Mesh intercoms continue to close the gap on premium brands for less money. An example of this trend is the iSunergy X10. It brings 10-rider Mesh 4.0 capability and represents one of the first products offering both mesh networking and cellular backup. In addition to those advanced features, the X10 also comes with IP67 waterproofing and dual-layer noise reduction. The X10 sits in the mesh category of our comparison table of intercoms and competes directly with products such as the XGP X10.
Communication and Connectivity
In the communication space, iSunergy claims that the X10 runs a Mesh 4.0 system. As we discussed previously, Mesh 3.0 is the current generation of mesh technology seen in nearly every low-cost mesh product sold today. The new capabilities added in Mesh 4.0 were implemented to meet increasing demands for better performance. The company reports that the Mesh 4.0 can support up to 10 riders at a maximum range of 1500 meters. However, real-world range depends on terrain, and you would likely see about half of that range, or roughly 600 to 1000 meters between the two riders nearest together. Since the mesh network continues to grow as more riders connect, the entire group can ride farther than that range. Additionally, if one rider loses contact, the self-healing nature of the mesh ensures that the rest of the group stays connected.
A major difference exists regarding how this product connects compared to its competition. You activate the cellular backup on a mobile device via cellular data, and then connect that same mobile device using Wi-Fi to activate the internet connection between users in the group chat. Using this feature as part of the overall system, there is no practical limit to how many users can participate in a conversation, no matter how far apart they may be. This allows friends living miles away to communicate with each other during extended trips or adventures. In addition, the X10 supports Bluetooth pairing across brands (Cardo or Sena), enabling two-rider voice calls with these specific brands.
Audio Quality
Using 40mm speakers, the X10 provides excellent audio quality that has been reported as extremely clear and balanced in terms of music and voice by numerous reviewers. The speakers are loud enough to be clearly heard by other riders in the group even at highway speeds with a full-face helmet on. The ability to play music and receive intercom calls simultaneously is provided by audio multitasking. Priority-based navigation prompts will interrupt the music playback when active.
The microphone on the X10 is a boom-style unit that includes a foam windscreen. The transmitted voice is clearly received by other riders in the group, and several reviewers have noted that the voice quality remains good at sustained highway cruising speeds.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is dual-layered on the X10. The voice signal is filtered using digital signal processing (DSP) along with the foam windscreen that protects both outgoing and incoming audio. Because both signals are protected, the receiving party hears clean voice. While wind creates problems for riders with open-faced helmets at highway speeds greater than 70mph, riders using full-face helmets experience no issues transmitting clean voice at any typical highway speed.
Build Quality and Installation
The mounting system for the X10 consists of a small sliding bracket attached to a plate covered in adhesive. The housing itself is rated IP67, providing dust protection and temporary submersion protection exceeding what most budget products provide (IP65 or IPX6). Many owners have ridden in extreme weather (heavy rain and gravel dust) without failure. Two buttons control intercom function and phone function. Both buttons are designed large enough to use with gloves. The volume control dial is positioned on the side of the unit instead of on top, and many owners prefer this position since it can be felt while riding.
Typically, installation for each helmet takes about 15 minutes. Speaker pads attach to Velcro backing on standard helmet ear pocket locations. Modular and open-face helmets include a boom mic, while a wire-reinforced mic is included for tight full-face helmets. The volume dial is situated on the side of the unit to prevent accidental adjustment while riding.
Battery Life and Charging
Based on manufacturer specifications, the X10 provides 20 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time. Charging occurs over USB-C in approximately 2.5 hours. Touring riders that complete long days report ending up with 40% to 60% charge left after full days of riding with intercom and music active.
What Reviewers Say
There are currently few reviews for the X10, but all have been overwhelmingly positive with an average score of 4.7 stars. There are three consistent themes throughout early owner feedback. First, owners complimented the ease of use and effectiveness of the internet-enabled interconnection mode enabling long-distance group chats between friends separated by states and miles. Second, owners have used their units in heavy rain and other wet conditions without experiencing any water-related failures. Finally, owners consistently state that dual-layer noise reduction provides superior performance compared to single-layer DSP provided by many low-cost mesh units.
Although the X10 has a strong feature set and thus favorable early reviews, long-term reliability data is unavailable at this point. Therefore, potential buyers seeking longer-established histories may want to evaluate older mesh models before purchasing newer ones. Conversely, early adopters appear satisfied so far.
Who Should Buy This
Buyers who want a low-cost mesh intercom with internet-enabled group chat coordination for planning long-distance events, long-distance touring groups split among multiple states, people wanting to maintain continuous voice communications with another rider traveling in a remote area, and adventure travelers needing actual IP67 weather resistance will benefit from the feature set of this unit. Additionally, given its ability to support up to ten riders within a single mesh group coupled with its Bluetooth cross-brand pairing capabilities, this unit could serve as a viable primary intercom solution for many motorcyclists.
Touring riders who currently own Sena 50S or Cardo PackTalk hardware looking to incorporate an X10 into an existing brand-specific mesh group will need to search for alternative solutions since cross-brand mesh connectivity is not supported. Also, track-day riders requiring certified radio systems will similarly need to seek out specialty equipment rather than consumer-grade mesh intercom units.
FAQ
What is network interconnection mode?
Network interconnection mode refers to when you enable cellular backup on your mobile phone using cellular data to create an internet connection between members of a group chat. Once enabled on your mobile phone, there is theoretically no limit to how many users can engage in a group chat, whether they are local or thousands of miles away.
What is different between Mesh 4.0 and Mesh 3.0?
Mesh 4.0 appears very similar to Mesh 3.0 in terms of range and total number of riders supported at this price point. Mesh 4.0 builds off the enhanced self-healing aspects of Mesh 3.0, resulting in reduced latency between users when a member temporarily disengages from the network.
Can I pair my Cardo or Sena units with the X10?
Yes. Using universal Bluetooth pairing enables two-rider voice calling between the Cardo or Sena units mentioned above. The multi-user (up to 10) mesh group functionality, however, only operates between iSunergy X10 units and other compatible iSunergy models.
Is the IP67 waterproof rating legitimate?
Yes. IP67 encompasses both dust ingress protection and temporary submersion protection beyond what most low-cost alternatives (IP65 or IPX6) provide. At least two riders have utilized their units in severe weather conditions (extreme rain and gravel dust) without encountering any water-related issues. Do not remove the USB-C port cover unless charging.
Will the battery allow me to complete full days of riding?
Yes. Based on manufacturer specs indicating 20 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby, it is easy to see how many tourers report having 40% to 60% of battery remaining after a full day of riding with intercom and music active.