The Cardo Packtalk Edge has firmly established itself as a premium offering in the motorcycle communication market, delivering a robust and feature-rich experience for a wide range of riders. From the outset, the device exudes quality, and its innovative design choices contribute significantly to its overall appeal. The magnetic “air mount,” for instance, is a true standout, simplifying the process of attaching and detaching the unit from your helmet to an almost effortless level. This seemingly small detail represents a significant improvement in daily usability, providing a welcome departure from the often cumbersome traditional mounting methods.
Installation is generally straightforward, facilitated by the user-friendly Cardo Connect app, which also handles over-the-air updates, a very convenient feature. The installation process consists of routing the cables, speaker pods, and microphone through your helmet and connecting it to the mount which adheres to the side of the helmet. The 3M adhesive is strong and I don’t foresee any issues with it falling off. It should be noted that your installation process may vary slightly based on what helmet you have. Many motorcycle helmets these days come with cutouts for the speaker pods to sit – some even have channels cut out for the wires! In my case, the Simpson Mod Bandit I wear only has the speaker pod cutouts. Thankfully, this makes wearing the helmet with the Packtalk Edge installed extremely comfortable.
On the road, the Packtalk Edge truly shines. The audio performance is exceptional, thanks to the high-quality JBL speakers that deliver rich, clear sound even at highway speeds. The advanced noise cancellation technology effectively minimizes wind and engine noise, ensuring that your audio remains crisp and intelligible whether you’re listening to music, engaging in a phone call, or communicating with fellow riders. The ability to independently adjust volume levels for different audio sources further enhances the personalized audio experience.
At the heart of the Packtalk Edge’s capabilities lies its Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) technology. This is a true game-changer, creating a stable and reliable communication network for up to 15 riders. The pairing process is remarkably simple, and once established, the network demonstrates impressive resilience, automatically reconnecting riders who may temporarily drop out of range. This technology provides a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional Bluetooth intercom systems simply cannot match. The communication range is also commendable, ensuring clear conversations even when riders are separated by a considerable distance. I recently took part in a group ride with several other riders I didn’t know. Using Cardo’s DMC technology made getting connected with them a snap – it was so nice to be communicating with the group during the ride. So often you have to rely on hand signals, etc for group communication. The Packtalk Edge made my group riding not only easier but also safer!
For those of you who enjoy recording your rides, you can pair the Cardo Packtalk Edge to your Insta360 action camera as well as do voice recording directly in your Cardo app. You can then add that audio into any ride footage you recorded using your favorite editing software. They think of everything!
The Packtalk Edge also boasts a highly effective voice control system. The “Hey Cardo” wake word consistently activates the system, allowing for hands-free operation of a wide range of functions. Beyond basic commands like adjusting volume levels and answering phone calls, riders can use “Hey Cardo” to “play music,” “next track,” or “previous track” for seamless control of their audio entertainment. For navigation, commands like “Hey Cardo, call [contact name]” offer a safer way to initiate calls without taking hands off the handlebars. The voice commands are both responsive and accurate, contributing to a safer and more convenient riding experience.
Battery life is another area where the Cardo Packtalk Edge excels. Cardo’s claim of up to 13 hours of talk time has been consistently validated in real-world use, and the fast-charging feature provides a valuable boost when time is limited. The device is also built to withstand the rigors of the road, with an IP67 waterproof rating that ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions.
In my experience, the Cardo Packtalk Edge also integrates well with modern motorcycle infotainment systems. For example, pairing with the Harley-Davidson Skyline OS on my 2024 Road Glide FLTRX was a breeze, allowing me to route audio from the bike’s system to the headset. This provided a convenient way to manage music and navigation, though the Packtalk Edge functions perfectly well as a standalone communication device. The one note that I would mention about this is that in order to avoid any issues, you should only pair the Cardo Packtalk Edge to the motorcycle, then also connect your phone to the motorcycle. The Packtalk Edge should not be paired to your phone in this use case.
While the Cardo Packtalk Edge is undoubtedly a top-tier product, the physical buttons, while functional, can be somewhat small and difficult to operate with gloves on, particularly when trying to locate them quickly. Also, there are user reports of issues with the overall battery life and memory of the unit. It seems that, while this could be an issue over time, risks of damaging the battery’s lifespan are mitigated with proper battery handling. Cardo has actually put out a great video on this over at their YouTube channel.
Overall, the Cardo Packtalk Edge stands out as an exceptional motorcycle communication system. Its combination of superior audio quality, robust mesh networking, user-friendly features, and reliable performance make it a top choice for riders seeking a premium communication solution. Now, these Cardo units are not cheap at a $399.95 price point. However, if it’s within your budget I highly recommend it! If not, Cardo does feature some lower cost communication units that still boast plenty of great features.
The Cardo Packtalk Edge earns a score of 5 out of 5
Pros:
- Innovative magnetic “air mount”
- User-friendly Cardo Connect app
- Exceptional audio quality with JBL speakers
- Reliable Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) for up to 15 riders
- Long battery life and fast charging
- IP67 waterproof rating
Cons:
- Small physical buttons
- Price point a turn off for some
