Review on 🎧 Sena SMH10-11 Bluetooth Motorcycle Headset/Intercom - Universal Microphone Kit (Single), Black by Robert Weeks

This is my first motorcycle communication system. I wear Arai Signet-Q, XL, with improved, thicker cheek pads. WHY I BUY THIS * Required Bluetooth connectivity with iPhone 5 * Required * Easier to put on and take off helmet than SMH5-XX models * Desired flexibility in microphone mounting * Sena had better reviews and price compared to other brands. I rode with this communication system for about 2-3 months (before the weather got cold). BENEFITS* Easy on and off between rides - the device simply unplugs and stows in your tank bag or pocket when you don't want it on your helmet. Takes 0.5 seconds and is relatively easy to do IF you've removed your helmet.* Easy pairing with iPhone - I had no trouble pairing. I slip my iPhone into my Bluetooth-enabled Tourmaster jacket, hop on my bike, turn on the Sena, and get voice confirmation that my phone is paired. Going up or down there will be a beep indicating you've reached the end of the adjustment range.* Microphone Flexibility – I used the mic with headphones because I didn't want to be limited to a full face helmet and mic boom Microphone The kit includes a Microphone on the boom, which, however, must be attached to the inside of the helmet shell with Velcro. I COULD tweak this at the end to have options - a boom mic can be better in voice quality, but in terms of compactness a headphone mic can't be better. * Battery Life - The battery life is amazing. I charged it for almost 2 weeks and listened to it to/from work (25 miles round trip) for podcasts and music before needing a charge. CONS * Speaker placement - you need more velcro to attach the speakers to the helmet. The back of the speakers doesn't come standard with quick enough (?) Velcro to just stick to the liner. I placed the included Velcro pads too high and behind the ears because that was the closest place I could find that was just a foam sleeve with no clothing liner. I ended up moving the speakers into the earcups themselves - not sure if that's safe, but I couldn't get them close enough to my ears to hear them.* Speaker volume for Bluetooth audio (music, podcasts etc.) . ) - In my opinion, there is a software issue that causes all bluetooth audio like music, podcasts, etc. to be too quiet. Note. These speakers are the larger units found in Sena products. There are many complaints about this device and this type of sound. I often need to boost the audio for music and podcasts, while unfortunately I mute my speakers for phone calls and other activities. Firmware updates did not fix this issue.* Mic quality with mic - I chose the multi-mic model because I didn't like the fixed boom mic model (slightly cheaper). The microphone, which I mounted just below the chin opening, is unobtrusive, but I get complaints that I don't hear well. Also, Siri has many problems recognizing commands on iPhone.* Firmware update process - In order to update the firmware, you need to register the device. It's annoying - it's done to deter unauthorized Sena dealers and their customers - but it's more like having to use a social media login to access a service that really shouldn't require a login. I updated the firmware once and everything is fine after registration, but it's still annoying to have to register the device. *Late battery warning – I like the battery life, but the battery voice notification is abrupt – you get a low battery warning and the device will shut down completely. Definitely NOT a "You have 10% battery left" system like on the iPhone.