There are some low-cost helmet intercoms, and then there are some that make you ask yourself why you ever stuck a thin, tinny speaker right up to your ear. The Sena 50R is decidedly in the latter category. This is the 3-button version of Sena's top-of-the-line 50 series. And it has one feature that most of the lower-end options don't. It combines Sound by Harman Kardon speakers with an open-mesh 9-channel intercom system. And that puts it into a completely different class than those inexpensive headsets. If you're a regular group ride participant, a serious music listener, and sick of yelling into a substandard mic, keep reading.
Specifications and Build Quality
Sena built the 50R around several aspects that appeal to real motorcyclists. The biggest news item is the speakers themselves. These are branded Sound by Harman Kardon. That is no marketing hype. Harman Kardon is the name behind such brands as JBL, and also numerous car stereo companies. When Sena approached Harman Kardon with the task of designing the speakers for their high-end comms units, the resulting product is speakers that produce significantly more than average performance for a comms unit mounted inside a motorcycle helmet.
As previously mentioned, the 50R is the 3-button version of Sena's 50 series. In comparison to the models that include a jog dial controller, this model includes fewer controls, however many riders appreciate the simplicity of operation. All three large buttons on the 50R are simple to locate using gloves, and there is less to fiddle with when traveling at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Build quality is consistent with the previous products offered by Sena. The unit feels solid, the mounting bracket feels substantial, and the entire assembly lies flat enough against the helmet that it doesn't create excessive pressure points during extended periods of time spent on the bike.
Bluetooth 5 connectivity provides stable communication with your smartphone as well as with your other electronics. The battery in the 50R is designed to provide a full day of usage, which for extended tour style riders translates directly to whether they have a wonderful time, or a terrible time. If you have read my intercoms coverage before, you know battery life and build are what matter on a headset. The 50R checks both boxes.
Speaker and Microphone Performance
Whereas other comms units available today offer minimal improvements over earlier versions, the 50R offers superior audio quality due to its inclusion of Sound by Harman Kardon speakers. Reviewers frequently comment that these speakers provide noticeably better sounding music and vocal clarity than standard issue comms unit speakers. Music is much fuller and rich sounding, and bass does not muddy out under loud volumes. Vocals remain very audible even when turned up to compensate for loud freeway wind noise. If you spend considerable amounts of time listening to music or podcasts while you ride, the improved audio performance alone makes this unit worth spending additional dollars.
Additionally, reviewers indicate that the microphone performs exceptionally well too. They feel that callers on the receiving end can clearly hear them when traveling at high speeds. Most consumers understand that cheap comms units quickly degrade into unintelligible gibberish when exposed to significant wind noise. However, Sena has implemented sufficient filtering technology within their 50R that telephone calls continue to be intelligible on highway conditions. For commuters who take work calls from the saddle, that matters a lot.
Open Mesh Intercom and Communication
In addition to offering open mesh technology, Sena's open mesh intercom system is fundamentally different from simply establishing a single Bluetooth pairing connection. Instead of constantly monitoring a single connection, an open mesh system allows an arbitrary number of riders to connect and converse simultaneously. Each member may drop in and drop out of a given channel without affecting anyone else's ability to participate. The 50R allows nine independent open mesh channels to be established among users. Therefore, you can designate a specific channel for your riding group, and each user can tune in to that same channel. That represents a fundamental improvement over traditional Bluetooth based intercoms used by group riding enthusiasts.
Bluetooth 5 manages your smartphone, music, and GPS connections. An equally important capability of the 50R is hands free access to your digital assistant via voice commands. With this capability, you can instruct your virtual assistant to initiate navigation, make a phone call, send and receive messages, all while keeping your hands on the handlebars. Many commuter riders consider this feature an essential safety feature, rather than merely a luxury convenience. When you are riding in traffic, not having to fumble for a phone is a safety feature, not just a convenience.
Pairing and setup require some patience the first time. Sena's mobile app assists with walking you through the process. Once complete, however, everything functions as advertised.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Amazon customers have provided nearly 460 customer reviews for the Sena 50R, averaging approximately 4.3 stars out of five overall. For a premium headset with this kind of feature list, that is a strong score.
Positive reviews fall into three distinct categories. First is the sonic quality produced by the Sound by Harman Kardon speakers. Those who transitioned from a lower priced alternative report that they were genuinely astonished by how good music sounded coming out of their helmet. Multiple reviewers identify Harman Kardon sound as the single best feature of the 50R. Second is the functionality of Sena's open mesh intercom system. Group riding reviewers enthusiastically endorse how easily you can maintain contact with members of your riding group over long distances, particularly utilizing the nine open mesh channels. Finally is the hands free digital assistant functionality. Reviewers enjoy being able to talk to their phones without physically touching them, particularly for purposes related to navigation.
Negative comments tend to revolve around either initial learning curve and app experience, or premium price point. Some reviewers felt initially frustrated with the setup and app pairing processes. Several others acknowledge that this is a premium product with corresponding pricing, and therefore should not be expected to be inexpensive. Fewer reviewers expressed frustration regarding potential battery duration issues. None of those issues appear to be show stoppers, and generally speaking, customer reviewers uniformly characterize this as a premium product that merits its associated reputation.
Who Is This Intercom For?
The Sena 50R is not intended for riders seeking an affordable method to receive GPS directional cues. This is intended for riders who truly care about the inside of the helmet experience.
Group riding participants will derive the greatest benefit from Sena's open mesh intercom system, and the associated nine channels. Commuter riders who regularly engage in work related calls and utilize navigational tools will appreciate clear mic quality and Hey Google and Hey Siri integration. Serious music lovers who spend hours on the bike will instantly appreciate improved audio quality provided by Harman Kardon speakers. Touring riders seeking a durable full day headset that does not fail after long weekends will similarly appreciate the features of the 50R.
If you typically ride alone, seldom speak with others, and primarily seek directional cues for your ears, you may save money purchasing an easier to use comms unit. You will be okay, but if you desire the good stuff that Sena offers, it is worth spending more money for the Sena 50R on Amazon. Sena backs the full lineup on their own site if you want the official word on the whole 50 series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can use the Sena 50R mesh intercom at once?
Open mesh allows a whole group of Sena users to communicate together, and the 9 open mesh channels let you pick the one your group rides on. Reviewers report that dropping in and out of a mesh group is smooth, which is the whole point of mesh over plain Bluetooth pairing.
Does the Sena 50R work with Hey Google and Hey Siri?
Yes. The 50R gives you voice activated access to your digital assistant, so you can trigger navigation, make calls, or read messages hands free. Reviewers call this one of the most useful features for commuters who do not want to fumble with a phone while riding.
How good is the sound quality really?
Reviewers consistently call the Sound by Harman Kardon speakers the best part of the 50R. Music has real bass and clean vocals, which is a major step up from the speakers in budget intercoms. If you care about how music sounds in your helmet, this is the reason to spend the extra money.
Is the Sena 50R hard to set up?
The first pairing and app setup take a little patience, and a few reviewers found the process fiddly. Once it is configured, though, it stays paired and works reliably. The mesh and Bluetooth both behave well after the initial setup.
Will the battery last a full day of riding?
Reviewers report the battery comfortably handles a full day on the bike, which is what you want for touring. As with any headset, heavy volume and constant mesh use will drain it faster, but the 50R holds up well for long rides.
Is the Sena 50R worth the premium price?
If you ride in groups, take calls, and care about audio quality, reviewers say yes. This is not a budget headset, and it does not pretend to be. You are paying for Harman Kardon sound, mesh intercom, and voice assistant integration, and on all three the 50R delivers. For a full look at how it compares to the rest of the lineup, check our intercom section.