My experience has been that universal pairing connects very easily. When using the universal pairing mode, the range is reduced compared to two units of the same brand.
I find that even with same brand pairing, the pairing only really works in "line of sight". So yes, the manufacturer claims of 1000 meters is true...but only during optimum conditions. At that point, it gets to be about the same as the universal pairing.
The issue I've found is that most other riders don't know how to pair their headsets. Or if they do, they won't know how to make the universal pairing work. You have to know how to make their headset work with yours. Otherwise, they give up and say it can't be done.
I believe the universal pairing is using the BT channels that are normally used by the phone and GPS. To use one of those universal pairing channels to connect with your headset means they have to disconnect from one of the other pairings they normally use. That's a bother for them and often an irritant.
That aside, why on earth would you need the device to do both bluetooth and wifi? It will always be quicker to remove the card to do data transfer...
Why do you want a camera? What purpose will it serve? Are these cameras good enough quality to be used for that purpose? They support image stabilisation, but is it lossy?
I looked at Sena vs Cardo. I finally decided based on which company openly advertises their waterproof rating. The one I didn't buy might have the same waterproof rating, but if their sales team don't use that as an advert actively, then I have to wonder how much they know their own product, and by extension, how that product is managed internally at that company. If it doesn't hold the waterproof certification, I ride in the rain, and I'd probably break it (and it wouldn't be covered by warranty).
Your money... your choice. If you buy one, I'd be interested in reading a review, at least.
Having both BT and wi-fi is handy. Obviously, you need to have the BT...otherwise why have a BT headset. The wi-fi is used often to align the camera angle. Without it, you can tell if the camera is adjusted to align properly. I can get the Sena 10C Pro to adjust to the Shoei helmet I have, but the EVO wouldn't work. And without the wi-fi ability to see it on your smartphone, you'd have to keep taking photos and then removing the card...inserting the card into your PC...then going out and repeating the process. Wi-fi just makes it easier.
Why have a camera? Simply because it gives you the ability to capture memories when it isn't safe to pull over. I gave up on capturing videos for the most part when I realized that no one really cared about seeing my videos. But as a way to capture a memory...it's great. I took this with the first Sena 10C (not Pro version) on my post-retirement ride. Over on the left is a jagged sliver of rock that sticks up out of that hill by itself. We were traveling at 70 mph and it wasn't convenient to pull over. And while it isn't a nice pretty professional looking photo...I have the memory captured for me. And that's all that matters.
Waterproof ratings include submerging the camera in water...not just using it in the rain. The Sena 10C Pro has the power connection on the bottom and will still allow you to use it while charging in pouring rain. The EVO version has the power connection on the rear towards the top. That was one of the reasons I returned the EVO and went for the "lesser" Pro model. You have to use your head a bit, no matter what the ratings are.
Chris
