Sena is one of the leading headset manufacturers in the industry. They continue to produce innovative models that have the user’s experience in mind, which is why their models are considered some of the most versatile and beginner-friendly headsets on the market.
The 20S 01D by Sena is one of their top-sellers. Its state of the art technology and intercom system allows you to stay connected to family, friends, and other riders, wherever you go. It’s also equipped with the latest Bluetooth 4.1 technology, complete with dual communication modules, which work to increase the headset’s audio quality, reliability, and overall performance.
Our Verdict: This headset offers a range of 1.2 miles, and excellent sound quality, complete with advanced noise control and high-definition audio, which will allow you to clearly hear other riders when you’re using the group intercom feature, or if you’re making a phone call. Since this model is equipped with 4.1 Bluetooth universal intercom technology, you can also communicate with riders who are using headsets made by a different manufacturer.
If you’re a true multitasker at heart, then you’ll appreciate the headset’s ability to allow you to use GPS at the same time you’re streaming music or making a call. This headset is beginner-friendly, versatile, and reliable, which is exactly what you need when you’re on the road and far away from home.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
One of the best features is the headset’s Sena smartphone app, which allows users to easily and quickly adjust the headset’s settings based on personal preference. This model also features a two-year product warranty, advanced noise control, and excellent connectivity, in addition to upgradeable firmware. As you can see, it comes loaded with some great features, but it’s mainly known for its ability to allow users to multitask.
This means you won’t have to shut off one feature in order to use another. As an example, you can continue to use the group intercom chat feature while using GPS or listening to the radio. This further improves this headset’s versatility and makes it a very beginner-friendly model that you can rely on when you’re on the road.
As a rider, you have to choose the right helmet, learn how to select the right visor for your motorcycle helmet, follow tips to stay safe on the road, learn how to lock your helmet to your motorcycle, and stay connected to the other riders in your group. Using this headset can change everything. you won’t have to constantly pull off to the side of the road to make a call or meet with your buddies to discuss where you’re headed, now, you can take advantage of the voice control features which allow you to answer calls, talk to other members in your group, or play music, all without taking your hands off the handlebars. To learn more about how these headsets work, click here to read my in-depth buyer’s guide.
Our Rating:
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Voice commands
- Group intercom chat
- FM radio
- Excellent range
- Ten radio presets
- App
Intercom Communication
Many competing models boast that they offer the best intercom system on the market, but nine times out of ten, you’ll find that these systems are difficult to use, pair, and offer less than stellar clarity. But that’s where this model is different. Hands down, it offers one of the best intercom systems on the market in terms of both clarity and connectivity. With the intercom system, you can connect with up to seven other riders, for a total of eight users per intercom system. Because the intercom is connected via Bluetooth, you won’t have to worry about interference from other devices. You’ll also enjoy a decent range so communicating with each member in your group is simple.
Built-in FM Radio
This model offers better than average FM radio reception, unlike other models in this price range. It also comes with a ten preset station memory, so it’s easy to tune into your favorite stations instantly. The system operates on radio data system alternate frequencies, for improved signal strength and uninterrupted listening, wherever you are in the country. When used with the radio, the headset will last for ten hours per charge.
Battery Life
The headset can have a twenty-hour battery life per charge if left in the standby mode, but if you’re using it to talk, listen to music or chat using the intercom system, then the headset will offer approximately thirteen hours of talk time per charge. The battery itself will take four hours to fully charge.
Voice Controls
The headset allows you to make calls, via accessing your contacts on your smartphone. You can also use the voice control option to reject a call or answer a call. This type of hands-free call experience makes it much safer to talk to your loved ones when you’re on the road, since you can keep both of your hands on the handlebars.
Bluetooth 4.1
This model comes equipped with the latest in Bluetooth technology. The latest Bluetooth tech utilizes a dual-module communication system, which increases the signal’s reliability, flexibility, and performance.
Versatility
This headset offers a faster performance and a higher capacity, compared to competing systems. This type of versatility will allow the user to perform a wide variety of tasks at once, without stopping one feature in favor of another. As an example, you can use the intercom system while streaming music, or using GPS.
The ability to overlap two different audio sources is one of the key features this system has to offer. This is due to the 4.1 Bluetooth tech, so you won’t find this type of capability on older headsets.
Range
The system offers a range of 1.2 miles, which is pretty standard for headsets in this price range.
Use
When you’re on the road, safety matters, especially if you’re traveling hundreds of miles by bike. Obviously, the extra level of safety that comes with headset use can be essential, since you want to keep both your hands on the handlebars at all times. This model’s ability to multitask allows you to solely focus on the road, instead of trying to use your phone, and without all the hassle that comes with finding a spot along the highway to pull over to answer a call or check out directions.
The new features such as the intuitive voice commands and Bluetooth 4.1 provide users with hands-free operation and full control while riding. The voice controls allow you to easily access functions such as the group intercom, GPS navigation, music playback, and phone calls. The fact that the headset is not dustproof or waterproof is a huge drawback for some.
This means the headset may become damaged if you wear it in inclement weather, such as rain or hail. It can also become damaged if dust makes its way inside the charging port. This lack of protection is a huge disappointment considering other models in this price range offer this type of protection from the elements.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Voice controls
- Supports up to eight users for group intercom chat
- Bluetooth 4.1
- FM radio with ten preset stations
- Excellent range
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Short battery life
- Not waterproof or dustproof
- Price
Sena 20S1D Versus Cardo Scala rider PACKTALK Duo
The competing system by Cardo, the Scala rider Packtalk, offers many of the same features, including 4.1 Bluetooth technology, thirteen hours of talk time, and built-in FM radio. But unlike this system by Sena, the Cardo headset is dustproof and waterproof, so you can wear it when you’re riding around in rain or in high wind conditions where dust and dirt are a concern.
The fact that the Sena doesn’t offer this level of protection is a huge drawback for many potential buyers. Both headsets allow you to communicate using the intercom function, with other brands of headsets, in addition to the parallel audio stream, which allows you to multitask and listen to GPS instructions, the radio, or stream your music, all at the same time. Considering both headsets are available for a similar price, in the end, the only real difference here is the fact that the Cardo features a more durable build compared to the Sena.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
The ability to multitask while using this system will be a huge selling point for most buyers, as will the ability to use voice commands to answer, reject, or make calls. Beginner-friendly, versatile, and powerful, this headset earned a rating of four and a half stars out of five.
