Kick-starting a journey through the wild terrains of the States demands more than two trusty bikes; as a full-time rider couple, we call for seamless contact. That’s where the Cardo PackTalk Edge slots in.
Installing the units and pairing them to our devices was straightforward, and the slim, rugged, and waterproof design has a stack of certifications for quality and reliability. Thanks to the user-friendly controls, reliable performance has ensued during our gloved rides. Connectivity is the lifeline of any rider, and the PackTalk has kept us connected within a one-mile range for the 1,500-mile ride so far, even in the Smoky Mountains and deserts of Nevada and the Baja.
The PackTalks can keep 15 riders in contact when in a convoy. Dynamic mesh communication technology ensures uninterrupted connections, removing the tedium of re-establishing a direct link between users. It’s like a private chat room on two wheels. I appreciate that it connects to our iPhones and Carpe Iter Android Pads via dual Bluetooth 5.2 channels—allowing us to make and take calls, listen to music, and follow the map through JBL speakers.
The claimed 13-hour talk time on a single charge (we clocked 11) and relatively quick charging safeguarded against broken conversations. The Cardo Connect app and over-the-air firmware updates simplified device management, and the 10-day standby time added to its practicality. Usefully, the unit’s automated voice accurately informed us of the remaining battery life when deactivating the intercoms.
We can preserve our dialogues and share our adventures thanks to the audio recording feature introduced through the Cardo Connect app and the 7.0 software update. Gratefully, it captures a natural voice tone. With a simple turn of the dial on the unit, I can swiftly lower the volume with my gloved finger, a faster alternative to repeatedly commanding, “Hey Cardo, volume down.” This feature ensures that when spontaneous conversations arise outside of Jason and me while wearing our helmets, only my voice engaging with someone is recorded, rather than picking up both my and Jason’s voices conversing with others.
Now, every rose has its thorn, and for the PackTalk, it’s a minor one—the external placement on the helmet rather than being integrated (such as solutions by SENA). While it doesn’t compromise functionality, some may find it less sleek. Keeping the unit’s microphone near the rider’s mouth is essential to maintain clear voice commands to the unit to prevent staccato communication, avoid missed conversations between riders, adjust the volume, or deactivate our GoPros recording, for instance.
Genuinely, the PackTalk Edge nails it in the rider communication game. Thanks to its app-driven updates, versatile features, rock-solid connectivity, and user-friendly setup, it’s a worthy sidekick. As full-time adventure riders, it’s leveled up how we stay in the loop on our two-wheeled journey.
$389.95 | cardosystems.com
Photography: Jason Spafford
Read more:The Best Remote Communications for Overlanders by Scott Brady
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