Bluetooth helmets are a treat when it comes to group rides. For obvious reasons, they have revolutionized communication among biker friends.
But the question that bugged me initially was, what is the Bluetooth range of helmet headsets? To be honest, these helmets are kind of a luxury item. So, everyone deserves to know if they are worth it.
Remember the Bluetooth 1.0? It came with a range of 10 meters. For me, it was basically useless, especially if I wanted to incorporate it into the helmets for communication.
Well, the good news is that motor gear companies are using many more advanced Bluetooth headsets. They enable you to communicate with your pals at much longer distances.
Typically, most helmets offer a Bluetooth range of around 60-70 meters. However, some companies are also offering a 100-meter range. But the latest models work at 800 -1200 meters without any static.
Those of us who have experienced different headsets know how crucial it is to have a strong connection with other bikers while running in a pack.
However, you need not worry since I will cover everything related to the range and connectivity of Bluetooth headsets. It includes,
- Range of Bluetooth Helmets
- Factors affecting the range of your helmet
- What headsets and helmets have the best range
- Simple Understating of Range
Normal Bluetooth Range Of Helmet Headsets
As I mentioned above, the range of helmets starts at 60 – 70 meters. But the latest Bluetooth helmets and devices are equipped with upgraded technology that even works 800 – 1200 meters away.
While shopping for Bluetooth devices, you might have noticed different versions, i.e., 1.0, 3.1, 5.0, etc. If you are looking for range, you might wanna go with higher versions since they offer better transmission.
For instance, the 5.0 version can:
- Work at twice the speed as compared to the 4.2 ones.
- Offer greater range.
- And transmit more data.
However, there is one drawback to doing this with high-strength Bluetooth devices. These long-range devices consume battery faster and require recharge after every few hours.
The range of different headsets with different powers is given below.
Bluetooth 3.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | |
Typical Range | 60-70 meters or 200 feet | 60-70 meters or 200 feet | 400 meters or 300 feet |
Maximum Range | 90-100 meters or 300 feet | 90-100 meters or 300 feet | 1,000 meters or 3200 feet |
Factors Affecting the Range of Bluetooth Headsets
Before jumping into the range and models of Bluetooth helmets, you must understand how they work and what factors can result in disrupted range and connectivity. Having a head start on your models and devices is always helpful, as you never know when things might go south.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a connection between two devices that helps you send data among them using specific frequencies.
Unlike the network, Bluetooth does not use any cell towers; instead, it pairs directly with the device. And these connections are around 1000 timers weaker. So, you better get the right headset or helmet. Otherwise, most of your time will be spent on the side of the road waiting for your friends to find you to establish a connection.
Type of Technology
The recent advancements in technology have brought life-changing improvements in not only the speed but also the range of Bluetooth devices. Now, it has enabled us to transfer data with minimum power consumption in milliseconds.
Mesh Networking
You are already familiar with mesh networking. You might be wondering if Mesh enables riders to form a tree of communication, but what does it have to do with range?
Technically speaking, it does help in increasing your range. We all know that one network acts like a node in a mesh; let’s assume it’s you. The network behind you can connect with the network in front using your network as a node, thus extending its range.
Environment
Have you ever wondered the reason behind losing your connection in underground spaces and hilly areas? Well, the answer is simple: Concrete walls, trees, and hills play a major role in blocking the connections.
The same goes for your Bluetooth connection.
The following environmental factors play an important role in blocking the signals:
- Hills
- Trees
- Weather conditions like humidity and weather
- Rocks
- Boulders
- Electricity pylons
You might have noticed that sometimes your signals reduce whenever you are close to any cell tower. Well, that is because you are in the vicinity of a much more powerful signal. However, these problems are minimal in recent tech devices.
6 Bluetooth Headsets with the Highest Range
Now, let’s talk about the best headsets available in the market when it comes to range and connectivity.
Sena 10S
Sena 10S is one of the best motorcycle headsets available in the market at an affordable rate. The 4.1 Bluetooth headset offers universal connectivity and supports four riders at a time.
As for the range, it claims to have a 1-mile range, but when I put it to the test, the sound started being static after 300 meters. But I was still not disconnected until around 500 meters.
Note that I tested the range on the highway. To be honest, I am satisfied with the result, especially when considering other features.
For instance, the sound quality and clarity are pretty impressive. Especially while taking calls, your caller will not even know that you are on a bike. That is how efficiently it tones down the surrounding noise.
It works perfectly even at higher speeds, as I tested it at 60mph. Moreover, a single charge will last for at least 11-12 hours.
Sena Styker
Sena Styker promises a range of 2km or 1.2 miles. However, after putting it to the test, I was able to communicate with bikers 600 – 650 meters or three-quarters away without any trouble.
Sometimes, when external conditions were favourable, I was able to get a range close to 1 mile. And honestly, I am not mad, because this range is by far the best in the market.
Sena 30S and 50S also offer a similar range. However, the signals drop as soon as you move to some under-path. But the good part is that it reconnects on its own. So, it’s all good.
A user reviews the product and describes his experience. He also confirmed that the range gets hindered in hilly areas and unfavourable conditions. However, the voices are still clear.
Moreover, the mesh communication disappears once you lose sight of your biker pals.
Nevertheless, the Sena Styker is still my favourite headset available in the market when it comes to value for money.
Sena 50S
Sena 50S is more on the high-end market. Providing it offers Mesh connectivity, it is worth every penny.
The headset is not pre-integrated into any helmet. However, you can install it. The mesh technology enables you to get a high range.
The company claims it to have 1.2 miles of range and 5 miles with Mesh intercom. When people put it to the test, the range turned out to be around 400 – 500 meters without Mesh. However, by enabling Mesh, one can increase the range as signals bounce off from rider to rider.
Now, when it comes to Mesh pairing, the range started interrupting after 600 meters. And it can even disconnect after 800 meters, which is a lot less than what the company claims. But overall, by including multiple riders, you can get better connection and range.
Torc T15B Bluetooth
Now, if you are not looking for universal pairing and high-range headsets, then this Torc T14B is a good option.
The range is much lower than the Sena and Cardio ones, i.e., more or less 50 feet. While this enables you to communicate with your passengers or bikers just next to you, it is useless for typical riding adventures.
Since the headset is still using Bluetooth 3.0, the low range is understandable. For newbies needing a headset for playing music or receiving phone calls, this headset can work fine.
Sena Savage
Sena Savage claims to have a range of 1 mile. However, when it was put to the test, the range came out to be 400 meters before disconnecting. However, the mike works incredibly even at 70 miles per hour speed.
The helmet is somewhat similar to the 10S with 4.1 Bluetooth. The only thing that bummed me was that it doesn’t support Mesh intercom. But considering the price, I think we are getting a fair deal.
Sena has discontinued making these helmets. But you can still find them on eBay or thrift websites.
Fodsports M1S Range
Fodsport claims to have a range of 2000 meters. However, on testing it, the range came out to be 500 meters, which is not even close to their claims.
Buyer reviews further tone down our expectations. Some claim that headsets are no good after 180 meters since it gets almost impossible to hear after that. Other buyers say that headsets can work for hours within a range of 350 meters without any disruption.
Let me be honest. Such a high range in Bluetooth helmets is in no way disappointing. In fact, it is quite impressive when we compare it to the competitors and other headsets available. However, the 2000 meters claim is kind of disappointing.
But other than that, for sport, M1S is worth every penny.
The headsets offer 5.0 headsets. So, you already know that you aren’t losing connection that easily. Moreover, they have quite impressive battery life. After hours, the battery was not even close to dying.
So, unless you mind 400 metes range on average. Only think a little before buying it.
How Far is 1,000 Meters?
Most people need help understanding meters and miles. So, I will simplify it for you.
Running tracks are mostly 400 meters. Ever been to Central Park? It is around 4000 meters.
Think of it as you are standing on a plain field. The farthest your eyes can see is 5000 meters. Or if you are running your bike on the highway and the next biker seems like a dot on the road, then that is what 1200 meters look like.
Conclusion
In short, good quality Bluetooth helmets offer a range of 60-70 meters normally. However, there are some companies that are offering a range of 1 mile with universal connectivity and other features. I have tested these 6 Bluetooth headsets for you and reviewed them above.
FAQs
What is the range of Bluetooth Helmets?
Normally, Bluetooth helmets offer a range of 60-70 meters. But some companies can go up to 100 meters. You can always install a Bluetooth headset in your helmet and increase your connectivity range up to 1 – 2 miles.
What are the uses of Bluetooth helmets?
Bluetooth helmets offer the following features:
Receive calls
Operate GPS
Listen to music
Communicate with other riders in your vicinity
Which Bluetooth system offers the best range?
Sena Bluetooth devices are quite impressive when it comes to range. One of them is the Sena 50S, which offers 1.2 miles of range. On testing, the range comes out to be around 1000 meters, which is impressive. FodSports M1S and Cardio devices are also doing quite well.
How to increase the range of Bluetooth Headsets?
Yes, all you have to do is upgrade your kit to Bluetooth 5.0. You can also use a mesh connection to communicate with riders far away. Environmental conditions also play an important role.