So I installed the Sena in my helmet yesterday and must say had a tough time doing that correctly. Once on I synced it up to my cell phone which went smooth enough, desoute the manual saying you can BT it using Headset or Hands Free - I never saw these choices at all.
Tried it out in my living room with both making a call and listening to music via BT on Android phone. Both of these worked ok and were clear. Also hooked it to Ipod using the included wire and it also sounded pretty decent there too. Now the true test!
Went outside and got it all synced up and told my wife to call me on it. While driving I clearly heard the incoming call beep and pushed the take call button on the back. At low speed she said she could hear me fine and couldnt even hear the sound of pipes or engine AT ALL which i thought was wild. As I picked up speeds I began to have a hard time hearing her unless she spoke up loud- and even at 70 he said she couldn't even tell I was on a bike, hearing no engine, wind, or exhaust sounds. Thumbs up there!
After the call I went into music mode and must say I had a difficult time hearing the music even when both cell and Sena were cranked all the way up. Def not great quality stereo sound at all which pissed me off. I also tried using the cellular GPS function which is an audible turn by turn voice system which totally faded out under engine and exhaust noise. Very disappointing.
Went back home and took Sena advice by adding the velcro pads to the back of the speakers to get them closer to my ear itself. They are almost out so far they irritate my ears. Went out for another ride and did not find this mod to be much help whatsoever. I am not impressed and wish there was a way to get more wattage in this system so music and voices can be heard louder and not drowned out by wind and bike noise. I hope they let me return this thing for at least a merchandise credit of some sort, even though the sales rep said they cant do that with electronic items. WTF over?
I didnt even hook up the other unit to my wifes helmet to try the intercom system, which was a primary idea when I bought this. Now I wonder if any other system has more volume to make this worth a swap of any sort.?
Needless to say I am not happy even though every review of this Sena SMH10 is off the charts. Yes it is easy to use with the jog wheel, I even changed tracks on the music with very simple touch/twist. But the volume is the main issue for me. Maybe I did end up losing some hearing between all the artillery, mortars, ied's and bombs over the course of my lifetime. Oh well. There is my reviews folks. Thanks for all your input and assistance!
