If you're considering helmet intercoms on a limited budget, WNJACO’s Bluetooth 5.3 motorcycle intercom is one of those rare finds that causes you to question the price. For a low cost, WNJACO packed Bluetooth 5.3, 40 mm Graphene speakers, a huge 1000 mah battery and IPX6 waterproofing into a single package. Hard to argue with. Check the current price on Amazon. Check the current price on Amazon. WNJACO's y10 is a 2-rider Bluetooth intercom designed for riders who require basic communications (music and GPS), but don't want to spend Cardo or Sena money. With 529 Amazon reviews and a 4.3 star average, it has found an audience. Now let's take a closer look at what you actually receive.
Specs and Build Quality
The WNJACO y10 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 technology. Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest generation of Bluetooth technology. Therefore, there is better power management, faster pairing and more reliable connections compared to Bluetooth 4.2 and 5.0, which are still commonly used in lower priced intercoms. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the y10 supports dual phone connection, allowing you to have music playing on one phone and GPS directions playing on another phone simultaneously.
The speakers are the highlight of this particular model. WNJACO utilized 40 mm Graphene diaphragm drivers that are only 10 mm thick. This slimmer design provides benefits during longer rides, as thicker speakers can become uncomfortable due to contact with your ear inside a helmet. The speakers sit flat against the interior padding of the helmet and provide WNJACO's description of "hi-fi stereo" along with strong Bass. Graphene is a light-weight, stiff material that produces a clearer sound reproduction than cheaper cone materials made of paper or plastic. Therefore, the clarity of the sound produced by these speakers should exceed the lowest end of the spectrum. Noise reduction is provided by dual noise cancelation (microphone and speakers). The microphone utilizes CVC (Clear Voice Capture) technology to eliminate wind and road noise while conversing with your Passenger or receiving a call. Noise cancelation for the speakers help you to hear music or GPS at high speeds without increasing the volume beyond acceptable limits.
This unit has been given an IPX6 waterproof rating. This means that it can withstand heavy rain, snow and water sprays in any direction. WNJACO claims that it functions properly at temperatures down to -20°f (-29°c), which may be important to riders who travel through colder climates or experience freezing conditions.
A small rubber cover protects the charging port and the remainder of the unit appears sturdy with no creaky plastics or loose seams.
The 1000 mah battery provides 30 hours of continuous conversation and 32 hours of continuous music playback. This represents an exceptional amount of battery life for an item at this price point. While most inexpensive intercoms offer between 10 to 15 hours of continuous conversation time, WNJACO has effectively doubled the average battery life time at this price point. Fast charging via a type-c charger charges the unit from completely drained to completely charged in approximately 20 minutes. Yes...you read that correctly...20 minutes for complete charging of this unit with a battery capacity of 1000 mah. If you happen to remember to charge your unit prior to leaving home, you can quickly plug it in while you are gearing up for your ride and it will be fully charged by the time you are ready to hit the road. The estimated standby time is 18 months, so you can safely store it in your helmet between rides without having to worry about a dead battery.
Audio and Microphone Performance
The sound produced by the 40mm Graphene speakers is noticeably cleaner than what is typically experienced with lower-priced intercoms. The Bass response is evident but not muddied, and vocals are reproduced clearly. At freeway speeds, the combination of wind-noise-reducing mic and sufficient speaker volume provides an audible ability to follow directions or listen to music, without experiencing excessive struggle with the wind.
Call-quality reported by Amazon reviewers indicate generally favorable results regarding hearing the person on the other end of the line. Other parties were usually able to hear the reviewer speaking clearly at speed.
The voice-assistant function allows for activation of siri or google assistant via a button press. Activating either function via button press allows for convenient calling or message retrieval without requiring removal of gloves/hands from controls on your motorcycle.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
There are numerous positive reviews associated with this product based upon 529 reviews and a combined average rating of 4.3 stars. Reviews break-down fairly consistently as follows.
Positive reviews centered on three primary areas: value. Battery life. And sound quality.
Firstly, multiple reviewers indicated skepticism concerning the price at which they purchased this unit. Upon receipt and utilization of said unit, several reviewers were shocked by the quality of construction/build quality coupled with performance. Secondly, numerous reviewers complimented WNJACO on the extended battery-life offered by this unit. Specifically mentioned were reviewers who stated that the claimed 30 hours of talk-time/32 hours of music-playback was accurate. Additionally, numerous reviewers praised WNJACO for offering fast-charging capabilities (approximately 20 minutes) that allowed for complete recharge of the unit after each ride. Thirdly, numerous reviewers commented positively concerning sound-quality delivered by this unit. Specifically mentioned was that sound-quality delivered by the speakers exceeded that experienced by reviewers utilizing higher-cost units (two/three times).
Negative comments focused primarily on difficulties encountered during initial pairing processes of two separate units. Specific examples include failure to establish successful pairing between units after repeated attempts, lack of clarity in instruction manual(s) describing pairing process(es). Smaller numbers of negative reviewers cited insufficient volume levels achievable at highway-speeds using this unit. However, volume-level complaints varied depending upon helmet-type, wind-noise levels, etc.
Minor cosmetic defects were observed in some units received by negative reviewers. However, Amazon offers a satisfaction guarantee covering such occurrences.
Overall picture is that this unit exceeds expectations related to value for dollars spent with relatively minor quibbles in regard to pairing-processes inherent in budget-intercom products.
Who Is This Intercom For?
WNJACO y10 is ideal for riders seeking basic communication/music/navigation functionality without breaking the bank. Y10 serves riders' needs well for:
- communication between two riders on two-up motorcycles - the 2-rider Bluetooth intercom enables safe communication between passengers on two-up motorcycles.
- commuter motorcyclists desiring GPS directions/music inside their helmet without large financial investment.
- long-distance travelers operating on budgets - long-distance travelers appreciate the extended battery-life, quick-fast charging capability enabling continued operation throughout multi-day excursions.
- novice motorcyclists unsure if they will utilize an intercom enough to warrant purchase of a premium product.
Based upon review feedback. WNJACO y10 may not be suitable for group rides consisting of three+ riders, since y10 operates as a 2-rider Bluetooth system lacking mesh-networking capabilities. To determine alternative options available for group riding scenarios with three+ riders. Visit our intercom review archive page or explore additional options available in our intercom section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pair two WNJACO Y10 units together?
To sync/pair two WNJACO y10 units: Hold both headset units' multifunction buttons simultaneously until both leds display flashing red and blue lights alternatively. On one headset unit, push the multifunction button once to designate as host. Both units will automatically sync/connect within seconds. If the units fail to pair initially. Turn both units off. And restart syncing process as described above. Multiple reviewers required two/three attempts before achieving successful pairing between units.
Can I use the WNJACO Y10 with any helmet?
Yes. WNJACO y10 compatible with majority full-face/modular/open face helmets. Speakers fit snugly beneath helmet-padded interiors. Headset mounting bracket connects securely onto helmet-shells. Boom-microphones will also function with full-face and modular helmets. Wired microphone included in packaging for use with open-face/half-helmets.
How long does the battery actually last in real-world use?
All reviewer feedback indicates that the claimed 30 hours of continuous conversation time and 32 hours of continuous music play back are extremely accurate estimates. Actual battery life will vary depending upon volume settings used by rider and frequency of usage of intercom vs music play back modes. Estimated 20 minute fast-charging duration is valid according to multiple reviewers. Especially touring riders who would prefer not to have to recharge daily.
Is the WNJACO Y10 waterproof enough for heavy rain?
IPX6-rated indicates this unit can withstand heavy rain/snow/water spray from any angle. All reviewer feedback indicates success using this unit in heavy downpour situations. Rubber cover must be fully closed prior to exposure to precipitation to ensure protection against water ingress.
Can I listen to music and use the intercom at the same time?
Yes. Y10 supports simultaneous listening of music and communicating via intercom functionality. The dual-phone connection feature enabled simultaneous listening of music played from one phone and GPS directions played from another phone.
Does the WNJACO Y10 work with other Bluetooth intercom brands?
Y10 can connect via hands-free profile with other Bluetooth headsets. However. Y10 intercom-functionality remains exclusive to WNJACO-brand units. If you wish to engage in communication across brands. Consider purchasing a universal intercom unit. Communication between WNJACO y10 units is effective within specified range (reviewers report satisfactory communication distance for bike-to-Passenger/bike-to-bike applications).
Final Verdict
WNJACO y10 presents an attractive solution for riders who desire functional helmet communication/music without spending a fortune. The y10 boasts clean-sounding Graphene speakers. Industry leading battery-life (30 hour-talk time/32 hours-music play-back). Fast-charging capability (less than 20 minutes). Reasonable pricing. And minimal assembly requirements for installation into helmet-shell.
While y10 may not possess premium status among helmet-intercoms. In practice it provides considerable value for dollar spent by providing necessary functionality (communication/music/navigation) for commuter/touring/Passenger applications at an affordable price-point.
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