Sena 10U Bluetooth Review

I have been using my Schuberth C3 SRC system for a couple of years. Despite some inconsistencies it worked OK for the most part, and the fact that it's fully integrated in the helmet always worked in it's favor. I upgraded the drivers with some nice Sennheiser units and the sound was great. Was. On day one of our annual 5 day trek through Northern California it broke down and I spent the remaining 4 miserable days talking to myself instead of my buddies. I was ready to ditch the POS right there.

There are a lot of quality choices when it comes to Bluetooth units. Scala rider and Sena both make pretty awesome communicators, and uClear has one without the microphone in your mouth. All have the same disadvantage though - they mount on the side of the helmet. Not pretty or aerodynamic.

With Sena releasing their 10U communicator that's integrated into specific helmet you are no longer stuck with unsightly unit. If you have Shoei Neotec, Shoei GT Air, Schuberth C3 Pro or any Arai helmet, consider yourself lucky. After my Schuberth SRC fiasco I jumped the ship without hesitation.

Installation was easy. You have to slide the antenna under EPS liner, and the unit itself mounts under the neck collar. Speakers look a bit thicker than Scala Rider ones I'm used to. One thing stands out right away - the microphone is really stubby and does not interfere with helmet closure or your mouth. This alone is enough to make it better than Schuberth SRC.

When I opened the box I was pleasantly surprised to find remote control included. I thought it was extra $100 to get one. It mounts on the handlebar and controls pretty much everything so you do not have to reach for your helmet. It features joystick in the middle and two tiny buttons on the opposite sides. This is the biggest gripe about the design. Why the hell would you make the buttons so small and awkwardly placed? I may get used to it, but initial impression was WTF were they thinking.

Overall I'm stoked to have something that works. Hopefully it will last.

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