The lexin gtx is a good option for a group of riders seeking wireless communication and don't want to spend a lot of money on mesh technology. It contains dual chip bluetooth that enables the rider to hear their GPS and music at the same time as they listen to another rider. Although it doesn't offer the seamless connections offered by mesh, it will support daisy chaining so larger groups may connect.
Design and Helmet Customization
The design of this unit really attempts to allow it to be almost invisible. The listing states that there are 5 interchangeable face plates that come with the unit. 5 different colors for you to interchange depending on the color of your helmet. When you are stopped at a light on the road, you are able to integrate the technology into your gear as opposed to seeing an add-on piece of equipment. The helmet will not look like something from outer space. The build of the unit looks sturdy enough to withstand regular usage without any rattling of the plastic parts when traveling at highway speed.
The setup also includes 2 different types of microphones. one is a boom microphone for riders with open-faced or modular helmets. The other is a button microphone for riders with full-faced helmets. Either way, the microphone is placed in close proximity to your mouth to minimize any background noise (wind) and prevent you from having to fight to be heard by others when you attempt to speak.
Mounting this unit to your helmet is a simple task for anyone who has mounted an intercom before. The unit mounts directly onto the side of the helmet via the adhesive mounting kit provided. Since all of the faceplates are removable, you can update the look of your unit anytime you upgrade your helmet. The correct face plate is similar to selecting a tie for a suit. It makes the overall appearance of your unit appear intentional. Find this lexin gtx bluetooth headset with customizable options.
Technical Specs and Battery Life
The backbone of the technical aspects of the lexin gtx are related to its durability and communication capabilities. It utilizes an 800mAh battery that according to the listing will provide up to 13 hours of intercom talk time or up to 18 hours of music playtime. Most riders will make it through a full day of riding without requiring an additional charge. This helps alleviate some of the anxiety associated with having your communications fail while you're several hundred miles from home.
The unit utilizes bluetooth 5.0 technology. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a more stable connection than previous versions of bluetooth. The stated range is up to 1.2 miles in open terrain for up to 10 riders. Please take note that this is daisy-chain or "paging" style tech and not true mesh. Therefore, you'll need to ride in a tight formation for each rider's signal to be passed on successfully.
The charging requirements are also quite specific. Only utilize the included cable attached to a standard 5V/1-2A charger. Fast charging is not supported for this unit. If you were to attach your smartphone's high wattage fast charging cable to your helmet intercom, you could potentially damage either the battery management system or internally within the headset itself. To ensure longevity of the 800mAh battery, you should stick to the slow power source specified in the manual or listing.
Audio Quality and Multitasking
Audio performance is generated from 36mm HD speakers found in this unit. Riders receive better bass response and volume than many other units available today, which tends to help mask wind noise on highways. This minimizes frustration due to continually increasing volumes when attempting to hear GPS navigation directions.
Dual chip architecture allows for simultaneous processing of multiple audio sources. As such, riders can concurrently listen to GPS/musical streams and converse with fellow riders. In lower-cost units, incoming calls tend to kill musical streams completely or cause GPS signals to drop-out temporarily. Gtx processes these streams seamlessly, allowing you to maintain your normal ride flow while keeping in contact with fellow riders.
Noise reduction capabilities are also claimed in listing for improved quality of microphones. Fellow riders will be able to clearly hear your voice and not just engine rumble and air buffeting sounds. This reduces the number of times you'll have to repeat yourself simply providing directional instruction. Even though i haven't personally tested this unit for noise cancellation, the specifications indicate that it should effectively filter low frequency hum.
Group Communication and Daisy-Chaining
Since this unit uses daisy-chain technology, the way the group works is specific. You can link up to ten riders together, but each rider connects to the next in a line. Your group needs to maintain a loose formation to keep the signal strong. If the rider in the middle gets too far ahead, the chain breaks for everyone behind them. This requires a bit of discipline in how you ride during the day.
For a large group of friends, this setup is a very efficient way to stay connected. The per-rider math makes the single-pack price look small when you are buying for a whole club. You do not need the complexity of a mesh network if everyone is talking to everyone else simultaneously. For a standard pack ride along a road, the paging system is often sufficient.
Also noteworthy is the paging function, which allows leaders to broadcast messages to the rest of the group. Whether you need to announce a stop or route changes, this is greatly simplified for all members. See what your next adventure looks like with this lexin gtx unit .
Reviews/ratings currently stand at 4.2 stars out of 5 based upon 389 user reviews. This indicates a high degree of satisfaction from users that have utilized this product. I am unaware of these reviews, but generally speaking, ratings tend towards perceived value vs cost, and speaker quality as well as ease-of-installation. There are some negative comments regarding limitations associated with daisy chaining as opposed to higher end mesh products. however, most agree that the trade off was worth it for the savings.
Who Should Buy This
If you are a solo rider utilizing GPS and music only, this may be more than you need.
Check out our best motorcycle intercoms article or go back home for more articles/reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the daisy-chain technology work compared to mesh?
Because this unit utilizes daisy-chaining technology, group communications work slightly differently than mesh. With daisy-chaining, each intercom must be physically connected in a series (i.e., a -> b -> c etc.). If rider #3 gets too far ahead, all riders behind him lose communication due to broken links. True mesh networks allow any member of the group to communicate with any other member of the group regardless of position.
Can I use a fast charger for the LEXIN GTX?
No, fast charging is not permitted for your lexin gtx as indicated in the listing description. Use only a standard 5V/1-2A charger provided with your headset. attaching a fast charger intended for use with modern smartphones may damage either your battery management system or internal circuits within your headset. Slow power charging will increase lifespan of your internal 800mAh battery over time.
Is the intercom truly waterproof for rainy rides?
The unit carries an IP67 rating, which means it is protected against dust and can be submerged in water for a short period. In practical terms for a rider, this means it can survive sudden downpours and heavy spray without the internal electronics failing. While it is water-resistant, you should not submerge it in a lake or use pressure washers. It is designed to handle the weather conditions you typically encounter while on the motorcycle.
What is the difference between the two included microphones?
The package includes two different types of microphones to fit different helmet configurations. The boom mic has a long arm that is ideal for open-face or modular helmets where the mic needs to reach your mouth from outside. The button mic is a small, flat version designed for full-face helmets where the mic is tucked inside the helmet padding. Having both options ensures that you get the best audio quality regardless of the type of helmet you choose to wear.