The R2X is a great helmet with rider to rider intercom plus Alexa Constructed-in. The R2X options seamlessly built-in audio system and microphone, which permit customers to make use of the R2X’s communication options and communicate on to Alexa. Sena’s palms free helmet-to-helmet Mesh Intercom™ communication platform makes it simple to speak with biking companions whereas using.

In the event you’ve by no means heard of Sena helmets, that ought to come as no shock. They’re actually a know-how/communications firm that “realized that his know-how might bridge the hole for wi-fi rider-to-rider motorbike communication, which was just about inconceivable on the time. Sena set out on a brand new mission to supply an answer for motorcyclists to speak with each other safely and effectively.” And “as innovation expanded, Sena’s product choices started to cater to the biking, out of doors, and industrial markets. Sena has expanded upon its authentic Bluetooth communication platform with a proprietary Mesh Intercom™ platform that permits much more riders to attach with the only contact of a button.”

As a helmet, the Sena R2X is quite a bit like many different highway helmets that you’d see at your LBS. It has an aerodynamic form (however isn’t an aero helmet) with 12 consumption vents for cooling/airflow and three exhaust vents. It wouldn’t look misplaced in your native group/store journey. PEZ obtained matte white, but it surely additionally is available in matte black and matte grey.

The within is properly padded (however not MIPS). The chinstrap has a pad that velcros over it that’s snug and in addition retains the surplus strap in place #marginalgains. A dial behind the helmet adjusts tightness/match. In different phrases, just about like your typical highway helmet.

Aspect strap adjustment is held in place with a buckle that locks down

And like every other helmet that’s meant to guard your noggin’, it’s CPSC licensed.

One factor that’s completely different is the burden. At 420 grams for a measurement medium, the Sena R2X might be ~150+ grams heavier than your typical highway race helmet (all my helmets weight lower than 300 grams). However that weight is to accommodate the electronics that set the Sena R2X aside from the group.

Spot on Sena’s spec of 420g for a measurement medium helmet

NOTE: Most of that additional weight is behind the helmet. I might actually really feel the additional weight however not the purpose the place it was bothersome (ditto for my buddy, Seth, who helped me check the rider-to-rider communications). The load isn’t as noticeable when simply using. However once you swivel your head left or proper, you’ll be able to really feel the burden extra. Thus far, my longest journey with the Sena R2X has been 40-something miles in cool-ish climate. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it feels on longer and sizzling climate rides (however in all probability not a helmet for an extended, sizzling day within the mountains).

Charging port and LED taillight (strong, evening flash, and day flash) behind the helmet

The Sena R2X has built-in audio system and a microphone. With a Bluetooth connection, you’ll be able to connect with your cellphone to hearken to music (songs and playlists on my iPhone) and for cellphone calls. Each Seth and I discovered we might hearken to music (not audiophile high quality however nonetheless excellent), however even at decrease volumes (however loud sufficient to listen to the music) it lowered our means to listen to ambient noise, i.e., vehicles. Not like having earbuds that absolutely isolate outdoors sounds, however sufficient of a distinction. In different phrases, please be sensible using listening to music (and don’t crank up the quantity!)

Audio system (inexperienced arrows) and microphone (pink arrow)

Not that I wish to be speaking on my cellphone whereas I’m using, but it surely’s a pleasant comfort if my spouse or daughter have to come up with me. The sound high quality was excellent. I might hear my spouse clearly and he or she might hear me with none wind noise whereas I used to be using. Kudos to Sena for his or her microphone.

The Sena R2X also can connect with the Alexa app in your cellphone. I attempted it simply to see the way it works, e.g., I requested Alexa in regards to the climate. At house, I largely use Alexa to hearken to music and I might do the identical factor with the Sena R2X. When you have sensible units linked to Alexa, you’ll be able to management them out of your helmet. However I don’t know that I’ve a sensible using use for this function. YMMV.

NOTE: The Sena R2X can even work with Google Assistant (what my buddy Seth has) and Siri (what I’ve) similar to every other headset linked to your cellphone by way of Bluetooth.

You management the electronics with the buttons on the left facet of the helmet

For me (and Seth), the actually cool factor in regards to the Sena R2X is the mesh intercom. When activated, it’s an always-on voice connection for anybody on the identical channel (there are 9 channels to select from) — not simply one other rider, however you would additionally talk with somebody within the “crew automobile” if they’ve a appropriate Sena communications system, e.g., Broaden Mesh Communication Headset. Not like a race radio that’s push-to-talk, you simply discuss (you’ll be able to mute the mic in the event you’re speaking to somebody close to you and don’t need everybody else on the community to listen to the dialog — however you’ll nonetheless be capable to hear if somebody on the community talks). As with cellphone calls, the sound high quality of the mesh intercom was crystal clear.

A number of vents

Sena says the vary between every R2X in open terrain could be as much as a half mile. Seth and I have been using in a largely city surroundings with a variety of homes and different buildings and we estimated the point-to-point vary underneath these situations was extra like 1 / 4 mile. But when there have been extra riders with the R2X, that vary might theoretically be prolonged (regardless of all of the buildings) as a result of how a mesh community works is by bouncing the sign from one node to a different (the identical means cellphone towers work). Fairly cool, eh? So so long as every node has a transparent sign to the following node, it’s best to be capable to talk with the furthest away node even when they’re out of point-to-point vary. Sena says that in open terrain the mesh community could be prolonged as much as 2 miles with a minimal of 6 customers.

Even when I’m not using with another person with a Sena R2X, the helmet nonetheless has useful utility for me on rides the place I’ve loaded a route. With the route on Trip With GPS, I can get audio cues for instructions along with having the route on my bike pc. It’s the voice in my head.

Speak to me, Goose

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