Sena Impulse vs Sena Outrush R

Both the Sena Impulse and the Sena Outrush Rare integrated modular smart helmets — flip-ups with comms built in — but they're at opposite ends of Sena's range. The Impulse is the fully-loaded one; the Outrush R is the honest budget pick. What does the extra money buy?

Mesh vs Bluetooth: the defining difference

The Impulse runs Sena's self-healing Mesh network plus Bluetooth; the Outrush R is Bluetooth only. For group riding, that's the whole decision: Mesh re-routes as riders drop in and out and scales to large groups, while a Bluetooth chain breaks when a rider rides out of range. If you ride in changing groups, the Impulse's Mesh is worth the step up; if you ride solo, with music, or in a fixed pair, the Outrush R's Bluetooth is genuinely enough.

Audio and features

The Impulse brings Harman Kardon speakers and mic — a clear step up in clarity — plus a drop-down sun visor and an integrated rear taillight. The Outrush R has more ordinary speakers and, while it has a sun visor, no taillight and no premium audio. So the Impulse is much the more feature-rich and better-sounding helmet; the Outrush R covers the essentials for less.

Price and value

The Outrush R is the far cheaper helmet — roughly the price of a mid modular alone — and it's the honest cheap way into integrated comms. The Impulse costs considerably more and earns it with Mesh, audio and features. Both are DOT-certified integrated modulars, and both share the integrated trade-off: you can't upgrade the comms independently.

The verdict

Ride in groups and want the best audio and features in one box? The Sena Impulse. Want a flip-up with built-in comms for the least money, and Mesh isn't something you'll use? The Sena Outrush R. Read the Impulse review and Outrush R reviewfor the detail. If you'd rather see both against the comms-ready flip-ups that take a separate unit, they are ranked together in our best Bluetooth modular helmets roundup.