Sena Spider RT1 and ST1 Mesh Comm Systems Review 

I've been using a very entry level Sena SMH5 for a while now, and ridden in all weathers with it. Sena doesn't list it having a specific IP rating for water resistance but I've never had any issues with water at all. If these spider units do have an IP rating then it's likely they're more robust than the old SMH5, so I personally wouldn't have any issue with using them in the rain.

Buy multiple mounts.

was it decent for boondocking?

Yeah can attest to the short comings w Sena. I've had 3 including the rt1, all have had issues connecting

True... But unfortunately everyone I have ridden with always has Sena...so if I get a Cardo, I won't have anyone to talk too :(

@@PkwyDrive13 people are overrated anyway 🤣 just use hand signals until they conform to your beautifully functioning Cardo

I heard you can only have a minimum of 6 people. Is that true?

@@blakemorris6893 not sure. Think the most I have ridden with is 5 to 6 people. Really makes the ride more fun though. I think though it should be more as it is just a channel setting. Maybe if you switch to the private group setting it would be only six but in an open channel setting I think it would be many more than that.

I have found that the RZ presenters frequently mention weaknesses or disappointments in products. Even those products made by some of their “exclusive” brands. I don’t always agree with their assessments, but they always seem fair.

It's not my job to sell it, I just explain it and educate. You then get to make the choice as to what's right for you. Personally I think there is a lot of value here for folks looking to get into a mesh unit. Also, I've used Sena for years and while they've got some issues, for basic functionality, they work just fine. While I do think Cardo has a better overall design in their top of the line systems, they're also more money.

@@SpurgeonDunbar well said

I'll give a use case for which I bought one. I have a 30K and want to talk with my partner who is either riding pillion or soon on his own bike. Yes, Cardo has been getting better reviews, but they're expensive and I'd rather spend $200 to get my partner seamless connection with me and their music, without dropping $500+ replacing both of our units with Cardo. I imagine though that in the future if we get into more group riding we will probably switch both to Cardo when the budget permits.

These would connect with any Sena-MESH units on the market at the moment. Unfortunately, no brand that is playing in Mesh is doing a "Universal-Mesh Pairing Mode" at the moment, similar to where BT comms were when they first launched. Definitely a bummer that there isn't a Cardo-Sena option on these, but since Sena is really pushing new boundaries and offering the first Mesh-only unit (my belief being mesh in the future of moto-comms, IMHO) I'm somewhat OK with it. I'm sure Mesh will have to figure out a Universal way to communicate in the future, but both Sena and Cardo make units like the 50S/R or Packtalk that already accomplish that. This is just the budget entry into Mesh and I'm somewhat OK with losing features for that, but that just might be me.

Sena doesn’t cover water damage

@@weshussey8295 they dont cover anything at all. worst customer service ive ever had to use

@@moysey89 actually they do cover defects from the manufacture. But if you buy it from cyclegear and I think there sister companies you can get there warranty which covers everything. But a lost unit

@@weshussey8295 untrue. i brought directly from sena and still had no luck. gone to cardo instead

@@moysey89 I 100% agree I’m cardo all the way but I only buy from cycle gear so I can get there warranty for a extra 15 bucks

Hey doesn't IP65 mean waterproof from rain? I am looking for some intercom to drive with friends but it has to be waterproof. Can you share your experience with sena? Maybe yours did not have ip65?

How did it work out?

He was able to get it working with a firmware update.

On the Sena 30 k you can hold the mesh till you hear a double beep turns mic off

@@shawnkumerow3166 on the Cardo it turns off automatically and the moment you speak it comes back on. I finally gave up on Sena and have gone Cardo for that one feature. But thank you for the tip.

@@brentfrank7012 which Cardo unit did you go with?

In the Sena Firmware app, and the advanced settings Phone App, you can turn VOX on so that it turns the mic off when you are not talking. There is also a sensitivity setting 1-5.

Shoei have brought out a ‘universal intercom mount’. It’s basically a rubber square that you 3M stick onto the side. Looks kinda ugly, but once the intercom is on it, I guess you wouldn’t know it was there?

Most Bluetooth units are going to be difficult to install on the RF1400 bc of the collarbone padding on the helmet. Adhesive mounts may be your best option, but it is possible to use the ST1 Mount as well. You just have to find the right spot.

It will only pair with mesh capable Sena Units like the 30 series, 50 series, and other Spider units.

Yes, it is all the same Mesh technology from Sena.

Yes, you should be OK using one of the BT profiles for devices with the Spiders and Freewire. If you would like to be 100% certain, contacting Sena might be the best bet so they can check with their current firmware specs.

The reasons I've usually heard for not using earbuds inside of your helmet are generally thus: jamming something into your ear that could be forced even farther into your ear if something hits your helmet from the side is probably not a good idea. Ear buds are not hearing protection and the amount that you have to increase the volume on them to be heard above the wind and other noises is increasing the amount of damage being done to your hearing. Finally, motorcycle coms usually come with some way to externally turn them off without needing to get directly to your phone, and they can have passthrough features that allow you to hear things around you without needing to take you helmet off or shout at each other.

@@freebehindbars8654 He's talking about non-motorcycle specific wireless bluetooth earbuds, ala things like those ugly Apple airpods that look like you shoved toothbrush heads in your ear, for those not heavily into tech. Which is what I was asking about though, I'm sure that the newer mesh systems are really cool, and meet the needs of rider-to-rider communication much better than any bluetooth earbud, but I was asking because I don't have a riding group, and it's a big investment when I already have multiple pairs of wireless earbuds. Including a pair with hardware active noise cancelation, but definitely not something that can compete with road/motorcycle noise. The concern for potential catastrophic damage in an impact, as well as hearing protection, are a valid concern though, and worth further consideration...

@@ReQuiem_2099 I’m a solo rider and I picked up a Cardo Packtalk Bold for my needs. I’ve tried AirPods and other earbuds and they frequently get displaced when putting the helmet on or from wind flowing through my vents. I did happen to find my unit on Amazon for $243 and it does the job really well. I can take calls and the other person barely hears anything other than my voice. It connects easily to my phone and mounts a lot more securely to the helmet. Plus the Cardo mesh system is future ready without losing any features compared to ☝️

I tried to use mine if you turn to the left they disconnected from my phone

@@antoinegauthier7027 mine are working so far, and have ANC to help with the road noise. But the big problem comes anytime you have to take off your helmet, or reseat them, which of course you do, because you just squeezed your head into a helmet. Upon taking off your helmet, there is simply no graceful way to prevent your earbuds falling to the ground.

According to Sena, yes you can use your 50R to bridge between the Spider and older Sena BT unit. We've found that in practice the connection isn't as sturdy as just doing BT or just doing Mesh connections though. But it is technically possible and something Sena advertises.

It uses USB-C and includes a 90 degree angle connector so that you can charge the unit without having to remove it from the helmet.

For brand name, Cardo FreeTalk 1+ or 2+. Amazon also sells some for much cheaper that seem to perform ok (based on anecdotes).

Is Sena's "public" mode they can connect with you. If that isn't something you are interested in, you can just switch over to the "private" mode.

Yeah, they would fit those pockets.

@@patrickmchugh8039 thanks

They have an update now. v1.1.1

@@dlos1987 I saw Cruise man's review of the update. I'm glad Sena was able to fix the issue with an update.

No, the ST1 uses Mesh only while the Sena 10S is Bluetooth only. You'd want a Bluetooth only unit (10S) or a hybrid unit like the 50S to chat with the 10S.

no

No, neither Cardo nor Sena have made their Mesh networks open to connecting with other brands. The 50S/R and Packtalks do allow you to bring in a BT unit into Mesh comms (if you have a friend still on BT only comms), but that tech comes at a much higher price tag.

@@patrickmchugh8039 thanks that one is not for me then since i think cardo in general is superior.

@@nilbenetes can’t argue with that, I daily a Packtalk Bold. 🤙

@@patrickmchugh8039 rn i got the 2 but i want to upgrade i just dont like how bold it is

I live in a very rainy place, The Pacific Northwest and I have 7 sena systems and I've never had a problem with any of them.

And he cut his hair

Once upon a time, moto journos went fairly anonymously through life. A still photo here and there during the year. No more, eh? :)