We’ve been testing the SENA intercom system in the most chaotic way possible – hooked up between myself and my two young kids, Jax and Bonnie, for riding on the farm. So far, it’s passed the test with flying colours. The best part of this system is how it works in a group: no button-pushing to talk, no awkward delays. The Mesh Group Intercom mode, which allows up to 24 riders to chat simultaneously over a massive 1600-metre range in ideal conditions is like having a group call while riding, and for kids especially, the ability to just talk without fiddling with buttons is a must.
We’ve been using the Mesh version, which runs Bluetooth 5.2. The HD speakers pump out clear sound even when my kids are singing while riding, and the Advanced Noise Control tech genuinely helps cut through engine drone and wind blast. The 40mm speakers are big enough to deliver great sound but still slim enough to sit comfortably inside smaller helmets. Even more impressive is the mic design – compact and out of the way, which is a big win when your test riders are under 10 with helmets with small chin bars.
Battery life has been excellent—SENA claims 15 hours of talk time, and we’ve easily gotten through full days mustering without needing a recharge. It takes about two and a half hours to fully top up, which is fair given how long it lasts. The separate battery pack is both a blessing and a mild curse: it gives you way more juice than all-in-one units, but also means you’ve got one more thing to hide under the helmet liner. And with all the wiring – mic to speaker, speaker to battery, and everything back to the main unit – installing these in small helmets does take a bit of fiddling to get tidy.
Durability-wise, they’ve held up to some serious abuse. My kids are not gentle, and their helmets get thrown around more than I’d like to admit, yet the units haven’t skipped a beat.
So far, this system has made our rides way more fun – especially with little ones just starting out. We’ll keep testing and report back after a few rides.
RRP: Mesh Single $395.95 | Mesh Twin $692.95 | BT Single $329.95 | BT Twin $576.95
Where to buy: Ficeda Accessories, ficeda.com.au
