When we're being honest about how the Cardo Packtalk Neo fits into the picture, we have to acknowledge that this is an expensive product within the world of motorcycle intercom products. This is high-end stuff. You'll feel it in your wallet before you feel it in your helmet. A dual-pack is going to cost you roughly twice as much as a typical budget-priced headset. So the ultimate question isn't really about whether it sounds good on paper. The true question is whether the new and improved Dynamic Mesh Communication (generation 2), along with the JBL audio and hands-free voice control, justify the premium price tag above what you'd pay for a low-cost alternative. Thousands of motorcyclists said yes, and I'm here to explain why. See the current price on Amazon.
The Packtalk Neo is Cardo's flagship mesh-based intercom. A dual-pack provides you with two units that work out of the box, providing communication between those two units. With a 4.6-star rating based upon 1,161 customer reviews on Amazon, a very strong signal exists at this price point. Where hundreds of riders have agreed upon a premium product such as this one, we listen. The review below outlines the specifications of the device, including its audio performance, natural voice operation, and mesh technology. The review further details exactly what customers stated regarding their experiences using this device prior to making recommendations about who should purchase it.
Specifications and Build Quality
One key feature of the product is the generation two Dynamic Mesh Communication. This is not bluetooth-pairing with additional steps required. Mesh networking enables all riders on the network to communicate directly with each other. The system reassembles itself when one rider disconnects. One significant benefit for group rides is that the system will route around the disconnected rider and reestablish the connection seamlessly. Therefore, a rider that was separated from their group at a gas station will reconnect when he or she catches up with the group.
The Neo is designed to support up to fifteen riders in a single mesh channel, and thus supports everything from a two-up ride to larger touring-style groups. The mesh range is estimated at approximately one mile and six hundred feet between riders. However, since the mesh network is dynamic and relies on all riders to assist in expanding its reach, the farther away riders are from each other, the greater the potential range becomes.
As the units are fully waterproofed, this is a must-have for equipment attached to the exterior of helmets. Cardo manufactures the Neo to withstand whatever elements a rider may encounter, including rain and snow. This represents a significant improvement in durability versus lower priced intercom devices that fail when exposed to wet conditions.
With respect to the packaging of the dual-pack, this includes:
- 2 primary units
- 2 forty millimeter JBL speakers
- 2 microphones
- mounting kits for various helmet styles
- charging cables
All necessary items to outfit two helmets for both audio and communication purposes arrive in the package.
Audio Performance
In terms of audio performance, Cardo is clearly separate from competitors offering lower priced options. The Neo utilizes sound by JBL, an authorized JBL brand partner, as opposed to using generic driver components in plastic housings. The forty-millimeter high definition (HD) speakers utilized in the Neo are part of the same line of driver components that JBL tunes for consumer-grade headphones. The difference in audio quality is immediately apparent upon powering up a playlist.
Cardo specifically optimized multiple audio profiles for the Neo, allowing users to select among three distinct audio tunings: a flat-neutral response suitable for communications, a bass-forward response ideal for listening to music, and a treble-enhanced response ideal for voice clarity. Having multiple audio profiles available to users eliminates having to settle for a single compromised tuning. Flexibility in selecting multiple tunings is uncommon at any price point.
Amazon reviewers frequently reference that the audio output by the Neo speakers is described as loud, clear, and rich at highway speeds, which is the ultimate test for helmet-mounted speakers. Budget speakers typically distort when driven at maximum volume to compensate for wind noise generated at higher speeds. The Neo's JBL drivers remain intact while producing clean mids and sufficient bass levels without harsh distortion common in budget-level intercom speakers. For music-listening riders, this alone may justify the premium price.
Voice Operations and Mesh Networking
The natural voice operation is the feature of the Neo that lends itself to feeling like science fiction. Users speak aloud "hey Cardo," and the unit responds, enabling users to give voice commands to execute functions such as calling, sending messages, checking battery life, controlling music playback, and establishing intercom connections without removing either hand from the bars. For riders who have struggled with trying to operate small controls on lower-priced intercom headsets using cold winter gloves, this feature represents an epiphany.
Easy Grouping removes much of the hassle associated with establishing group intercom connections. Establishing connections for group rides previously required riders to go through a tedious process in the parking lot. Using Easy Grouping, riders can establish connections among nearby units quickly, eliminating much of the previous frustrations.
Additionally, the mesh system also effectively manages audio multitasking issues commonly found with lower-cost bluetooth-only intercom systems. While budget-based systems generally eliminate music playback entirely while engaged in conversations, users utilizing the Neo can simultaneously engage in music playback and intercom conversations, with the system appropriately ducking the music during conversations and returning to normal playback after conversations cease. Bluetooth-only intercom systems rarely provide acceptable solutions for handling both streams simultaneously. Providing a solution for simultaneous intercom and music usage makes extended-duration group touring possible.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews represent perhaps the greatest strength of this review article. The 1,161 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars demonstrates incredible consensus among customers regarding satisfaction with this product. There is no indication from these results that there were a large number of early adapters contributing to these ratings. These results demonstrate that customers purchased this product, and presumably kept it, for an extended period of time.
Reviewers referencing similar aspects repeatedly throughout their reviews include:
- Auditory performance: riders repeatedly complimented the quality of audio produced by the JBL speakers at high speeds.
- Mesh reliability: many reviewers referenced improved reliability compared to earlier-generation bluetooth mesh products.
- Voice control: multiple reviewers noted that this feature greatly increased ease of use.
- Speakers: similar comments regarding improved clarity and overall quality existed.
- Battery life: strong multi-day battery life reports existed among reviewers.
Fewer criticisms exist but warrant mentioning. Some reviewers expressed concern about the premium price as a deterrent, though this is reasonable given the price point. Some reviewers mentioned requiring precise positioning of speakers within tighter-fitting helmets, and some reviewers mentioned frustration with initial app setup requirements. No reviewer raised concerns that detracted from overall positive sentiment.
Who Should Buy This Intercom?
The Packtalk Neo is intended for serious-minded riders who utilize group intercom connectivity while riding with others. If you are primarily a solo commuter who simply requires music and occasional phone calls, then purchasing this item would be unnecessary due to excessive functionality. Instead consider buying a reliable bluetooth headset capable of adequate communication at a significantly reduced price.
However, if you ride with a consistent group of riders on regular occasions, or you travel extensively and ride with groups where riders separate from each other and regroup periodically, then the benefits provided by this item will justify its expense. When a separated rider automatically re-establishes connectivity upon approaching their group without needing manual intervention by another rider, it becomes easy to see why it costs more.
Let me address the cost issue directly. It is expensive, no doubt about it. You are paying for generation-two mesh capabilities, JBL audio capabilities, voice engineering, and build quality that will endure exposure to inclement weather. Riders who purchase this unit generally retain possession of it for many years, which changes the financial equation considerably. Divide the cost of this unit over several years, versus continually replacing inexpensive intercom units, and it likely becomes cheaper per trip than replacing cheap alternatives on an annual basis. For serious group riders who value reliability and quality audio, it is worthwhile. For budget-conscious solo riders, it is not. Determine which category best describes yourself prior to purchase. Check current pricing on Amazon.
For comparisons of the Neo to competing products, refer to our Intercom Comparison Table, or read more Motorcycle Intercom Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders does the Cardo Packtalk Neo support?
Up to fifteen riders per mesh channel. The second generation dynamic mesh allows every rider on the mesh network to communicate directly with every other rider on the network.
What is the range of the Packtalk Neo?
Approximately 1.6 kilometers, or about one mile, between riders. Due to its mesh nature, intermediate riders act as relay points extending range across longer distances among a group of riders.
Can it play music and use intercom at once?
Yes, the Neo system enables both simultaneous streams without interruption to either stream. The music will automatically duck down during conversations and return to normal playback after conversations have ceased.
Is the Packtalk Neo waterproof?
Yes, the device is fully waterproof and designed to operate regardless of weather conditions (rain, snow, road spray) on the exterior of a rider's helmet.
What comes included within the dual-pack version?
2 main units, 2 sets of 40-mm JBL speakers, 2 microphones, mounting hardware suitable for various helmet types, and charging cables. Everything required to provide complete equipment to outfit two helmets for both audio and communication purposes arrives inside the package.
What is the battery life?
Strong multi-day battery life exists among reviewers prior to requiring a recharge. A single charge via the USB charging cable is typically sufficient to last an entire day of riding.