Product Review: Sena 20S Dual Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System

Sena 20S Dual Bluetooth Communication

So far we have told you how the Sena 20S came about, where you can buy one, and how easy it is to install one in your helmet. We also told you that even though the 20S might not be one of the more affordable motorcycle Bluetooth communication systems in the market, it is one of the most loaded, nicely built, and expensive looking and feeling units on sale. Now, it is time to find out how it works…

Calls

Calling or more like receiving calls when on the motorcycle is probably one of the most important functions of a helmet Bluetooth communication system. And the Sena 20S does this really well. Receiving a call is just a push of a button away. And, when on call, not only is the sound quality crystal clear, even the caller can hear you from inside the helmet as if you were speaking from an enclosed area and not fighting the wind at 80kmph atop a motorcycle.

We have tried both the boom mic and the wired one and both work equally well. The only thing to watch out for with the boom mic is to swing it out of the helmet casing when putting on the lid. Else, the rubbing of the mic against your forehead when sliding on the helmet can cause bruising. Making a call meanwhile requires voice commands (activated by double tapping the device and indicated by the green light). But, you can’t dial any number you want. Only those stored as speed dials – you can store up to three, or the last dialed number are the only ones one can access.

Entertainment

The Sena 20S allows you to play the music off your phone or the FM radio. Interestingly, one doesn’t need a phone connected to listen to FM. The stations can be stored via the Sena app and then can be accessed via a long push of a button when riding. Changing channels is easy too. Tap the same button once and the next channel begins to air.

The sound quality for music played off the phone as well as the FM is pretty good. Don’t expect similar audio quality as a high-end ear or headphone unit, but it’s clear enough even at three digit speeds. The only thing it lacks is good bass.

The only issue we faced was the FM losing reception at times. But, it wasn’t a regular occurrence. We would have liked more crispness and a bit more resistance in the functioning of the jog dial for more precise responses, nonetheless. The turning of the jog dial operates volume while pushing and turning of the dial changes sound tracks.

Intercom

A Bluetooth helmet communication system is only complete if it can be paired with your fellow riders’ sets. And this, the 20S dual, comes with two units in the box as we explained in the very first report of this system. It is easy to pair too, and not just to a second unit but one can pair up to eight units, which for a group ride is fantastic. It’s easily done as well. One can either use voice command or the jog dial or funnily enough, hold two units together and shake them to establish a connection. Moreover, one can choose what’s more important – music, navigation command or the intercom chat and set priority accordingly. The intercom system has a good range as well, helped by the in-built antenna.

Battery life

The thing I loved most about the Sena 20S is its battery life. I charge it through Sunday night and the unit’s charge lasts me my five days of work commute. And it’s not a short commute – hour and a half, each way, every day. And even then, it has some life left for a Saturday morning ride. It has good standby time too.

So, the big question – should you invest in one? We think you should. If you do regular group rides, we feel it is a must. But, even if you ride solo most of the time or commute on a bike, the Sena 20S makes all the sense.

Click here to read the Sena 20S Dual Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System Review Report 1

Click here to read the Sena 20S Dual Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System Review: Installation

Photography by Kapil Angane