Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsBlown away!!
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 23, 2021
Used with a Bell Qualifier DLX and HJC i10 helmet.
Quick recap, I originally picked up a VNETPHONE V6 Pro set about 2 weeks before based on a family member's recommendation. He is using one and likes it, so I ordered one in (dual set) because my wife and I had planned a 450km motorcycle trips planned out. In short, we had a hard time pairing the VNET V6 units, we had to reinitiate the units after each shut-off, unlike my cousin's unit. So we just kept them turned on all the time. During most of the trip, we always had a hard time understanding each other. Lots of noise/static, poor audio and the moment we got to far apart... signal was toast! Not a bad unit but not the one for me. A good friend suggested the Lexin B4FM units and he is using them in out in the woods on his 4x4's. I ordered up a set because I was already returning the VNET's and I can always trust his opinion on any gear that we are both into.
A worthy quick mention, Lexin as two versions of the B4FM units being sold. Easy enough to tell them apart. Both have different communication buttons. One version has a "helmet" type button and the other a "X" button. We got the "X" version. Also, both have different mounting systems and pairing methods. Would be nice to have the same units shipped out or at least, have them use the same mounting clips and pairing info.
Packaging:
When the Lexin units arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging alone. There was more detailed information on the box and on the inside, the instructions manual was nice and clear and the inner packing was awesome! Each piece and component had its own ziplock bag, not all tossed into one bag and here ya go! The little things usually give a good idea of what to expect.
Installation:
It was simple but had me slightly worried. Most videos we watched online for the B4FM is not the same as my units, as mentioned above about the two models. The online videos show a big paper clip type of system for the install versus mine was a 2pcs metal/plastic clip you tighten up together between the shell. It comes with an additional 3M rubber sticker and would strongly suggest adding that extra rubber over the one on the metal clip to ensure a tighter fit. If you don't, our bracket could come off easily... this might be my only complaint on these. So all depending on what unit you receive might be a little bit confusing.
B4FM unit:
If you follow the instructions, easy to use. Because of the two versions going around, you can't base yourself on the Youtube clips and wrap it up... unless of course, you received the same version. But using the units, pairing your phone (Samsung Android) was a breeze, using the FM radio was simple and pretty good reception. The option of being to save up to 6 channels is a nice touch! The B4FM unit connects up to 4 users at once, I haven't tested that. But pairing up our two units was easy enough and ALWAYS had a steady connection...
Audio Quality:
Being an audiophile myself I like good sound. But having something this small at this price point, I can't complain. Yes, the sound is a little thin and high on mids the treble, it could use a little more bass to beef up the tone (bigger speakers) but you can always adjust your cell phone EQ's audio to help out. I did and went with 2 custom settings and it was a good improvement. I also tried it out with different types of music and artists (Al Green, ZZ Top, Monster Truck, Black Label Society, CCR, Slayer, Sade and a few others) and adjusted the EQ and rolling up the bass helps. See pics that worked well for me in my setup.
Intercom:
I was really, really impressed. Cruising at lower speeds 40kmh to 60kmh audio communication was clear . Going from 65kmh to 110kmh, even with our visors open we had no issues hearing one another... unlike the other unit I mentioned. The noise cancellation system in these really seems to work well. No complaints whatsoever on this aspect. We intentionally split up to increase the distance between us to test Its reach/limit... and if I had to guess, we reach approximately a 1.2km apart (1200 meters) we still talked and understood each other fine. Pushed beyond that and we encountered static... my wife said I cut in and out at that distance. We might have been at 1.6km (1600 meters) as claimed by Lexin but I can't be sure... riding at 100kmh we gaged the distance. So IMO, that is incredible! In a normal situation, we would never be that far apart anyway... so the B4FM passed that test with flying colors!
Battery life:
Impressed to say the least. We had our units turned on for 9.5hrs straight... didn't turn them off once. I got home last night after our ride and kept playing around with the unit. Pairing up my phone, listening to music, testing out the GPS on the phone with the unit and this morning the batt level is still at 100%!!
Manual:
Read it carefully, don't skip certain procedures and you won't have an issue... its very a simple KISS manual.
Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend the Lexin B4FM to ANYONE on a budget looking for a great unit. It obviously isn't one of those other higher-priced brands that are over $300 + for a single intercom unit. The B4FM doesn't have the same technology and doesn't have the same cool "MESHY" features and the other jazz... but at $207 CDN for a two headset kit, this little unit holds its own and does it oh so well!
In fact, If I had the extra money, I would love to try out ALL of Lexin's products... I am very impressed to say the least.
Safe riding everyone!!
