Product review: Sena 3S Bluetooth Headset & Intercom Communication System

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In the last two reports, we talked about the the Sena 3S Bluetooth Headset & Intercom Communication System as well as its installation. This time we’re going to talk about our experience with this helmet Bluetooth headset. 

Calls

Let me be honest, I wasn’t’ really expecting good call quality from any helmet Bluetooth system. The whole concept of talking to someone while riding with wind and other surrounding sounds all the time didn’t feel or look quite effective. But the Sena 3S system changed my perception on the first day itself. Firstly, receiving calls on this helmet headset is easy by pressing a button. Secondly, once you’re on a call, the voice quality is very clear. It’s the same story on the other side. None of my callers believed that I was talking to them from my helmet. Zero complaints on disturbances and overall quality.

Operation

Operating the Sena 3S isn’t a big deal at all. Like we mentioned in our previous report, place the two-button control in such a place on your helmet, that it is easily accessible for you. And make sure it’s on the left side, because your right hand needs to be on the throttle all the time. So increasing and decreasing volume for calls and music were very easy. Then there are a couple of shortcuts to perform various operations. For example, holding the plus button activates the Bluetooth pairing. I could redial the last number by holding the minus button for three seconds. There are a lot of other combinations to use the headset, which can be easily learned via the Quick Start Guide they provide. I found the rubber material used on the two-button control to be on the harder side. Even with gloves, it took quite a bit of effort to use it. But the 3S is the most affordable Sena we can buy, so this was done to keep costs in check.

Battery life

One word – Impressive! It takes a couple of hours to charge this headset. I usually keep it for charging at night and it’s all charged up to use the next morning. And the best part is that it lasts close to a week. Over the last few weeks, I managed to do a couple of hundred kilometres daily and charging this set was least on my mind. When the 3S is in the stand-by mode, the battery discharge is supremely low. I once kept the headset switched on for two continuous days and then used it for next four days without charging it.

It’s easy to check the battery level. If the LED indicator flashes four times, the headset has more than 70 per cent charge. If the indicator flashes for three times, the charge is somewhere between 30 per cent and 70 percent. And if there’s only two flashes, the charge is low.

What else?

The Sena 3S gets intercom function too. Intercom makes so much sense when you’re riding with your best buddies. I find it quite useful when I’m trail riding where having constant communication is very important. The Sena’s intercom system performs up to 200 metres, which is quite good.

The Sena 3S is also eligible for firmware upgrades. This can be done by connecting the headset to the computer via USB port. The latest downloads can be seen on Sena’s official website.

Should I buy one?

Definitely! I agree that the pricing is on the expensive side, but if you can afford Rs 7,499 for something like this, then you should really get the Sena 3S Bluetooth & Intercom system home. It has made my riding life easy, so will yours. The Sena 3S system is available with Moto Sports Accessories - their authorised dealer in India. Amazon India also sells this system on their platform, but it doesn't make sense to buy from them as it's priced really high. 

Test Duration

2 months - 2500kms

Read about the Sena 20S Bluetooth Intercom & Communication System

Photography by Kapil Angane.