When you're not looking for a budget-friendly intercom, the Cardo PACKTALK PRO has everything you could possibly ask for. It offers second-generation DMC mesh networking. JBL audio with 45mm speakers.
It includes crash detection technology to alert someone if you're unable to do so yourself. The unit has a magnetic mount that allows you to snap it onto your helmet in seconds. This is the top-of-the-line model.
There's nothing better than the PACKTALK PRO. However, don't kid yourself: you'll be paying for it.
Not a budget choice. Don't try to tell me it is. If you ride in groups, tour far and wide, and want communications that simply work without having to baby-sit the app, then this dual pack is the gold standard that every other manufacturer measures themselves against.
Specifications and Build Quality
First, start with the brain. The PACKTALK PRO utilizes Cardo's second-generation DMC mesh. More important than any spec sheet number is what that means. First gen mesh was good. Second gen mesh makes grouping nearly effortless and adds what Cardo refers to as auto-healing.
What is auto-healing? Mesh connects riders through each other rather than a centralized hub. Older systems dropped the entire call if a single rider went out of range or if a link broke. Second gen mesh reconnects links automatically so your group call continues to run while the network quietly repairs itself. That's the difference between being able to really converse while riding versus everyone shouting into dead air.
Mesh range is stated to be approximately 1.6 kilometers between riders and 8 kilometers (5 miles) across an entire group. You may see less in reality due to hills and tree cover. Nevertheless, mesh range is fundamentally different from traditional Bluetooth.
Sound is provided by JBL, utilizing 45mm speakers. Branding isn't some flimsy name slapped onto cheap speakers. JBL tunes these and you can certainly hear that at speed. The standard PACKTALK version has smaller speakers than the PRO version.
Build quality reflects the premium feel. Every component feels heavy-duty and well-finished. There doesn't seem to be anything concerning regarding water resistance either.
Then there's the Air Mount. Cardo patented a magnetic mount system. To mount the unit, you snap it to a receiver mounted on your helmet shell and it instantly locks in place. There aren't any mounting brackets or thumb screws required to dock it, it is a one-handed operation. Two units, two mounts, and a charger to keep them charged simultaneously are included with the dual pack package. The smartest purchase for two riders wanting comms would be this dual pack over purchasing two separate units.
Audio and Microphone Performance
Wind noise is the arch-nemesis of every intercom and the PACKTALK PRO battles it better than most. Noise canceling microphones paired with JBL designed speaker housings help suppress wind noise significantly at highway speeds. Clear music and voices remain intelligible regardless of whether you've got ear plugs in your ears, you won't have to crank up the volume to distortion levels to hear the caller.
The microphone performs most of the heavy lifting here. Cardo employs a boomless design to cancel wind noise while capturing the rider's voice. Buyers attest to their callers sounding crisp and clear as well, which counts when the caller is your passenger.
Group intercom calls are high quality across the mesh network. The network directs each rider directly to another rider, thus keeping latency low and audio synced perfectly. Conversation among group members sounds similar to real time conversation, not delayed walkie-talkie style communication.
Crash Detection and Safety Features
Crash detection is arguably the biggest safety feature in the unit and it's not just a marketing ploy. The unit communicates with the Cardo Connect application on your smartphone via Bluetooth low energy. If it detects an accident, it sends your location information to your designated emergency contact. You receive a countdown timer during which you can cancel sending the alert if you're okay after the accident. If you fail to cancel within that countdown period, the alert goes out anyway. This provides genuine peace of mind for solo riders on remote touring roads.
Finally, auto on/off completes the package. When you grab it and power it on, the unit turns on automatically. Similarly, when you put it back on your helmet and turn it off, the unit turns off automatically. You'll never come back to a dead unit because you didn't shut it down properly.
In addition to providing true safety benefits, auto-healing mesh also serves as safety benefits as well. Groups that maintain their connection remain coordinated, as opposed to collapsing completely upon losing a link or a rider falling behind and opening a gap. Second gen mesh reconnects automatically, therefore maintaining continuity of your group conversation.
What Amazon Reviewers Say About This Product
Reviewers are consistently stating why they purchased the PACKTALK PRO over alternative products. They purchased a premium product, therefore reviewers' comments appear to reflect that they were premium buyers that had ridden through lower-cost options and understand exactly what they wanted.
A_Gulima purchased this item for his wife so she can enjoy her favorite music and easily communicate while riding as a passenger. Passenger use cases represent a large percentage of users. However, passenger use cases are often overlooked.
Jorge Aguilar created comparisons between several competing products, including comparing them directly to Cardo's PACKTALK PRO, and concluded that Sena's app left him underwhelmed. Another recurring theme throughout these review comparisons: hardware quality appears comparable on both sides of the fence. However, Cardo appears to excel in terms of software user experience.
Ghengis-T represented authority, using multiple Sena models over thousands of miles of riding experience prior to purchasing his first Cardo unit. Ghengis-T states that he believes it is currently the best Bluetooth based option available on the market.
T.K mentioned three key points that repeatedly arise from other customers as well: he appreciates the safety feature, he appreciates how easy to use it is, and he appreciates Cardo's build quality as well as previous purchases. When you see all three components appearing together dozens of times from customers that spent this amount of money, something tangible is happening, value exists.
Who Is This Intercom For?
Not for weekend riders trying to save a little bit of cash. Premium pricing equates to buying a flagship, you should acknowledge that fact before making your decision.
This is for riders who take serious consideration for group communications. If you regularly ride in groups, if group rides occur frequently, if you have struggled with lesser quality mesh and Bluetooth communications in the past and desire seamless communications in your group, this is your answer. Auto-healing mesh is worth paying a premium for itself when used in conjunction with crash detection capabilities.
This is for long-distance tourers as well. Reliable audio at speed, 13-hour battery life, crash detect capabilities, these are all relevant considerations for long-distance touring riders.
Passenger setups utilize this product as well. The dual pack gives you a second fully functional unit, one for each person. Music, intercom functionality, receiving GPS navigation prompts, A_Gulima cites this exact scenario as the primary factor for purchasing this dual pack.
Frankly honest statement: this product costs way too much money. While you can obtain viable intercom solutions for a small fraction of this cost, you're paying for JBL audio, crash detection, auto-healing mesh, and build quality that will last, features you may never use depending on how you ride. If you do intend to utilize all of these features, then this is simply the flagship product for a reason. Compare how well this product stacks up against the competition using our motorcycle intercom comparison table, and peruse additional reviews related to finding the ideal solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PACKTALK PRO Worth the Premium Price?
That depends on how you ride. If you tour in groups and use mesh daily, the auto-healing mesh and crash detection justify the cost. If you rarely ride with others, you can get away with something far cheaper and never miss these features.
How Does DMC Mesh Compare to Bluetooth Intercoms?
Mesh connects riders through each other rather than a central hub, so a single rider dropping out does not kill the whole call. Second gen mesh auto-heals and reconnects links automatically. It is a genuinely different experience from traditional Bluetooth pairing.
How Good Is the JBL Audio Quality?
JBL tunes the 45mm speakers, and reviewers consistently report clear music and voices even at highway speeds. Wind noise suppression is a strong point. The PRO version uses larger speakers than the standard PACKTALK.
How Does Crash Detection Work?
The unit pairs with the Cardo Connect app over Bluetooth low energy. On impact it sends your location to your emergency contact after a countdown you can cancel if you are fine. It is a genuine safety feature for solo riders.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Cardo rates it around 13 hours of use. Combined with auto on/off, you are unlikely to come back to a dead unit because you forgot to shut it down.
Does the Dual Pack Come with Everything Needed for Two Riders?
Yes. Two full units, two magnetic Air Mount receivers, and a charger that tops both up at the same time. This is the smarter buy than two separate single units if you ride with a passenger or partner.
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