Table of contents

• Bluetooth systems put to the test Communication systems for motorcyclists
• Cardo Packtalk Bold
• Midland BTX2 Pro S.
• Sena 50S – test winner
• UClear Motion Infinity
• Alternatives
• Conclusion

Bjorn Gramm

15th pictures

Tobias Beyl

1/15
Cardo Packtalk Bold

manufacturer

2/15
Cardo does without a power plug, otherwise the scope of delivery offers everything you need.

Tobias Beyl

3/15
Midland BTX2 Pro S.

manufacturer

4/15
The BTX2 Pro S is available in a pre-coupled set of 2. It is much better for this than for group communication.

Tobias Beyl

5/15
Sena 50S

Tobias Beyl

6/15
In addition to the 50S, Sena offers the 50R – with a comparably generous scope of delivery, but with buttons instead of a rotary wheel.

Tobias Beyl

7/15
UClear Motion Infinity

Tobias Beyl

8/15
No enclosed gooseneck microphone for open face helmets, because the microphones are installed on the temple.

manufacturer

9/15
Alternatives with or without a cable, with or without a microphone and with or without a battery: Albrecht SHS 300 B – for everyone who wants to listen to wired music or navigation announcements without having to be heard themselves.

manufacturer

10/15
Avantree Apico: At 2.3 by 2.3 by two centimeters, the small Bluetooth earphones called Apico appear very inconspicuous.

manufacturer

11/15
With the Bluebike XL system, which is barely visible on the outside of the helmet, Bluebike offers a solution primarily designed for the driver and passenger.

manufacturer

12/15
Headwave TĀG 2: is attached to the back of the helmet with special adhesive tape and connected to the playback device via Bluetooth. It converts its signals into vibrations and uses the helmet as a singing bowl.

manufacturer

13/15
Sena + Mesh: The device called + Mesh also offers older Sena headsets the option of communicating with devices that use Mesh 2.0 technology.

manufacturer

14/15
Sena 10C Evo: Years ago, Sena offered a very interesting mix of action cam and communication system with the 10C. Meanwhile, Sena has the again improved 10C Evo on offer.

Tobias Beyl

15/15
Modern mesh systems (DMC for Cardo, MMC for Midland, Mesh 2.0 for Sena, DynaMesh for UClear) allow eight or more devices to be networked without adhering to strict sequences.

accesories

Navis, communication, apps

Testing Bluetooth systems for motorcyclists

Bluetooth systems put to the test
Communication systems for motorcyclists

The trend points towards group communication. In recent years, the devices have offered better and better solutions, which means that even 8 or more motorcyclists can talk to each other while driving. We are testing 4 bluetooth communication systems.

Tobias Beyl

06/03/2021

In this article:

• Cardo Packtalk Bold
• Midland BTX2 Pro S.
• Sena 50S – test winner
• UClear Motion Infinity
• Alternatives
• Conclusion

Talking to one another costs brain capacity and can consequently affect concentration. Therefore, many motorcyclists refrain from listening to music while driving or communicating with other drivers beyond the biker greeting. However, manufacturers and retailers are noticing an increasing interest in communication systems.

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300 m are usually not a problem

Most customers are not interested in chatting with the pillion passenger. The trend, however, points clearly in the direction of group communication. In recent years, the devices have offered better and better solutions, which means that even eight or more motorcyclists can easily talk to each other while driving – provided that they are using the same system. A connection between devices from different manufacturers is also possible, but this is often somewhat complicated. In addition, the comfort offered by the special mesh solutions is then lacking. This means that the order does not play a role either when connecting or while driving. In addition, individual participants can leave the conversation – voluntarily or due to insufficient reach – and return without any problems. Each individual device acts as a relay station in this network, so that larger distances can be bridged between the first and last conversation partner. In practice, the range is well below the manufacturers’ ideal values, but 300 meters between two motorcycles is usually not a problem. Unfortunately, the BT Mesh from Midland was not available for our test, which is why the BTX2 Pro S stood in here. Sena took part with the 50S, which is a noticeable improvement over the previous flagship 30K, which we ran in parallel in the tests. Cardo competed with the tried and tested Packtalk Bold and speakers from JBL, and UClear sent the feature-packed Motion Infinity into the race.

&# 127942; Our recommendation for proper group communication is that Sena 50S* and thus our test winner, despite the somewhat cumbersome installation, the sound quality and operation are convincing and we award first place for this. All products here at a glance:

Cardo Packtalk Bold

Weight: 59 g / 147 g (single / complete); Battery: not specified; Charging time: 85 minutes; Talk time: up to 13 hours; Range: up to 8 kilometers (manufacturer information); Bluetooth version: 4.1; maximum number of participants: 15; Country of manufacture: Ukraine; special functions: radio, voice control, music sharing; Price: 331.38 / 584.83 euros (single / double set)

Tobias Beyl

Cardo does without a power plug, otherwise the scope of delivery offers everything you need.

Charging while in use; Share phone call with group; automatic volume adjustments possible; Adhesive and clamp mount; good volume gradation; no problems with rain; simple and intuitive operation; Voice control; secure hold on the helmet; three different sound profiles can be selected

Updates only via PC; Voice commands audible to everyone else in the group; poor German pronunciation of the artificial voice (“Bluetooth”); despite “Protection against temporary immersion” (IP67) the device inadvertently registers commands in the water bath

offers

Cardo Packtalk Bold audio kit, black

Delivery time: immediate

€ 71.95
plus € 3.99 shipping

To the shop

Audio kit for Cardo PACKTALK BOLD

Delivery time: Available for immediate delivery in 1-3 days

€ 89.00
plus € 5.90 shipping

To the shop

Cardo Packtalk Bold JBL communication system black

Delivery time: 1-2 working days

€ 269.99
plus € 3.49 shipping

To the shop

Cardo Packtalk Bold JBL, Communication System – Black

Delivery time: immediate

€ 271.00
plus € 5.90 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: JBL can do sound, you can hear it. And Cardo can communicate, you know that. The Cardo Packtalk Bold is a well-engineered device, but is no longer up to date.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Midland BTX2 Pro S.

Weight: 54 g / 115 g (solo / with speakers, microphone and holder); Battery: lithium battery; Charging time: 120 minutes; Talk time: up to 20 hours; Range: up to 1.2 kilometers (manufacturer information); Bluetooth version: 4.2; maximum number of participants: 8; Country of manufacture: not specified; special functions: radio, music sharing; Price: 229.00 / 419.00 euros

Tobias Beyl

The BTX2 Pro S is available in a pre-coupled set of 2. It is much better for this than for group communication.

Hear voices loud and clear; Sound settings possible; good and extensive instructions; quick installation

costly coupling of the call participants; very unpleasant noises when the range is exceeded; Tone somewhat pale; Volume control buttons with uncomfortable pressure point; The charge status is indicated by flashing instead of lighting; Sound settings only possible on the PC; latest firmware only in English; Firmware update only possible on the PC; Water can penetrate inside

offers

Midland C1414.02 BTX2 Pro S-LR single motorcycle intercom Suitable for (helmet type) all helmet types

Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 189.98
including shipping

To the shop

Midland C1414.02 BTX2 Pro S-LR single motorcycle intercom Suitable for (helmet type) all helmet types

Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 189.98
including shipping

To the shop

Midland C1414.02 BTX2 Pro S-LR single motorcycle intercom Suitable for (helmet type) all helmet types

Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 189.98
including shipping

To the shop

Midland BTX2 Pro S-LR, Communication System – Black / Blue

Delivery time: 1-3 working days

€ 239.00
plus € 5.90 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: The BTX2 Pro S has no mesh function, conference calls are complicated. Unfortunately, there are also some other peculiarities. We want to test whether the new BT Mesh is better in the future.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Sena 50S – test winner

Weight: 73 g / 162 g (solo / with speakers, microphone and holder); Battery: not specified; Charging time: 80 minutes; Talk time: up to 14 hours; Range: up to 8 kilometers (manufacturer information); Bluetooth version: 5.0; maximum number of participants: 24 in a private group, unlimited in open mesh mode; Country of Manufacture: China; special functions: radio, voice control, music sharing, AUX connection, ambient microphone; Price: 358.99 / 628.99 euros

Tobias Beyl

In addition to the 50S, Sena offers the 50R – with a comparably generous scope of delivery, but with buttons instead of a rotary wheel.

very good sound quality; intuitive operation; Button for reproducing ambient noise; very secure hold on the helmet; AUX input (2.5 mm jack plug) for playing music; sufficiently resistant to rain; Voice control; automatic firmware updates

somewhat clunky; Aerodynamics could be better; not completely waterproof (malfunctions in the water bath after seven minutes, but no defects); three locking points on the bike are necessary for each volume level

offers

Sena 50S / 30K / 20S Evo, gooseneck microphone – black

Delivery time: immediate

€ 13.90
plus € 5.90 shipping

To the shop

Sena Premium HD speaker for 50S

Delivery time: up to 14 days

€ 45.95
plus € 3.49 shipping

To the shop

Sena 50S / 30K / 20S Evo HD speaker, black

Delivery time: immediate

€ 45.95
plus € 3.99 shipping

To the shop

Sena 50S Evo communication system

Delivery time: 1-3 days

€ 319.51
plus € 4.99 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: Compared to its predecessor 30K, the 50S offers a significantly improved sound with the usual pleasant operation. The only major point of criticism: the somewhat more complex installation. Still test victory!

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

UClear Motion Infinity

Weight: 33 g / 74 g (solo / with speakers, microphone and holder); Battery: 3.7 V, 650 mAh, lithium-ion polymer; Charging time: 210 minutes; Talk time: up to 18 hours; Range: up to 1.2 km per person (manufacturer information); Bluetooth version: 5.0; maximum number of participants: unlimited; Country of manufacture: Singapore; special functions: gesture control, voice control, music sharing, accident sensor, SOS function, app for iOS and Android; Price: 292.39 / 526.34 euros

Tobias Beyl

Gesture control; small and light; hardly any turbulence on the helmet; colorful status LED; Accident sensor, SOS function; Voice control; automatic switching on and off with motion sensor; waterproof

little feedback on operation; major differences between iOS and Android apps (e.g. for functions or several hours instead of 15 minutes for firmware updates); unpleasant sound as feedback from the gesture sensor; Voice control does not work reliably

offers

UCLEAR Motion Infinity Bluetooth communication system single set, black

Delivery time: immediate

€ 239.95
plus € 3.99 shipping

To the shop

Conclusion: The UClear Motion Infinity has a lot of good approaches, unfortunately these do not (yet) always work in practice. Updates for firmware and could make the device even better.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Alternatives

The Bluetooth communication systems tested by us offer every imaginable convenience. But not everyone needs the full range, after all, the devices also cost accordingly. For some, however, it is enough just to hear the navigation device’s announcements or a little music, for others a wired solution is enough if they can do without charging batteries. On this page we present some alternatives that are made precisely for these purposes.

Albrecht SHS 300 B: Those who would like to hear music or the announcements of the navigation system wired without having to be heard will find a very good solution in these stereo earphones. The two softly padded speakers are simply fixed in the helmet with Velcro. The longer, spiral-shaped part of the cable can be removed. A total of around two meters of cable is available here. It is connected to the playback device via a 3.5 mm jack plug, an adapter to 2.5 mm is included. The loudspeaker kit is currently available for 23.30 euros, or with the SHS 300i for 29.15 euros, Albrecht also offers a variant with a microphone and transmit button.

Avantree Apico: At just 2.3 by 2.3 by two centimeters, the small Bluetooth earbuds called Apico appear very inconspicuous. On the one hand, this makes it difficult to find if you have moved it somewhere, but on the other hand it does not attract any negative attention when it is doing its work: it is placed in the ear, where it sits very comfortably thanks to its ergonomically designed shape does not press uncomfortably even after prolonged use in the helmet. The Apico, which costs 24.99 euros, is connected to an audio source via Bluetooth 4.1, and the sound convinced us in the test. The 40 mAh small battery lasts for three hours of continuous use.

Bluebike XL: Compared to big players like Sena or Cardo, the name Bluebike is not known to everyone, but it is known to a considerable number of motorcyclists. The relatively small company has a huge wealth of experience in the field of Bluetooth applications and, with the Bluebike XL system, which is barely visible on the outside of the helmet, offers a solution primarily designed for the driver and passenger. You can make phone calls, talk to each other and listen to music or navigation announcements. In addition, so-called team talk can also be used to send short announcements to an unlimited number of bikers using the same system. Installation in the helmet is included in the price of 550 euros.

Headwave TĀG 2: The TĀG was already able to convince us in the test some time ago, now the Berlin team around qualified designer Sophie Willborn is bringing the successor with the appropriate name TĀG 2. For 229 euros it works louder and longer than its predecessor, and there are also new buttons for Volume control directly on the device. The central functional principle, however, has not changed: The waterproof device, about twelve by six by two centimeters in size, is attached to the back of the helmet with special adhesive tape and connected to the playback device via Bluetooth. It converts its signals into vibrations and thus uses the entire helmet as a singing bowl. The battery lasts between nine and 24 hours, depending on the application.

Sena + Mesh: The device called + Mesh also allows older Sena headsets to communicate with devices that use Mesh 2.0 technology. This allows owners of older devices such as the Sena 20S to communicate with (unlimited) buyers of the more recent products via the mesh function. At just under 120 euros, the + Mesh is not exactly cheap, but still cheaper than buying a more up-to-date headset. The integrated battery should enable an operating time of up to 13 hours.

Sena 10C Evo: Years ago, Sena offered a very interesting mix of action cam and communication system with the 10C. The 10C Pro followed a little later as a revision, meanwhile Sena has the again improved 10C Evo on offer. The current generation can now record videos in 4K at 30 frames per second, and it takes photos in still, series or time-lapse modes. Of course, the camera also saves the ambient noise, and the words spoken via the integrated communication system can also be recorded if desired. The Evo offers up to 20 hours of talk time or 1.5 hours of video recording for 449 euros.

* These links lead to providers from whom MOTORRAD receives a commission.

Conclusion

Everything done right, Sena: The previous flagship 30K should have struggled with Cardo for victory – and lost. But the new 50S can completely convince and takes the well-deserved test victory. But the Cardo is also a good device, as is the lavishly equipped UClear Motion Infinity. Unfortunately, this still has to struggle with a few teething problems. It’s a shame that Midland was only represented with the BTX2, the new BT Mesh would probably have done much better.

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