Difference between Sena SMH5 and SMH10?

[sonicsix]

We're shopping for Bluetooth headsets to use on the Spyder and from our research, Sena seems to be the way to go. However, in our research, we have not been able to determine the difference between the SMH5 and SMH10 models (other than price). Can someone with experience with Sena enlighten us? Thanks!

 

[BajaRon]

We're shopping for Bluetooth headsets to use on the Spyder and from our research, Sena seems to be the way to go. However, in our research, we have not been able to determine the difference between the SMH5 and SMH10 models (other than price). Can someone with experience with Sena enlighten us? Thanks!

Short Story, Get the 10.

Here are 12 differences between two bluetooth intercom headsets from Sena.

1. The SMH 5 model is primarily designed with scooter riders in mind, whilst the SMH 10 is designed for motorcycle riders and groups.
2. The SMH10 supports 4-way multipair conferencing, in other words, 4 riders can talk together.
3. The SMH 5 is small and lightweight compared to the SMH 10 whilst the larger jog dial wheel on the SMH 10 is easy to use with gloves, turning volume up down, and most importantly easy to put on standby when the Misses is talking too much.
4. The SMH 10 will give up to 900 metres intercom between riders whilst the SMH 5 will provide up to 400 metres intercom between riders.
5. The SMH 10 has great optional clamp kits readily available to suit different helmets including clamp kits such as BYO earbuds for riders who wish to use your own.
6. The SMH 10 dual kit has two of absolutely everything in the twin pack which makes it a great pack for mates to split and share for intercoms
7. The SMH 5 will give you up to 8 hours talk time whilst the SMH 10 will give you up to 12 hours, as easy full days ride.
8. The SMH10 supports VOX whilst the SMH5 does not .
9. The SMH 5 will give you up to 7 days standby whilst the SMH10 will give you up to 10 days
10. The SMH 5 has an optional detachable microphone from the clamp kit so if you just want to listen to music or your GPS navigation then you don’t need the microphone bobbing around in front of your chin, of course this means you cannot talk.
11. The SMH 10 helmet clamp kits will allow riders to use non Bluetooth devices via an input 3.5mm jack so iPod’s or other MP3s which don’t have Bluetooth can still be connected.
12. In the SMH 5 sales pack, riders are supplied with a micro USB cable for charging whilst both the single and dual SMH 10 packs are currently supplied with 3 charging options; a bike cig charger; AC power adapter and a micro USB charge cable

 

[mrfats]

Ron, that's about as thorough as you can get! Thanks!

 

[sonicsix]

Thanks for the greatly informative reply. Most of what you mentioned for the SMH10 are of no real benefit to us, so our purchase decision will boil down to price.

 

[ARtraveler]

Ron: thanks for the information about the Sena units. I had the distance part figured out, but all the rest was new. Now I know I will be going with the 10's for sure. Thanks for your very thorough breakdown of the two options.

 

[gnirtsnod]

Thanks for the greatly informative reply. Most of what you mentioned for the SMH10 are of no real benefit to us, so our purchase decision will boil down to price.

If the price is even close, buy the SMH10. I got it from Santa and really like it.

Check out this video that highlights the differences between the two.

 

[serf]

If the price is even close, buy the SMH10. I got it from Santa and really like it.

Check out this video that highlights the differences between the two.

I think the price difference is about 50 bucks per unit... the 5 is definitely a budget model.

 

[Farmbanker]

Thanks for the greatly informative reply. Most of what you mentioned for the SMH10 are of no real benefit to us, so our purchase decision will boil down to price.

I agree with Ron's assessment. I bought the SMH10's and love them. I did research them online before buying and while I cannot find it right now I remember some reviews comparing the two sets and some people complaining that they did not get more than 5 hrs out of the other set after a while. So aparently the talk time is a real differentiator. For what it's worth.... Good luck!

 

[nhoj]

We have the SMH-5's

Can someone with experience with Sena enlighten us? Thanks!

Can't comment on the SMH-10's as we use the 5's. Got them in July to replace our 3 season old BT Interphone's (one failed).

We use them for bike to bike and I will agree the distance is indeed limited to approx. 400 meters. Other than that, SENA's description is kind of self-defeating.

Perhaps a more objective review of the SMH-5's can be found here....
Webbikeworld.com SMH-5 review

John