Sena Outrush 2 Review: Modular Smart Motorcycle Helmet

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Sena Outrush 2 Review: Modular Smart Motorcycle Helmet

The Sena Outrush 2 modular helmet is priced at $379, the same as the stand-alone Sena 50S unit. It is outfitted with an integrated Sena mesh communication system aimed at riders who want built-in connectivity without paying a premium. After day-long rides in varying weather conditions, this smart helmet has proven itself to be comfortable and functional.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Modular Smart Motorcycle Helmet

Available in Small to XXL, and your choice of Glossy White and Matte Black, the ABS shell and multi-density EPS liner combine to meet DOT standards. The Medium weighs slightly more than four pounds on our scale, including the built-in communications.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Modular Helmet

The Sena Outrush 2 is a flip-up modular helmet, so it can be worn two ways: chin bar up or down. Unless you are riding behind a huge windshield or at speeds below 20 mph, riding with the chin bar up will act like a sail and pull hard on your neck. However, in stop-and-go traffic on a hot day, it is nice to have the open-face option. Note that the European version includes ECE P/J dual homologation for safe open- and closed-face use, while the US version is DOT-certified only.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Price

The thumb latch and chin bar mechanism operate smoothly and lock with a positive, metal-to-metal feel. It’s easy to use with gloves and works well for fuel stops, short off-bike conversations, and ventilation on hot days.

The shape is intermediate oval, and the wick-away interior padding is comfortable out of the box and remains so over long rides. Though the Outrush 2’s weight may be an issue for some, the helmet is well-balanced and doesn’t feel any heavier to me after 12 hours than a three-pound carbon fiber full-face helmet. At roughly four pounds, it’s in line with other modular helmets that include internal communications hardware, though heavier than a traditional full-face.

Ventilation is good, with controllable intake vents that move enough air for rides with temperatures into the 90s. The glove-friendly, single-position chin vent opens and closes six slots that send outside air directly up the faceshield. The single-position top vent opens two slots for direct airflow to the top of your head and can be actuated with gloves on. Three fixed-open exhaust ports in the back of the helmet move the heated air out.

The flip-up modular chin bar design of the Sena Outrush 2 makes it easy to put the helmet on, especially with glasses on. However, the chin bar is closer to my face than expected. When lowered, it requires arranging the chin skirt and boom microphone out of the way to latch the chin bar. The cheek pads have full detent slots for the temple arms of sunglasses, so there are no pressure spots. The ratchet chin strap latch is quicker to secure or open than a double D-ring, and can be done with gloves on.

The Outrush 2 is Pinlock-ready, and the view from behind the UV-protected faceshield is wide and clear. One of the faceshield’s four detents is the cracked position, which I prefer to down and locked. The faceshield is easily removed and replaced with its toolless mechanism. The tinted, internal drop-down visor is controlled by an infinitely variable slide switch on the left side of the helmet that is, again, glove compatible.

Where the Outrush 2 distinguishes itself is its communication features. Sena integrates its quick-connect Mesh Intercom 3.0 and Wave Intercom technology directly into the helmet, with an easily accessible, low-profile, four-button control unit.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Smart helmet

Mesh intercom works well for group rides of any size, making and maintaining connections more reliably than any Bluetooth system. Wave Intercom uses your cell phone data to extend range beyond traditional radio limits using VoIP. This allows riders spread out over long distances, or coming together from long distances apart, to communicate. The Outrush 2’s Mesh 3.0 software is backward compatible to 2.0, so you can still pair up with older Sena units. While FM radio used to be a standard feature, it has been phased out on the Outrush 2 and other Sena helmets. Anything you can stream on your mobile phone can stream via Bluetooth 5.2 to your helmet.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Mesh communications

Firmware updates are performed via Wi-Fi in conjunction with the Sena Motorcycle app on your phone. The hardware isn’t removable, upgradeable, or changeable.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Ratchet buckle

Audio performance is fine, even though the Outrush 2 doesn’t have the Harman Kardon sound system found on the 60S and 50S. Although not concert quality, the Sena 2nd-generation HD speakers are clear enough for rocking out to my favorite tunes. Sena’s second-generation HD speakers deliver understandable music and voice prompts, even at highway speeds, without needing excessive volume. Voice commands and phone calls come through clearly, and the microphone handles wind noise competently.

The kit includes two microphone sponges for toning down the ride noise your intercom partners might hear. As a modular helmet, the Sena Outrush 2 does catch wind noise, so I wear light-duty earplugs when I am going to be over 45 mph for any length of time.

Battery life is strong. I have tested it to just about 20 hours of talk time. The helmet comfortably handled full days of riding without needing a recharge. Intelligent power management puts the unit in deep sleep when the helmet hasn’t moved for several minutes, such as when I forget to turn it off at a lunch stop.

Sena Outrush 2 Review: Built in communications

A full USB-C charge takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, though 20 minutes of charging gets you about 3.5 hours of talk time. That can save the day at a lunch stop if you’ve forgotten to top off the battery before setting out.

The Sena Outrush 2 is a functional modular helmet with integrated communication at a competitive price. It’s comfortable on long rides, well-balanced, and practical, thanks to glove-compatible controls and decent ventilation. The built-in Mesh and Wave systems remove the hassle of add-on hardware and work as advertised. Audio quality and wind noise reflect the realities of a modular design and limitations of the price point. For riders who want an all-in-one solution that works out of the box and stays within a reasonable budget, the Sena Outrush 2 fits its intended role well.

Sena Outrush 2 Specs

  • Sizes: Small – XXL
  • Weight: Approximately 4 pounds (Medium)
  • Shell: ABS polycarbonate
  • Certifications: DOT
  • Colors: Matte Black; Glossy White

Communications

  • Smartphone pairing: Bluetooth 5.2
  • Intercom: Mesh Intercom 3.0
  • Range: 0.75 miles in open terrain
  • Open Mesh: 6 channels; unlimited participants
  • Group Mesh: 24 participants
  • Talk time: 20 hours
  • Charging time: 2.5 hours
  • Operating temperature range: −4°F to 131°F
  • Speakers: 2nd Generation HD

    Sena Outrush 2 Helmet Price: $379 MSRP

 

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