Sena SMART HJC 50B Bluetooth & Mesh Communication System

Final up to date:June 2, 2025

Evaluate Abstract

In the event you’re on the lookout for the primary takeaways from this overview, 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 listing of HJC helmets, together with the carbon fiber variations
• Excessive-quality construct that built-in seamlessly with my RPHA 71 Carbon helmet
• Tremendous straightforward set up with a chosen spot for the primary system, audio system, microphone, and wires
• Good high quality sound output, however not as clear and deep as Cardo
• Speaker output might sound tinny at occasions, most frequently at greater speeds
• The SMART HJC app helps simplify setup and operation
• Working the unit requires utilizing buttons on both facet of the helmet, which might be distracting whereas driving
• Lengthy battery life providing 13 hours of continued use
• The worth level displays one in all Sena’s costlier models, nonetheless, the product performs at a stage that justifies it
• It’s essential to contemplate that the system is restricted to HJC helmets, and due to this fact might not be 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 guess you’ve heard of HJC. In spite of everything, these are two main names within the bike world. Every has earned a powerful repute of their respective fields, with Sena being one of many prime names in Bluetooth communicators, and HJC being identified for premium gear.

As you would possibly’ve seen, I just lately did a overview on the HJC RPHA 71 Carbon helmet. This full-face carbon fiber magnificence was a pleasure to trip in, and I totally loved the helmet. What helped take it excessive, nonetheless, was the SMART HJC 50B.

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

In the event you’re available in the market for a helmet and Bluetooth unit combo, that is one overview you’re certain as hell not going to wish 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 concerning the unit. Oddly sufficient, the system isn’t listed on Sena’s web site, solely HJC’s. They didn’t have a ton of data available, however here’s what I might discover:

• • Bluetooth 5.0: Permits dependable and environment friendly communication with different riders and units. 
  • 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: Appropriate with different manufacturers of headsets. 
  • Music Sharing: Share music with one intercom buddy 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 Good HJC App: Offers management of assorted features and entry to the Fast Begin Information 
  • Appropriate with: RPHA 71, RPHA 91, RPHA 31, i71 helmet

Sena 21B vs 50B

In the event you’re like me, you could be questioning what the similarities and/or variations are between these two Good models by Sena/HJC. The variations are refined however are price contemplating relying in your driving model and communication wants.

Listed here are the primary similarities:

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

Whereas each units are thought of high-end communicators, they’ve a number of key variations:

• The 21B is a single unit, whereas the 50B comes with twin management models
• 50B might be operated utilizing voice instructions
• 21B is restricted 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 often is the unit of alternative for riders who continuously take part in massive group rides or wish to benefit from voice controls whereas on the go.

Construct High quality & Integration

The Sena 50B appears and appears like a high-end unit. Proper out of the field, I might inform that the system itself was constructed to final, produced from high-end elements, and upholds the excessive commonplace of efficiency you possibly can anticipate from Sena.

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

For instance, the models are related to the primary battery/system, which can also be related 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 Avenue, a type of jacks broke, rendering the system ineffective. 

One factor I might’ve appreciated to see is a water-proof 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 won’t be broken in any climate. 

Easy Set up

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

Beneath the interior pads, locking pockets maintain the audio system firmly in place within the good place for optimum sound. Transferring in the direction of the entrance of the helmet is a wire monitor 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 a giant unit hanging onto one facet of the helmet. The 50B snaps into place on both facet 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 just about obtained an ideal rating. Take a look at the complete overview right 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 so much to reside as much as, however sadly, it wasn’t in a position to meet the identical commonplace.

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 greater speeds.

At occasions, I discovered the audio system’ sound a bit tinny, nearly as in the event that they had been too far-off from my ears, and a few of the high quality was being misplaced within the helmet noise. As I discussed in my overview of the RPHA 71 Carbon, the helmet had a number of issues 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 facet on the chin guard to remove respiratory noise from being transmitted by means of the intercom.

Admittedly, the superior noise-cancelling software program carried out exceptionally nicely. 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 means of the intercom to Ashley, my girlfriend.

She rode on the again of the bike and assisted me all through the critiques 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 should robotically decrease your music/radio/gps when talking on the intercom.

With out it, don’t even trouble attempting 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 could maintain it longer and hear 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. In the event you’ve used a Cardo, you realize precisely what I’m speaking about. 

Pairing the system is easy, and as soon as related through Bluetooth, you possibly can function the system out of your telephone. I initially downloaded the Sena app, however for no matter cause, the unit isn’t appropriate with it. It have to 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 decide to say “Hey Sena” adopted by one of many instructions from a pre-programmed listing. Simply ensure you’re talking loud sufficient for the system to select it up; in any other case, your voice might get misplaced in wind noise when at excessive speeds.

There have been a number of cases once I would by chance press the improper button whereas driving after which enter the system right into a mode that I used to be unable to get out of. I needed to flip off the system 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 facet of the helmet. I do know that the primary distinction between the 21B and 50B is having the second system, nonetheless, 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 enable for bigger intercom teams unfold throughout a larger distance. With the Sena 50B, the Mesh intercom is able to reaching as much as 2km.

The full variety of Mesh intercom customers isn’t clear. Within the guide, it states that the SMART HJC 50B unit can join with as much as 24 customers in a non-public group; nonetheless, plenty of conflicting information on-line exhibits that the utmost is 6. Sadly, I don’t trip 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 related to her with the 50B. Enabling the intercom was straightforward sufficient and labored with out fault. 

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

The 50B might be paired with as much as 3 different individuals for a Bluetooth intercom dialog. The method might be fairly advanced, so make sure you overview the person information earlier than trying. To be clear, it’s potential to have a multi-way intercom with all 4 Bluetooth connections directly.

Connecting With Different Model Communicators

Connecting the Sena 50B with different units is feasible, however not essentially laborious to do. Actually, the method for initiating an intercom with all units that aren’t thought of a SMART HJC headset is fairly commonplace.

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

This is because of Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication system. To take action, all you could do is faucet the intercom button 3 times on the Cardo unit to open the bridge. That is essential to know if the vast majority 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 appreciated in regards to the SMART HJC 50B is the charging port. Not like the Cardo, the unit might be charged whereas put in on the helmet. There is no such thing as a must 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.

Alternatively, 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 ways a lot is left. With the Sena, you could provoke the immediate with the jog dial and telephone button. This isn’t a giant deal, however positively not as handy because the system robotically informing you.

Battery Life Ranking – 95%

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

One factor is for certain: the SMART HJC 50B prices a fairly penny. At $350 USD, the unit is one in all Sena’s costlier models that doesn’t include a digital camera, or bought 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 few of the higher-end models (resembling an IP67 ranking), it is ready to maintain its personal as an awesome Bluetooth communicator. One other large issue to contemplate is how seamlessly it integrates with HJC helmets.

In comparison with the 21B, with the ability to use voice instructions and MESH is a serious profit and definitely definitely worth the greater worth level. I don’t assume I want to elucidate 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 trip, it’s cheap to assume you’d wish to finally improve to a Mesh unit, so if it’s in your finances, you might as nicely 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 units in the marketplace are common, permitting riders to proceed utilizing the identical system no matter what helmet they’re sporting. For that cause, riders might discover the worth level a bit excessive.

In order for you true worth, take a look at our overview on the Sena 50C, which is a digital camera and mesh Bluetooth communicator in a single!

Worth for Cash – 80%

Remaining 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 facet 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 might sound a bit tinny, however total, it has an above-average sound output. I might hear an enchancment within the sound from the 50B versus older Sena fashions.  

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

Execs

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

Specs

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

The place to Purchase

Photograph Gallery