Sena Motorcycle BlueTooth gets great Press Reviews

Online, June 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - "The Bottom Line

2010 Sena SMH10 Bluetooth Intercom - The Bottom Line Ratings

Feature Rating

Design Excellent Larger than usual integrated headset component, but its styling and smooth edges are visually attractive and nothing 'sticks' out.
Execution Excellent to Outstanding Everything exudes quality and strength and pieces are well finished. The detractor, at least for me, is the one-piece headset component. It would be great to see a modular assembly that facilitates repair/replacement or use of optional pieces.
The microphone boom appears lightweight, but remains pliant and connected after prolonged heavy use.

Features and Performance Outstanding Whether this is a Gen 3 or Gen 4 motorcycle communications systems is debatable, but there is no argument that the Sena SMH10 is the most advanced and most capable Bluetooth-based system that I have evaluated so far.
Intercom Outstanding The SMH10 has the versatility, clarity and range that I have been hoping for and now have.
Being able to configure up to four users and switch between them with one, two or three quick pushes of the Jog Dial is something that riders, organized groups or support teams will be able to exploit fully.

Multi-User Configuration Outstanding Up to four systems can be 'networked' to provide multiple set pairings and switching.
The SMH10 network is based on the last-in, first-out or LIFO principle, meaning that the last system paired with 'A' will only take one tap to connect, etc.

The Bluetooth one-to-one principle still applies, but in a multi-user environment, the ability to 'pair' the devices in almost any order. The ability to pair devices in almost any order provides great flexibility. Sena makes this limitation quite transparent.

Even though each system module can have their own wireless or wired devices, the ability to share a common audio stream (separate from the intercom) between a rider and passenger is an attractive option.

Device Compatibility Outstanding Outside of two legacy and obviously proprietary Bluetooth adapters I tried, the Sena system has paired and worked with everything offered up.
Based on device compatibility, advanced mobile phone voice functions are supported as well as remote control (AVRCP) media player functions.

Sensing, pairing and device switching is extremely fast.

Fit Excellent The mounting bracket is quite large, largely due to the extended base that houses the microphone boom and audio input port, so the assembly sits a bit lower than I like. But it wasn't really a bother even when wearing high-neck garments. Its fitment to a variety of different helmets was just about perfect overall.
The speaker wires are long enough and the speakers, larger than many others on the market and heavyweight, are easy to install.

I prefer a component headset assembly where the microphone and speakers can be disconnected for installation or replacement but other than this personal preference, it is hard to fault the SMH10 headset.

Setup and Configuration
Outstanding All of us have pushed the 'Easy Button' for this category. Reading the Guide once, then for a second time with the system in hand and trying everything dynamically will likely be all that is required to get comfortable with the SMH10.
Everything worked the first time and only in the case of certain peripherals that are always cranky to work with did a second attempt need to be undertaken to get devices paired up and working with each other.

The latest Bluetooth version implementations make life a lot easier when working with newer generation devices. In most cases, auto-negotiation and security is taken care of automatically with little or no user intervention required. And while this hands-off approach raises some concerns, for the vast majority of users it is appreciated.

Ease of Use Outstanding Plug it in to an AC or DC source and charge it, snap it onto the bracket and press both controls to instantly turn the system on or off.
The Jog Dial and Phone buttons take care of it all, sometimes singularly and sometimes together. Once the various functions have been used two or three times, it becomes intuitive, even on the road.

A big contributor in simplifying a somewhat complex system is the use of audio tones for every input or system condition and even though the tonal series might seem complex, it's not.

Being able to do everything with the helmet and system mounted is, at least for me, very agreeable.

Power Excellent This category takes a slight hit due to the fact that the battery is internal and non-removable, even though it is good for 'hundreds of charges'.
Even with the intercom activated, over eight hours of use possible on one charge. In a mixed use environment, with pretty heavy intercom and audio use, a single charge still provides over six hours of use.

Reliability Excellent to Outstanding I'm reserving some space here for the long term side of things, but so far the Sena systems have been stone reliable and nothing has failed, less the original adhesive mounting panels. Intercom link reliability is outstanding.
Maintenance and Support Excellent Outside of creating custom adhesive mounts to replace the failed kit units, nothing other than periodic charging, unless the adapter is used, has been required. I know the Editor has gotten timely feedback and support from the Sena representative as well.
Cost Outstanding At a list price of $219.00 USD for a single sytem and $399.00 for a DualPack, don't walk, but run to your keyboard to order them!
For a new generation system that has simple but ultra functional features, the Sena SMH10 helmet system is a steal!

Value Outstanding The SMH10 is a well-balanced blend between design, features, execution and performance, with full stress on performance.
It doesn't have every bell-and-whistle I could hope for, but since receiving them and with some serious reflection on the state of Bluetooth systems, they represent tremendous value.
Conclusion
With two riders, multiple motorcycles and multiple helmets, the portability provided by stand-alone Bluetooth systems is hard to beat.

Appreciating everything provided by the many systems on the market, my key requirement is still communications. In this regard, the Sena SMH10 system is outstanding.

Outside of the weak adhesive mounting plate, anything else is extreme nitpicking.

So what does this mean? The SMH10 system is my new champion. Even with the Cardo G4 units now in hand, and the F4 Interphone systems headed my way, the Sena system raises the bar to a new height."

Company Profile :

British Motorcycle Gear manufactures and imports a full line of motorcycle protective clothing including motorcycle jackets, motorcycle pants, motorcycle gloves, armor,boots,thermals and motorcycle helmets.

Email Contact : [email protected]
Issued By : Paul Brooks
Phone : 800-432-9004
Fax : 858-672-4318
Zip : 92129
City/Town : San Diego
State/Province : California
Country : United States

For more informations visit:-
http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/