This is a basic intercom package with two units (the dual pack) and does not come with the same quality as a high end brand. It was made to be affordable and meets the requirements of casual, low speed rides only. Do not think that it will work perfectly for a long distance ride.
Features & what comes included
The listing is for a dual pack. Therefore, there are two units in the box. This makes it best for a couple or group of friends looking to ride together. Five additional interchangeable faceplates allow you to personalize your headset colors based on your helmet. Since you are able to exchange the faceplates at any time, you can upgrade your look without having to purchase an entire new headset. If you buy a different helmet later on down the line, you can remove the original faceplate and attach it to your new helmet. The hardware comes equipped with 36mm HD helmet speakers, which are larger than some cheap headsets. Larger speakers generally try to produce louder volume levels to compete with wind noise at faster speeds. However, larger speakers may rub against the sides of thinner ear cups. Depending on how tight your helmet is fitted, you may have to modify the foam padding inside your helmet to fit properly.
Because of its IP67 rating, this unit is waterproof and dustproof. As stated earlier, it can withstand being submerged under water temporarily. So if you are caught in a sudden rain shower, your unit's electronics will remain dry. Do not drop it into a body of water and then keep riding. The seals on this unit are intended for splashing and rain, not extreme pressure. While this level of protection is suitable for many rainy day situations you'll experience while biking, they will not protect you from dropping it into a lake.
The 800mAh battery contained within is a typical size for units priced similarly. The manufacturer claims up to 13 hours of continuous intercom talk using a single battery. For a vast majority of bikers who take shorter excursions lasting just a few hours, this is plenty of time. Using the Bluetooth continuously for music however will greatly shorten the amount of time before needing another recharge. Be sure to plan ahead and charge these each night prior to going on a multi-day excursion.
One significant requirement mentioned is that the unit requires a standard 5V/1-2A charger. Unfortunately, you cannot utilize a fast charger from a modern smartphone due to higher voltage outputs. The internal charging circuit of these units typically cannot manage the increased power requirements. You risk overheating the battery or frying the charging controller entirely by attempting to use such an adapter. You must locate an old-style wall outlet or a computer USB port to safely recharge your units.
The audio multitasking feature
With the dual chip design, there are now two simultaneous audio streams present at all times. Most devices contain one processor that must decide whether it will prioritize the cell phone call or intercom stream when multiple signals are received simultaneously. When receiving GPS notifications, this often causes the intercom stream to terminate. With dual chips, the unit is able to process both signals simultaneously. This results in the rider hearing directions for upcoming turns without silencing the person he/she is currently communicating with. This is a massive advantage for riders navigating through unfamiliar areas.
Without this feature, the rider would have to pull over and access their phone every time they receive a GPS notification to determine where to turn next. This results in distractions, potential hazards and ultimately takes away from the enjoyment of the ride. The multitasking feature maintains the flow of the ride while allowing the technology to handle the data flows simultaneously.
The dual chip design is responsible for enabling multitasking. Because there are two independent processors handling each path separately, there is no bottleneck similar to what exists in single chip designs. In previous versions of this type of unit, the processor would always have to pick either the phone call or intercom signal.
In this case, each path is separate. This means you will not experience silence during intercom communications whenever your GPS sends you an alert.
Working distance & group riding
As previously stated, the maximum Bluetooth working distance for this unit is approximately 1.2 miles in an unobstructed environment with zero external interference. In a real-world environment (i.e., surrounded by trees, buildings, etc.) and depending upon location (e.g., cornering), the working distance may vary significantly. To maintain a reliable signal when group riding, Riders will need to stay relatively close to each other.
Bluetooth chain style operation is somewhat like linking a string of christmas lights together. Rider A communicates with rider B, and rider B communicates with rider C. If rider B gets too far from rider A, rider C can no longer hear rider A. The main distinction here is that mesh provides direct connectivity between all members of a group. whereas chain style operates through intermediate connections. For two riders using this type of connection, there is only one link in the chain, so it works well.
Feedback from Amazon reviewers
Amazon reviewers have assigned this product a total rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 with a total number of reviews exceeding 570. Many reviewers praised the simplicity and clarity of voice communications with regards to setup and performance. Some users commented positively regarding the loudness of speaker output at highway speeds. Reviewers also liked having extra interchangeable faceplates for cosmetic purposes. Many reviewers felt that the value offered by purchasing two units was adequate for their needs.
However, several reviewers reported experiencing inconsistent connection reliability when operating at distances greater than expected. Additionally, others complained about excessive wind noise picked up by the microphone at high speeds causing difficulty for other riders to understand conversations. These comments indicate that although this equipment functions adequately for casual rides, it falls short in providing reliable connectivity for extended high-speed tours.
Who should purchase this equipment
If you are an occasional rider who wants to communicate with one fellow rider only, this is an acceptable option for you. This equipment provides sufficient value for casual riders who wish to avoid overpaying for high-end mesh systems. It is suitable for those who operate primarily on local routes in urban environments and prefer customization options via various available faceplate styles.
Do not buy this equipment if you plan on taking extended tours with large groups of riders. Expect connection dropouts from the Bluetooth chain limitation when you spread out, and that gets old fast. Also, if you consistently travel at extremely high rates of speed and need rock-solid group communication for safe navigation, look at mesh systems instead.
You can check the current listing on Amazon.
FAQs
Does LEXIN GTX offer mesh connectivity?
No. GTX utilizes Bluetooth-based group intercoms for up to 10 Riders, claiming a maximum working distance of 1.2 miles. There is no self-healing mesh network supporting it.
Does this dual pack provide two complete headsets?
Yes. Each box includes two individual headsets. As such, it seems ideally suited for pairs of Riders who want to ride together. Both headsets contain matching speaker/mic assemblies along with mounting hardware.
Can I charge using a fast charger?
According to the description, no you cannot use a fast charger. Only use a standard 5V/1-2A charger supplied in the packaging.
How long does the battery last?
According to manufacturer specifications, up to 13 hours of continuous intercom talk can be obtained per battery (800mAh). Music streaming will deplete the battery life faster than normal usage. therefore, plan on nightly charging prior to taking extended trips.
Will it fit inside my helmet?
Speaker pods measure 36mm and will fit into most full-face and modular helmets containing average-sized ear cup openings. Owners of Half-helmets should inspect speaker depth as smaller ear cups will engulf lower frequency sounds.
Can it connect to other brands (like Sena or Cardo)?
Universal pairing mode connects to other Bluetooth headsets. The paired distance is limited by the weaker unit in each pair.
The intercom comparison table has the full spec rows, and more guides live in the blog.