Sena vs Cardo

Another reader question! What is a better communicator, the sena smh10r or cardo scala g9x?

Thx for your help, Patrick

So if I had to answer this question in a quick minute, I have to say the G9X. However, that answer is based solely on features and functionality when you compare the two side by side.  But that is simply because the G9X is designed as the master of Group Riding, assuming all of the riders are using Cardo units. It's a robust bluetooth intercom to ride with a ton of people. Whereas the SMH10R is really a low profile unit designed to interact with maybe 3 riding friends, not all of the members of your local riding club.

sena smh10R shoei qwest

I whipped up this chart to compare what features each unit has in common, and then who wins in certain categories so you can see how different these units are. In the first section "Shared Features", you can see they do have similar functionalities. In the "Cardo Wins" category, there are a few cool features that the SMH10R doesn't have.  And then in the "Sena Wins" category, it has a few features that the G9X doesn't have.

SHARED FEATURES:

CARDO G9X

SENA SMH10R

4-Way Intercom Conferencing

yes

yes

A2DP Stereo

yes

yes

Answer Intercom Calls via VOX

yes

yes

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

yes

yes

GPS Connectivity

yes

yes

Hot Dial

yes

yes

Make and Receive Mobile Calls via VOX

yes

yes

Mobile Phone Connectivity

yes

yes

MP3 Connectivity

yes

yes

Music-Sharing™(between Rider-Passenger)

yes

yes

Plug-In Speakers (3.5mm)

yes

yes (optional)

Replaceable Mics

yes

yes

Software Updates

yes

yes

Spoken Status Announcements

yes

yes

Voice Commands

yes

yes

 CARDO WINS:

Web platform to change settings

yes

no

FM Radio with RDS

yes

no

Automatic Volume Adjustment (AGC)

yes

no

Click-to-Link®

yes

no

Flash Pairing®

yes

no

Group Signal

yes

no

Intercom Bike-to-Bike

Up to 1mile

Up to 0.55 mile

Intercom Toggling

between 9 bikers

between 4 bikers

Talk Time

13 hours

8 hours

Standby

7 days

7 days

SENA WINS:

Universal Intercom

no

yes

Ultralight Profile

no

yes

Cardo Scala G9

I would say that if you're looking for the Cardo version of the SMH10R, look at the Q3. Lower profile than the G9 and offers practically the same features as the SMH10R, with the exception of it's low profile, thin unit. For ME, this trumps everything else. It's aesthetics, and purely superficial. But it totally depends on what your priorities are as a rider. Having ridden with the SMH5 for so long, I really like the low profile look of the SMH10R and am getting comfortable with the controls each time I ride.

Sena SMH-5 Bluetooth Intercoms

So I finally got around to updating the firmware on my SMH-5. If you have a Mac and have been trying to update yours, I highly recommend finding someone with Winblows. My husband and I tried at least 10 times to update it using the Mac software and couldn't get it to work. I rarely use my VMWare machine so it didn't occur to me to try that.

So I downloaded the PC version and voila, it worked the first time. Sena, you need to fix your Device Manager for Mac software!

Schuberth C3 Pro Women vs. C3W Modular Helmet

I've been asked several times what the differences are between the C3 Pro Women and the C3 Women. So here's a little summary of features that Pro offers over the C3.  You can read my review of the Pro here.

Internal Shape, Features & Lining

• More comfortable materials and fit[S S1] , particularly in the forehead area (padded seamless liner and lower profile summer/winter flap)
• Ruby Colored Cheekpads
• Size XXS-L (Same for both helmets, and all one shell size-  XL and up is the large shell)I found out of all 4 models that they offer (C3, C3W, C3Pro C3ProW), this one was the only one that fit right. So if you’ve only tried the others, I strongly suggest you try this one too!
• The Retention System (chin buckles) are fully adjustable on both straps
• Note: Pearl Pink color is only offered in the Pro

Noise Reduction

• 2 decibals quieter (82db vs. 84db)

Aerodynamics

• Spoiler added for more stability & performance at high speed

Ventilation

• Increased ventilation by up to 60% through new exhaust ports in EPS foam and larger intake vents on top

Audio

• Antenna integrated into the shell for enhanced performance of the SRC system.
• Note: the SRC system in the C3/C3W will fit into the C3Pro/C3ProW and will fuction as normal without plugging into the helmet’s antenna. The C3Pro(W) system will not work without the antenna and so will not function in the C3(W). 

So if you’re trying to make a decision as to whether you should go with the Pro, it’s definitely going to be a matter of fitment. Since the C3W is offered down to a XXS and has the extra padding, that will be extra beneficial to those of you who have trouble finding helmets that fit small enough. It’s one of the smallest fitting helmets I’ve ever seen (aside from Shoei and Arai’s XXS). I also think you’ll notice these differences if you ride something sporty or naked, or have a very small windscreen. Anything my helmet can offer in terms of noise and stability at high speed is always a bonus for me.

Either way, you can't go wrong and will love your Schuberth :D

Another Limited Schuberth Sale

Save $100 on a C3 or C3W, until June 30th. 

The sale excludes matte black and is limited to items in stock at your local dealer or at Schuberth. 

You can also save $100 on an SRC system (reg. $429) when you purchase any Schuberth S2 full face helmet. If you have an S2, you neeeeeed the SRC!