Sena
Sena has released the latest edition to the 20s Series, the 20s EVO. Sena is the global leader in Bluetooth communicators. They have consistently improved all their headsets and offered a range of products to suit every option. Their products are top tier when it comes to audio quality, dual audio functionality, and Bluetooth communications.
What’s changed
Sena released the 20s EVO as more of a hardware version update then an all new product. The following is SENA’s statement about the new 20s EVO.
“The same features that made the 20S the world’s most beloved Bluetooth communicator are still present in the 20S EVO. Use the updated intercom function to chat with up to eight other riders up to a more secured 2 km (1.2 miles) range, through the Group Intercom™ feature. 20S EVO still delivers HD-quality audio that’s clear, precise, and comfortable in every condition. Sena’s Advanced Noise Control™ ensures ambient noise doesn’t interfere with the incoming and outgoing audio. Bluetooth 4.1 technology, high-quality stereo Bluetooth speakers, and dual-module architecture create a smooth, crisp, and responsive user experience that the 20S are known for.”
The takeaway is that SENA changed the antenna to a more powerful integrated antenna at a fixed position. It maintains the same mile range, but signal strength is more consistent with better clarity and less interference. SENA has also revised the microphone connection. As you can tell, all of these features do not offer significant improvements; this is mainly due to the original 20s already being a powerful Bluetooth communicator.
I’ll save you some time, I’ve only included the 20s EVO specs in this article as opposed to the usual comparison. The only difference apart from the antenna and mic stated above is a whopping 2 grams in weight.
What makes this unit the best?
Dual Audio Functionality
I had a chat with a couple of SENA users who own and have used the 20s and one who has used both. Their favourite feature and I think this is true for most users is the dual audio functionality. In the past, Bluetooth communicators would need to switch between audio. Now, you can listen to music while simultaneously talking via intercom or receiving GPS instructions. I’ve included a video from SENA on some top tips for wiring your unit in the helmet. The best one and this is the reason I found the video was on how to improve the audio volume on the SENA speakers. According to the user that showed me the video; adjusting the proximity of the speakers with the foam spacers included was the obvious solution. Unfortunately, it didn’t occur to him until after he’d seen the SENA video about 6 months into his purchase.
User Interface
Simplified user interfaces for easy set-up and pairing. Pair your Bluetooth devices with a simple shake or hold the sync option after that you only need to use voice commands. *There is an optional remote available if you’re helmet setup is not ideal.
Intercom
The intercom functionality with the SENA allows you to have a conversation with up to eight other riders up to 2KM away via Group Intercom.
Summary
Is this the best Motorcycle headset in Australia? Right now, yes, it is. There are other units set to release later in the year that may strike for the title, but the 20s EVO has an excellent balance between cost *Current RRP $339 and functionality. The 20s EVO has clear audio, and the range of wiring options and extras they include make this a simple and versatile unit for many setups. One factor that the Sena 20s EVO lacks and this is arguably a critical factor for some users would be DMC capability “Mesh Technology.” This technology is useful for pack riders looking for an easy solution to for intercom communication between a large group of riders that may often drop out of range or order. As I said, this is not a significant factor for a lot of riders, especially in Australia.
I’ve heard about a 30K Sena Headset coming out
Now if you’re like any of my riding friends the first question they asked was whether the upcoming Sena 30k was a better option, yes. The 30K’s biggest selling point is it adaptive-mesh technology for communication. Between the 20s, 20s EVO and the 30K the only significant difference is the that riders can go in and out of range via the Mesh Intercom. This feature will keep the rest of the group in communication, it will also automatically reconnect when the rider comes back within range. Goodbye Daisy-Chaining.
| Features: |
| Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Integrated shark fin antenna |
| Industry first dual Bluetooth module communication system |
| Audio Multitasking advanced audio management of intercom, phone, music and FM radio |
| Advanced wind noise cancellation |
| Versatile bike-to-bike conference intercom |
| Intercom working distance up to 2 km (1.2 miles) in open terrain |
| Universal intercom - intercom with other brand headsets |
| Built-in FM radio tuner with station scan and save function |
| All-in-one helmet clamp kit |
| HD crystal clear and natural sound quality |
| Quick Bluetooth Pairing |
| Intuitive voice prompts and commands |
| Water resistant for use in inclement weather |
| Bluetooth protocol support: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, PBAP |
| Remote control support |
| Firmware upgradeable |
| Peace of mind thanks to the two-year warranty |
| Bluetooth 4.1 and Dual Bluetooth: |
| The 20S EVO is a second generation dual module Bluetooth communication system |
| Dual Bluetooth modules allow for increased flexibility of functions, performance, and reliability |
| Users can take advantage of simultaneous communication by running multiple applications (music, GPS, mobile phone, intercom) and seamlessly switching back and forth as needed |
| Audio multitasking is a new feature that replaces the previous interruption-based audio functions of past Bluetooth communication devices |
| Audio multitasking function creates the most close-to-natural audio sound while running multiple audio functions simultaneously and intelligently |
| Intercom: |
| HD quality voice allows for communication with up to eight companions over a distance up to 2 km or 1.2 miles |
| Intercom group management enables users to manage intercom participants by group |
| Intercom is universal, allowing it to function seamlessly with Sena Bluetooth communication devices as well as other Bluetooth communication headsets in the market (with future firmware upgrades) |
| Advanced Noise Cancellation technology efficiently suppresses the wind noise from motorcycle riding without distorting original voice during intercom conversation |
| User Interface: |
| Intuitive voice commands have been built into the 20S to ensure riders can maintain hands free control while riding |
| Voice commands allow riders to operate functions such as intercom connections, mobile phone calls, music playback control and more |
| Motion sensor feature allows the pairing of Bluetooth devices with a simple shake of the units |
| NFC (Near Field Communication) allows users an instant setup process by dramatically decreasing the pairing time required for the phone and intercom |
| Clamp Mount: |
| All-in-one clamp allows for versatile helmet mounting systems for more flexible and easy to switch capabilities |
| Dual microphone - one inside the helmet for intercom function and the other on the clamp for listening to environmental sound without taking off the helmet |
| Dual microphone expands the use for the rider and continues to enhance their experience |
| Includes both wired and boom-style microphones |
| Earbud port built into each clamp mount |
| Specifications: |
| Talk time: 13 hours |
| Stand-by time: 10 days |
| Dimensions (main module): 94.7mm x 48.3mm x 25.5mm |
| Speakers: driver unit 40mm x 6.5mm |
| Boom microphone length: 190mm |
| Wire length between speakers: 555mm |
| Weight (main module): 60g |
| Audio Specs: |
| Built-in SBC Codec |
| Wide volume control |
| Sample rate: max. 48 kHz (DAC) |
| Built-in wide band Codec (HFP) |
| Sample rate: max 16 kHz |
| FM Radio |
| Built-in FM radio with RDS AF (Radio Data System Alternate Frequencies) |
| Radio region: worldwide |
| Radio frequency specifications: 64 ~ 108MHz |
| 10 preset station memory with automatic scan function |
| Radio on time: 8~10 hours |
| In the Box: |
| Sena 20S EVO headset main unit |
| Universal helmet clamp |
| Wired boom microphone |
| Wired microphone |
| Micro USB power and data cable |
| 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable |
| Cigarette charger |
| Glued surface mounting adapter |
| Rubber pads |
| Speaker pads |
| VELCRO® brand fastener pads for speakers |
| VELCRO® brand fastener pad for boom microphone |
| VELCRO® brand fastener pad for wired microphone |
| Allen wrench |
