Sena SMART HJC 50B Bluetooth & Mesh Communica...

Final up to date:June 2, 2025

Assessment Abstract

For those who’re searching for the primary takeaways from this evaluate, right here is my abstract of the Sena SMART HJC 50B Bluetooth & Mesh Communication System:

• The Sena SMART HJC 50B retails for $349.99 USD
• The unit is appropriate with an intensive record of HJC helmets, together with the carbon fiber variations
• Excessive-quality construct that built-in seamlessly with my RPHA 71 Carbon helmet
• Tremendous simple set up with a chosen spot for the primary gadget, audio system, microphone, and wires
• Good high quality sound output, however not as clear and deep as Cardo
• Speaker output may sound tinny at occasions, most frequently at increased speeds
• The SMART HJC app helps simplify setup and operation
• Working the unit requires utilizing buttons on both aspect of the helmet, which could be distracting whereas driving
• Lengthy battery life providing 13 hours of continued use
• The worth level displays one in all Sena’s costlier models, nevertheless, the product performs at a stage that justifies it
• It’s essential to think about that the gadget is proscribed to HJC helmets, and due to this fact is probably not price it for riders with a number of helmets

SMART HJC 50B – The Product of Two Giants Collaborating

After all, you’ve heard of Sena, and I’d wager you’ve heard of HJC. In any case, these are two main names within the motorbike world. Every has earned a powerful fame of their respective fields, with Sena being one of many prime names in Bluetooth communicators, and HJC being recognized for premium gear.

As you may’ve seen, I not too long ago did a evaluate on the HJC RPHA 71 Carbon helmet. This full-face carbon fiber magnificence was a pleasure to experience in, and I completely loved the helmet. What helped take it excessive, nevertheless, was the SMART HJC 50B.

With such seamless integration, I knew I needed to evaluate each merchandise collectively with a view to get the total expertise of every. Having a Cardo Packtalk Neo as my each day communicator, I used to be desperate to see how the Sena unit would carry out as compared.

For those who’re out there for a helmet and Bluetooth unit combo, that is one evaluate you’re certain as hell not going to need to miss.

Tech Specs

Let’s get the techy stuff out of the way in which first

Beneath is what I used to be capable of finding on-line relating to the unit. Oddly sufficient, the gadget shouldn’t be listed on Sena’s web site, solely HJC’s. They didn’t have a ton of data available, however here’s what I may discover:

• • Bluetooth 5.0: Permits dependable and environment friendly communication with different riders and gadgets. 
  • Mesh Intercom: Permits for as much as 6 riders to attach in a gaggle with improved vary and reliability. 
  • Bluetooth Intercom: Helps as much as 4 riders in a gaggle. 
  • Common Intercom: Suitable with different manufacturers of headsets. 
  • Music Sharing: Share music with one intercom pal by initiating a two-way intercom dialog
  • Audio Multitasking: Permits for simultaneous use of intercom, music, and GPS navigation. 
  • HD Audio system: Present clear and crisp audio. 
  • Superior Noise Management: Minimizes background noise for higher audio readability. 
  • 13-Hour Battery Life: Offers long-lasting energy for prolonged rides. 
  • FM Radio: Affords entry to radio stations. 
  • Digital Assistant Entry: Permits for voice-controlled interplay with digital assistants. 
  • Sena Sensible HJC App: Offers management of assorted features and entry to the Fast Begin Information 
  • Suitable with: RPHA 71, RPHA 91, RPHA 31, i71 helmet

Sena 21B vs 50B

For those who’re like me, you is likely to be questioning what the similarities and/or variations are between these two Sensible models by Sena/HJC. The variations are refined however are price contemplating relying in your driving model and communication wants.

Listed below are the primary similarities:

• Each models run Bluetooth 5.0 and above
• Constructed-in FM radio
• Voice prompts
• HJC SMART software connectivity
• Easy arrange and appropriate with choose HJC helmets

Whereas each gadgets are thought-about high-end communicators, they’ve a couple of key variations:

• The 21B is a single unit, whereas the 50B comes with twin management models
• 50B could be operated utilizing voice instructions
• 21B is proscribed to a four-way intercom system, whereas the 50B provides MESH
• The 21B is able to outlasting the 50B by 9 hours, for a complete of twenty-two hours of operation

With that in thoughts, the 21B could also be an acceptable choice for riders in a smaller driving group, whereas the 50B would be the unit of selection for riders who often take part in massive group rides or need to benefit from voice controls whereas on the go.

Construct High quality & Integration

The Sena 50B seems and seems like a high-end unit. Proper out of the field, I may inform that the gadget itself was constructed to final, produced from high-end elements, and upholds the excessive customary of efficiency you possibly can count on from Sena.

I used to be instantly impressed with the mixing of the unit into the helmet. I do know that the gadget and helmet have been designed with the opposite in thoughts, however their integration was rather more considerate and seamless than I’ve seen earlier than.

For instance, the models are linked to the primary battery/gadget, which can be linked to the audio system and microphones. This eliminates defective connections and areas for potential points. Trying on the Ruroc Shockwave for comparability, the audio system are plugged into the helmet through an audio jack, which in flip plugs into the top unit. On the Atlas 4.0 Street, a kind of jacks broke, rendering the system ineffective. 

One factor I’d’ve favored to see is a water-resistant IP ranking. Though the Sena 50B’s water-resistance is probably going appropriate for most events, it doesn’t cowl all eventualities. 

Take the Cardo Packtalk Edge, for instance. The unit has an IP67 waterproof ranking, in order that riders can relaxation assured the unit is not going to be broken in any climate. 

Easy Set up

To be trustworthy, this was most likely the only set up I’ve seen thus far. There are devoted spots for every unit on both aspect of the helmet, in addition to a location for the top unit within the rear of the helmet. 

Beneath the internal pads, locking pockets maintain the audio system firmly in place within the good place for optimum sound. Shifting in direction of the entrance of the helmet is a wire observe that homes the wiring for the microphone, adopted by a devoted spot to put in it on the chin guard. 

All in all, the set up took me not more than 5 minutes and resulted in a really clear, no-wire end. One other bonus was not having an enormous unit hanging onto one aspect of the helmet. The 50B snaps into place on both aspect of the helmet with a really streamlined look.

Such a seamless set up jogs my memory of the AGV Tourmodular Helmet & Insyde Comms system, which nearly acquired an ideal rating. Check out the full review here.

Construct High quality & Integration: 95%

Sound High quality

With the unit put in, it was time to hit the streets and start testing. With Cardo’s put in in my different helmets, the SMART HJC 50B had quite a bit to reside as much as, however sadly, it wasn’t in a position to meet the identical customary.

Don’t get me improper, the sound high quality was good, however not fairly as much as par with Cardo. I discovered the audio system lacked a little bit of bass that the Packtalk Neo was in a position to ship, particularly at increased speeds.

At occasions, I discovered the audio system’ sound a bit tinny, nearly as in the event that they have been too far-off from my ears, and a number of the high quality was being misplaced within the helmet noise. As I discussed in my evaluate of the RPHA 71 Carbon, the helmet had a couple of considerations in regard to noise management, and I’m afraid this will have impacted my expertise with the SMART HJC 50B.

I used to be initially a bit hesitant in regards to the microphone placement. I sometimes put in my Bluetooth microphones off to the aspect on the chin guard to remove respiratory noise from being transmitted by way of the intercom.

Admittedly, the superior noise-cancelling software program carried out exceptionally properly. The microphone solely picked up my voice, and never a lot else. Whether or not my face defend was open or closed, wind noise was not transmitted by way of the intercom to Ashley, my girlfriend.

She rode on the again of the bike and assisted me all through the evaluations and may attest to the distinctive microphone efficiency with not solely blocking extra noise, however delivering my voice crisp and clear.

The 50B would require a little bit of configuration inside the app for greatest outcomes. For instance, you will have to activate Audio Multitasking Quantity Administration within the settings, in any other case it’ll routinely decrease your music/radio/gps when talking on the intercom.

With out it, don’t even trouble making an attempt to multitask whereas utilizing the Mesh or intercom. On the mic’s lowest sensitivity, the noise from my bike was sufficient for the software program to decrease my music, which was extraordinarily irritating.

Sound High quality: 80%

Ease of Use

The Sena 50B is simple to make use of, however not proper out of the field. What do I imply by that? There’s a studying curve to determine the button. Fortunately, a quick-start information is included within the field that makes the method a bit simpler.

One factor I discovered superior to my Cardo unit is the powering on and off. With the Sena, you possibly can flip the unit on and off inside a second of holding the button. With the Cardo, you have to maintain it longer and pay attention for the audible beep.

One other factor I actually appreciated was not having a begin up/shut down jingle. There’s nothing like turning your unit on and being blasted by the intro music at full quantity. For those who’ve used a Cardo, you recognize precisely what I’m speaking about. 

Pairing the gadget is straightforward, and as soon as linked through Bluetooth, you possibly can function the gadget out of your cellphone. I initially downloaded the Sena app, however for no matter purpose, the unit shouldn’t be appropriate with it. It should be used with the SMART HJC 50B app.

Voice instructions couldn’t be any simpler to make use of and are initiated with a easy “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google”. Alternatively, you possibly can choose to say “Hey Sena” adopted by one of many instructions from a pre-programmed record. Simply be sure you’re talking loud sufficient for the gadget to choose it up; in any other case, your voice might get misplaced in wind noise when at excessive speeds.

There have been a couple of cases once I would unintentionally press the improper button whereas driving after which enter the gadget right into a mode that I used to be unable to get out of. I needed to flip off the gadget and restart it to get again to the place I used to be.

I additionally wasn’t an enormous fan of getting buttons on both aspect of the helmet. I do know that the primary distinction between the 21B and 50B is having the second gadget, nevertheless, I discovered it to be an enormous distraction, particularly contemplating that I now had to make use of my throttle/braking hand to make 

Mesh Intercom

Mesh Intercom permits riders to attach and talk with close by customers with out the necessity to pair every headset collectively. Usually, Mesh intercoms permit for bigger intercom teams unfold throughout a better distance. With the Sena 50B, the Mesh intercom is able to reaching as much as 2km.

The entire variety of Mesh intercom customers shouldn’t be clear. Within the handbook, it states that the SMART HJC 50B unit can join with as much as 24 customers in a personal group; nevertheless, a variety of conflicting information on-line exhibits that the utmost is 6. Sadly, I don’t experience with sufficient individuals to check this characteristic myself.

Bluetooth Intercom

The Bluetooth Intercom was the first methodology of intercom I used whereas testing the Sena SMART HJC 50B. Ashley rode on the again with a Cardo whereas I linked to her with the 50B. Enabling the intercom was simple sufficient and labored with out fault. 

Sensible Intercom Pairing makes the method seamless by utilizing QR codes created inside the SMART HJC Bluetooth App. As Ashley was utilizing a Cardo, our course of was somewhat bit totally different. I’ll contact on this in a second.

The 50B could be paired with as much as 3 different individuals for a Bluetooth intercom dialog. The method could be fairly advanced, so remember to evaluate the consumer information earlier than making an attempt. To be clear, it’s attainable to have a multi-way intercom with all 4 Bluetooth connections directly.

Connecting With Different Model Communicators

Connecting the Sena 50B with different gadgets is feasible, however not essentially laborious to do. In actual fact, the method for initiating an intercom with all gadgets that aren’t thought-about a SMART HJC headset is fairly customary.

To take action, you have to provoke the Bluetooth intercom pairing characteristic on each gadgets. The 2 ought to routinely join collectively and set up a connection. To take it a step additional, you possibly can set up a bridge between Mesh teams when linked with a Cardo.

This is because of Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication system. To take action, all you have to do is faucet the intercom button thrice on the Cardo unit to open the bridge. That is essential to know if nearly all of your driving group rides in a Cardo!

Ease of Use – 80%

Battery Life

The battery life on the Sena SMART HJC 50B is a powerful 13 hours of use. All through my time testing driving with music, to utilizing the intercom with Ashley, I solely charged the unit twice. Would possibly I add that this was out of behavior and never as a result of I wanted to. 

One thing I favored in regards to the SMART HJC 50B is the charging port. Not like the Cardo, the unit could be charged whereas put in on the helmet. There is no such thing as a have to take away the unit to plug it in. The charging port is situated on the primary head unit on the again of the helmet and is simple to entry.

Then again, I most well-liked how my Cardo unit tells me the battery life each time I flip the unit off. Upon powering off, a voice immediate informs you the way a lot is left. With the Sena, you have to provoke the immediate with the jog dial and cellphone button. This isn’t an enormous deal, however undoubtedly not as handy because the gadget routinely informing you.

Battery Life Score – 95%

Is the Sena SMART HJC 50B Well worth the Value Level?

One factor is for certain: the SMART HJC 50B prices a reasonably penny. At $350 USD, the unit is one in all Sena’s costlier models that doesn’t include a digicam, or offered in a twin pack. With that in thoughts, it’s lower than the 2 latest Packtalk fashions by Cardo.

Whereas it doesn’t have the identical technical specs or efficiency capabilities as a number of the higher-end models (similar to an IP67 ranking), it is ready to maintain its personal as an amazing Bluetooth communicator. One other large issue to think about is how seamlessly it integrates with HJC helmets.

In comparison with the 21B, having the ability to use voice instructions and MESH is a serious profit and definitely well worth the increased value level. I don’t suppose I want to clarify the significance of voice command operation whereas driving a motorbike.

With out Mesh, you’d be restricted to a 4-way intercom. Relying on the way you experience, it’s cheap to suppose you’d need to ultimately improve to a Mesh unit, so if it’s in your finances, chances are you’ll as properly get the very best on the get-go. 

I’ve additionally factored in that this unit is just appropriate with a restricted variety of helmets, whereas different Bluetooth gadgets available on the market are common, permitting riders to proceed utilizing the identical gadget no matter what helmet they’re carrying. For that purpose, riders might discover the value level a bit excessive.

If you’d like true worth, check out our review on the Sena 50C, which is a digicam and mesh Bluetooth communicator in a single!

Worth for Cash – 80%

Ultimate Verdict

I used to be very proud of my expertise with the Sena SMART HJC 50B Bluetooth Communicator. Set up couldn’t have been simpler, and the mixing with my RPHA 71 Carbon helmet was good. I beloved not having a cumbersome exterior unit hanging off the aspect of my helmet.

So far as the sound high quality goes, the 50B does pack a punch, however I didn’t discover it to be as clear because the Cardo and lacked a little bit of bass. At occasions, it may sound a bit tinny, however general, it has an above-average sound output. I may hear an enchancment within the sound from the 50B versus older Sena fashions.  

For riders searching for a helmet/communicator combo, the SMART HJC 50B is about pretty much as good because it will get, and is properly complemented by an intensive line of high-end helmets by HJC.

Professionals

• Excellent integration with choose HJC helmets
• Voice operation enabled
• Superior noise management software program that successfully eliminates background noise
• Music sharing between SMART headset models
• Lengthy battery life
• Mesh intercom for as much as 6 riders to attach in a gaggle as much as 2km aside
• Simple-to-use Sena SMART HJC app
• Safe mount that’s discreet

Cons

• Buttons on each side of the helmet could be distracting
• Mesh bridging with Cardo models should be initiated by Cardo
• The worth level could also be excessive for a unit restricted to HJC helmets
• Gadget settings must be optimized earlier than use

Specs

• Producer: Sena
• Value: $349.99
• Assessment Interval: April – Might 2025

The place to Purchase

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