Sena has introduced the next generation of Bluetooth helmet intercoms with the new 50 series that includes wifi capability to efficiently charge and automatically download firmware updates.
That means there is no longer any need to plug it into your computer, just plug in the wifi charger and connect to a nearby wifi source such as your phone’s hotspot.
Wifi chargerWe expected a 40 series would be next after the 10 and 20 series.
However, they have skipped ahead to the 50 series which includes the slimline 50R and 50S.
While the slimline 50R model has a simple three-button control the 50S retains the easy-to-use “jog” dial
.
Sena 50RThey claim charging time is 30% faster and a full charge is estimated to provide 13hrs bluetooth talk time.
Sena Australia says both models in the 50 Series will be available at the end of May 2020 in single pack for $545 and $965 for a dual pack.
More reliable series
Critics of the current models say the Mesh 2.0 software is unreliable, but Sena claim the flaws have been fixed.
Apart from more reliable group chat, they also claim there is experience less interference from surrounding obstacles such as blind corners, trees, buildings, etc.
The other major update is the slimmer and therefore more comfortable speaker with more bass and 7% more volume.
Sena don’t want to deafen riders, but they acknowledge that many riders now use filtered earplugs such as the Alpine MotoSafe which filter out harmful wind noise, but also slightly reduce the volume from intercom units.
Alpine Motosafe earplugsTo improve rider comfort, speakers are now thinner and bevelled so they don’t hurt your ears under a tight helmet.
The 50 Series will also connect to digital assistants such as Siri or Google using standard voice commands of ‘Hey Siri’ or ‘Ok Google’.
They claim their app has also been improved and restyled.
- 50S-A0201 Universal Helmet Clamp Kit to suit 50S
- 50S-A0101 Speakers for 50S
- 50R-a0101 Speakers to suit 50R
- 50R-A0201 Accessories Kit to suit 50R