Thanks for the write-up, I'm looking into this one now. I have the Chatterbox slim, which by the looks of it, is bigger. That's fine, but I'm having issues with the speaker and mic set-up in my full-face. Really bulky.
Let me know how the set-up goes in the helmet and how you find the fit/comfort.
Install was a breeze once you committed to a mounting spot for head Bluetooth unit. Be certain of where you want it cause the adhesive on the tape is the real deal. I went with the Velcro option, instead of the permanent install route.
The Bell Star helmet already had cut outs for audio, the speakers are a perfect fit circumference wise... I opted to use SENA's optional (included in packing) ear pads to bring the speakers closer to my ear canals'.
For those wondering, the SMH 10R does have a wired mic as well as a flexible boom style mic.
Compared to the interphone F5 the 10R’s audio sound is clearly better, simply but it’s clear and in my opinion very crisp, but missing the base just like the F5 unit.
Pairing was very easy, honestly took about 6 seconds, you can reach a higher volume on the 10r than you can of the F5, don’t get me wrong the F5 is plenty loud but not as loud as the 10r; Yes audio is still pleasing with Surefire Sonic Defenders Plus earplugs in.
Incoming calls just say hello and line is answered, one press of the center button hangs up. You can set the Audio volume for each source Vs just one setting for all.
The F5 has auto volume, but it really lacks luster, you have the option to turn it off “ and you will” but if you do all audio volume will be the same meaning if you have your music blasting every audio source with blast!
Button feel on the 10r and the F5 are about the same in my opinion did the glove test and they both faired out equally, there not such a no brainer like the regular SENA SMH10, however button feel is still pronounced even with thick gloves.
What I liked about the F5 is that the voice prompts let you know what mode your in such as, phone, Bluetooth audio etc… the 10r is missing this feature but it might come in a firmware update.
Also I purchased the optional grip remote for the F5, I find it useful no need to take my hands off the grips when at speeds, but unfortunately it’s only compatible with the F5 unit, so if you have an F4 your out of luck and interphone does not guarantee it will work on future models.
I forgot to mention the SENA does not have an FM tuner, which is not a problem, but I will admit not like some that offer FM tuners the F5 gets stations that you would actually listen to. The weight difference is noticeable from the beginning when installed on the helmet the slim profile is a must have for my taste.
Overall I’m choosing the SENA, although it lacks the voice feature, it does what I need it to do right the first time, and is more bang for the buck in my opinion I will admit although you can turn it off the voice on the F5 could be annoying at times yet useful.
Also the SENA had no delay when Bluetooth audio was selected the F5 has a delay and also delays when switching tracks. The battery for the 10r is to be mounted on the rear of the helmet, I opted to install it on my neck roll for now, the curvature of my helmet would not allow a flush fit if centered on the outside of the helmet.
Battery life:
F5 (11hrs) talk time/ (700hrs) standby
10R (8hrs) talk time/ (7 Days) standby
Features:
Interphone F5= Text to Speech, Waterproof, FM tuner, Stereo audio, Bluetooth audio, optional grip remote, includes both wired, and boom microphones, 6 bike intercom, 3.5mm audio jack, firmware upgradable via usb.
SENA SMH10R = Light weight, slim compact design,
Stereo audio, Bluetooth audio, 4 bike intercom, weather resistant, Charge while in use, auxiliary charge cable, USB cable, can be charged with any micro USB charger/adapter, superior voice and audio quality, 2yr warranty.