When my buddy Eric and I planned our trip to Texas last year, which covered 4,200 miles and four states over nine days, we needed a way to communicate with each other. We’d be burning hundreds of miles on interstates and backroads, and we’d be stopping frequently to shoot photos. Hand signals just wouldn’t cut it.
We installed Cardo Packtalk Edge communicators in our modular helmets (an HJC RPHA 91 and a Shoei Neotec 3). The box comes with everything you need to install the communicators in either a full-face or modular helmet, including wired and boom microphones, and the installation process was easy.
We had the Duo package that comes with two units that are pre-paired, but the pairing process is straightforward. Cardo’s patented magnetic Air Mount cradle is slick – just position the unit near the cradle and it sucks itself into place. The attachment is secure, and pressing down on the leading edge of the mount allows the unit to be removed for charging. The units are also waterproof, and they endured an hourlong deluge with no problems.
The Packtalk Edge uses Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh 2.0 intercom system, which allows up to 15 riders to be connected and offers “auto healing” when members leave and re-join the group. Cardo says the Packtalk Edge will also seamlessly connect with other major-brand communicators. Cardo claims a range of up to one mile, but that’s under ideal conditions with a clear line of sight. Winding through canyons would disconnect us occasionally, but we’d reconnect when we closed the gap.
Cardo’s Natural Voice Operation allows you to control the unit using voice commands. Just say, “Hey Cardo,” followed by “music on,” “next track,” “volume up,” “battery status,” and so on. It even allows “Hey Siri” and “Okay Google” commands to your phone. You can also use the buttons and controls on the unit itself. Pairing the unit with the Cardo Connect app allows advanced features such as music sharing as well as over-the-air software updates.
Eric and I had our Packtalk units paired with our phones so we could listen to music, and the music paused automatically when either of us would start speaking. The Sound by JBL speakers delivered good sound quality even when we were riding at 80 mph. The only challenge we had was with battery life. Cardo claims up to 13 hours of talk time. Even though we charged our units every night, both of us would get low battery warnings after 8-10 hours, which limited our ability to communicate at the end of long days.
The Cardo Packtalk Edge motorcycle helmet communicator is available as a single unit for $399.95 or in a Duo package with two units for $729.95, and it comes with a three-year warranty.
