TVS SmartXonnect S20X Helmet Intercom Review

Things we like

Mesh intercom – The biggest highlight of the S20X is its mesh intercom feature called RideGrid. However, unlike the BluArmor C30, on which the intercom feature can be activated by long pressing the top navigation button, the S20X requires the Ridegrid connection to be activated through the TVS Connect App. There’s no shortcut button for the same.

While the S20X can be connected to 20 riders, we only tested it between two devices. The intercom connection felt reliable and the audio quality from the JBL speakers was good. The microphone captures the rider's voice with remarkable clarity, at speeds of up to 80kph. The noise cancellation feature is highly effective as well.

Range – TVS claims a maximum range of 1.1km in ideal conditions. In the real world, though, we found the connection to be consistent within 500-600 meters, with a few vehicles in between. The automatic reconnection feature works seamlessly when the other rider moves back within range.

Battery life – The TVS SmartXonnect S20X has a claimed battery life of 16 hours. In my experience, it comfortably delivered nearly 12 hours of backup with a combination of mesh intercom and music streaming. Furthermore, the S20X can be charged within an hour.

Things we didn’t like

App dependency – While the Ridegrid mesh intercom works almost flawlessly, it can only be activated via the TVS Connect App. So, every time you need to use the intercom function, you need to create a new Ridegrid connection through the app and connect to other devices.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the TVS SmartXonnect S20X is a worthwhile investment. Its exceptional durability, audio quality, ease of use, and outstanding battery life make it excellent value for money. Sure, it has a few drawbacks, but they don't come in the way of its positives. The S20X has become an integral part of my daily rides.