As we all know, technology has greatly changed the way we understand a intercom motorcycle Today these devices are used for much more than talking to the passenger. In fact, they allow you to follow GPS directions, listen to music or podcasts, take calls and have a conversation with other motorists without having to take your attention off the road. AND SIGN he knows it.
But we don’t all need the same thing. The biker who uses the motorcycle daily and usually travels alone has very different priorities from those who organize routes with 4, 6 or more companions. Therefore, before looking at the benefits, it is advisable to start with a much simpler question: how do you use your motorcycle?
If you normally ride alone: SENA VORTEX
Just because you usually drive alone doesn’t mean that an intercom doesn’t make sense. In fact, it is precisely during daily commutes and individual routes where functions such as GPS, music, podcasts or hands-free calling can be most practical.
In this scenario it is not necessary to resort directly to a device designed for large groups. The SENA VORTEX offers a solution Bluetooth simple, with two-way communication between motorists, connection with the smartphone and up to 27 hours of talk time. Your reach Bluetooth Intercom reaches up to 1.2 km in open field and has protection IPX7 facing the water.
In addition, it incorporates magnetic mounting, wireless charging, second generation HD speakers and a button Quick Pair which simplifies pairing with another device. Its price is 169 euros.
For two people, it is better to go for simplicity
Rider and passenger, 2 friends who go out together or 2 motorcycles that normally stay close. For these situations, a system Bluetooth is still sufficient and avoids paying for technologies that may never be used.
The SENA APEX is designed precisely for communication between two users. Use Bluetooth 6.0offers up to 1.6 km of range in open field and reaches up to 20 hours of talk time. It also features second-generation HD speakers, AI-based noise cancellation, resistance IPX7 and wireless charging.
Its most interesting feature for those who make long trips is the replaceable battery. The system allows you to change it quickly instead of having to stop to recharge the device, and the set includes an additional battery and a double charger. Its price: 239 euros.
Are there up to four of you? APEX PLUS expands the possibilities
When the company begins to grow, needs change. Four people can stay connected via Bluetooth Intercom with the SENA APEX PLUS, which retains many of the features of the APEX but expands communication up to 4 users.
The announced range is up to 1.6 km in open fields and the autonomy reaches up to 20 hours. It also maintains the replaceable battery, wireless charging, wheel control, 40mm HD speakers and protection IPX7. It is, therefore, a logical alternative for small groups that do not yet need to make the leap to mesh. Its price: 289 euros.
Three bikes or more: here Mesh starts to make sense
A group route does not work like a conversation between 2 people. The motorcycles separate, a traffic light can divide the group and it is common for some motorcyclists to ride a few meters in front or behind. That’s where technology mesh takes center stage. Instead of relying solely on a chain of connections Bluetooth individual, creates a communication network more appropriate for groups in which positions are constantly changing.
The systems mesh of SIGN allow you to work with up to 24 participants in Group Meshwhile OpenMesh can support a virtually unlimited number of participants, depending on the mode used. For this scenario, options appear such as the SENA SPIDER X Slim, the 60X or the 60S EVO. If we talk about 4 four users, the APEX PLUS is still a solution Bluetooth simpler.
If you are looking for something discreet: SPIDER X Slim
Size can also be a deciding factor. There are motorcyclists who prefer the device to protrude as little as possible from the helmet, especially when using the intercom for many hours. The SENA SPIDER X Slim is designed precisely with that idea. The main unit is only 16 mm thick and weighs 23.2 grams, while the battery is located in a separate module to reduce the volume installed on the helmet.
But its small size does not mean giving up group communication functions. Incorporates Mesh Intercom 3.0with up to 1.6 km range in open field and up to 24 participants in Group Mesh. It also has Wave Intercom, Sound by BoseAI-based noise cancellation, voice commands and resistance IPX7. By the way, its autonomy in mesh reaches 11 hours. Its price is 279 euros.
For those who want an intercom for almost everything: 60X and 60S EVO
There are bikers who do not have a single way of using the motorcycle. One day they go out alone. Another takes a route with a friend and the next day they participate in an outing with a large group. In these cases, upgrading may make sense. The SENA 60X and 60S EVO combine Bluetooth Intercom, Mesh Intercom 3.0 and Wave Intercomso they can adapt to different driving scenarios.
Both allow up to 4 users to connect via Bluetooth and up to 24 in Group Meshwhile Wave Intercom uses the mobile network to expand practically without limit both the reach and the number of participants. The two models also incorporate Sound by BoseAI-based noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3endurance IPX7 and an autonomy of up to 19 hours using Mesh Intercom.
The most visible difference is in the way of controlling them. The 60S EVO maintains SENA’s signature rotating wheel, while the 60X opts for a joystick that makes it easier to use with gloves and allows you to customize certain controls. The 60S EVO adds other magnetic mounting, lighting RideGlow and integrated flashlight. The prices, 429 euros for both the SENA 60X and the SENA 60S EVO.
What if what matters most to you is listening to music?
Here it is also important to differentiate between occasionally listening to a GPS indication and spending several hours on the motorcycle listening to music. The VORTEX and APEX use second-generation 40mm HD speakers and more than cover the usual navigation, calling, communication and entertainment needs. In the higher models, SENA adds Sound by Bose and AI-based noise cancellation, seeking to improve both music reproduction and conversation intelligibility.
In this area, the SPIDER
So which SENA intercom to choose?
The answer depends much more on how you use the motorcycle than on the amount of technology that appears on the technical sheet. If you mainly ride alone and want GPS, music and calls, the VORTEX covers the essential needs. If there are normally 2 of you, the APEX offers communication Bluetooth and a high autonomy with the addition of its replaceable battery.
If the group reaches up to 4 users, the APEX PLUS expands the possibilities without having to enter the ecosystem yet mesh. Of course, for groups of several motorcycles, mesh It becomes a particularly interesting option, with models such as the SPIDER X Slim, the 60X or the 60S EVO. And if you are looking for a single device that can accompany you on practically any type of route, the 60X and 60S EVO bring together Bluetooth, mesh and Wave Intercom on the same team.
Choosing an intercom well is not about buying the model with the longest list of features. It’s about choosing the technologies that you are really going to use. Because someone who makes the daily commute to work does not need the same device as someone who spends their weekends doing group road trips.
