Most budget mesh intercoms are restricted to a maximum of 10 riders. They provide no secondary method if the group exceeds mesh range. The ASMAX F1s is one of the first consumer-grade intercoms to incorporate Mesh 5.0 for 10 riders with CloudTalk, a cloud-based feature that uses 5G cellular to support a total of 50 riders with virtually limitless range. Alongside products such as the iSunergy X10, which employs a similar method to use cellular as its backup, the F1s sits in the premium-feature mesh category of our intercom comparison table.
Connection and Communication
The F1s incorporates a hybrid networking model that automatically shifts between Mesh 5.0 and CloudTalk based on the distance between riders in the group and the availability of cellular. The Mesh 5.0 component allows for up to 10 riders in an area that spans roughly 5 miles between the two closest riders in open terrain. Based on real-world testing, the actual distance between the two closest riders is usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 to 1100 meters after you include obstacles into the environment. However, the rest of the group is usually spread far past these two riders since each rider serves as a relay node for the mesh.
CloudTalk provides group messaging via cellular connection. If a smartphone is connected to a cellular network, CloudTalk supports up to 50 riders simultaneously and virtually has no distance limitations. As it exists at the application layer, F1s riders can communicate using CloudTalk with any other compatible devices, including those manufactured by various companies. Additionally, Universal Bluetooth pairing is supported for two-rider voice calls with Cardo or Sena units.
Audio Quality
The F1s uses a dual-chip architecture that separates voice processing and music processing. This enables clear voice communications without impacting music fidelity. Reviewers have stated that the audio output is significantly better than most budget mesh products, with increased bass response and overall volume. Music sharing is possible between paired F1s units, and audio multitasking is possible, allowing multiple content streams to be active at the same time.
The microphone is a boom-style unit with a foam windscreen. The F1s sends a very strong voice signal through the entire 10-rider mesh group. The environmental noise cancellation (ENC) functionality, combined with the foam windscreen, minimizes wind and road noise on the outgoing signal.
Noise Reduction
Reviewers report clean voice transmission through the 70 mph range while wearing full-face helmets. Open or three-quarter helmets create much more wind at sustained cruising speeds, though this is consistent with every mesh intercom in this class. Independent processing of incoming audio results in music and intercom voice not competing for the same signal path.
Installation and Durability
The mount bracket for the F1s comes equipped with a thin slide clamp featuring an adhesive-backed plate. The housing features an IP67 rating for dust and temporary submersion, providing a greater level of protection than the IP65 and IPX6 ratings provided by many budget competitors. Smart Voice Control is integrated into the control set, enabling users to access core functions without having to remove their hands from the handlebars. The rotary dial provides volume control and two push buttons provide access to intercom and phone features.
Installation of the F1s requires approximately 15 minutes on your first helmet. The speaker pads come equipped with Velcro strips that drop into standard ear pocket locations on your helmet. Modular and open-face helmets require use of the boom mic. Tight shells on full-face helmets may require the wired mic with fabric windscreen supplied. The ASMAX app manages firmware updates, CloudTalk group creation, and EQ presets.
Battery Life and Charging
According to ASMAX, the F1s offers approximately 20 hours of continuous talk time and approximately 300 hours of standby time. The battery charges via USB-C in approximately 2.5 hours. Many reviewers indicate completing multi-day tours with 30% to 50% remaining on their battery when utilizing both mesh and CloudTalk throughout each day. Since CloudTalk relies on cellular service from your smartphone, use of CloudTalk reduces total battery life compared to using only mesh.
What Reviewers Say
The F1s holds an average rating of 4.5 stars across more than 1000 user reviews. Owner comments repeatedly state three areas where they express significant satisfaction with the product. First, CloudTalk has performed exactly as promised and enabled group rides covering hundreds of miles. Second, users have indicated that the dual-chip audio design provides significantly cleaner audio than single-chip budget mesh products. Finally, users note that Smart Voice Control performs common tasks very well under normal highway wind conditions.
Criticism generally centers around CloudTalk's dependence on reliable cellular coverage. If a rider is operating outside an area with good cellular reception, then when CloudTalk is unavailable due to lack of connectivity, it automatically switches to mesh mode, and some users report intermittent problems during the transition between modes. Shortened battery life is expected when CloudTalk continuously streams over cellular, which is a trade-off for the additional capability offered by the feature.
Buyer Recommendations
The ASMAX F1s is recommended for buyers seeking an intercom that supports both short-range mesh and longer-distance cellular group communications. Clubs comprised of large numbers of riders, adventure riders that frequently separate from their partners over great distances, tour groups seeking reliable communication regardless of how spaced out their members become, and riders who want Smart Voice Control without paying Cardo PackTalk prices will all benefit from purchasing the F1s.
The F1s would not be the best option for buyers who operate primarily outside cellular network coverage because the main advantage becomes much less useful. Riders who are dedicated to using either Cardo or Sena devices and seek cross-brand mesh support should continue to use those brands because the mesh component of the F1s works only among other products that carry the ASMAX brand name.
FAQ
What does CloudTalk do?
CloudTalk uses a connected smartphone's 5G cellular data plan to provide group chat services instead of directly through mesh. It enables up to 50 riders simultaneously with virtually no limitations based on distance, and it runs across brands because the protocol exists at the application layer.
How does Mesh 5.0 differ from Mesh 3.0 and 4.0?
Mesh 5.0 offers faster self-healing behavior and lower latency times when riders enter or exit mesh ranges. Although rated range and number of riders supported remain similar to other current generation mesh solutions available at this price point, reconnection behavior exhibits smoother behavior compared to prior versions.
Does the F1s communicate with Cardo or Sena units?
Yes. The F1s can communicate with Cardo or Sena units using Universal Bluetooth pairing technology supporting two-rider voice calls.
Are there any fees associated with using CloudTalk?
There are no added costs from ASMAX for use of CloudTalk. Instead it uses your cell carrier's data plan for the cellular connection.