Bell Mag 9 Sena helmet with Cardo Freecom 4 Plus

[Peacekeeper6]

Is this even possible ??

Anybody out there running this combo ??

I was gonna get the Sena 10 that is suppose to go with the Bell, but I heard the Cardo system is just a touch better.

Thoughts ??

[KX5062]

No, it isn't. I've been using various Sena models for years and when in need of a new device I decided to try something different, so I got the FreeCom 4+. I found it to be inferior to the Sena system in just about every way possible. I resold it and went back to Sena and won't look back.

[jcthorne]

No, Cardo has not seen fit to make their headsets compatible with linking to SENA units.

[Navydad]

The Bell is designed for the Sena SMH10 headset to mount to the helmet. The Cardo headset will not fit the mounting point in the helmet. I have the Sena's and the Cardo Freecom's and I can't really say one is any better than the other. They both do what they are supposed to do without any issues. However this hasn't been the case for everyone.

[ARtraveler]

I have used both Cardo and Sena. IMO, the Sena's are more superior to the Cardo. Longer range, no hissy interference, longer battery charge time.


The Bell Mag 9 Sena helmets are the real deal. They are considered "open face." We like the flip up face shield and the peaks for sun shade. They also have the drop down, inside, sun shades. We bought new Sena sets for these, even though we had five year old sets that were still working. Double the range. From two blocks to about four blocks line of sight. We used for bike to bike comm. only. No bluetooth phone or music.

We bought the complete package from Revzilla. A little over $700 for two helmets plus the Sena's.

[Lew L]

SENA, SENA, and SENA.
Had an SMH 5 for as long as I've owned the :spyder2:. Replaced the batteries once and both units are fine. Nova's receives the phone calls and mine works with the GPS -----we still talk with only a few moments break. Battery was easy to change out. Battery lasts as long as we do.
If we had to replace them I ---- I would go with SENA.
Lew L

[Haze]

Sena SMH10 on my GMax54 Modular helmet. Paired (Bluetooth) with my phone and GPS.
Also wired to my XM Radio.
Great combination made even better by upgrading the speakers.

I would buy Sena again.

[Peacekeeper6]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The two reasons I ended up with the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus are: (1) JBL speakers that produce higher quality sound (I have bad hearing), and (2) hands-free operation by just saying "Hey Cardo" (similar to the "Hey Siri" or "Hey Alexa" commands).

I know that the Freecom 4 isn't going to fit in the recessed hole designed for the Sena, and will mostly mount the unit on top of that cover.

Judging from all the YouTube and Amazon reviews, it seems to be a pretty good unit, comparable and maybe exceeds the Sena SMH-10. That is why I have decided to try out this combination.

I'll post a review when I have all the gear set up and let you guys know what I think....

[Peacekeeper6]

I have used both Cardo and Sena. IMO, the Sena's are more superior to the Cardo. Longer range, no hissy interference, longer battery charge time.


The Bell Mag 9 Sena helmets are the real deal. We like the flip up face shield and the peaks for sun shade. They also have the drop down, inside, sun shades. We bought new Sena sets for these, even though we had five year old sets that were still working. Double the range. From two blocks to about four blocks line of sight. We used for bike to bike comm. only. No bluetooth phone or music.

We bought the complete package from Revzilla. A little over $700 for two helmets plus the Sena's.

Which Cardo model did you use ??

[Peacekeeper6]

The Bell is designed for the Sena SMH10 headset to mount to the helmet. The Cardo headset will not fit the mounting point in the helmet. I have the Sena's and the Cardo Freecom's and I can't really say one is any better than the other. They both do what they are supposed to do without any issues. However this hasn't been the case for everyone.

I realize that, and will mount the Cardo on top of the cover that fits over that recessed hole.

[Peacekeeper6]

No, it isn't. I've been using various Sena models for years and when in need of a new device I decided to try something different, so I got the FreeCom 4+. I found it to be inferior to the Sena system in just about every way possible. I resold it and went back to Sena and won't look back.

Interesting.

Your assessment seems to go against a few of the reviewers.

Guess I'll just have to find out for myself...

[Peacekeeper6]

No, Cardo has not seen fit to make their headsets compatible with linking to SENA units.


It's mainly to talk to my passenger.

Not really into talking to other riders....

[Peacekeeper6]

SENA, SENA, and SENA.
Had an SMH 5 for as long as I've owned the :spyder2:. Replaced the batteries once and both units are fine. Nova's receives the phone calls and mine works with the GPS -----we still talk with only a few moments break. Battery was easy to change out. Battery lasts as long as we do.
If we had to replace them I ---- I would go with SENA.
Lew L

I'm gonna give the Cardo a try.

If I don't like it, I guess I'll go with the Sena.

[Motorcycledave]

I am your SUPER SENA DIST. for SPYDER LOVERS,
after you do all the pricing around...... CALL ME
I am NEVER UNDERSOLD 181292
209-887-3283
email motorcycledave@mac.com

[CopperSpyder]

I had the Sena 10 now I have the Sena 30k with voice command. I ordered the Sena 50s HD speakers and waiting for them to come in see if there any better. Not that the ones I have now are bad but they say you get more bass with the HD speakers, we'll see.

[Peacekeeper6]

I am your SUPER SENA DIST. for SPYDER LOVERS,
after you do all the pricing around...... CALL ME
I am NEVER UNDERSOLD 181292
209-887-3283
email motorcycledave@mac.com

Should I dislike my Cardo purchase, I will keep you in mind, MD.

[ARtraveler]

Which Cardo model did you use ??

The Cardo was one of the first communicators we tried. Sorry, but I no longer have them and do not remember the model #.

[UtahPete]

The Bell Mag 9 is an open face helmet. I think most commenters use modular or at least full face helmets. I don't know whether the differences between the two brands of communicators is more or less important when comparing them in an open face vs closed helmet. Does anyone have empirical evidence in this regard?

[Peacekeeper6]

The Bell Mag 9 is an open face helmet. I think most commenters use modular or at least full face helmets. I don't know whether the differences between the two brands of communicators is more or less important when comparing them in an open face vs closed helmet. Does anyone have empirical evidence in this regard?

I ended up with the HJC FG Jet helmet, which is very similar to the Bell Mag 9. I am hoping that the huge clear face shield will help improve audio quality by blocking most of the wind noise.