Modern Vespa

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Bluetooth headset? I've been pleased with my Sena SMH10 but it's getting old. I'm looking for a new one for a new full-face helmet. Searching the forum yields mostly posts from several years ago. Looking for reviews for newer units. Thanks.

I have the Shuberth c4 pro with its optional SC1 integrated system, still works great after 3 years.

My opinion is probably not what you are looking for, but I thought I would offer you some alternatives.

I have tried many different BT systems for my fullface helmets (Nolan), and frankly the use-case is very important to know before looking for a BT system. Do you need to communicate with other riders? Or do you only need to connect with your navigation-aid, phone, music, etc? Then there is the issue of charge time - how long you plan to use it between charges.

Here is my alternative, which I have been using after trying many BT systems - I switched to no BT at all, I go full wired. I hated having to worry if my BT system was charged or not, especially when it was integrated into my helmet. So i installed a wired headset/mic into my fullface with a short dongle wire, that i can connect with a coiled cable to my device (navigation or phone). So simple. Can keep my phone in my pocket, with wire running up to my helmet. Never have to think about charge time.

I use the LEXIN B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset, 10 Riders Helmet Bluetooth Intercom, Universal IP67 Communication Systems with Music Sharing, Noise Cancellation, FM Radio, Its $71.99 on Amazon right now. It a good device and comes with many options for mounting speakers and microphone

I'll use this mostly for connecting to my iPhone apps for navigation. Maybe some communication with other riders, though I never had much success with that with my Sena. I do want wireless; don't want to fuss with cords. Battery should be good for a day of riding, 6-8 hours.

pretty much depends on your budget

my experiences were really good with SENA 20S EVO and 30K. I had to replace one of the helmets so I sold one of the 30Ks. Now have Schuberth helmet which requires it's own SC2 comm system, since all fully integrated in the helmet. SC2 is actually SENA 50's spin-off, packed for Schuberth helmet. SC2 has one feature that I do not like, that is the small remote on the side of the helmet (the main unit is at the back), which dries the battery very fast. but, you can use your mobile phone as remote and that functions perfectly.

if sound quality is what you are looking for, then SENA and CARDO should be your first place to look for. I have, personally, started with SENA and am happy with it.

Communication systems became now more necessity than they used to be. I also, at the beginning, thought of them as fancy expensive toys. now, that I got used to use them, can not imagine travelling to work without radio or music, navi directions and of course communication with my partner or friends when we ride.

first define for which usage you need this device (driving alone or with friends, how many friends, do you need radio or music streaming from your phone, communication with your navigation unit ...) also would be good that you try some of them, especially using the gloves you normally wear, just for haptic feeling.

I had a Sena SMH10 for many years, but the battery was getting to the point it was only good for 2-3 hours at a time. Sena and Cardo are at the upper end of the market price wise, but these are really well made and have pretty decent apps and functionality. The newest units use Mesh technology for rider to rider comms which is an improvement over bluetooth.

I went with a Cardo Pack Talk Bold about 5 years ago and I've really had a good experience with it. I primarily use mine for music and nav voice directions. The sound quality was better than the SMH10, but I do wish it got a little bit louder. I even upgraded to the larger speaker set, but they only help with lower bass frequencies for some tracks. I can get about 10-12 hours out of the battery even now after 5 years of use.

Sena has upped their game a bit in the last 4 years and some friends really like their Sena 50R.

Here is a recent article reviewing some of these units. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-kit/communication/best-motorcycle-bluetooth-headset-us/

I also have a comms unit from Twiins in a second helmet https://twiins.com/

It does a good job connecting for phone calls, music or nav; the volume is pretty good, but the sound quality is just ok. One interesting feature for rider to rider comms is you can use VOIP via your phone and app. You create chat groups in the app and when you're connected to the app and group, and you can communicate with almost no distance limit - as long as your phone has service. You can also use traditional bluetooth for helmet to helmet comms.

I tested this a couple of years ago with a friend who was several hundred miles away. Pretty cool feature. It's also very compact install. There is a separate remote sold separately you can mount on the bike or wear on your wrist. The helmet install is just 2 speakers and a boom mike which has a small battery that lasts about 6-7 hour in my experience.

I use a Cardo Freecom 4X. You can connect with up to 1 other Cardo device. Range is 0.75 mile. I chose the Cardo 4X over the 2X because it supports voice commands. It will connect to your phone giving you access to Siri/Google, all your music, audio books, etc. It also has a built-in FM radio receiver and FM band scanning capabilities.

https://www.amazon.com/Cardo-Systems-Freecom-Single-Black/dp/B09MQ7C185/ref=asc_df_B09MQ7C185/