Recently, McsBest contacted me to see if I wanted to review some of its motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. I said sure, and they sent me a package with two Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom units inside.
These intercoms offer many of the same features you’ll get from companies like Cardo or Sena, but at a much lower price, which is about $90 (though it’s on sale right now for about $55!) I was thoroughly intrigued.
After spending about a week using the headset on over 500 miles of riding, I can now tell you how I feel about the headset. Here’s what I found.
Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom Details
Before we dive into my experience with the Fodsports V6 Plus, let’s take a look at the listed details and specifications. Here’s what the headset offers, according to McsBest:
- Support two riders talk at the same time and up to six riders connection
- Support FM radio and the ability to store six channels
- OLED screen can show the working condition of intercom
- 850mah battery offers a long work time
- Connect and pair Bluetooth headset with any Bluetooth device
- High fidelity, bass, HIFI sound quality
- Automatically receive a phone call and auto answering
- Call answer, call reject, call hang up and call out
- The last number redial & voice dialing
- Voice prompt and play music
- Enjoy the music through Bluetooth such as smartphone/MP3/GPS. (A2DP Stereo Music)
- With DSP echo cancellation and noise suppression technology, crystal clear voice quality is guaranteed at a high speed.
- Suitable for all helmets such as an open-face or a full-face helmet.
Installing the Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom
The Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom comes with everything you’ll need to install it on any helmet. Here’s a list of everything that comes with the package:
- 1x V6 Plus intercom
- 1 x Headphones with hard Microphone
- 1 x Headphones with Soft Microphone
- 1 x USB Charging Cable
- 1 x Mounting bracket
- 1 x Double rubber
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Metal clip
As you can see, everything is there. I chose to add this to an HJC modular helmet, as that is one of the helmets I regularly wear. The system fit perfectly.
Mounting the Headset
Fodsports provides either a mounting bracket with a sticky back that you can place on the side of your helmet or a clip that fits up under the shell of the helmet between it and the liner.
Because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep the Fodsports V6 Plus on my helmet I opted for the clip because it would be easier to remove if I decided to go that route. Now that I know how it works and that it works well, I may switch to the sticky mount, which is a little more permanent.
Speakers and Microphone Install
In terms of routing the wires for the system, it’s very easy. You have two speakers with appropriate length wires. They speakers have an adhesive that allows you to fit them securely in the speaker pockets in your helmet.
From there you can run the wires under the liner inside the helmet so that none of them show. The speaker wire then plugs into the headset.
The same goes for the microphone. There are two types. One has an adhesive patch that can fit to the inside of a chin bar. The other offers a small boom microphone.
I added the one with the adhesive to the inside of the modular helmet’s chin bar. It stays in place even when I open the helmet. I have to have the helmet’s chin bar closed to talk into the microphone, but I usually always keep it closed anyway, so this option works well for me.
Using the Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom
Now let’s talk about using the Fodsports V6 Plus. I tested the unit over the course of a week or so of riding, and I have to say, I walked away from the experience impressed. This is a good Bluetooth headset intercom for the money.
Controls
There are eight buttons on the unit. Each of them has a special function and some, when pressed twice or three times, offer additional functions.
It does take a little while for you to become acquainted with the controls for the unit. You will likely make a few mistakes at first, hitting the wrong buttons.
The learning curve takes a little effort. With that said, after a single day of riding, I had it down.
The buttons are also easy to hit when you’re wearing gloves. None of them are too small or difficult to press.
Features
I have to note that all of the features of the V6 Plus worked. For a headset with such a bargain price, I assumed this would not be the case. This headset proved me wrong. Everything worked, and worked well.
The radio was easy to use, playing audio from my phone was not difficult, taking calls was simple and easy, and even activating the intercom for two-up riding or riding with friends, was not too much of a problem.
I did notice, the range on the intercom was not very good. If you’re not riding in a fairly tight group, you won’t be able to chat over the intercom, but when it’s within range, you should have no issues.
The voice control feature works. Well, it works as long as your device supports voice command.
I’ve never been very impressed with voice prompt command controls, but this isn’t the headset’s fault. You’re using the iPhone’s voice prompts and the headset simply connects your voice to the phone.
It works good enough for things like getting directions to the nearest gas station or something like that.
Call and Audio Quality
Phone call quality was not an issue. I could easily hear the person I was talking to, and although they mentioned it sounded a bit like I was talking through a tin can, they could clearly hear what I was saying.
With that in mind, this unit gets a good thumbs up from me on phone call quality.
As for audio quality, the Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom system performs well. The speakers included with the headset are large enough and can certainly go loud enough, though there is some distortion if you really crank the volume.
I would say they worked well up to about 45 mph to 50 mph. Beyond that I didn’t find them too useful. Still, I was impressed for something with such a reasonable price point.
Verdict: Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom
The Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom is an excellent unit for the money.
The headset does all that it says it’s supposed to do and offers a similar list of features and capabilities as Bluetooth headsets that cost twice as much.
If you’re looking for a new headset for your next motorcycle ride, then this could be an excellent choice for you.
Check it out at McsBest or click on the image below.
Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom Image Gallery
Thanks for the great review, Wade. Sounds like a nice budget intercom. It will be my next new intercom 🙂
Hi Peri, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I’m pretty impressed with mine, and I plan on using it for some time to come. I hope you have as good of an experience.