Sena 20s
SENA 20S
IGNITION
EVALUTION
Cracking the code on Sena’s new flagship
Mark Hoyer
There’s a lot going on with the Sena 20S Bluetooth headset, but somehow The Knob, which I got to know well on the previousflagship SMH10, makes it all easier to interact with.
Still, this Bluetooth 4.0, eight-way-intercom-capable, two-device-connecting communicator takes a fair bit of use to master.
The unit pairs with two devices so it’s possible to run two phones or a phone and GPS. Pairing was simple and connecting after that nearly instant. But we found it impossible to get music to play from two connected phones, the 20S accepting music only from the primary. Settings allow for music to drop in volume—instead of shutting off completely—for incoming calls
or GPS instruction. Sound quality and sheer volume without distortion are true highlights of this unit.
Even the FM radio, which has to presets, sounded great, though signal reception wasn’t stellar.
Ambient Mode is activated by a dedicated button on the bottom of the mount. A double click stops other audio and brings in the sounds around you. Great for when somebody asks you a question at a stop.
“Hello, Sena” voice commands worked okay, but mostly we defaulted to accessing Siri on an iPhone 5 and using buttons to control the 20S itself.
There is eight-way intercom capability and range (up to 1.2 miles) is improved by the flip-up antenna. Shake-to-pair with two 20S units worked great. Pairing with more users takes more work, and sound quality seemed to diminish.
We tried manipulating the many, many settings available using the jog-wheel and buttons but gave up and went back to the excellent smartphone app to alter settings. Firmware can be updated online, a big plus for running improvements. There is also an in-app user guide to complement the thorough printed manual. We referred to them often.
Sticking with the basic features like two-person intercom, phone calls, music, and navigation, the 20S works well and has great audio quality.
We said the 20S takes a fair bit to master. Fet’s amend that to say we think it does because we haven’t mastered it yet. But keeping it simple and talking or rocking, we dig the Sena20S. ETMJ
SENA 20S
sena.com PRICE: $299
UPS
+ Good sound quality/volume + Headphone jack output, aux. input + Still like the big knob
DOWNS
Voice commands work only okay - More features, more study required to master - Shaking your unit with other riders is weird...
