As technology develops quickly, its effects are felt everywhere, including motorcycle riding. Headsets are commonplace among motorcycle riders in the modern era. Even if you’re a purist who only wants to communicate with the wind in your ears and the occasional hand signal, you’ve probably heard of Cardo and Sena headsets.
Motorcycle headset manufacturers like Cardo and Sena have revolutionized the industry with their mesh intercom systems that enable the seamless connection of multiple riders at once.
The following benefits are offered to riders by these contemporary motorcycle gear:
- A mobile phone connection can send music directly to your helmet.
- FM radio while riding
- Using Bluetooth technology to communicate over the intercom
- The adjustments are to be made via a mobile phone connection
Cardo
Texas-based Cardo is a technology company that develops and manufactures Bluetooth communication systems for motorcyclists and other individuals who require an intercom in their helmets. It is a leading manufacturer of motorcycle intercom systems. They offer a wide variety of goods made to satisfy the requirements of various motorcycle riders.
Cardo was one of the first companies to manufacture Bluetooth headsets for cell phones in 2003. Then one of their staff members, who rode a motorcycle to work, had a brilliant idea: create a mesh network that would let multiple riders communicate simultaneously.
Since then, Cardo has emerged as a pioneer and innovator in the motorcycle communication sector, specialising in headsets that are simple to install inside your helmet.
Pros
- Top-notch audio
- Interactive mesh communication
- Integrates effortlessly into a helmet
- Up to 15 riders can connect
- Efficient battery timing
- Designed to be waterproof and usable in all climates
- Automatic volume control
- There is a learning curve, so there may be better choices for beginners.
- The cost is somewhat high.
- It is challenging to use buttons.
Sena
Sena is the other competitor in the helmet audio and communication systems battle. Since its founding in 1998, the company has had its headquarters in California and has served the Bluetooth industry. Sena took some time to enter the motorcycle communication network market, but the business has been booming since then. Innovation is flourishing in standalone communicators and communication systems built into helmets.
The Sena is a high-end motorcycle communication system with a sleek and small design. It has the best mesh intercom communication technology and supports infinite connections.
When it comes to motorcycle communication they are well-known for their technological innovation. They frequently set the pace for Bluetooth connectivity and mesh network technology, and as a result, they have a wide range of products tailored to particular requirements and circumstances.
- Excellent audio quality.
- Modern noise control
- Enables countless connections
- Mesh communication capability
- Full of numerous practical and entertaining accessories
- Controls for audio mixing are available in the app.
- There is no voice command
- The intercom costs a lot.
- The manufacturer won’t pay you for water damage because it needs to be properly labelled.
Sena vs Cardo: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Sena and Cardo have both developed new ideas and advanced in various ways. Let’s look at factors that might affect your decision, so you can decide which is best for your requirements.
Mesh Technology
Cardo and Sena are both market leaders in terms of communications technology, particularly for motorcycles. Sena is a larger company with more innovations because it works on research and development for products other than motorcycles.
Rider networks can be formed and maintained by groups of riders using Cardos DMC. To avoid upsetting the group, they can also disengage. In other words, even if one motorcycle rider loses contact, the other still keeps it. Other Bluetooth manufacturers can also be compatible with DMC technology.
Sena has extensively studied noise cancellation in its industrial intercom product lines. As a result, they outperformed Cardo in terms of this technology. Sena uses mesh intercom technology when we discuss mesh network technology, while Cardo uses their respective DMC technologies.
There is little to choose between these two reliable mesh networks.
Range
When riding on trails or long, open roads, it’s crucial to put some space between you and your friend while still being audible over the motorcycle intercom. The difference between the claimed Bluetooth range and the distance your intercom can travel varies greatly.
Within a mile, Cardo is suitable for intercom communication. In the event of a disruption, communications up to one kilometre would be possible. Sena overcomes the Cardo Mile, allowing for communication over two more miles.
Sena has an advantage over Cardo because it can integrate an infinite number of guests into its group. Sena has a greater range than Cardo.
Design
Compared to its predecessor, the conversational unit has been made simpler in Cardo. Additionally, a safe remote control may be operated using a smartphone. The music selection, pack member addition, and deletion capabilities of the one-touch function are also impressive.
Sena, however, is intended to be wise. It’s portable due to how simple it is to use. Raising the antenna and mounting it on the helmet before turning it on.
Battery Life
The battery lives of the Sena and Cardo devices are comparable, but Sena has a slight advantage. The 50S, one of the newest Sena models, has a Bluetooth communication range of up to 14 hours and a mesh network communication range of up to 9 hours. Cardo’s battery life is a little less, at 13 hours on Bluetooth and 8 hours on DMC.
Weatherproofing, Water, and Dust Resistance
Cardo products offer excellent weather resistance. Particularly, Cardo’s Packtalk has an IP67 rating. The number 6 denotes dust resistance, and the number 7 denotes water resistance for up to 30 minutes in water up to one meter deep.
Cardo promotes its products as excellent for jet skiing or other water sports and offers a guarantee against some degree of water damage. When riding in the rain, you can use Cardo systems with confidence.
Sena products, which lack a waterproof rating, are an exception to this rule. A sudden storm might require hiding or putting the intercom system at risk, depending on how much you trust your helmet.
Cost
The top-of-the-line intercom systems that Cardo and Sena both products can be a bit pricey. The Sena headset is a little less expensive than the Cardo headset. Additionally, Sena offers a wider selection of products overall, increasing your chances of finding a less complex device that still fulfils your needs if something like the 50S is out of your price range.
Warranty
Sena products typically have a one-year warranty, whereas Cardo products typically have a two-year warranty. Additionally, cardo warranties are frequently broader. Due to Cardo’s waterproofing of their systems, they are more likely to cover water damage. A better warranty makes you feel more confident in the product’s quality and financial security when purchasing it.
Voice Commands
You can give the orders by saying, “Hey Cardo.” So you don’t have to budge an inch to follow the spoken instructions. However, verbal commands must be used carefully because shouting distorts voices.
Customer Support
Cardo offers better customer support because it is a smaller company. Sena is, however, easier to obtain outside of the United States. The offices in the United States, Germany, Korea, France, and China have various phone numbers and email addresses. Cardo only offers support in the United States and Germany.
Sena’s website has a helpful virtual assistant if you prefer to avoid making phone calls. Both companies provide an online form for contacting customer service via email.
Security and Updates
Both companies create dependable hardware. Cardo has an advantage in terms of software and updates. Both companies offer updates. Sena, however, frequently releases patches and updates. When you are prepared to leave, receiving updates is annoying. Additionally, we have heard updates on Sena’s client “beta tests.”
Sena consequently experiences more unanticipated connectivity issues. In this regard, Cardo is more reliable and consistent. Both companies’ websites and successful Windows and Android applications make it simple to download and keep up with updates.
Bottom Line
Well, each intercom is superior on its own. Everybody has advantages and disadvantages. The type of system needed by bikers depends on them. Both are superior, but your choice will depend on your needs.
The Cardo offers all the features that a rider would need. This device has strong mesh technology, a wide variety of connections, a long battery life, and an auto-connecting system. It gives the rider the best experience and offers a wonderful riding experience. Sena, on the other hand, also offers people a public mode and excellent mesh technology.
The number of people you connect to on each platform is the main distinction between them. Cardo is your best option for communicating with a small group. Sena is the best option if you want to connect with a large group of people without any restrictions.