The PACKTALK EDGE, from Cardo systems, is a motorcycle helmet headset designed to resolve one of the biggest complaints associated with many motorcycle helmets: lost connections. Lost connections happen when a group of riders are traveling together in formation. They lose contact when someone’s helmet-to-helmet connection goes out. Usually this happens due to static and dead-air in the headphone. Once lost, everyone else cannot hear the leader. The PACKTALK EDGE provides a solution to that problem. it continues to send the rider’s voice to other riders even after the original headset-to-headset connection is lost. In this article, we will cover the PACKTALK EDGE’s features and advantages, disadvantages, and what several thousand Amazon reviewers have written about it. This will assist us in deciding if the PACKTALK EDGE is something you would like to install in your helmet and take on the road.
Specs and Build Quality
As expected, the PACKTALK EDGE offers many features similar to those offered by high-end products. It has the capability to pair with both Bluetooth-enabled devices and Cardo’s proprietary dynamic mesh communications (DMC). DMC enables the PACKTALK EDGE units to communicate with each other and avoid using a phone for communication during group rides. Furthermore, the unit is water-resistant by Cardo systems to protect against rain, sun, mud, dirt, and snow. Although most riders will never encounter problems with any of these elements, having them is comforting.
The next important feature is the new Air Mount. the Air Mount allows users to attach their PACKTALK EDGE unit to their helmet using a magnetic attachment. All that is required to do so is push the unit onto the helmet-mounted clamp and then click. Some users may need to make slight adjustments to locate the optimal position for their helmet shell. However, the process is generally straightforward. Riders of motorcycles and ATVs/snowmobiles/ski helmets alike like Shiloh Malambri appreciate this type of design since it makes swapping the same unit back-and-forth between different helmets incredibly fast. Additionally, the slim mounting system allows the 45mm JBL speaker drivers to fit into the ear cup pocket of most helmets.
Audio and Microphone Performance
The Audio performance of the PACKTALK EDGE is derived from 45mm JBL driver configurations. Owners/users of the PACKTALK EDGE compliment its clear Audio and ability to produce sufficient Volume despite exposure to wind buffeting caused by travel at high speeds along with constant motorized engine noise.
Furthermore, the boom microphone placement is near enough to pick up a user's voice clearly above the constant engine noise and turbulence caused by speed. The boom microphone utilizes active noise reduction technology to reduce background ambient noise such that only the user's voice is transmitted to the receiving unit(s).
One unique aspect of innovation of Cardo is their implementation of natural voice operation (NVO) which permits users to give voice commands to the PACKTALK EDGE by saying “hey Cardo”. NVO removes the need for users to physically interact with the unit (press buttons), therefore permitting users to maintain control over their hands on the steering grips.
Voice commands:
- answer incoming calls
- hangup outgoing calls
- pause/Play music playback
- increase/decrease Volume
Each of these capabilities works seamlessly between a connected phone and/or another PACKTALK EDGE unit via DMC. Cardo has provided an extensive natural voice command reference which outlines each possible voice command supported by the PACKTALK EDGE.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
After reviewing literally thousands of Amazon Reviews for this product we were able to identify trends in comments among the reviewers:
Jamie Morgan rode his PACKTALK EDGE unit on numerous long-distance tours. He stated that he experienced continued conversations with other riders throughout his entire trip. He stated that his battery power allowed him to listen to music continually all day (and sometimes longer) on multiple days. Jamie also liked that he could easily switch between his snowmobile helmet and his ski helmet due to the simplicity and quickness of the mounting mechanism provided by the Air Mount.
Danielle states that she likes the quality of the Audio delivered by her PACKTALK EDGE unit. Danielle says that she believes it delivers exceptionally clear, crisp and quite loud Audio. She also praises her microphone stating that it captures her voice much clearer than her cell phone’s internal microphone does.
Shiloh Malambri made honest comments about installing his PACKTALK EDGE unit into his helmet. Shiloh indicated that installing his unit into his helmet took some extra effort. Nevertheless, Shiloh said that once installed properly, he found connecting and operating his unit to be extremely simple. His biggest complaint about his unit was a lack of convenient options to adjust where he positions his microphone relative to his mouth. Regardless, Shiloh appreciated the overall quality of his sound and ability to cancel out ambient sounds around him. Shiloh described his battery life as "amazing".
Who Is This Intercom For?
If you typically ride alone and simply wish to receive turn-by-turn directions while riding, there are certainly less expensive versions of headsets which would still satisfy your requirements. Conversely, if you ride frequently in groups and desire reliable communication with your fellow riders regardless of who is leading or trailing behind you in a given section of road, investing in a premium headset like this one is certainly worth considering. The primary benefit exists in Mesh Networking which enables riders to stay connected with each other, regardless of physical distance between units or who is speaking.
Value Equation
With the PACKTALK EDGE, you are paying a premium for three primary attributes: reliable Mesh Networking, Rapid Magnetic Mounting System, and high-quality Audio (JBL drivers). Each of these aspects were cited repeatedly in owner/user commentary. Therefore, this represents a long-term investment as opposed to purchasing an inexpensive version of this product each year.
Therefore, serious enthusiasts who take care of their equipment will likely see value in spending money on this product. For others who seek alternatives at various price points, please consult our Motorcycle Intercom Buying guide and intercom comparison chart .
You can purchase the PACKTALK EDGE on Amazon today !
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are responses to many Questions customers ask before buying:
Can i use my Cardo PACKTALK EDGE unit under wet weather conditions?
Yes. The product description from Cardo systems indicates that this product has been tested under wet weather conditions and meets their standards for water resistance in regards to rain/snow/etc.
How long will my batteries last?
Many customers who purchased this product wrote in reviews that they were satisfied with battery life in excess of a full day of riding time even when listening to music continuously. Several reviewers wrote that they enjoyed excellent battery performance and charging efficiency.
What is actually mesh communication?
Mesh communication enables multiple PACKTALK EDGE units to communicate with each other directly. Mesh communication bypasses dependence on mobile phones enabling direct communication among members of a group ride. One advantage of mesh communication is that riders can remain connected even when separated from each other during a group ride. Another advantage is that when you turn off your PACKTALK EDGE for an extended period of time and restart it later, it automatically reconnects to any nearby PACKTALK EDGE units without needing to be re-paired.
Will this Air Mount fit any type of helmet?
Although the Air Mount was not specifically engineered for use with helmets manufactured by certain brands, most helmets come equipped with standard clamping systems that permit attaching a clamp mounted Air Mount securely. Because they employ magnetic attachments instead of screws for attaching to your helmet-clamp mounting surface changing between different helmets only requires seconds.
Does the PACKTALK EDGE Connect to other manufacturers’ units?
Yes. Through standard Bluetooth pairing the PACKTALK EDGE can be paired with headsets manufactured by other companies for a two-way intercom call. However, for obtaining the complete multi-rider mesh experience with automatic reconnection, each member of a group must be using a Cardo mesh unit since DMC operates solely between Cardo units.
Is the PACKTALK EDGE worth the premium cost?
It depends upon your personal riding style. If you are frequently part of a group ride and prefer to maintain real-time communications with other riders regardless of who leads or trails you during a given section of roadway, the Mesh Networking capabilities combined with Rapid Magnetic Mounting System justify the increased expense long term. Conversely, if you rarely ride with a group and merely need basic navigation instructions while riding alone, an affordable option will suffice.