Sena Outrush (and R) – Top-Rated Modular Bluetooth Helmet

The Sena Outrush is a great modular helmet, but it isn’t for everyone. In this Sena Outrush review, I’ll give you all the details and tell you what my friends and I think of this helmet.

Then you can determine if the Sena Outrush or Sena Outrush R are the right choice for you.

Sena is a longtime leader in the powersports communication market. Probably the most well-known maker of Bluetooth headsets for motorcycles.

In the last few years, they stepped up their game by partnering with an unnamed helmet manufacturer. What they’ve created together are a line of exceptional helmets with Sena units built right in at the factory.

Plus, their integrated helmets are often cheaper than adding a kit to your existing lid.

We leave no stone unturned in this review. Let’s figure out if the Outrush is for you!

What’s the Outrush anyway?

Sena likely needs no introduction for you. They make great intercom gear for motorcyclists, recently integrating Harman Kardon audio in to their sets as well.

In 2020, Sena launched its first-ever modular smart helmet—the Outrush (4). Then they built on that design by releasing the Outrush R in May 2021. Sena has since discontinued the original Outrush, so we’ll focus on the Outrush R in this review.

Let’s start with the technology in it.

The Tech

The Sena Outrush doesn’t pack the latest Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh communication (you’ll need the Impulse for that). But it does pack 4-way intercom and solid speakers.

That’s enough for you and your buddies to chat and listen to music on a ride. You’re not going to be in a concert hall with your George Strait, but you won’t get tinny screeching either.

You get 12 hours of charge, which my friend who owns this lid says is actually as advertised. This will last for a few days of light riding without needing charge. The intercom range is around half a mile over open terrain, which is plenty for most rides.

Here’s a rundown on the specs in an easy table.

Tech Features	Sena Outrush R
Built-In Speakers & Mic	Yes
HD Speakers	Yes
Intercom	HD, Four-Way
Intercom Range	900 M / 0.6 MI
Pairing	Smart Intercom Pairing via Sena Utility App
Advanced Noise Control™	Yes
Bluetooth Module	Easy-Access Buttons
Bluetooth Connection	Bluetooth 5.0
FM Radio	Yes
Voice Prompts	Yes
Firmware Upgradeable	Yes
Talk Time per Charge	12 hours
Charging Time	2.5 hours

Clear Communication

Ease of communication is what Sena is known for. The Outrush integrated helmet is no exception.

In fact, it improves on most add-on kits because Sena integrates the speakers and mic in the factory, ensuring good placement. This lid also comes with a Digital Noise Reduction System for clearer sound. That filters out background noise so you can communicate.  

Easy Connection

One common hangup with Bluetooth units is connecting them to others for intercom.

Sena has this down to a science. The Outrush connects effortlessly to other Bluetooth units from any brand. The Sena Utility App also gives you Smart Intercom Pairing: scan a QR code on another rider’s phone and you’re good to go.

Simple Bluetooth Controls

In the original Sena Outrush, controls were on the left side with a multifunctional jog dial (6). The jog dial allowed you to change the FM station, adjust the volume, and control the intercom seamlessly.

But that was a little hard to do with a gloved hand, and easy to accidentally trip.

So the Outrush R opted for three buttons, and voice commands. You can access Siri or Hey Google from inside this lid. The combined power data cable port is USB Type-C, a common standard these days. 

And It’s Comfortable

The Sena Outrush isn’t just a fancy piece of tech stuffed in a plastic box.

Well, technically the shell is ABS plastic, but that’s just what you get at this affordable of a price point.

The weight is pretty low for a modular, and you get a drop down sun visor. Nice for sunny days.

Speaking of visibility, the eye port is par for the course at around 8.38 inches wide and 4.05 inches deep (8). The intermediate oval shape fits most Western heads super well.

This lid is also ECE rated, rare for a modular.

What about build quality?

Whether you choose the black or glossy white colorway, both have a smooth and sleek finish. That friend of mine I mentioned earlier has banged this helmet around quite a bit. He’s found it to be well fitted, with the intake and exhaust vents made of strong plastic.

This is not a flimsy or unfinished helmet – it’s polished and worthy of the Sena brand.

Here are some comfort and build specs:

Comfort Features	Sena Outrush R
Weight	3.82 pounds or 1,735 g
Sizes	S / M / L / XL / XXL
Colors	Matte Black / Glossy White
Shell	Single shell polycarbonate ABS Multi-density EPS
Visor	Clear face shield and inner sun visor Rapid-release feature Scratch-resistant UV-resistant Fog resistant
Comfort	Removable and washable headliner Breathable mesh for airflow
Strap	Steel Emergency Release Buckle (Ratchet Strap) Reinforced Chin Strap
Ventilation System	Top vent Chin vent Exhaust port
Safety	DOT, ECE, Dual homologation P/J (certified whether chin bar is up or down)

Plenty of Airflow

For a helmet packed with features, the Outrush R is not suffocating or stuffy. This is mainly due to the three vents on each unit: the rear ventilation port, the top vent, and the one in the chin area. 

Sena helmets also have a special mesh that gives ample airflow within the unit. The combination of all these details makes them well-ventilated for all-day wear.

Here’s a breakdown of the ventilation intakes:

Ventilation Intake and Exhaust
Front Chin Intake	Two angled side intakes & small up/down slider inside
Top Intake	5.3 cm or 2.0 inch top intake (forward is closed and back is open) for ventilation from all sides
Rear Exhaust	Small rear ports on the left and right, hidden under spoiler inserts

What about noise? At a highway speeds, wind noise isn’t louder than other comparable models. Head buffeting isn’t an issue either, even if you have a shorter windshield on your motorcycle.

Overall, the Outrush helmet with built in Bluetooth has great airflow and noise management. Its shape and contouring do a good job minimizing buffeting and reducing noise levels. Feel free to wear this on a naked bike.

Modular and Proud

Modulars plagued by chin bar problems deserve to go in the trash. And I’ve worn far too many of them.

The Outrush R chin bar is not one of these. The heavy-duty cushioning and seal linings close up tight, making this modular feel like a full face when the chin bar is down.

The chin bar opens with a glove-friendly thumb switch. The chin curtain glides right over your face as you pull it up, and tucks under your chin when down to keep out wind.

The chin guard can also be locked in its fully-raised, open position with a simple push of the small slider on the right. This unique feature is useful when the unit is dismounted or when you want to ride at very slow speeds without worrying that the chin guard will drop unexpectedly.

Face Shield

Whichever season you want to ride in, the shield is conveniently fog-free and UV-resistant. You can drop down the integrated sunshield as well for some shade or just to keep the wind out of your eyes with the visor open. That visor clicks when it’s up or down, using a slider on the left side. Removing it to clean is easy – simply lower it and pull to one side to release. Do the same on the other side and its free.

The face shield is well-built, with four robust position detents that can withstand strong crosswinds. Even with swirls from a tractor-trailer when changing lanes, the shield remains firmly in the position you’ve set.

These are the five settings on the face shield:

• P1: Fully closed and secured in place
• P2: Unlocked, with a 2-3mm opening (great for defogging)
• P3: 30% open
• P4: 70% open
• P5: Fully open

On-the-Road Reviews

Don’t take my word for it – I only have one friend who owns this lid! Here’s one real buyer review he found helpful when buying the helmet himself.

Outrush R Real Review

Buy with Confidence: 5 Year Warranty

Sena makes quality products.

How do I know? Because they wouldn’t offer a 5 year warranty if they built a piece of junk.

Warranty service from Sena is only available via the sales channels where you purchased the helmet, except if you’re in the United States (14). Here are the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) procedures, depending on where you live:

United States

• Contact the place you purchased from to get Return Merchandise Authorization from the store.
• Contact the company directly through its Contact Support for Return Merchandise Authorization straight from the manufacturer.

Other Regions

• Contact the place you purchased from to get Return Merchandise Authorization from the store.
• If you experience any difficulty in contacting the store, visit Sena’s Contact Support page.

Sena Outrush R – Final Thoughts

The Sena Outrush R is a brilliant entry-level helmet suitable for most riders under most conditions.

However, if you want the latest and greatest integrated Bluetooth system – for the sound quality or to support groups larger than 4 – check out the Sena Impulse. It’s also a modular from Sena, but with Harman Kardon speakers, Mesh intercom supporting unlimited riders, and a tail light!

If you want an affordable lid with decent sound system and capable intercom, you cannot go wrong with the Outrush R. It’s the right integrated modular for 90% of riders, in my opinion.

The best part? It’s priced less than a top notch Sena unit, without the helmet. A bargain if you ask me.

Smart Modulars go Head to Head: Sena Outrush R VS BILT Techno 3.0 

The BILT Techno 3.0 is another integrated smart modular helmet we’ve reviewed before – how does it stack up against the Sena Outrush?

BILT Techno 3.0	Sena Outrush R
Helmet Features: – Injection-molded alloy composite modular shell – Modular helmet with pull-up chin bar – Double D-ring strap safety fastening system – Clear Pinlock ready face shield with drop-down visor – Fast release push button chin bar operation – Multi-point surface mounted airflow ventilation system – Removable moisture-wicking comfort padded lining	Helmet Features: – Polycarbonate shell with multi-density EPS liner – Modular helmet with pull-up chin bar – Steel quick release buckle system – Fast release ratchet strap and drop -down internal visor – Fast release push button chin bar operation – Top and chin vents with a rear port – Removable, washable, quick-dry liner
Bluetooth Specifications: – Integrated Sena DWO-6 Bluetooth 4.1 system – Up to 4-way voice support – Intercom max distance of up to 900m (0.6 miles) – Up to 8 hour talk time w/7-day stand-by time – Voice operated phone and intercom communication – Automatic audio boost in noisy environments – Phone conference – Music sharing – Speed dial – Last number redial – Smartphone app supported – Compatible with Sena Remote Control devices (sold separately)	Bluetooth Specifications: – Sena’s latest Bluetooth 5.0 system – Up to 4-way voice support – Intercom max distance of up to 900m (0.6 miles) – Up to 12 hour talk time with every 3-hour charge – Voice operated phone and intercom communication – Sena Digital Noise Reduction System for clearer outputs – Phone conference – Music sharing – Speed dial – Last number redial – Smartphone app supported – Smart Pairing via Sena Utility App – Built-in FM radio

If Pinlock visors or a D-ring strap are important for you, pick up the BILT Techno 3.0. But really, it’s hard to go wrong between the BILT Techno and Sena Outrush. They’re both strong contenders and ideal choices for smart helmets, regardless of your riding style.

FAQs

What is the best modular helmet? 

In our opinion (as with other online reviews we’ve found as well), Sena Outrush helmets are one of the best and most reasonably-priced smart options on the market. Alternatively, the BILT Techno 3.0 makes a great choice as well. Both give you reliable, basic intercom and entertainment systems at affordable prices.

Should I buy a modular helmet? Is it better than a full-face helmet?

The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities as a motorcycle rider. 

In a nutshell, modular ones, like Sena modular Bluetooth helmets, are ideal for those who want the convenience of pulling up the chin bar for airflow increase. Full-face helmets, on the other hand, give optimum protection in high-speed rides and tend to be lighter and quieter than their modular counterparts (15).

What is the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmet? 

Given that Sena is the global leader in Bluetooth communication solutions for motorcycle and outdoor sports, any helmets equipped with its technologies are great choices. Any of the Outrush helmets and even the BILT Techno 3.0 come with Sena’s great features.

If you want to know more about Bluetooth  motorcycle helmets, see our homepage.

Are full-face helmets quieter than modular ones?

Generally, yes, full-face units tend to be quieter than modular ones. However, wind noise levels are highly and inevitably subjective from one rider to another. Moreover, other factors such as loose fits, windscreen size, and fairing in relation to your height can all affect the noise level more than the difference between full-face and modular.

Are modular helmets safe in a crash?

The UK SHARP helmet safety ratings system says that modular helmets offer similar protection as full-faced ones. However, their system uses a one-hit crash testing procedure, despite the reality that motorcycle accidents can often involve multiple hits to the ground at different angles. Even models that rate high in the SHARP system may still be prone to failing a lock retention test (17).

Compared to full-face, modular helmets do provide less protection during a crash considering they are less rigid. This is also why they are not allowed in professional motorcycle racing, and are better suited for casual rides. They can protect you from serious injury during a crash, although they don’t provide as much protection as full-shell defense does.