Rennie Scaysbrook | May 5, 2018
Bluetooth-communication giant Sena has finally released its first fully integrated Bluetooth helmet with their noise-cancellation feature as standard.
Part of the Momentum line that includes the original Momentum and the Momentum Lite, the new Sena Momentum INC takes one of the firm’s 20S Bluetooth 4.1 communication devices that allows you to chat with up to eight riders at a time over a one mile distance.
Like the Momentum and Momentum Lite, the Momentum INC’s Bluetooth system is integrated into the design so there are no parts you must bolt to your helmet.
The helmet itself is constructed using a DOT-approved fiberglass shell with a multi-density EPS liner. The shape is intermediate oval; alternate padding is available.
Where the INC differs from the other two Momentum helmets is the addition of noise cancellation and an ambient noise feature, both activated by switches on the helmet.
List Price: $549
Website: www.sena.com
Standout Feature: Built-in noise cancellation
Rider Analysis
This helmet is one I’ve been waiting a long time for. Not necessarily from Sena, just from anyone with the guts to make a noise-cancelling helmet (not looking at you, Schuberth).
The Bluetooth feature of the Momentum INC is without question. The 20S is one of the finest systems on the market, and with eight riders able to join in on the conversation, everyone can talk to or over each other at will.
The shape fits my round head quite well, although on longer rides I’ve noticed I get a bit uncomfortable around the sides of my head, an inch above the top of my ears. That’s fair enough because there’s hardly any helmet I can wear for more than an hour at a time.
Vision is extremely good out of the Momentum INC because the eyeport is massive, and the chin curtain keeps much of the wind deflecting up into the helmet.
Before I go to the noise canceling aspect, I must say that having the Bluetooth system integrated and having the speakers in exactly the correct spot makes me so very happy. Sound quality is excellent—and that’s before you turn the hit the little button on the right and the lady’s voice says, “INC. On.”
When those words are uttered, the helmet takes on a new level of coolness. Suddenly you feel most of the noise disappear, and there suddenly becomes no need to wear earplugs. At speed, the INC function drowns out most of the outside noise but still lets you know your engine is still running and cars are still honking. It’s not as noise destroying as a pair of Bose noise-canceling head phones you wear on a plane, but its far and away a quieter helmet than anything I have tried before.
Pairing your phone to the helmet is easy, the sound quality from the speakers is brilliant when INC is one and phone calls are clearer thanks to the noise cancellation.
The Sena Momentum INC is one of those “first” helmets. In 10 years, everyone will have noise-canceling helmets, but this is the main one you can buy right now and I’m pleased to say it’s a very good example of cool technology, integrated well that’s easy to use for the rider.CN