SRL is seriously over complicated
So i purchased 2x Shoei Neotec II helmets one for my wife, and one for myself, Both TC2's, this due to liking Shoei and the fact the comms kit could be integrated with no exterior parts.. Sounded Great!!! I wish it was.
Ordered 2x SRL packs, and fitted as per the instructions
This is my 1st helmet with Bluetooth, Intercoms and all the other stuff, so I was very existed to have some of the car creature comforts in the helmet/Bike
Issues:
- Cable Slack/Excess, there is too much!!, its an integrated kit only for the Neotec II, so why are the wires too long, and why the need for the L shaped block??? and why was it made that you have to tuck cables away. far fram a great start. The marketing departments of both Sena and SHoei should be ashamed of themselves, as i was lead to beleive that this was a designed in cooperation between the 2 companies, not sure whos fault it is but NOT IMPRESSED.
2: Over Sensitive MIC. Not sure which one or may be both the mics are FAR TO Sensitive, and each of us can hear every little thing from each others helmet. Very anoying!!!
- The Sena Utility app for your smart phone is clunky, and as someone who works in IT and uses alot of apps on the PC and Phone it feels cheap, rushed and under developed, a lot of screen space wasted telling you about firmware updates, when you have the latest update.
Now onto the more serious issues.
- The SRL is far too complicated, and too many options for each button. for example to turn on the radio you hold the - (Minus) button for 3 seconds, in istelf not an issue, however to scan stations to hold it for 2 seconds, the problem is holding for 2 seconds often is 3 seconds and the radio turns off. This is only the tip of the iceberg, every other feature or option is next to impossible to remember as TOOOOOOOOOO many options exist.
- Volume, there is no dynamic volume so its either all the way up (Max volume) so you can hear anything about 70mph (120kmph), but when you slow down you get blasted out of it, and when you turn down the volume and by mistake hold the minus button for more than 2 seconds it turns on or off the radio. AAGGHH.
- Radio Use, again over complicated, you can use the phone app to store the radio stations, but to retune as is often required due to the lack of a good antenna it scans, lets you listen and before you can save it scans again.
- Intercom: no real complaints here, press middle button X times to speak with X person to open the intercom link, seems to work OK, but i have only used it to speak to my wife, so need to try other people.
- Bluetooth to the phone, no complaints here, and great you can pair more than one phone, and SAT NAVS etc etc
9 USB Port for charging and update feels awkward connecting it, and I would be concerned that continuous use of the port would result in port wear or damage as it feels cheaply constructed.
- No Modular battery: would be great if a spare battery could be used
- Sena (Lack of) Support: 1hr from install, went to Sens's website for support, opened Web Chat Support session, OMG what a complete and utter waste of 30 mins of my life and might as well have googled for help.
Stock answers:
reset the unit, (already did that).
upgrade the Firmware (was the1st thing i did after installing).
Downgrade the Firmware (Already tried that).
There was it no expertise at all!, I doubt the person I chatted with has ever seen a SENA product, and finally told to return the unit(s) to were i bought it for a replacement. I pushed the issue and asked that SENA look after their product, and to organise the return. I was promised and email that NEVER came. SO got onto the shop were I bought them and got much better support.
SUMMARY
So i have had this product(s) for 2 weeks now, spoke to the shop were i bought them from who know much more than SENA (LACK OF) Support, and they are taking them back for review and hopefully replacement of one or both units, where I have to spend another 30 mins per helmet fitting them and starting again.
My disappointment is unmeasurable, I bought 2x Shoei Neotec II helmets specifically due to integrated comms, and SENA are the only company making a unit for the NEOTEC II. So if this does not work out (as I suspect it wont) I have 2 expensive helmets purchased with no integrated comms. AAGGHH
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