Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset Yaconob BT-S3 Vs Sena SMH10-10
Yaconob BT-S3 vs Sena SMH10 – Which Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset Is Better?
I’ve always loved riding motorbikes, especially now I have my motorcycle Bluetooth headset. There’s nothing like feeling the wind rush past you on an open road. But, even I have to admit that staying connected or listening to music can be a struggle on a motorcycle.
But, thanks to innovations in technology, you can easily solve this problem by investing in a good motorcycle Bluetooth headset. As a matter of fact, Bluetooth technology can help you not only with hands-free communication, but it can also help you stay connected with a GPS and let you listen to music as you drive – all without having to stop on the side of a road. I often go away for the weekend camping with my buddy, taking the bikes.
If you’re already sold on the idea of buying a motorcycle Bluetooth headset but have no idea where to begin – you’ve come to the right place. Because in this review, I’m going to be comparing two of the best Bluetooth headsets on the market – Yaconob BT-S3 and Sena SMH10.
How To Go About Choosing A Bluetooth Headset?
Before I get to my review, let’s take a moment to go through some of the major factors you should know about before looking to buy a Bluetooth headset.
This way, even if you don’t warm up to the BT-S3 or HMS10, you’ll still have a good idea of the features a high-quality Bluetooth headset should have.
Good Sound Quality
Communicating hands-free in a car is extremely different from communication on a bike. Obviously, the ability to carry on a conversation without issues like bad-sound quality is super important.
That’s why any motorcycle Bluetooth headset you purchase, should have a great sound quality and excellent voice control. It’s generally a safe bet to go with a Bluetooth headset that is best for music – because such headsets are designed to have superior voice quality control and noise-canceling technology.
Voice Command & Easy Controls
If you go through the trouble of buying a motorcycle headset that has a sub-par voice command feature, then that’s money down the drain.
The voice command feature of a Bluetooth headset is what allows you to use the device without having to resort to using your hands.
Be it answering phone calls, navigating GPS, or selecting your favorite jam – an advanced voice command feature will go a long way in making your life easier. So if you’re planning on following road safety rules, then you need a headset that’ll work when you use your voice.
The second most important factor after voice command is the ease of use. You’re pretty well covered when you’re riding a bike – be it the helmet, your gloves, or knee pads. The point is, motorcycle gloves don’t add any dexterity to your hand movements.
That’s when a headset’s user-friendly interface matters big time. If a headset has tiny buttons, then using the device can be a hassle. Too many buttons can present the same problem. That’s why it’s always better to try out a headset before you purchase it.
Battery Lifespan
Unlike your bike, your Bluetooth headset won’t be running on gas. That’s why battery lifespan is an important point to consider when it comes to Bluetooth headsets.
If you plan on using the headset for short, daily commutes, then battery life may not affect you at all.
But, if your commutes take hours then you’ll need to get yourself a headset with battery life to match. Additionally, it can also be dangerous for your Bluetooth device to run out of power while you’re on the road.
Connectivity Range
If you’re planning on taking a ride with your friends, or if you’re part of a motorcycle club then a decent connectivity range is a must for you.
The bigger a Bluetooth headset’s range is, the better connectivity you’ll have within your group of fellow riders. If a headset has mediocre range, then the minute you stray a little too far, you’ll face problems like interference.
As far as range is concerned, a ballpark figure of 1000 yards ought to get you a headset that gives you a decent range.
Water-Resistant/Waterproof
Picture this, you’re minding your own business as you ride down the road – when suddenly it starts raining.
Bluetooth headsets are just as susceptible to water as any other technological device, and in the past, many a motorcyclist ended up with damaged headsets due to rain.
Thankfully, there are plenty of motorcycle Bluetooth headsets in the market that are both water-resistant and waterproof. Furthermore, an added advantage of most waterproof headsets is that they tend to maintain high audio nature, even if it’s raining heavily.
Reviewing The Motorcycle Headsets – Yaconob BT-S3 & Sena SMH10
Now that you have a good idea of what features to look for in a Bluetooth headset – let’s get down to reviewing the BT-S3 and the SMH10.
Each motorcycle Bluetooth headset has been reviewed separately (along with pros and cons) for your benefit. If you’d rather discover which headset is better right away – then scroll down to the resolution.
BT-S3 Review – Key features + Pros and Cons
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth headset that can double as a walkie-talkie for you and your fellow bikers – then the Yaconob BT-S3 will suit you just fine.
The BT-S3 comes equipped with all the necessary Bluetooth headset features. That includes hand-free phone calls, listening to stereo music, voice-navigation for your GPS, or talking up a storm with your riding friends in duplex mode.
Here are some of the headset’s key features:
- Superior noise cancellation technology that can ensure ‘clear as a bell’ voice-quality at speeds up to 120km/h
- Noise processing feature ensures static-free music listening experience
- Intercom mode allows a rider to communicate with riders over a 1000 meters away
- Duplex-communication allows user to stay in touch with 3 people at the same time
- Waterproof and water-resistant
- Can operate at temperatures ranging from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lithium-ion batteries with 10 hours of mobile phone battery life
- Can connect to Apple and Android phones
Considering the BT-S3’s economical price – it’s features are downright mind boggling. Also, the headsets have received rave reviews on the net, and they’re gaining steady popularity.
Here’s what the headset’s pros and cons look like:
Pros
- Weather-proof and waterproof design offer added durability
- Comes equipped with all required added accessories
- reasonably priced
- Quick installation and user-friendly
Cons
- Voice interruptions may occur beyond the range of 1000 meters
- No warranty
SMH10 Review – Key features + Pros and Cons
Anyone who has heard of motorcycle Bluetooth sets has heard of Sena headsets – because they’re that good.
The SMH10 is great when it comes to hands-free calling, taking part in a four-participant intercom dialogue, and of course, listening to music.
If you do plan on buying the SMH10 headset, here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Outstanding sound quality for incoming and outgoing calls thanks to the latest 3.0 Bluetooth technology.
- User-friendly interface, and intuitive buttons for easier operation
- Jog Dial allows you to increase or decrease the volume of the music
- Easy installation
- Comes along with necessary accessories, such as – audio jack cable, USB, etc.
Everything sounds pretty good so far, right? Well, I can’t really say the SMH10 is a perfect headset. You can decide that for yourself after going through the product’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- Music sharing range of up to 900 meters
- Advanced noise control technology offers voice clarity
- Battery life for up to 12 hours of talk time
- 2-year warranty for workmanship defects
Cons:
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- May face issues with firmware upgrade
- Pricier than other headsets available on the market
Conclusion – Which Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset Should You Buy?
This is it, people. We’re at the end of our review, and it’s time to declare a winner. Although, I’m pretty sure most of you already know which brand of the headset is the one you should invest in.
There’s no denying that the Yaconob motorcycle headset BT-S3 is not easy to beat. But, the SMH10 Bluetooth headset by Sena is in a class of its own.
The SMH10 has everything a solid motorcycle Bluetooth headset should have, be it sound quality, voice control, good battery life, a decent connectivity range, etc. Additionally, the headset has received really good reviews about its weather-resistant design.
So, if you’re confused between the BT-S3 and the SMH10, then you should definitely opt for the Sena SMH10 headset. It’s a better choice all around.