Sena SMH10B review

[Owen]

Sena SMH10B-10 Review

 

This is a review of my new Sena SMH10 Bluetooth Headset and how well it functions for my particular application. Spoiler alert! It works extremely well! The Sena is a replacement for a three year old Scala Cardo Q2 headset. I considered a new Scala 4 but the reviews were not stellar. I have tried several different wired systems over the years but have a need to go wireless for some of my activities. I have used starcom, kenedy, rider and a couple others. Basically I need connectivity between the headset and the following items: 2 GPSs, phone, MP3, intercom, ham/wx band radio. Why so much stuff? I have only one motorcycle and it needs to meet all the requirements for its intended duties; pleasure rides, long distance endurance rides (IBA), touring, bicycle charity ride escort (Motorcycle Marshal), and anything else that comes to mind. The idea is to throw my leg over the FJR1300, turn on the headset and go. No fuss, no hassle, just go. I will not discuss the installation and set up of all this equipment here. Only the bluetooth connectivity and headset operation.

 

Here are the general equipment specs:

Headset - Sena SMH10B-10 FW V4.1, BT V3.0

GPSs - Garmin Zumo 550

Ham/WX Radio - Yeasu FTM10R Transceiver, AM/FM/VHF/UHF, Dual channel Bluetooth

Phone - Apple iPhone 4

 

The Sena SMH10 allows several connection profiles including Headset Profile, Hands-free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio Video Remote control Profile (AVRCP). I have yet to try all the possible profile combinations but have already found that by simply using HFP and A2DP everything works as I need. With the multiple connects and the availability of the SM10 Dual Stream Stereo Transmitter (dongle), which allows wired audio connections, the connectivity is nearly limitless. The basic helmet mount comes with a single stereo 3.5mm input. My particular needs have been met without having to acquire the SM10 dongle.

 

The old Scala Q2 worked pretty well but two major problems were the short battery life (3-4hrs) when connected to the ham radio, and the fact that it could not be paired to anything else when the ham radio was in use. When not using the ham radio, it was paired to another headset (intercom) and the GPS which also paired to the phone and those worked well also. Battery life was then extended to a more realistic 6 hours or so. The Sena allows for multiple connections via HFP profile and allows me to connect to the ham radio, GPS, and intercom at the same time. I use A2DP profile for the GPS to allow stereo MP3 streaming. Another plus for the Sena is the available volume is 3x that of the Scala. Instead of straining to hear, I am able to run it at about 75% volume at highway speeds. The audio is clearer and has more bass than the Scala even though the speakers are only slightly thicker. With the helmet on, I can fill up with gas at the pump, walk inside the store while still hearing and talking on the radio or phone. While assisting a down or injured rider, I can stay in contact via the ham radio with out having to carry a separate hand held radio on my belt. Audio reports from the phone and ham radio have been very positive. Audio prompts from the menu system are nice.

 

I found this SMH10 on ebay for about $160. Not bad when comparing to other available units.

[Dave77459]

Sena SMH10B-10 Review

 

*snip*

 

I found this SMH10 on ebay for about $160. Not bad when comparing to other available units.

Great review. I see it on Amazon Prime for $153, which means I could have it Tuesday for $156.

 

Before I pull the trigger, how would it attach to my helmet? The Cardo clamp I have now won't work because the helmet has a 1/2" thick profile at the bottom.

 

Also, how does the book work with your jaw down?

 

Dave

[jfoster]

Dave, I've got the first ones they came out with and if they're the same it clamps to the side of helmet. I've used mine on a Fulmer with no problems and the wife has an HIC i think that it fits fine on. I really like mine, the first one I had had some distortion in one of the speakers and sent it back and they sent me a brand new set. On mine, you just pull back the liner and clamp it to the shell with two allen screws.

 

Here's a couple of photos to help see how mine is constructed.

 

[ATTACH]71782[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]71783[/ATTACH]

[Owen]

It comes with a sticky tape mount and and the clamp mount. There is an additional mount that allows you to put the boom and mic on the inside and connect it with a small cable.

[Dave77459]

Dave, I've got the first ones they came out with and if they're the same it clamps to the side of helmet. I've used mine on a Fulmer with no problems and the wife has an HIC i think that it fits fine on. I really like mine, the first one I had had some distortion in one of the speakers and sent it back and they sent me a brand new set. On mine, you just pull back the liner and clamp it to the shell with two allen screws.

 

Here's a couple of photos to help see how mine is constructed.

 

[ATTACH]71782[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]71783[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks! It looks very similar to Cardo G4 I used before, which I can't mount because my Scorpion EXO-900 helmet is too thick. However, someone says they carefully peeled away the plastic shell from the foam and used the clamp. Others say they went to Radio Shack and bought some super tape that worked better than the Sena tape (which failed). Edit: They used "Superlock Strips (Radio Shack PN 64-2360)"

 

We'll see, and I'll be taking photos, fer sure.

 

It comes with a sticky tape mount and and the clamp mount. There is an additional mount that allows you to put the boom and mic on the inside and connect it with a small cable.

I bought the mount with the detached boom which also comes with a thin mike to put in the jaw... you can connect one or the other. I also bought the one that is like that, but with ear buds instead of speakers. I wear ear plugs and I think the ear buds would provide that function too. However, on my first ToH ironbutt, my ear buds rubbed on the very close-fitting helmet and it was uncomfortable after 500 miles. So, I'm not sure which I'll end up with.

 

It all comes tonight, and I'm excited.

Edited September 25, 2012 by Dave77459
Clarified Radio Shack tape

[Pegasus1300]

Is there a website that you know of for Sena?

[FreezyRider]

Is there a website that you know of for Sena?

 

http://www.senabluetooth.com

[Pegasus1300]

thanx