TVS SmartXonnect S10X First Impressions - A Pretty Useful Helmet Communication Set

In today’s world, being connected is one of the most important things. And for people who love to ride two-wheelers–people like us–it can be a bit difficult to do so. But, but, but… there are communication systems that can be fitted on your helmet that do an excellent job in keeping you connected with your fellow riders and loved ones.

I got one such communication system for review – the TVS SmartXonnect S10X – and after spending a few days using this handy little device, I have a few first impressions of it. Interestingly, the device is essentially a BluArmor unit, built with TVS. BluArmor is a Bengaluru based brand, and quite famous for rider gear.

Priced at Rs 8,499, the TVS SmartXonnect is one of the more affordable communication systems on sale in India. It gets a decent feature list including app connectivity, ride lynk, and Google and Siri assistants. Apart from that, you can also listen to and control music, make and receive calls and use navigation.

The box set comes with a communication device, two JBL speakers, mounting units and an allen key to fit it all on to your helmet. The installation process of the S10X device is quite simple and hassle free. You dismount your cheek pads and the internal helmet cushioning – install the speakers and mic and put the cushioning back on. The device sits on a clamp mount on the outside of the helmet, where you can access the buttons.

That reminds me, the S10X is pretty intuitive and easy to use. Although the S10X is quite big in size, it only features three ‘X’, ‘-’ and ‘+’ shaped buttons. So when you have to change music you have to double tap the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons. Now again, that isn’t too much of a hassle, but with so much surface area, more buttons could have been integrated into the design. Something similar to the Cardo designs would have made it much simpler to use, and also more functional.

Now I have pretty sensitive ears, and the S10X’s bassy JBL headset makes it really soothing to my ears. And heck, the audio quality is pretty good, as good as a decent JBL wireless headphone. The most fascinating bit is the mic, it absolutely suppresses the noise around you while riding. There have been times where I have been on calls, and the other person couldn’t believe that I was riding a motorcycle – even at speeds as high as 120kmph. That said, I do have a small problem with the fit of the set.

I have a rather large head, and my MT helmet fits me almost perfectly. But add to that the speakers and the boom mic, things start to get a little uncomfy. The speakers press hard against my ears, making it quite uncomfortable after 40 minutes of use, forcing me to readjust my helmet every once in a while. Also, with this placement, the mic sits right on the bridge of my chin and lips which makes me slightly uncomfortable.

Up until now, I have spent only a few days with the device; and the coming weeks, for me, will be filled with a lot of riding. Which means, it gives me more time with the S10X, and I can test out the product thoroughly. That said, I shall delve more into the ride lynk, battery, audio quality, daily and touring usability as well as the smartphone and app connectivity in my full-fledged review of the device. So stay tuned.