Running unmapped trails in Arizona, my wife, pooch, old Land Rover, and I have learned a new respect for the southern Sonoran desert. A smooth and easy plateau trail often heads through stock gates, down into washes, or up into the mountains, and all it takes is one wrong move, and we could be in a world of pain, alone, far from help. Communication is essential as Luisa will often walk the trail and advise how I should proceed. In the past, we have relied on traditional handheld transceivers (walkie-talkies, to the layman) but we were eager to test the Talkie Mesh as they potentially offered a few advantages over the traditional walkie-talkie.
The Talkie Mesh is a hands-free wireless communicator developed by Sena Technologies to support outdoor group activities without relying on mobile networks. Utilizing Mesh Intercom technology, it maintains connections among users, ensuring communication even in remote areas without cellular coverage. The device features nine open mesh channels, enabling communication among a virtually unlimited number of participants, though effective use requires a structured communication protocol to avoid chaos.
Designed for durability, the Talkie is IPX7-rated, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to three feet deep for 30 minutes without damage. It also floats, making it ideal for water-based activities. Advanced Noise Control technology minimizes background noise, while a simple three-button interface and a Proximity Mute function enhance usability by preventing echo when users are close together.
Customization is another key feature, with interchangeable faceplates available in various colors and multiple mounting accessories, such as a carabiner, armband, and handlebar mount. Weighing 70.8 grams, the device operates in temperatures from 14°F to 131°F and offers up to 15 hours of talk time. Compatible with the Talkie App, it allows users to personalize settings for different adventures. So that’s the PR blurb, but how does the Talkie hold up in the field?
When we first received the Talkie Mesh we were on a stopover in a flat Tucson suburb. Luisa and a friend walked down the block, giggling, one Talkie Mesh unit in their hands. We bantered for roughly 1,600 feet in a straight line until, eventually, the signal began to break up, the gaggle turned to come back, and the signal improved.
The Talkies arrived with four mesh faceplates; I selected the black mesh for my communicator as it would usually be strapped to the sun visor. We chose the bright orange mesh for Luisa as she would be jumping out of the vehicle continuously on the trail, and her communicator needed to be easy to locate at a glance. As history has proven, she is also most likely to lose something that is not brightly colored. On the trails, we were eager to test the Talkie Mesh. Was this little communicator going to replace our beloved walkie-talkies?
Our on-trail procedure goes as follows: I remind Luisa to take the Talkie with her when she jumps out of the vehicle to open a gate or run down a trail. A two-second press of the center button turns the Talkie on. A robotic female voice greets you, “Hello, battery level is medium, channel 1”. A quick press of the center button activates the mic, “My gahn” (mic on) advises Robogirl. A second quick press of the center button mutes the mic, “My gawf” (mic off), which sounds a heck of a lot like “My gawd” in a noisy Land Rover. My gawd is a phrase now uttered whenever we mute the Talkie. It has character.
Luisa will then strap the Talkie to her upper arm, where it will stay for most of the day, and negotiate whatever has lured her from the cabin. I press the button to talk, and she can only respond once she has activated her mic. When Luisa returns to the vehicle, we will mute both mics. There is no violent feedback or noise from the Talkies if the mics are not muted close together, but we do hear our marital banter in stereo.
We would soon learn that line of sight is essential over long distances for clear reception and communication as often connections will be erratic when Luisa runs out of sight down into a valley but will return to clarity once she climbs the other side to wave and tell me (a), we should be OK, (b), she is not sure, or (c), Hell no! The battery of the Talkie lasts a full day and the convenient Bluetooth function does not seem to drain the battery. This function allows one to communicate via your Bluetooth headphones, which has it’s pros and cons depending on how you use it.
This leads us to answer the question, will the Talkie replace our traditional walkie-talkies? Yes and no. The Talkie, being lightweight and easy to carry, will replace the walkie-talkie for day-to-day, close-quarter communication. We like that the link is seamless, at least between two people, and a button does not need to be pressed to talk. When it comes to range, options, and clarity, the walkie-talkie will remain our choice for long-distance or group convoy communication.
In summary, the Senna Talkie Mesh is an excellent, well-made product, and it has become an essential part of our daily on-trailing. The only feature missing is an operation light to signal whether the mic is muted or not. We love the product so much that we have even considered using it for those daily adventures when we risk being separated, you know, like when we go shopping at Costco. My Gawd!
From $199 | talkieweb.com
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