's equivalent to the Sena 50R). Anyway, I've connected the Arai to the rider's bluetooth port and Android Auto works - sometimes (it's really fussy). Since I rarely have a pillion on board, I connected the Schuberth to the passenger bluetooth port. The radio and my phone usually connect to the Schuberth through the bike's bluetooth hub but not Android Auto. Is there a fix around this or do I have to re-pair each helmet to "rider" whenever I swap lids? For what it's worth, I really like the Arai with the old S10 system as I swapped out the old tinny speakers and popped in iASUS ones. Pretty amazing sound! Anyway, thanks to anyone who may have an answer and thanks to Cruiseman for such great vids!

[@claynicolsen5401]

Nice overview, Chris. I have a Shoei Neotec, and after five years or so I'm itching for something new. I (obviously) have no problem paying $700+ for a helmet, but that's knowing the brand. With this helmet, I would not feel comfortable in that price range without know who builds it. I'm assuming somebody will leak it for us pretty soon!

[@cruisemansgarage]

I am going to try to find out the brand. I suspect it may be HJC, but not certain.

[@edwardwainwright5790]

I own a black one and has used it on long rides. I had no comfort issues. I caught in the rain and that electronics were not affected. The mesh worked great with other Sena products on group rides. One of the best helmet’s I have own riding my 2015 Goldwing F6B. I think your review is dead on. Thanks again and I forward your review to friend thinking about purchasing one.

[@bobnelson2499]

Interesting. I have the HJC i90 which looks the same. The question I have is can you use it with ther Sena 19C Pro? Thanks for sharing sir.

[@edwardkellar8835]

Looks like my Shoei Neotec. Any word on the battery life, or, connectivity for CarPlay and Siri? The price sounds very reasonable, as my Neotec helmet, with the headset, was $1100 3 yrs ago. Also, will it be compatible with other Bluetooth helmets?

[@kenbred46]

Now if they only had a Polarized sun shield option. That morning or afternoon sun glare is just awful. An auto darkening shield (like a welders shield), would be the "Ultimate".

[@resenborough]

Definitely looks like a Shoei - the vent cover has a similar shape to the J Cruise II..... Sena and Shoei have collaborated on may products in the past so I vote Shoei... Of course the noise and fit categories are going to be better than an HJC.... That's the difference between a $150 helmet and a $600 helmet. Priced very close to the Shoei Neotec...

[@normanjuday980]

Can the Sena communication unit be repaired or replaced with out buying a new helmet?

[@finnsvensson4674]

I have a BMW helmet and it's the same with all the features, except the build in SENA

[@Jonasegway]

Does this helmet have any other 3.5mm out outputs? So I use my Sena 20S for my motovlog audio. That intercom unit has a 3.5mm aux port and came with cables (2.5mm to 3.5mm) cable that I can plug right Into the 3.5mm port of my GOPRO's media which allows me to use the Sena's built in microphone as the mic for my motovlog audio. If this Sena inpulse has that port, I'm buying it immediately but I need your verification that this helmet has a port that I could use to connect to my GOPRO's media mod so I could use this helmet's microphone for my motovlog log audio

[@touring42vlog]

I have constant charging problems, sometimes the energy decreases more while charging. I am using a 5v 1A charger for the helmet, should I connect it with the helmet closed or with the helmet on?

[@thomaskall1421]

I had one on my head today, felt very good quality but I couldn’t put on my glasses 👓 totally impossible!! I have SHOEI now and have had a few over the years. Please let us know if you come up with a answer to the glasses issue.

[@BelgiumGOAT]

Would this be a good upgrade for my Sena Momentum Evo? I want to buy this helmet at the end of this year and I'm really missing the sun visor on my Momentum Evo. But i want to stick with Sena because I'm so happy with my Momentum Evo helmet.

[@Rambler358]

One of the most important factors in a helmet (for me) is ventilation. But you make no mention of that?

[@Mark-bh7pu]

I love the look of this helmet I don’t think it was built by HJC it looks a lot more like my Shoei neo2 Which has a compartment for specifically the Shoei helmet for the 20 S Sena The price is much better because if you combine the stock Shoei neo2 And by the Sena 20 S separately, You are pushing $1000 for 699 is a great price.

[@demzunoplayer]

Getting one. Australia.

[@tracerDriver]

My head size is L (59-60) but i bought Sena Impulse as XL (61-62). Because L of Sena was so much tighter and it made me feel very uncomfortable ( especially my chin was so close to helmet that i can feel the helmet onto my chin) I am very curious Did i do the right thing? Please i need your opinions mate. Thanks🎉

[@dguill]

Cruiseman can you talk about or do a video on using different communication devices to talk to each other using the mesh technology, I would love to have a Sena helment like this but my crew I ride with uses Pactalk bold and I know they say you can connect but I would love to see you prove that.,well thank you for all the work you put into your channel and keep up this great work

[@cruisemansgarage]

This is on the list for my next Crown and Comments

[@deangilles718]

Chris, great review, one/two questions, does it fit into the top box on the 2018 and if so how about 2 at the same time? Looking at Christmas helmets!

[@cruisemansgarage]

YES, it does fit. However, you have to unlatch the chinbar and open it about an inch.

[@victoryvisiontour]

We don't have communication systems for the motorcycle. We do have Sena helmets for mountain biking. We also have Cardo, Terrano, and Giro Chips. The Sena is the best for communication of them all. Instant pairing everytime. The sound quality is a bit lacking, but for talking to each other and talk radio it's perfectly fine. For music our Giro Chips are far superior, but they suck for person to person communication. The Cardo has least wind noise. Terrano is junk.

[@bruceb.harrison3470]

I’m really curious to know if you tried it with Apple CarPlay , your Garmin, and Cardo PackTalk Bold. I’m soon to be in the market for a new helmet and am considering these. Thanks!

[@FranklinBurns42]

I can say it works very good with CarPlay

[@stevemoore9951]

Looks a lot like my neotec 2

[@4loyal]

Hello Cruiseman! I just watched your video on the SENA IMPULSE helmet, very impressive! I’m looking forward to future videos on the same. BTW, I like your riding jacket, what brand is it, if you don’t mind me asking! Meanwhile, stay well, stay safe out there and have a very Merry Christmas. Loyal.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Jacket is am Olympia and unfortunately, they are out of business. Merry Christmas!

[@4loyal]

@@cruisemansgarage Good Morning Cruiseman, Thanks for your reply to my query about your jacket! It’s a great looking jacket, but it looks like I’m a day late and a dollar short of getting one for myself! Oh well, better luck in the future. Meanwhile I hope you and family have a wonderful Christmas!!!

[@BelgiumGOAT]

Also i guess its waterproof maybe not if you swim with it for minutes but it should be its not good weather everywhere

[@SnakebitenVideos]

Is it earphone plug compatible?

[@ghostrider564]

So HJC helmets are manufactured in Vietnam, Korea and China whilst Shoei are manufactured in Japan This is part of what I found for Shoei "After the helmet shells have been cut with water jets and laser beams, the rest of the production is done by hand. The factory staff check the outer shells again and again looking for rough spots. The decals are applied in a bath of water, absolutely no air bubbles should remain". So differently not the same.

[@darronmorris2683]

We do group riding the mesh works only by line of site after that it breaks up.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I think the new WAVE technology will overcome that limitation.

[@340Captain]

I own the Impulse since now 7-8 month. Yes, it's high quality, it fits perfectly. But, to be honest, my 3/4 helmet from Shoei fits better for GoldWing riding. Especially in summer. I don.t like the closed helmets so much. The black buttons on the left side are unpracitca.I always have to search with my fingers which button is the most upper one and then counting down. The tactile architecture is not good. The sun visor is not far enough in the down position, the chin bar is heavy to open. The firmware update and all the functions are quite complicate to understand. And yes, the sound is very good.

[@gregorytragitt2208]

Because I often ride 500 mi/day weight is a significant factor in helmet selection. I have a Schubert C4 Pro carbon with an integrated SC1 communication system produced by Sena. I have ordered a Schubert C5 with an SC2. I also had a Shoei Neotec with the integrated Sena. The battery life of that Sena was terrible. I never achieved more than 8 hr of listening to music from my Zumo XT.

[@BokHog]

Mine gets delivered today. After not riding for two years, I got a bike this week and waiting on this helmet to get here so I can ride. I won't ride with out one (even though it is legal to do so)

[@garylambert2561]

How long does the battery last? Is it replaceable?

[@FranklinBurns42]

The battery is exceptional. It outlasted my friends 50s by hours

[@michaelbayliss1794]

Does it fit in your 2018 Goldwing tour pak ?

[@FranklinBurns42]

It will but placement has to be perfect and then only barely fits. I have the XL

[@Supernaut2000]

Buttons are to small and similar in size, location, feel with gloves on. I have to wear heavier gloves most of the time and this would not work for me.

[@frankward8003]

Can the BT unit be recharged on the fly? That's one of the features I like with my Sena S20 Evo. I have been on road trips and at around the 9 hour mark the unit needs to be charged and I simply plug a battery pack that's in my jacket pocket to recharge while on the fly... the ability to recharge on the fly is a must have for me. Also the reason why this helmet sound better is mostly because the speaker pockets are better placed over the ears....when I got my Shoei RF1200 helmet the sound from the speakers was much louder than with my old helmet because the speakers are better placed over my ears...a 1/4" makes a huge difference with the sound output....also why no mention about the rear LED light on the back of the helmet....overall I like this new helmet.

[@johnwilson8922]

How is the wind noise around the visor?

[@cruisemansgarage]

Much better than my HJC, but I need more miles to test in different wind conditions.

[@danaszalajeski4416]

You have to remember that Cruiseman is on a Goldwing which, even with the stock windscreen, has very little wind hitting the helmet. However you can tell the difference between a cheap helmet versus an expensive helmet with the amount of wind and road noise you hear in the helmet.

[@briandouglas2476]

How long does a charge last before having to recharge?

[@cruisemansgarage]

That is the next thing I will be testing. Sena claims 18 hours on Bluetooth and 11 hours on Mesh (I think) I will confirm that.,

[@senatechnologies]

Talk time depends on factors such as wind (if the mic is improperly placed, the voice command tech will have to work very hard to distinguish between wind and voice requests - this can drain the battery.), VERY cold temperatures can also shorten talk time and number and type of connections can make the talk time vary as well.

[@lampkind]

Sena v2.0.0 doesn’t work with the 22 gw. They told me I have to wait for the next firmware update…

[@rpsingapore2005]

Sena impulse

[@kimsac1]

Is this helmet true to size??

[@cruisemansgarage]

It is similar to the HJC fit.

[@kimsac1]

@@cruisemansgarage that’s cool Thanks

[@powamoto]

I tried to connect it to my sports bike but I was too focused on riding the motorcycle and not listening to music and chatting with my friends I figured if I wanted to go to a party have a drink and chat with my friends I wouldn't do it while riding with my motorcycle I think technology is overrated and two wheels is the way to go. Also with all of these features this helmet must be heavy as F no thanks I'll stick with the lightweight helmets that don't require a bunch of buttons and look like an alien helmet I'm going with x lite or Scorpion 🦂

[@genequies8731]

A drop, ooops. No way. Been riding 55 years and will never spend that much for a helmet.

[@tomholstrom5457]

How much is your head and comfort worth?? I've spent over a grand for Arai racing helmets and it's well worth it! But hey to each his own!

[@genequies8731]

@@tomholstrom5457 you're right. A helmet is essential. Didn't mean to sound like I didn't wear one but a 2-3 hundred $ JHC fits me so nice. And I have 2-3 Hundred for some HD ACCESSORIES.

[@scottg4669]

Kind of a waste of a camera as its recommended to switch out your helmet every 5 years or so depending on your riding time. At least with the external mount you can put it on your next helmet.

[@firesquad0155]

Looks SHOEI to me

[@genequies8731]

Priced like a shoe

[@tomvoncharon6359]

I think it might actually cost even more if it were. I wear an RF1400

[@jamzholm]

Schuberth helmets have made perfect helmets with built in communication systems and speakers for several years. Why not go with a proven helmet that’s already been on the market? Plus they are one of the highest rated protection for your head out of all the helmets made.

[@tomholstrom5457]

I'm thinking if the Impulse is of similar quality as a Shuberth then price is the factor. I've always raced with Arai helmets at a $1k price point and understand the importance of investing in safety. I can almost get two Impulse's for the price of a Shuberth with SC1. Be nice to compare a C4 Pro with SC1 to the Impulse.

[@royalenfieldracer7806]

Don’t ride open