The Fodsports FX6 is not a Sena. Let's get that out of the way. But for a fraction of the price, it gets a six-rider group talking clearly, charges while you ride, and does it all without making you feel like you settled. Check current pricing on Amazon.
Specs and Build
Bluetooth communication is used in the FX6. Bluetooth is fundamentally different from mesh networking, however, and mesh has an important advantage. A mesh network will keep every member of a group online with each other regardless of how spread out they may be from each other. Bluetooth will keep a group tied to the leader, therefore, the space between the second to last and last rider determines if the entire group remains connected.
Fodsports's decision to go with Bluetooth allows them to sell their 2-pack product for less than either Sena or Cardo sells their 2-pack products. Most of the features associated with a high-end group-intercom system come standard at half the cost. Fodsports lists the full spec sheet on their official FX6 page. To see how the FX6 compares against the rest of the market, check our intercom comparison table.
Battery and Accessories
Battery life is the standout feature. The device has ten hours of continuous music or talk-time and charges in approximately three hours. As no one else at this price point offers this service, dual-charging ports on each unit are included. Therefore, you can plug a power bank into the unused port and provide power to your headsets throughout the day on a long trip. This is the type of service you don't realize you need until you're on the road for days with a dead headset and no electrical outlets around.
Installation is very easy. It will take you ten to fifteen minutes using nothing but your hands. The clamping mechanism on the back of the headset will secure most helmet shells. Fodsports provides both a boom microphone for use on open face lids and a button microphone for use on full face lids. Large buttons allow you to navigate your music selection while wearing thick winter gloves.
In addition, the thin speakers fit into most helmet padding without creating any "hot spots" and the wiring routes under the inner liner. Although Fodsports has been producing helmet-intercoms for years, the details show. For example, the reinforced connections for the wires are located exactly where cheaper units typically begin to fail first.
Audio and Performance
Noise reduction provided by CVC noise suppression combined with ENC ambient-noise control performs well. One Amazon reviewer described it best: he rode his motorcycle at 60mph and held a conference call during which the person calling him thought he was sitting in his living room. That is the level of filtering we are talking about. While the speakers won't blow away an audiophile, bass response will be thin, as it generally is at these sizes, but they are both clear and loud at highway speeds which is all that you really ask of them.
Both microphones perform extremely well. The boom microphone works great on open face helmets and reduces wind noise significantly. The button microphone for use on full face lids is almost as good except that it needs to be placed right next to your mouth. Swapping between the two mics is quick and only depends on what type of helmet you wear.
Streaming music is another area where the FX6 excels. They are not premium audiophile speakers and no one should try to claim that they are. However, for listening to podcasts, GPS instructions, or tunes at highway speeds, they are perfectly adequate. The ability to sync audio with a paired rider is a useful bonus for two-up rides or when getting ready to split ways prior to departure.
FM Radio
The built-in FM receiver is not a feature I would normally mention unless it had saved my phone battery during a long trip. But that is exactly what happened. Scanning found local stations quickly, and reception was solid in the areas where it was used. On multi-day trips, having access to local traffic reports or news without burning up data made this a welcome addition.
Amazon Customer Reviews
Amazon customers have reviewed the FX6 over 1,062 times and given it a total of 4.3 stars. Many reviewers praised its value for money. Riders consistently said that it offered most of what you'd expect from expensive headsets at a fraction of the cost. Several reviewers also mentioned that installation and maintaining connectivity were relatively easy.
Many reviewers confirmed that the advertised 10 hour battery life is true in actual use. Additionally, several reviewers stated that the ability to charge via a portable power bank while riding greatly improved their overall experience on longer tours. Multiple reviewers also expressed satisfaction with the ability to connect seamlessly with headsets from other manufacturers. If this sounds like the right fit, you can check current pricing on Amazon.
Who Should Buy This
This is a great fit for groups of riders who want an affordable six-rider intercom without breaking the bank. It works well for motorcycle clubs, multi-rider touring groups, and ATV rider groups. It is also a smart pick for riders whose friends run different brands of headsets, since it supports universal pairing. As such you can still connect for shared music, GPS directions, and phone calls, even if your group members are using different equipment.
Hands-free voice command enables you to send voice commands to Siri or Google Assistant without removing your hands from the handlebars. The 4.3-star rating from over 1,000 customer reviews speaks to the consistent quality of this budget intercom compared to similar products available from newer companies.
If you're equipping a team of riders, you'll find that the savings multiply rapidly with the FX6. Consistently reviewers express that this unit provides much of what Sena and Cardo systems deliver at a fraction of their cost. You can also browse our other intercom reviews for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can connect?
Six riders in full duplex mode. Similar to other Bluetooth systems, reliability decreases with increasing distance between riders and interference. In practice, groups of four tend to hold the most stable connection, with the full six being achievable when riders stay within roughly 500 meters of each other.
What is the typical range?
Approximately 1000 meters (0.62 miles) in wide-open spaces. Expect around 500 to 700 meters in wooded or urban environments.
How long does the battery last?
Ten hours of continuous music or talk-time. Approximately 3 hours for a complete recharge.
Is it waterproof?
Yes. Designed for rain, snow, and dust resistance. The waterproof construction means you can ride through a downpour without worrying about the electronics.
Can it pair with other brands?
Yes. Supports universal pairing with headsets from other manufacturers for music playback, GPS navigation, and voice communications.
What comes in the box?
Two headset units, two clamp mounts, two 40mm speaker units, a boom mic unit, a button mic unit, USB charging cable, and adhesive pads.
