Tag Archives: Bluetooth

Sena adds Savage open-face helmet

Bluetooth giant Sena has moved into helmets with integrated intercom systems over the past couple of years, adding full-face helmets, a half-helmet and now the open-face Savage.

Last year I reviewed the Sena Momentum full-face helmet and I was so impressed it has now become my go-to helmet. Read my review here.

Sena Momentum Lite Bluetooth helmet hi-fi savage
Sena Momentum Lite Bluetooth helmet

But I remain a little sceptical about the quality of sound and noise-damping of the brow-mounted microphone in their Savage open-face and Calvary half-helmets.

Sena Cavalry motorcycle half helmet with bluetooth unit savage
Sena Calvary

I’m hoping to test the Savage soon.

Meanwhile, check out this promotional video which seems to indicate the sound quality defeats wind noise.

Sena Savage

The Savage is now available in Australia in matte black in medium, large and XL sizes at about $A500, depending on where you buy it.

You can also buy optional long and short peaks and we imagine the three press studs would also fit many visors suitable for other open-face helmets.

It is the first open-face helmet with Bluetooth 4.1, connecting with three other riders up to 1.6km.

Controls are simplistic, but the jog dial and single button should work as well as other Sena products we have tested.

Sena says it comes with “HD quality speakers” built into the ear cavities.

The microphone is located in the upper rim of the helmet and features their Advanced Noise Control to reduce wind noise.

Like other Sena units, it is an intercom and has integrated 10-station FM radio which can be accessed hands-free with voice controls.

Bluetooth connection to your phone also allows access to make and receive phone calls, use Siri, listen to music and hear GPS directions.

Talk time is 11 hours and the lithium polymer battery charges in three hours.

The composite fibreglass shell helmet weighs just 1100g and features removable and washable padding, with a nylon double-D-ring fastener.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Neckmike headset suits motorcyclists

The new Neckmike headset should resolve the two biggest problems with wearing earphones connected to your phone when riding.

The problems are that the microphone supplied with most smartphone earphones is usually useless against wind noise on a bike and the bulky earbuds are often uncomfortable under a tight helmet.

Neckmike has a microphone that attaches to your neck and works like those fighter pilots we’ve seen in many war movies, cutting out all wind and ambient noise.

The earbuds are also small and the type that slot right inside your ears to reduce background wind noise so you don’t have to turn the volume up ridiculously high to hear.

(Now we know some riders are totally against this sort of communication/entertainment while riding. However, there are other riders who love music and being able to stay in touch. Plus there are professionals who need to be in contact for work while riding such as couriers and moto-journos like me!)

Neckmike

Neckmike is the product of a two-person Swedish company that produces headsets for military and first responders.

Co-founder Carl Franzén tells us they have now developed a civilian version suitable for active use such as motorcycling, skiing, jogging and cycling.

Neckmike Case
Carl models the Neckmike

They have launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding program to help get the product to market.

There are three types of headset:

Neckmike Case
C30 unit
  • The C30 costs $US109,99 (about $A155) and is designed for use with a smartphone, although it does not have a lightning connection for the iPhone so you have to use the adapter that comes with the phone. You can also plug it into some Bluetooth intercoms that feature an external speaker socket. 
  • The C50 ($US129.99/$A180) is the same headset but with a lower volume output to meet CE requirements.
  • Top of the range is the Neckmike M4+ bundle at $US209.99 (about $295) which contains a Neckmike C20 and a M4 bluetooth intercom. It’s good value as you also get a handlebar controller for easy access to controls. 

    Neckmike Case
    Bundle comes with M4 intercom and handlebar controls

Carl says the units are completely waterproof and the earbud speakers are made with hi-fi elements from a “renowned Danish company”. 

While Neckmike can be connected to many communication devices, a number of versions with different cable sets will be released soon.

We also hope to test one of the units when they become available.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com