[the_90s_car_guy]

Originally Posted by VW2010

Reason - Early shipment feedback has some assembling-related QC that is getting fixed and hoping to improve the consistency of quality of every product delivered.

The following capabilities are not available till the next firmware.

- C30 compatibility
- eRIDEGRID (Cloud Intercom)
- Group Music Sharing

For the price they charge, these niggles should've been taken care of beforehand. It's not like they're new to the business. The early adopters always seem to get the short hand of the straw

[Grand Tourer]

Has anyone started getting the shipment of their C50 pro orders? Ive been contacting their whatsapp support but there is no response.

[VW2010]

For the price they charge, these niggles should've been taken care of beforehand. It's not like they're new to the business. The early adopters always seem to get the short hand of the straw

Welcome to new world order. Apple sold and is selling their 16 series with features that will come in future and they cost more than my useful kidney or both kidneys.

Has anyone started getting the shipment of their C50 pro orders? Ive been contacting their whatsapp support but there is no response.

3 week delay is what I am hearing. There is a lull and considering diwali weekend I expect people waiting for their device to get around end of November only.

They are definitely behind schedule by a long way.

[VTEC_Love]

I got my C50 about 10 days ago. I was quite excited about it and when I opened the package, I did feel confident I have something nice to work with. Packaging, the fit and finish of the product was great.

The excitement ended as soon as I began the install. I tried installation on a Shoei RF-SR, and on a MT Thunder 4, size small. The main unit goes on the back, it has no buttons, instead an additional wire with a connector with a remote that installs on the side of the helmet. So yes, there are two units now on the helmet. With the extra wiring and separate main unit and remote adds a good amount of weight to the helmet. I struggled for an hour but I could not get the fitting as clean as I wanted. The connectors are large and cumbersome. Plus the wires on both speakers are short and mandated some pulling and tugging to get them in place. Everything went in, somehow and quite unconvincingly. My Cardo PackTalk bold can be installed in less than 5 minutes. Ditto for my Sena SMH10.

Next came the pairing part. Two units need to be paired. One the main C50 unit and another the T-Stick. When one pairs, the other doesn’t. I fiddled with pairing, resetting and could not get both units to work. I neglected the T-Stick and just paired the C50. Sound quality was okayish, the sound was still very thin as compared to my Cardo PackTalk Bold with JBL’s. The C50 also has JBL’s but the BluArmor still has a long way to go.

Finally customer service. I pinged them on Whatsapp for support. Nope, no number to call. WhatsApp only. They responded after a week. By then I had sold the C50 off because nothing really compares to a Cardo. The C50 is just another wannabe product that just does not ring any bell when compared to the Cardo or even the low-end Sena SMH10. I’d prefer a low-end Sena over the BluArmour, anyday.

Last, and not the least. The unit is heavy. It adds an additional 220 grams on your helmet. Not a good thing for long rides.

Additional feedback I got from my BMW motorcycle riding group:

1. The C50's sound quality is a definite downgrade from the C30. The C50 has no bass at all
2. People unanimously believe that the wiring is a bit cluttered and cumbersome to deal with.
3. Volume on intercom is a bit low
4. Too many app issues- both iOS and Android. It seems they launched the product without thinking too much about the app.
5. Too much unwanted technology and hardware

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by VTEC_Love

...The C50 is just another wannabe product that just does not ring any bell when compared to the Cardo or even the low-end Sena SMH10. I’d prefer a low-end Sena over the BluArmour, anyday.

Great report of your experience! We need more such honest user reviews in order to set & demand higher standards.

I have a very limited understanding of money, but here are my (possibly naive) thoughts. I believe many Indian manufacturers (and by extension, manufacturers with small capital) are genuinely attempting to make a difference. In order to make impact in an industry where 2-3 big players are already established, it appears that many believe, flashy products are the only way to do so. Which it may even be in the short run. Until the shortcomings start to appear.

The focus on providing ultra wide range of features at a 3rd of the cost, v/s focusing on core competencies of what a product should offer with a 100% guarantee - this is where we are at today.

I do believe it's a tough one to crack. How many have the finances to survive & play the long-term game ensuring higher adoption? Diamonds in the rough. That's the hope!

[VW2010]

BluArmour has shared a video on the updates. I like the way they have addressed most of the questions above.

He also talked very nicely about early adopters and how this feedback helps them to address these issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qRnPkR1q80

It is so easy to put down a brand trying to establish in this space but I am happy that they are taking enough steps to address the issues raised. They are also launching two other variants and I believe the C50 base variant is a good vfm.

I did share this (above)feedback with BluArmour and they did revert back

BluArmour: Every user is entitled to their opinion, and we welcome people who disagree with us as much as the people who agree.

I view the pre-orders as a way to get early adopters to participate in helping us refine the product - a process that takes us 3-4 months. Most of our early adopters are in sync with us on this but I totally get that not everyone will see it this way.

Cardo and SENA are fantastic brands, and I have the utmost respect for them. That said, having been in this space for a few years now, I also know where we score better, and believe it’s a matter of time and persistence to convince a first time user of BluArmor of the value.

At the end of the day, the product will speak for itself. We have seen that with the C30, and am confident we will see it with the C50 class of products in the months to come.
We listen, learn and adapt. It has been one of our biggest strengths, and will continue to be so.

[Darkcloud]

Launching half cooked products full of niggles does not do a brand any good. It would have been better to iron out the niggles before launching them.

As a Cardo user for a long time I can vouch for their products. If Blue armour wants to be in that position they need to refine their products before launching them. Selling products full of niggles does them no good.

Originally Posted by VW2010

Welcome to new world order. Apple sold and is selling their 16 series with features that will come in future and they cost more than my useful kidney or both kidneys.

Apple can get away with this considering their product quality and history. Blue Armour cannot. They are not anywhere near Apple.

[ssjr0498]

There is a saying in the auto tuning world, that I think holds true in almost all facts of life! "Fast and cheap, wont be reliable, reliable and fast, wont be cheap"!
I think for the price that they are giving their product, it is quality stuff (hardware wise at least). Some initial niggles should be excepted and expected! Unlike other Indian manufacturers, they heard us and are trying hard to fix all concerns that the initial buyer had! Let's appreciate them for that. I am confident that this made in India brand will do well! That said, my c30 and c50 are working flawlessly!

[VW2010]

Launching half cooked products full of niggles does not do a brand any good. It would have been better to iron out the niggles before launching them.

As a Cardo user for a long time I can vouch for their products. If Blue Armour wants to be in that position they need to refine their products before launching them. Selling products full of niggles does them no good

One thing I do agree with is they could have put a disclaimer that this is a pre-order and those buying are part of the final beta testing so those who expect it as a final product can avoid buying the same which is what they have done in the last video.

Cardo has a 20-year advantage. I do agree users will expect a product at 200 plus dollars to deliver something right out of the box.

Disclaimer - I am waiting for the C50 Pro delivery. I have the Nexx X.Com2 and adding this to my other helmet as my group of riders have only C30 and instead of paying for C30 I am getting the C50 for the same price.

The features and options if all tie together with the product I am confident they have a winner in hand.

[VTEC_Love]

Originally Posted by VW2010

BluArmour has shared a video on the updates. I like the way they have addressed most of the questions above.

He also talked very nicely about early adopters and how this feedback helps them to address these issues.

https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=5qRnPkR1q80

It is so easy to put down a brand trying to establish in this space but I am happy that they are taking enough steps to address the issues raised. They are also launching two other variants and I believe the C50 base variant is a good vfm.

I did share this (above)feedback with BluArmour and they did revert back

An honest feedback should not be considered as "putting down" a brand. If this is what BluArmor thinks I am doing, they should really reconsider their brand values.
A half-baked product is also fine - I am happy to participate in product improvement. But what's NOT acceptable is BluArmor not responding to requests for help. My first request for help was sent over WhatsApp on 18th Nov. I mentioned details of what the problem was. No response. I sent a reminder on 20th. They responded on 25th with a "How can we help?" as if whatever details I sent on the 18th wasn't detailed enough. On the 28th Nov, I sent them a review over WhatsApp, they still did not respond.
I did get another friend to test this unit out. It did not work for him, so he sent it back to me. I am now stick with with a piece of brick and ZERO support from BluArmor.
Its now almost 20 days since first contact, and they have not bothered to even respond? So they give me a half-baked cake and zero service and expect me to "bear with them"?

[VTEC_Love]

Originally Posted by VW2010

One thing I do agree with is they could have put a disclaimer that this is a pre-order and those buying are part of the final beta testing so those who expect it as a final product can avoid buying the same which is what they have done in the last video.

Cardo has a 20-year advantage. I do agree users will expect a product at 200 plus dollars to deliver something right out of the box.

Disclaimer - I am waiting for the C50 Pro delivery. I have the Nexx X.Com2 and adding this to my other helmet as my group of riders have only C30 and instead of paying for C30 I am getting the C50 for the same price.

The features and options if all tie together with the product I am confident they have a winner in hand.

I would indeed be happy to participate in product improvement with BlueArmor. Unfortunately, I cannot respond to PM's because my membership restricts me from doing so.
I think the main issues which they should address with the C50 is:

1. Too manuy devices to pair separately - the main unit, the T Stik and this really complicates the setup
2. Wiring- Do we really need the connectors. Its one more point for failure and water ingress, and we have three such connectors. Why not replace three with one?
3. The wires are short. An extra inch wouldn't hurt costs but would help with speaker placement
4. An extra remote control is what's really hurting a lot. Its like my helmet is now surrounded by gadgets
5. Speakers are small. Most helmets have space for larger speakers. For a premium unit, larger speakers would work wonders.
6. An extra attachment on the handlebar is not necessarily a great thing - some bikes may not have enough space. My BMW R1200RS definitely does not

[Colonel Haathi]

Originally Posted by VTEC_Love

• Wiring- Do we really need the connectors. Its one more point for failure and water ingress, and we have three such connectors. Why not replace three with one?

I saw their launch video, and that was a while ago, are these connectors propriety?

I recently got back to motorcycles after 15 years so I'm still warming up to all the new tech, I've never used a motorcycle intercom but I've been looking into them.

I did notice Cardo uses a standard 3.5mm and that's been on my radar and in my case that's an important point of distinction.

Haven't decided which way to go as yet. I've checked manuals etc, they don't seem to list the codecs, bit rates, sample rates, compression etc on any such devices.

Intercom is one thing, audio on the move I suppose is quite another thing, Im' just trying to figure out if one have have both with options.

[VW2010]

Intercom is one thing, audio on the move I suppose is quite another thing, Im' just trying to figure out if one have have both with options.

Cardo, sena or our own Indian brand, all have these options. Cardo has been producing these devices for ever and then sena. All these devices won't be close enough to a simple Jabra head set if you want music as a preference. But they are not shabby like a 99 rupees ear phones.

Please chose based on what helmet you have, purpose and cost.

I have a next wedd helmet that has an integrated xwed comm 2 which does a fabulous job for phone, music and more. But it is a gaudy helmet and not the best for a sport bike. So I am going to try the c50 Pro. This just fits my needs and I need a mesh network with my fellow riders who are all on c30. This means we can talk and ride with music as the last requirement.

So I would request you to start with what helmet, why and what is the priority in that device to short list the best suited device for your needs.

[100Kmphormore]

I have a very limited understanding of money, but here are my (possibly naive) thoughts. I believe many Indian manufacturers (and by extension, manufacturers with small capital) are genuinely attempting to make a difference. In order to make impact in an industry where 2-3 big players are already established, it appears that many believe, flashy products are the only way to do so. Which it may even be in the short run. Until the shortcomings start to appear.

The focus on providing ultra wide range of features at a 3rd of the cost, v/s focusing on core competencies of what a product should offer with a 100% guarantee - this is where we are at today.

Precisely shyam. Have never been a saver if the money spent is on an amazing product or experience. This is the same difference I see with aux lights. HJG/Maddog can never be what Baja/Denali/Clearwater is - brightness + long life. Both are major drawbacks with HJG, Maddog a little better but as they say in kannada, kaasig takk kajjaaya (What you pay is what you get). To succeed in this market, especially with a beta product like the C50, low price or excellent product at launch or excellent lifetime warranty/customer service so they encourage people to pick it up.

A rider in my group is an obsessive follower of low rates/discounts and will not hesitate to get a substandard/mismatched product, the effort needed to ask him to get a decent intercom like this one was an adventure to say the least. Other ones on amazon (which influenced his decision partly) looked too crude or looked outright fragile. He straightaway said no to this product claiming it was too expensive, and the intercom range was too less, and for once he may be right! If this is the state of just connecting and using the basic functions, the intercom range will be another story.

[VTEC_Love]

UPDATES on BluArmor C50pro

So I have been in touch with the CEO and the design team at BluArmour ever since the review. They acknowledge they have made some mistakes, costly ones for that matter, but are committed to delivering a quality product. I have, since, worked with them closely on various issues, such as the difficulty in installation to app and product reliability. I wanted to be a part of the solution and see an Indian company come up with something that's at par with the Sena's and the Cardo's. And this time, they have come really close to bridging the performance gap. They recently made some changes to their product, and its accompanying software. All for the good.
First, the installation issues I had were primarily due to insufficient wire lengths. That has been fixed - I was sent a new pair of speakers (for free) with a slightly longer wire which has made all the difference. I was able to install the C50 in less than 15 minutes. One major hurdle sorted.

Second, I feel that the sound quality has improved considerably. It is way much superior to my Sena SMH10, and almost at par with my Cardo running 45mm JBL's. Almost. And good enough. At 50kmph or more, when the ambient noise is over 80dB, a layman may not be able to differentiate between the sound quality of the C50 vs the Cardo PackTalk.
Third, I decided to measure the actual weights of the Sena, the Cardo and the C50. I previously posted 220 grams and this was taken from other reviewers. It seems they made a mistake - they took total weight of the alternatives and optional components. For instance, there are two mic options, one for modular helmets and one for the normal ones. Any rider will use just one, not both. There are other components that wont go on the helmet, so thats more weight reduction.

I measured actual weights of the components that will go on the helmet, and this is how the C50 stacks up against the international brands:
Sena SMH10 - 152 grams
Cardo PackTalk Bold - somewhere in the 130's range. Lost the image of the weighing scale
BluArmor C50 with static mic for full face helmets - 141 grams
BluArmor C50 with mic for modular helmets - 152 grams.

So there, the C50 is not as heavy as we thought. Its at par with most international branded products. The Cardo does win here but with a catch - the Cardo's advertised battery life is about 12 hours; the C50's is 16 hours. But where the C50 does well, is the inconspicuous positioning behind the helmet which reduces drag at speed, the LED lights which make you more visible at night and a convenient three button remote that is slim and sits on the side of the helmet for easy operation.
Next, app and firmware updates. Major changes here as well. Bluetooth connectivity is now a breeze. I have not yet encountered any major issues over the past 5-7 days of use since BluArmor released updates.

Here's what I'd like the see BluArmour come up with, and some of these may be in the works:

I want a second helmet kit. Cardo's have it. Sena's have it. All BluArmor has to do is, to omit the main unit and provide everything else as a second helmet kit option. Install that on your second helmet, and simply move the main unit between helmets. Convenient. My Cardo has this. I have three helmets, hence the C50. The second helmet kit will be available shortly
Extra glue pads - well sometimes my installation did not go well. I did not align the units well, so I had to take it out and refit. The glue is good for one use only, so extra glue strips would be good. BluArmor will send u these if you request them to. I had a good quality both sides tape, so I just fabricated it to fit exactly.
Their proprietary charging adaptor which connects to USB C. I'd like to see them get rid of this proprietary bit, but its not a deal breaker.

Now, coming to the most important bit - would I recommend this for my riding buddies? Would I replace my PackTalk Bold with the C50 on my most expensive helmet - the Shoei RF?The answer is a YES. Definitely. To both the questions. C50 has come a long way, and previous reviews like mine were a nice wake up call for the BluArmour design team. They acted on it, got their act together and came up strong. In the end that is what matters.
Their next and the last presale is coming on 26th Dec. The unit will be priced at 18k but its still a steal for that price vs the 25k target selling price. Good time to get yours, else wait to buy at full price. The C50pro is worth it, at this price or the full.