The prob and potential solution to helmet coms.

[Sierra1]

. . . . My units still work great, but their batteries are getting weaker. . . .

So, I have the 20S and it gets used and hour a day, 5-6 days a week. And my battery lasts about 3 weeks before I charge it. That pretty much matches what they advertise of 13hrs battery life. And my units are 7 years old. I also found that the 30K only lasts 8hrs in mesh mode. I ass-sume that mesh mode will eat a battery quicker. Solo riding might give more battery life. I charge mine when it quits on me or right before I think it's gonna quit on me. Lithium batteries don't like being "topped off" and it will shorten battery life over time.

Regardless, new 30K batteries are only $30 on Amazon; cheaper elsewhere. If you like the system, a new battery is the way to go. I also found plenty of vids online to show how to replace the battery.

After hearing my kid's Cardo, and the poor customer service others are receiving, I'm sticking with SENA. My 2 cents.

 

[Fennellg]

Good advise. Have found the batteries for about 15. Success is a 50 50 proposition. Will make sure the mesh is off.

 

[Madhatter]

I have the cardopack talk bold , been a great unit for me . speakers sound great and most people cant tell I'm on a bike when calling me on the phone .... so my experience has mostly been positive .... now having sold everything or given away everything motorcycle related I have kept all my gear . helmet with Cardo jacket gloves pants etc. just incase I buy a bike again in the future . hopefully the cardopacktalk will still be good . and if I never ride again or get to that understanding that I won't be riding .... may have to gift a few things down the road ,so to speak .

 

[mybackhurts]

 

[dvd]

dvd
just a few thoughts..
-having just (this afternoon) activated/paired my new Garmin xt2, Sena 50S, Garmin Tread and Explorer software and Sena app, and i am happy to report that after hours of fiddling, downloading and charging, along with various helpful you tube vids, the Tread app/software etc. to my smartphone is all synced. Whew!
-now as for the aforementioned radios i think that is a great idea but the road noise/squelch would be extremely difficult to contend with, and talking over each other could be an issue.
- I originally went for a Sena because of my new BDR riding buddy. He says he enjoys listening to music while out on the road. Now hopefully we can have a word or two along our future rides.
- Also the ride lead and sweep of a group i ride with use the Sena to coordinate during my bi-monthly biker group rides. So i figure i'd buy in and heres' hoping it all works out after so much time and expense.
- before my purchase of the Garmin xt2 i contacted the tech support through computer ( maybe AI ) and got pretty good response and guidance about various products and their capabilities. So as for Garmin i'd say they are solid. The xt2 software is somewhat compatible with Google my maps and can be integrated with trips and datapoints. Learning curve here.
- finally i appreciate all the experience and wisdom issued here, this group and it's forum are invaluable!