Tired of having to stop on the side of the road to dig out maps to figure out where you’re going? Frustrated with confusing hand signals amongst your riding buddies? Missing the ability to bop to some tunes like you would while driving in your car?

These minor inconveniences can turn into bigger problems: Not being able to warn riding buddies about road conditions, turning into a crash. It can be a stressful challenge to help a new rider who may not yet be fluent in hand signals. Taking a wrong turn could lead you onto a sketchy road, and if you’re not paying attention, could put you miles off course.

The answer to all of these problems is a Bluetooth helmet communication system, and the Cardo Packtalk EDGE does it all; connecting you to other riders, offering hands-free communication, navigation, and entertainment.

What Is the Cardo Packtalk EDGE?

The Cardo Packtalk EDGE is the latest offering from Bluetooth headset communicator giant Cardo (the Packtalk Pro hasn’t quite been released yet). This Bluetooth helmet communicator attaches to your helmet, with speakers that fit snugly into cutouts within your helmet and a few different options for a microphone within your helmet.

Like other Bluetooth communication systems, the Packtalk EDGE allows you to listen to music, chat with up to 15 other riders, and connect with your phone to allow for in-ear navigation instructions and phone calls.

Who Created the Packtalk EDGE?

Established in 2003, Cardo Systems’s first product was the Scala earpiece, entering the market with a way to connect cell phone users hands-free. 2004 saw Cardo’s first motorcycle Bluetooth headset launch with the Scala Rider.

In the several decades since, Cardo has continued to wrap ever-expanding technology into a small Bluetooth unit that can be attached to helmets for all types of outdoor and extreme uses, from snowboarding to motorcycling, connecting riders to their phones and other riders.

Top Benefits of the Packtalk EDGE

• Access to in-ear navigation when linked with your phone
• Rider-to-rider communication via the intercom
• Answer and make phone calls on the go
• Take advantage of completely hands-free voice commands
• Listen to music while riding

Best Features of the Packtalk EDGE

Cardo’s latest Bluetooth helmet communicator comes standard with all the features we’ve come to expect, with a few extra features above and beyond.

Of course, at a base level, there is unparalleled intercom sound quality and voice operation as well, including the ability to upgrade firmware completely wirelessly from your mobile phone – there’s no longer a need to attach your comm to a computer for updates.

Magnetic Mount

The patented Air Mount magnetic mount lets you attach the main unit in a fraction of a second. It firmly clicks in place and can be removed again with one hand. The removal does take a little bit of getting used to. as you have to press a tab and slide the unit forward.

Voice Operation

Like any other Bluetooth headset, Cardo’s latest offering offers natural voice operation allowing you to make changes without lifting a finger. To trigger any voice command, you just say “Hey Cardo” and then make your request.

In the time we’ve been using the Packtalk EDGE, we’ve found that the microphone picks up our voice easily and clearly despite outside ambient noise.

High-Quality Sound

With high-quality sound by JBL audio speakers that come standard in the box, the Packtalk EDGE offers an improved music processor to get you the best quality across all the music options available. There is the option to enable automatic volume control as well.

Connection with Other Brands

One of the biggest issues we’ve experienced in the path with Bluetooth headsets is that they don’t tend to play nice with one another across brands. This meant that if all your riding buddies used one brand, that was likely the one you were going to end up with.

The Packtalk EDGE recognizes that different riders may use different headsets, and the unit now offers easy pairing both with your mobile phone (regardless of brand) and other Bluetooth headset choices.

Additional instructions and information can be found in the Cardo Connect App.

Packtalk Edge Pricing

The Packtalk Edge starts at just under $400 for a single unit. This is… well, let’s face it; it’s expensive. To save a few bucks, you may want to keep an eye out for a Cardo discount code from your favorite moto vlogger or content creator.

Alternatively, you can buy the Duo pack with a friend, which lessens the hit on the wallet a little bit, bringing the cost-per-unit down to about $365.

Packtalk Edge Pros and Cons

While the Packtalk EDGE offers a lot of new technology, it’s important to understand the good and the bad. We’ll break down the positives and highlight some of the noticeable drawbacks.

Packtalk Edge Pros

• 13 hours of battery life, meaning increased talk time, and no more recharging midday on those long trips.
• Crystal clear sound, utilizing JBL speakers.
• Easy to use magnetic air mount.
• Plenty of volume to be able to hear, even at highway speeds on a naked sport bike.
• Wireless software updates; no need to connect to a computer anymore.
• Choose from different audio profiles for the speakers.
• A battery life reminder when you turn the unit off.
• Tough waterproof design and rated IP67 waterproof

We do of course have a few gripes, but all things considered, they are pretty minimal.

Packtalk Edge Cons

• Very expensive with a $400 price point.
• The small buttons you have to hit to turn the unit on and off are challenging to operate with thick gloves (i.e. ones you might be wearing in winter)
• With gloves on, the rolling wheel doesn’t have much tactile feedback.
• it is challenging to close the charging port without taking the unit off the helmet.
• Battery life increments are communicated only every 25%, and it’d be nice to be a bit more precise.

With price as one of the biggest issues here, the best bet is to find a friend to purchase with. The other cons are, admittedly, nitpicky, but we’d like to see them improved upon in the future.

Packtalk EDGE Alternatives

If the Packtalk EDGE won’t quite meet what you’re looking for, there are other options. We understand that price is one of the major considerations when it comes to investing in a Bluetooth helmet communicator, so we’ve listed some other options below, in addition to some of the more affordable lines that Cardo and Sena offer.

Cardo Packtalk Pro: Not yet released, but will be the new flagship model.

Cardo Spirit HD: A cheaper option with all the musts and none of the bells and whistles.

SENA 50 Series: Sena’s flagship series and latest offering.

SENA SMH Series: All that you need and nothing you don’t, from Sena. Go low-profile if you can!

Fodsports M1S Pro: Available in single or dual pack, and quite affordable for what you get.

FreedConn FX: Pair up to 10 riders on an intercom, designed to the same IP67 waterproof rating.

Packtalk EDGE Personal Experience

We’ve had our hands on the Packtalk EDGE for a little over six months now, and as a daily motorcycle commuter (and previous Sena owner for multiple generations of Sena products), it’s by far one of the best communication systems out there.

Riding on a naked sport bike, wind noise can often be a problem, but the speakers are loud enough to overcome any ambient noise. The sound volume can even be turned down a few notches just in case that increases the risk of blowing out some speakers.

The sound quality is really good, and the sensitivity of the voice commands is nearly flawless. We have had issues with other Bluetooth headsets when it comes to getting the unit to respond, even with the sensitivity turned up.

Battery life has been exceptional. We recently went on an 11-hour ride, using the Packtalk EDGE for both music and navigation, and still had plenty of juice left at the end, so the 13-hour battery life claim lives up to the promise.

Updates and settings changes are accessed easily through the Cardo Connect app, and charging is not only fast charging but uses a USB-C input, which is the most universal USB type for devices these days. That means you only have to carry one cable with you (a welcome change from having to drag around micro-USB).

The magnetic air mount is a welcome upgrade; plenty strong enough to hold without any shifts in movement, but also quite easy to take off when you need to charge the device.

There really isn’t much more we could ask, and the only gripe we have besides the price is the fact that the buttons are a little tough to operate with thick winter gloves on.

It’s worth mentioning, that this is the first of any of the Cardo units we’ve tried, but based on our experience with this one, we’d certainly buy one again.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Packtalk Edge?

So there you have it, the Cardo Packtalk EDGE in a nutshell. It’s certainly promising when it comes to the improvement of features, and if you had to choose any Bluetooth intercom out there, it would certainly do the job.

It performs well on base-level expectation features like music, pairing, and battery life; and includes some great new features like the air mount and wireless firmware updates. The extra convenience that the voice commands offer makes it easy to keep your hands on the bars and minimize distraction.

FAQ:

Is the product worth the cost?

Absolutely. While expensive, the features available and the brand’s multiple decades of experience results in a true quality product.

How can the Packtalk EDGE help enhance the riding experience?

The Cardo Packtalk EDGE allows you to listen to music, have aural access to navigation, communicate with other riders, and make and answer phone calls.

Is the product legit?

Cardo is a longstanding brand within the Bluetooth helmet communicator space, with a proven line of successful products.

Why are intercoms so expensive?

Helmet intercoms offer a lot of tech packed into a really small space. Keep in mind that they also have to be durable, and nearly immune to extended sun exposure, dust, rain, and other weather elements.