Sena vs Cardo

Another reader question! What is a better communicator, the sena smh10r or cardo scala g9x?

Thx for your help, Patrick

So if I had to answer this question in a quick minute, I have to say the G9X. However, that answer is based solely on features and functionality when you compare the two side by side.  But that is simply because the G9X is designed as the master of Group Riding, assuming all of the riders are using Cardo units. It's a robust bluetooth intercom to ride with a ton of people. Whereas the SMH10R is really a low profile unit designed to interact with maybe 3 riding friends, not all of the members of your local riding club.

sena smh10R shoei qwest

I whipped up this chart to compare what features each unit has in common, and then who wins in certain categories so you can see how different these units are. In the first section "Shared Features", you can see they do have similar functionalities. In the "Cardo Wins" category, there are a few cool features that the SMH10R doesn't have.  And then in the "Sena Wins" category, it has a few features that the G9X doesn't have.

SHARED FEATURES:

CARDO G9X

SENA SMH10R

4-Way Intercom Conferencing

yes

yes

A2DP Stereo

yes

yes

Answer Intercom Calls via VOX

yes

yes

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

yes

yes

GPS Connectivity

yes

yes

Hot Dial

yes

yes

Make and Receive Mobile Calls via VOX

yes

yes

Mobile Phone Connectivity

yes

yes

MP3 Connectivity

yes

yes

Music-Sharing™(between Rider-Passenger)

yes

yes

Plug-In Speakers (3.5mm)

yes

yes (optional)

Replaceable Mics

yes

yes

Software Updates

yes

yes

Spoken Status Announcements

yes

yes

Voice Commands

yes

yes

 CARDO WINS:

Web platform to change settings

yes

no

FM Radio with RDS

yes

no

Automatic Volume Adjustment (AGC)

yes

no

Click-to-Link®

yes

no

Flash Pairing®

yes

no

Group Signal

yes

no

Intercom Bike-to-Bike

Up to 1mile

Up to 0.55 mile

Intercom Toggling

between 9 bikers

between 4 bikers

Talk Time

13 hours

8 hours

Standby

7 days

7 days

SENA WINS:

Universal Intercom

no

yes

Ultralight Profile

no

yes

Cardo Scala G9

I would say that if you're looking for the Cardo version of the SMH10R, look at the Q3. Lower profile than the G9 and offers practically the same features as the SMH10R, with the exception of it's low profile, thin unit. For ME, this trumps everything else. It's aesthetics, and purely superficial. But it totally depends on what your priorities are as a rider. Having ridden with the SMH5 for so long, I really like the low profile look of the SMH10R and am getting comfortable with the controls each time I ride.

Help Finding Plus Size Leather Jackets and Gloves

Another Joann needs help with gloves and a leather jacket. Let's see what we can come up with to help her out!

Height and Weight: 5' 5", 175 lbs

Chest, Waist, Hip Measurements: C 41, W 40, H 44

Message:

Hi! In my crazy search for new gear I came across your site and I have been following you on FB. I need a good leather jacket with armor, and I do not want all black, preferably with some white. Price doesn't really matter, I want good stuff for street riding. All of the women's gear stocked in this town is for skinny girls with styling for 20 year olds so I have to buy online. Most of what I like (fairly simple) is not available in my XL, size 14. I love the Revit Zena, but I think it will be big enough for me. From you notes it sounds like Dainese will not fit me either :( I'm looking at the Icon Hella. Do you have any suggestions?

Also, what are your favorite gloves? I have medium sized hands.

I just bought a 2014 Street Triple, cosmic green, in January. My son has the R, but it is just too tall for me to be comfortable and I probably won't ride hard enough to ever really know the difference. My local dealer even lowered it by almost an inch. Love it! Breaking it in has been painfully slow but I only have another 400 miles to go before I can max out on rpms. It's going to be a great summer.

Thank you for all of the information you have up!

Joann

Thanks so much for the follow! Let me see what I can do to assist in your search.

It might be a little difficult but I have a couple ideas. First off, I think you're right about the Xena. The waist may be too small for you. It's certainly worth ordering, since the bust fit will be nice for you. But, I am slightly concerned about the waist size. One thing about Rev'it overall is the sleeve lengths are longer, so I would also be worried that at a 46, it would be too long in the sleeves for you as well. But, I fit into a 38 and I have a 31" waist, which puts me in a very different size. So I would recommend ordering a 46 to try it on.

As far as the Icon Hella goes, I would definitely recommend that as an option for you. Given the size charts, I would probably order XL.

Here are a couple more ideas for you:

1/ Cortech LNX Leather

I know you want white, but this may fit you better. You can always throw a reflective vest on top for more visibility. You'll probably be a Plus S. This will be a better option for shorter sleeve length. Not versatile for multi season riding, but a good mild weather jacket.

2/ Revit Ignition 2

I know what the size chart says, but this jacket fits VERY boxy and straight from shoulders to waist. It flares a bit at the hips so that should also work for you. Remember that the sleeves run a bit long on this one. I have monkey arms, so long sleeves work well for me.

As far as gloves go, these are my current favorites:

• Held Airstream; Amazing glove for summer weather, you would probably need a 7, since they're unisex. Fit is wider and thicker in the palms.
• Revit Summit H2o: Great for year round riding, or mild/cool/wet weather (not summer). Fit is narrow in the wrist and palm, long in the fingers.
• Dainese Carbon Cover ST: Also great for year round riding, but not waterproof. You can definitely get through them in the summer, but they aren't ventilated very much except between the fingers. Fit is smaller in the palms with shorter fingers.

Hope this helps!

Multiseason Jacket for SoCal Scootering?

Reader Melissa is searching for the ultimate stylish, versatile riding jacket for zipping around town on her scooter in Southern California (lucky girl). I gave her a few ideas which I think will work well and look great. 

Your website is super great!!!! Thank you for putting together all of this information. I have been going through it for a while as I didn't want to take your time without first reading all the information you've provided.

I've been riding a scooter for a couple years but have never had a jacket that fits me (I got one with the scooter and have worn it). I know, terrible. I am looking to purchase one now. My priority is safety and non leather. I'm also interested though in something that will do well in various weather conditions. I live in Long Beach, CA so the weather is usually nice; however, like you, I'm often COLD, particularly on morning rides to work. But then I would love it if one jacket would also serve me well in the summer. Is this too much to ask??

The ones I've found through your site that I like are:

• spidi: maybe the street tex lady, dynamite tex, I don't know, I like a number of theirs style-wise
• Corazzo 5.0 but I'm not sure this would be warm enough and maybe the sky ladies textile jacket (not too sure about this one though). This is based on what you've said about safety and also on my preference in style, I don't like to do a lot of advertising for companies :-)
• Style-wise I've liked the spidi jackets most of what I've seen but it's hard to tell online and I'm totally open to suggestions!
• I also like that the corazzo is made in the usa.

If you have input I would LOVE to hear it! No hurry though, I appreciate any time you have reply whenever that may be. Thank you. Melissa

(5'2", 35.5 bust, 29.5 waist, 36 hips)

Hello Melissa,

Thanks for your email!

based on your measurements and riding conditions, you are probably not going to fit any of the ones you recommended. My rec for you is one of the following (each has more colors as well):

1/ Revit Tornado, size 36

It's a meshed jacket on the outside with a removable thermal, waterproof liner on the inside. If you think that'll still be too cold, then I would recommend #2 or #3.

2/ Revit Indigo jacket, size 36

The outer shell is solid, but lightweight. It has 2 removable liners instead of 1 like the tornado. One is waterproof and the other one is warm.

3/ Dainese Katy Jacket, size 40

(their sizing is different from Revit)

It's not waterproof, just warm with the removable thermal liner.

4/ Dainese Arya Jacket, size 40

This one is a bit more expensive than Katy because it's a different fabric that has a stretchyness to it, along with water repellency. Also designed for more than just city riding. Whereas Katy is designed as a City jacket which implies less abrasion resistance for highway speeds.

#1 is the best option for the most ventilation in the summer temperatures (~80s-90s). Whereas #2-#4 are ideal for ~50s-60s-70s. If however, you're one of those who even gets chilly at 80 then you'll absolutely love these options instead :D

Each one is minimally branded but every jacket will have branding so it's impossible to avoid. But I think these fit the simple bill. And it's up to you to upgrade each jacket with a proper back protector, which I can definitely recommend if you need options.

Although I do like the brands and styles you mentioned, the bottom line is that at your size none of them offer the versatility you're seeking. Also, I find that at your measurements, these brands I've suggested do the Best job in terms of tailoring and fitment for petite body types. Alpinestars is also another brand that does a great job. However, they don't have a jacket that fits your needs as well as Revit and Dainese. When you put on a Rev'it or Dainese, there's no denying the fit and I just know that you'll love how all of them look and feel.

I know they may not fall exactly in line with your style requirements, but if you want to achieve the best fit (which is tied directly to the safety aspect of the garment) then I would really consider one of the options above instead.

Happy Scootering!

Reader Question: Are My Motorcycle Boots Too Big?

Hi There,

I'm in the market for my first pair of official motorcycle boots. I commute 60 miles a day on my 07 BMW F800ST which has very cramped footpegs. I have narrow feet with med/big arches. My budget is around $200-240 max.

It was suggested to me by several people to get the Sidi Fusion boots as they tend to run narrow unlike some other sidi boots. I couldn't find them anywhere locally, and I had a $140 store credit for cycle gear so i ordered them from the cyclegear website. I went ahead and ordered a size 45. The fit: The boot feels a tad bit loose, and it feels like my feet slide forward in them which cramps my toes. I slapped my FAVORITE insoles in (Sofsol Airr) and it tightened the boot up nicely, but then my toes were so cramped they now get tingly. Should I trade them in for a 46? Do i need to go to a different boot? Help! Love your podcast and always love to hear your feedback.

-Kyle

Hi Kyle,

I would definitely recommend a completely different brand for you. Sidis can run narrow in the toe box, but not everywhere else as your experience is showing you (heels, ankles). The reason your toes are smashing into the toe box is probably because the heel and ankle area isn't pulling your foot back enough to keep them out of the toe box. I have the same issue with my Sidis as well. Unfortunately my feet are so small that they don't make a size small enough!

My recommendation would have been anything from Dainese. Unfortunately you will have to spend just a little more to find something that fits in your budget. Dainese is the only brand that has this type of narrow overall fit everywhere:

• Dainese Giro-ST Boots: $259.95 These are identical to the protection you have on the Sidi Fusion boots, the fit is completely different.

For the price I think these would work really well for what you are trying to accomplish. Although they're a slightly larger investment I think you'll be *very* happy with the result. I would recommend a size 45.

Update 11/23/2014

Kyle wrote me back with an update!

So I went into cycle gear to order your suggested boots and they said they would give me the TR-Course Out for $5 less than the others. Got them for $250! Holy moley they feel great!!! Way overkill for my commute but I'm not complaining!