California Heat 7V Balaclava
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Why after all these years are we still giving this company a pass for their janky hardware?
Bad design, not intuitive, crummy speakers. Let's break this down.
Crummy Speakers - forever has Sena been providing the lowest quality speakers with their systems. They are fine for vocal re-production e.g. podcast, intercom, (although volume is a topic of debate), but try to play music? And you'll get the tinniest, poppiest, crackiest audio you've heard since the invention of small diode speakers. Ironically you'll get better audio if you WEAR ear plugs. Plugging your ears reduces external vibration and interference and lets the foam plugs transfer the audio to your drums. I'm tired of giving Sena a pass on this - it's not a cheap item - provide better speakers. Your buyers shouldn't have to find after market speakers that produce better audio.
Not Intuitive / Bad Design - Have we forgotten how hard it was to pair Intercoms in the days or yore? Sena has taken baby steps into making Intercom pairing easier (about time), but still doesn't make operation any easier. The units of the 10S, 20S, and 30K ilk are better to operate because they have bigger controls. The buttons on the SRL control unit, (I do love that its "built into the Shoei"), are so tiny and so close together, it makes for a difficult time pressing any combination of the buttons together with a naked hand much less a glove'd hand. And because they forced themselves into limited space, you get 3 buttons to perform like 100 different operations. Want to activate Siri? A 3 second press of the center button with your gloved index finger while operating a motorcycle ------
Install - OK. About 20 minutes to really get it seamless looking and to get a firm understanding of the inner workings of the SRL and the Shoei helmet. I wouldn't say this unit is "integrated" but it's as seamless as you'll get from Sena. Note you'll still see a wire no matter how hard you shove it in because of the design of the helmet, but it in no way get's IN the way or affects performance. Instructions were lousy as to be expected. And you'll be taking out a piece of padding and replacing it with the speaker - of which I'm not convinced that it doesn't affect the air flow of the helmet by removing this piece but you don't have a choice.
Do you want audio capabilities built into your Shoei helmet without having to use your own earbuds? Well then this is your best option. It's that the SRL has poor value. I'd whine less at $100 but at nearly $300 I'm not going to give Sena a pass on the "good enough" design mantra they've carried for so long. Do I expect too much? No, other users expect too little.
I bought and used this set for around 10k km already of everyday commuting and some touring. It is fitted to fantastic SHOEI GT Air 2 helmet. Installation of the set was relatively easy but here came the first disappointments:
- Build quality: cables are very thin and fragile (comparing to other sets that I was using). Almost immediately black isolation from one of the cable came off next to plastic clip, exposing the wire. I'm afraid that sooner or later I will break it accidentally while removing helmet interiors. Broken cable is not a problem, can be fixed easily, but...the small plastic clip melted with cable will have to be sacrificed. And here is another weakness:
- Non-modular. If some part is broken (cables, speakers), there is no easy way to simply replace it. I would love to be able to do that, e.g. to exchange speakers for better because:
- Quality of sound is weak. Seriously, cheap chinese sets were performing much better. Its OK for communication, but if you want to listen to anything else than your buddy, its a bit pain. Constant background noise, lack of any bass. Hard to believe it is 300$ device!
- Voice control is cool, but needs improvements: even though it recognizes only few words, it still have problem to understand simple "music" command. It also sometimes turns on while talking with buddy on com - very annoying. Better integration with Google will be very much desired.
- It is hard to operate with gloves. while center button is easy to find, the +/- are too close and I even have problems turning the set ON/OFF (holding center and "+" buttons).
Huge PRO is very nice fit to helmet - that is one of the only reason I will stick to this set despite all the abovementioned problems. It is just nice, cool and aesthetic :)
Overall it is disappointing that SENA released something like that. Idea is great, but it requires a lot of improvement. Or in other words - it will be acceptable for 100$, not 300$.
For the price you'd think you would get better speakers. For intercom the speakers are pretty good but music is low quality.
I love that it's all integrated inside the helmet. holds a change. Buttons are easy to use. The music quality is the only thing I can say I dislike. I have heard ov guys putting a small piece of foam behind the speaker to get it closer to your ear. I will try that
Easy install in my Shoei Neotec 2 made easier by watching a YouTuber installation video . According to Sena this fits Neotec 2 helmets made on or after March 8,2019 . I was surprised when I gutted my helmet and saw that it was made on March 7,2019 . The unit still fit flawlessly .
I give it 4 stars because of the bad button design . It’s hard to press the right buttons with bare hands , so gloved hands will be a problem .
I have heard people complaining about low volume , lack of bass and sound quality . I have the Sena paired with my iPhone X . After pairing Sena with my iPhone . I had to lower the volume all the way down on the Sena . Then raise the volume to max on the iPhone . Now when you raise the volume using the Sena this unit is way loud . If you go into the iPhone music settings . You can go to the equalizer and push bass boost . Which will give you the bass that was missing in your music .
The sound quality is not an audiophiles dream . But it plays and sounds decent enough for me . I had my helmet on in my apartment listening to music for about 10 minutes . I will give future updates as I ride with the Sena .
Price: US $72.52
Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 from 113 Reviews
Specification
Constructed of lightweight, 4-way stretch Polyester & Spandex - Package includes everything needed for operation - Includes Wall Charger & 7.4V / 3500mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
Design allows for easy pivot from full face mask to open balaclava
Can be worn alone or fits comfortably underneath any helmet (one size fits most)
Heating elements are located over both ears, with fabric facilitating the warmth to resonate throughout your head & neck
Battery lasts 5-12 hours (depending on setting) Max Heat 135° F
Description
Our adjustable Heated Balaclava combines full face/neck concealment with the power of heat. - The Balaclava begins warming your head and face within seconds using a compact, rechargeable 7V Li-Ion battery. - The advanced heating technology and unique, adjustable design keeps you warm while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities. - The thin material allows it to easily fit under your helmet as well for warmth while you ride.
See and discover other items: Mobile Phone Communicators, Explore headsets for motorcycles, Explore intercoms for helmets, Explore headsets for helmets, Explore motorcycle headsets for helmets, Explore Helmet Communication
Product information
Technical Details
| Manufacturer | California Heat |
|---|---|
| Brand | California Heat |
| Item Weight | 11 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 2 x 10.5 inches |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 7BLC |
Additional Information
| ASIN | B07QHMM1ST |
|---|---|
| Best Sellers Rank | #856,325 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive) #13,387 in Powersports Protective Gear |
| Date First Available | April 4, 2019 |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty:For warranty information about this product, please click hereFeedback
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