TVS SmartXonnect S20X and S10X Bluetooth Intercom Long-term Review: Introduction

Gallery Introduction Design Box Contents Features What’s Next?

Introduction

If you are into long-distance bike trips, and especially group rides, chances are you’d highly value motorcycle helmet intercoms. It eliminates the need to take frequent breaks to communicate with your fellow riders or friends and family. Besides having seamless communication between your riding buddies, helmet intercoms also allow you to answer phone calls on the go, listen to music, and even audio-based navigation.

Now, the folks at TVS have sent two such Bluetooth intercoms - the SmartXonnect S20X and S10X for review. Both these intercoms are positioned as affordable alternatives to some of the premium options available in the market, but come equipped with features that are quite impressive. These intercoms are manufactured by BluArmour, and the S20X in particular, is identical to the BluArmour C30. Let’s take a look at what these intercoms have to offer.

Design

Coming to the design, the S20X and S10X feature an identical design, barring the colour scheme. The intercom module features a minimalistic boxy design with an ‘X’ logo at the centre. It gets minimalist design is further highlighted by the fact that it gets only three buttons and an antenna on the top. The type-C charging port and the micro-USB audio ports are placed at the bottom of the module.

As far as installation is concerned, the intercom module can be installed on the helmet via a clamp mount or a 3M adhesive mount. Coming to the headset installation, the JBL speakers should be pasted behind the cheek pads, inside the earpiece cavity (in case your helmet has one) with the help of adhesive Velcro mounts. You also get extra Velcro spacers in case you prefer a snug fit.

Box Contents

In case you are wondering what all components are provided in the box, here’s the complete list.

- S20X/S10X intercom module

- A pair of JBL headset

- One mic

- A set of headset foam spacers

- One USB Type-C cable

- One adhesive mount

- One clamp mount

- One Allen key

Features

Both, the S20X and the S10X come equipped with similar features, barring one crucial bit. The S20X gets both Ride Grid as well as Ride Lynk features, while the S10X is only available with Ride Lynk. What this means is that you can connect up to 20 riders at once via a mesh connection with the S20X, while the S10X with its Ride Lynk can only be used as a rider-to-rider or rider-to-pillion intercom between two devices only. Both devices come with a claimed connection range of 1.2km in a straight line without obstacles.

Other common features include JBL headsets, AudioWeave intercom with music, active noise cancellation, dynamic volume control, and IP67 waterproof rating. Both devices also get over-the-air firmware updates, a voice assistant for calls and music, a SmartXonnect application, and Ride Lynk.

What’s Next?

Since we have received both the TVS SmartXonnect units, I will be testing the S20X while Pratheek Kunder will be testing the S10X. We will individually test these products on our day-to-day office commutes, weekend rides, and perhaps even on long-distance tours. And since the treacherous Mumbai rains are in full swing, this will also serve as a good test bed to review its waterproof qualities and durability. Moreover, we will test these devices on various parameters like audio quality, battery performance, intercom range, and quality of connection.