When switching between helmets, whether it’s your daily-commute helmet and your weekend-adventure helmet, you’re going to want to be able to switch headsets between the two quickly. I appreciate that Sena included dual clamp kits for the Sena 60S EVO because you won’t have to. Each pair of clamps is designed to work specifically with either your full-face helmet or your modular/open-face helmet. Thus, you’ll be able to switch the unit from one helmet to the other in less than a minute rather than taking time to completely reinstall it. Furthermore, this makes the model stand out from many other models that include a single mount.
In fact, this model includes more customization options than many of Sena’s competing products. As noted earlier, there are interchangeable face plates and jog dial covers available in four different colors. You can also personalize the look of your unit with Sena-branded decals. These decals allow you to add style and personality to your helmet without adding bulk. And they are very simple to use. Just remove the protective backing and attach the decal to your helmet. Due to their superior durability, all of these decals are resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. Therefore, your custom look should last for months to come.
You will notice that the jog dial control system used on this unit is similar to the ones used in previous Sena products. The jog dial is controlled via a single spinning dial which adjusts volume and skips through tracks. Your gloved thumb will still be able to access the phone and intercom buttons.
Connection Choices
Mesh 3.0 and Wave Intercom are in addition to standard Bluetooth connectivity. Mesh 3.0 is Sena’s self-healing mesh technology that allows you to enter and exit groups instantly without needing to repair anything. Wave Intercom enables communication over the internet when you have cellular service. It gives you the opportunity to talk to another rider anywhere in the world. There are built-in voice commands that enable you to call someone and start listening to music hands free. For people who currently own multiple Sena units, our intercom comparison chart should help compare this model to what they already have.
Audio / Microphone Quality
We mentioned that Bose created the audio profile and drivers for the Bose Sound by Bose badge. However, we would like to emphasize the improvements that are seen in the overall audio quality due to the involvement of Bose engineers. First, this model has the widest dynamic range Sena has ever produced in a two-rider unit. As such, you will see improvements in your music playback with clearer highs and fuller bass response that doesn’t get distorted when turned up loud enough against highway wind. If you are shopping for a product based on improved audio quality, check the current price on Amazon prior to proceeding further.
Many consumers place a large emphasis on the cost involved in purchasing a new product. However, quality of build is equally important. Fortunately for those consumers seeking to purchase a quality-built product, Sena has made efforts to assure their products meet consumer expectations. To illustrate this point, the 60S EVO was built with an enclosure capable of withstanding being submerged under one meter of water for up to thirty minutes. That is not just rain on your visor. That is a heavy down pour or throwing your helmet into a flooded saddle bag. Although many manufactures only rate their enclosures as IPX5 (splashed but not submerged), Sena took it upon themselves to give theirs an IPX7 rating to assure consumers feel confident in their ability to withstand harsher weather conditions.
One feature that stands alone in relation to this model is that it includes two clamp kits (each for a full-face helmet and a modular/open-face helmet). This feature provides users with an extremely easy way to “swap” helmets without having to obtain additional mounting hardware. Swapping typically takes approximately one minute compared to doing a complete reinstallation. Although the added cost may appear insignificant to some consumers, we believe it demonstrates significant value for those who own multiple helmets.
Users also have several options relative to personalizing their products. Users can replace faceplates and jog dial covers in four (4) various color combinations. Many consumers prefer matching their helmet(s) to their motorcycle(s). Although this may represent minor additional expense, we believe it exemplifies a level of customer centricity that is frequently absent from many products today.
As previously stated, Sena continues to use its traditional jog-dial layout design. One single rotating knob handles volume and skipping tracks while phone and intercom buttons are still easily accessible by your gloved thumb.
Connectivity Features
The 60S EVO includes both Mesh 3.0 and Wave Intercom features along with standard Bluetooth connectivity features. Mesh 3.0 is Sena’s proprietary self-healing mesh technology which allows users to enter and exit groups instantly without needing to repair anything. Wave Intercom allows users to connect with fellow riders over data networks when users have cell service enabling users to connect with a fellow rider hundreds of miles away. Additionally, the 60S EVO has voice command functionality built right into the device, enabling users to make calls and begin listening to music using hands-free commands. Users who already own other Sena devices will find our Intercom Comparison Chart useful in comparing how this device performs compared to other models
Audio/Mic Performance
The primary reason you'll be paying a premium for this headset is due to the audio capabilities thanks to Bose's involvement in developing the Sound by Bose audio tuning. Reviewers report a noticeable increase in quality throughout the entire spectrum including fuller, more balanced sound during music playback vs. the flat mids & treble tones typically experienced from lower-end headsets. There is sufficient headroom in volume so as to compete with sustained wind noise while wearing a full-face helmet. For riders who consider music a key component of their ride experience, this is definitely an upgrade over lower-end headsets' tinny outputs.
The microphone aspect of performance is just as crucial for commuting riders taking calls at higher rates of speed. The unit employs noise reduction processing on the boom mic to remove wind & road noises before they reach the person on the other end of the call. Based upon owner feedback callers on the receiving end can hear you clearly at typical highway speeds on a properly sealed full-face helmet. The mic itself is a boom-style mic positioned closer to your mouth than a button-mic helping maintain a cleaner pickup signal. When paired with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) earbuds, you can completely eliminate wind battle (the constant sound of wind blowing past your ears).
ANC Earbud Support
Another noteworthy aspect of this unit is its capability to pair ANC earbuds (sold separately) and route intercom and phone audio through them eliminating ambient wind prior to reaching your ears. This method is vastly different than traditional boom-speaker systems and offers benefits to riders who already possess high-quality ANC earbuds.
Battery Life
As previously noted, Sena positions the battery life as suitable for full-day riding. However, as with any headset, actual runtime is dependent upon whether you are running music, intercom/mesh simultaneously at high volumes. For those interested in knowing the exact number prior to purchasing, Sena provides battery specs on sena.com. If you prefer listening to podcasts or audiobooks when you're riding, you probably don't want static-filled sound blasting into your ears. Instead, you want clear audio coming through your headphones, preferably with no distracting background noise such as engine rumble or traffic sounds. Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) earbuds block out ambient noise so you can listen comfortably for extended periods of time without fatigue.
In contrast, passive noise isolation earbuds rely on physical barriers (such as ear tips or pads) to block outside noise from entering your ears. Passive noise isolation earbuds are generally less effective at blocking ambient noise than ANC earbuds because they allow more sound waves to enter your ears.
Many motorcyclists wear ANC earbuds specifically for noise cancellation purposes and then hook up their Bluetooth-enabled motorcycles for GPS directions or phone calls. Because of this multi-functionality, ANC earbuds are preferred among many motorcyclists who require both good sound quality and excellent noise cancellation abilities.
Some motorcyclists choose earbuds with wireless connectivity (Bluetooth or otherwise) for convenience purposes as well as for safety reasons. Wireless earbuds enable riders to keep their ears free from cords so they can ride safely without distractions or entanglements.
ANC earbuds offer superior noise-cancelling abilities when compared to non-ANC earbuds for several reasons:
1.) Better Sound Quality: ANC earbuds produce clearer and more accurate sound than non-ANC earbuds. 2.) Improved Comfort: Non-ANC earbuds can cause fatigue due to continuous exposure to background noise whereas ANC earbuds reduce noise levels thereby reducing listener fatigue. 3.) Effective Noise-Canceling Abilities: ANC earbuds actively work to reduce ambient noise by emitting "anti-noise" signals to counteract incoming sounds. 4.) Versatility: ANC earbuds can be connected via Bluetooth or wired connections depending on user preference. 5.) Customizable Fit: Most ANC earbuds include customizable ear tip sizes to provide optimal comfort.
ANC earbuds are highly recommended for motorcyclists who plan to listen to podcasts or audiobooks while riding as they greatly enhance sound quality and improve listener comfort.
We recommend checking out our article titled "How Do Noise Cancelling Earbuds Work?" for more information about how ANC technology works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there actual Bose speaker technology used in the 60S EVO?
Bose has been involved in the development of both the sound quality and acoustic design for the "Sound by Bose" branded 60S EVO. The unit features wide-bandwidth drivers capable of delivering a greater overall dynamic range (better low end response, less distortion at the higher volumes associated with highway speeds) than typical Sena speakers. Reviewers have described the sound output from the 60S EVO as clearly the best sounding unit in Sena's product line. They also praise its ability to produce strong lows and clear highs even during highway volume operation.
What does an IPX7 rating mean to me?
An IPX7 rating means that the device may be submerged underwater to a depth of up to one-meter for thirty minutes. This means that the device will continue functioning after being exposed to rain and/or splash. Users have ridden their motorcycles through torrential downpours and experienced no issues with water entering the device.
Are the Active Noise Cancellation earbuds provided?
No. While this unit provides support for active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds via Bluetooth pairing, those earbuds themselves need to be purchased separately. Once paired with this unit, you will route all audio through your own ANC earbuds. You should factor-in the additional expense of purchasing these earbuds into your comparison calculations when evaluating this headset versus other headsets.
Will I be able to use this with my second helmet?
Yes, another key benefit of this unit is that it comes with two clamp kit options (one for a full-face helmet and one for a modular/open face shell). It takes about one minute to transfer the main unit between these two helmets. Thus, users do not need to purchase additional mounting hardware to allow for switching between helmets.
Does it work well with other Sena units or other Bluetooth-based headsets?
This unit works perfectly with other Sena and Cardo units using standard Bluetooth for two-rider voice calls. The 60S EVO also uses Sena’s proprietary “Mesh” and “Wave” technologies to facilitate communication among groups of riders who utilize Sena units. If you frequently ride with others using Sena products, this is likely the way to go as it allows multiple units to communicate seamlessly. A complete analysis of how mesh-based systems differ from traditional Bluetooth-based intercoms is located in our Intercom Comparison Guide.
How long will the battery last?
The battery life of the 60S EVO was designed to provide full day coverage for commuters and tourers alike. Like most headsets, actual runtime is dependent upon whether you choose to play music, operate intercom functions, or engage in simultaneous operation of all three functions at high volume levels. The Sena website on sena.com provides detailed information regarding the battery specifications of each Sena unit including talk times under various operating conditions if you would like to know the specific battery life prior to making a decision.