Ever try to get 10 people on bluetooth before a group ride? It's awful. FreedConn FX Plus makes that easy with their mesh networking system, which automatically connects all members of the group when they arrive. No need for button combinations. No need to wait until you have restarted yours. When you show up to ride, the network picks you up. See the latest price on Amazon.
With sixty-two Amazon customers giving this product 4.7 stars, it is impossible to ignore. Inside is a Qualcomm CSR chip operating using Bluetooth 5.1. The battery runs twenty hours of talk or thirty hours of listening to music. Waterproof to IP67, rain should not be a problem. At the prices these products normally sell for, FreedConn has offered more bang for your buck than what Cardo or Sena offer with mesh technology. If you ride with a group, this is worth checking out.
Specs and Build Quality
Bluetooth 5.1 powered by Qualcomm CSR is the combination of technologies that operate under the hood. According to FreedConn, the headsets will maintain connectivity up to 75mph. While many group rides may never exceed those speeds, it is possible depending upon the route taken and speed limits. Mesh supports 2 to 16 riders. Open field distance is claimed to be 1200 meters. Since bluetooth daisy chain networks lose all connection if the person in the middle loses contact with either side of them, mesh networks simply pick up the next closest headset and continue uninterrupted.
While the build quality of the headsets meets IP67 standards, it appears to meet those specifications. They are dustproof. They can withstand sitting submerged in 1-meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. Since it is likely that you will encounter unexpected storms or forget your helmet overnight at the bike shop, this is good news. The buttons are large enough to feel even with gloved hands. As important as this feature is for anyone wearing gloves, there is no worse feeling than trying to turn up the volume while moving at high-speed down the highway.
Battery life: 20 hours of continuous talking, 30 hours of continuous playing music. That is a full weekend of group riding without needing to look for a USB-C charging cord. Of course, the battery can also be charged via USB-C. Also, since you can pair two cellphones simultaneously, you can run both music and GPS on one cellphone and use another for business related calls.
Audio and Microphone
There are two levels of noise filtering in operation. First, CVC filters out wind generated by cruising at high speeds. Second, AI kicks in during city riding where engine noise and background traffic creates bouncing noise throughout the area. Together they help ensure that the people on the other end of the conversation hear you and not the wind.
Audio quality is comparable to what one might reasonably expect in this pricing category. For GPS and podcast purposes, it works very well. Several riders have stated that it performs adequately in a full-face helmet up to approximately 65-70mph. However, beyond those speeds, wind begins to degrade audio signals sent through the microphone.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
As we mentioned earlier, a collective 4.7-star rating from sixty-two customers is very telling. Many praised the mesh network technology allowing them to not have to manually pair each member of their group before every ride. Riders coming from older bluetooth intercoms mention it is a huge upgrade for group coordination.
Many customers praised the battery life as well stating that the twenty-hour talk-time battery-life allowed them to go multiple days commuting without reaching for a charger. A few mentioned they barely charge theirs more than once a week with normal use.
When discussing the IP67-rated product, many customers noted that they were able to ride in heavy rains without any issue with their FreedConn FX Plus headset. Water resistance is a genuine concern for anyone who rides year round, so this is good to see.
Some customers did mention that although they were happy with the performance of the product, they wished that FreedConn had provided better documentation regarding how to pair additional devices.
Most users figured out how to do it within a few minutes though.
Overall, users felt very positive about their purchase experience and none wrote in with a negative review experience. Check out the latest customer reviews.
Who Is This For
If you typically ride with a group consisting of three to sixteen riders then this headset will allow you to communicate without having to manually pair prior to each ride due to its mesh networking capabilities.
Additionally, weekend tourers and daily commuters benefit from its battery life and weather resistance.
Solo or dual riders do not require mesh networking capabilities. Therefore, they could save money by purchasing a Fodsports FX series or basic 2-rider bluetooth setup.
No reason to pay extra for mesh if you are the only one wearing a headset.
This product is scalable for larger groups as adding new riders is simply done in a matter of seconds and does not require repairing the entire group.
Compare how the FX Plus ranks compared to other options on our intercom comparison table, read more intercom reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the FX Plus pair with other brand intercoms?
For phone calls and music over standard bluetooth, yes. The mesh network is FX Plus to FX Plus (and compatible FreedConn models) only though.
How is mesh different from bluetooth daisy-chaining?
In mesh, every headset talks to every other headset within range. If someone drops out, the rest stay connected through the nearest rider. In daisy-chain bluetooth, a break in the middle can cut off everyone past it.
Is the 1200 meter range real?
In open country with a clear line of sight, yes. Most Amazon buyers see 600 to 800 meters in mixed terrain. The mesh helps extend things because riders in the middle pass the signal along.
How long does the battery last in practice?
FreedConn says 20 hours talk and 30 hours music. Real world reports from commuters say several days between charges. USB-C gets you back to full in about 2 hours.
Is the FX Plus actually waterproof?
IP67 rated. Dust tight, can handle submersion in 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. Riders who have been through heavy rain say it holds up fine.
What is in the box?
One headset unit, mounting hardware with adhesive plate and clamp, wired mic with foam cover, USB-C cable, speaker pads, and a manual.