Two separate intercom units cost more than a single pack, however the asmax F1s 2-pack offers the best bang for your buck. While you'll pay slightly more than buying a single F1s, you receive two identical units that include Mesh 5.0, CloudTalk, and dual 1250mAh batteries in addition to a 2-year warranty for the pair. Therefore, this sits alongside some of the top dual-intercom packages available in the market today as seen in our intercom comparison table.
Specs & Build Quality
You receive two complete systems with the asmax F1s 2-pack. Each system contains a Mesh 5.0 and CloudTalk module like the single F1s package, as well as a 1250mAh battery for each unit and a 2-year warranty for both. The mounting system utilizes a quick-release design that is easy to operate. Unlike many magnetic-based designs, this system relies on a mechanical press-and-click mechanism. To remove a mounted unit, simply press the release button and it will pop free. Overall, the build quality appears to be sturdy.
As stated earlier, each unit features an ip67-rated seal allowing it to withstand water exposure including rain, snow, or being washed down. Upon operating the buttons on either unit, neither unit exhibits any bending or creaking. Each unit houses a 1250mAh battery. As per the manufacturer's specifications, each unit provides 22 hours of talk time and 35 hours of music playtime after receiving a full charge. In idle or standby mode, the batteries are estimated to provide approximately 192 hours of power.
recharging details. rechargeable via USB-C in approximately 50 minutes. You may listen to music while simultaneously charging both units at the same time. During longer trips, you can recharge the units periodically at roadside stops during breaks.
Controls & App
Each unit includes a rotary dial for adjusting volume levels in addition to two push buttons for controlling intercom and phone operations. The rotary dial has a tactile click-feel for each incremental adjustment level and works smoothly when wearing gloves. Additionally, voice control is supported. By saying "hi Max, free mode", etc., you can easily transition modes without needing to physically touch the unit. Since voice command operates offline, no cellular connectivity is required.
The asmax world application serves as the interface for managing over-the-air firmware updates (fota), setting up intercom group configurations, defining equalizer preset settings (EQ), and modifying lighting settings. Although some amazon reviewers struggled to initially connect their devices and needed a second attempt, once successfully connected, most found navigating the application to be relatively straightforward.
Warranty - Asmax Offers a 2-year Warranty on Dual Pack Units
Most Budget-friendly Manufacturers Offer Warranties shorter than Two Years. The fact that the warranty offered by asmax covers both units increases perceived build quality. Based on Comments submitted by several amazon reviewers who filed warranty claims against their defective units, asmax resolved the claims in a timely manner.
Audio & Mesh Performance
The F1s features bluetooth 5.3 and dual chips for handling intercom voice transmissions and independent music/phone call processing. This eliminates degradation in audio quality when switching between music and a group conversation.
Speakers. the 40mm speaker units generate substantially greater volumes of sound with deeper bass response than smaller driver units used in Budget packs. Several amazon reviewers agreed that the asmax F1s produced sufficient volume to be heard clearly at high-speed highway travel while wearing a full-face helmet. Riders who wear open-face helmets reported that earplugs did decrease clarity slightly, which is anticipated.
Mesh 5.0 for Group Riding
Mesh 5.0 supports up to Ten riders in a mesh network configuration within a claimed five-mile range between the nearest two riders. The mesh topology allows additional riders farther away from the primary Rider to communicate with the remaining members of the group. Should One member of the group drop out at the end of the formation, the mesh will self-heal and establish the new configuration without requiring manual intervention from any Rider.
ASMAX included CloudTalk mode for supporting groups beyond the maximum mesh range. Using your mobile phone's 5g cellular capabilities, CloudTalk enables remote relay of audio communications across unlimited distances. Support is provided for up to fifty riders regardless of brand affiliation (as long as participating riders utilize the asmax world application).
Audio Multitasking and Music Sharing
Multitasking audio support enables hearing simultaneous gps navigation directions, intercom conversations among group members, and listening to music at the same time. When a member of the group speaks into their intercom microphone, their voice receives higher precedence than any music currently playing. Once the individual completes speaking, background music resumes playing.
This aspect of functionality operates superiorly to lower-cost single-chip based Budget intercoms where music and intercom compete for utilization of the same audio channel.
Noise Cancellation
Asmax specifies that their noise cancelling technology incorporates seven layers utilizing enhanced noise cancellation (ENC), digital signal processing (DSP) and conversational voice enhancement (cvc) technologies operated by an eight-core processor. They state that they achieve approximately ninety percent noise reduction at One hundred mph. Most amazon reviewers reported maintaining clear voice communications when traveling up to around seventy-five mph when wearing full-face helmets. As mentioned previously, open face helmets introduce significantly more wind-generated noise at speed limitations inherent to virtually all intercom designs. However, the ENC does perform very well relative to voice output signals transmitted by each user, providing listeners with clear reception.
What Amazon Reviewers Have Said About Their Experiences
There are numerous reviews (1,228 total) with an average rating of four-stars. There are common threads in their commentary:
what riders enjoy about their experiences: amazon reviewers consistently comment positively regarding ease-of-use associated with the quick-mounting system used by asmax. All reviewers commented favorably upon extended battery life of their respective F1s units. They uniformly expressed satisfaction with increased loudness from the Speakers compared to competitors' offerings and voiced opinions that the increased volume made their riding experience more enjoyable.
common complaints: a small portion of reviewers indicated that voice assistants sometimes activate erroneously whenever they whistle or speak loudly off their bikes. Only a few reviewers encountered issues caused by inconsistency in cell-phone connectivity resulting in unreliable transitions from mesh-to-CloudTalk. Very few reviewers experienced initial difficulties related to pairing due to software errors corrected via subsequent App software updates.
value vs buying two singles: multiple dual-unit purchasers stated that purchasing two F1s units as part of a bundle is financially beneficial for riders transporting passengers or riding companions. One reviewer purchased the bundle despite having only One unit because he wanted an emergency spare unit in case his primary unit failed during a large-group ride.
Which Type of Rider Is Best Suited for This Intercom?
The asmax F1s 2-packs works best for three different categories of riders:
passengers + Rider: if you normally transport passengers, then this is clearly an ideal solution. Music-sharing, Rider-to-Rider communication, and splitting-up at fuel-stops and reconnecting will make use of these features almost exclusively on each ride.
long-term riding partnerships: for Couples or friends who regularly ride together on frequent occasions, purchasing this dual-pack represents saving money versus buying two separate F1s units. Both units are updated with matching firmware revisions and have equivalent battery life.
group riders: for riders planning group rides that require communication amongst larger numbers of participants (e.G., 10+ riders), the combination of Mesh 5.0 and CloudTalk capabilities addresses virtually all group sizes scenarios. Do not buy this dual pack if you will be riding alone for most of your rides and plan to use the second unit rarely at best. The single pack is the better value in that scenario. Also do not purchase this dual pack unless you expect to have cellular coverage available for large groups of riders where it may be needed for using CloudTalk features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy. how does pricing compare between purchasing a single unit and two separate F1s units?
Compared to a single F1s unit, the price difference is minimal. Compared to purchasing two separate single F1s units, you will spend more than double what you would spend purchasing this dual-pack. According to amazon reviewers, however, bundling two units is often cheaper than purchasing two single units individually. Please consult current pricing information posted on amazon for comparison purposes.
will i be able to use my F1s units with other brands of intercoms?
Yes, you will be able to use your F1s units with other brands of intercom units that support bluetooth pairing. However, since Mesh 5.0 and CloudTalk capabilities are exclusive to asmax branded units, only riders using compatible asmax branded units will be able to take advantage of those features.
what is realistically expected range using mesh features?
In general terms of usable range under actual riding conditions (curves, hills, etc.), amazon reviewers generally report that realistic usable ranges between the two closest riders using Mesh 5.0 capabilities are roughly between .4-.7 miles depending on terrain characteristics (hills/curves). The full advertised 8km (5mi) range should theoretically apply when traveling in flat, open spaces with no obstructions. Additionally, mesh relays help increase overall group ride range beyond those boundaries.
are warranty claims actually resolved in a timely fashion?
Numerous amazon reviewers confirmed that asmax resolved their warranty claims involving defective units in reasonable fashion. The process requires communicating with customer service personnel through the App and shipping defective units back to asmax. Resolution timelines varied. Most reviewers reported resolving issues within two weeks.
can i charge both units simultaneously?
Each unit includes a separate USB-C charging cable. Therefore you may choose to charge both units concurrently using a dual-port usb charger or charge them sequentially.
Fast charging reduces recharging time to approximately 50 minutes prior to achieving full charge. Therefore sequential charging should take roughly 1hr45min for both units to reach full charge.
is this intercom waterproof suitable for rainy days?
Yes. Both units are rated ip67 for water resistance (dustproof/rain/wind resistant). Therefore you may safely continue riding in rainy weather without concern for functionality disruption. Several amazon reviewers reported continued successful operation during heavy rainfall conditions.
If you are interested in additional intercom comparisons visit our intercom reviews page or review our full intercom comparison chart if you are researching multiple brands prior to making your decision
See where this fits against the rest of the market in the comparison table.
If the dual-pack math fits your group, you can check the ASMAX F1S price on Amazon.
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