You're approximately 40 minutes into a group ride on a Sunday morning. The road stretches out for miles. A rider's voice comes through your earpiece loudly. That is exactly the kind of riding experience that the Cardo PACKTALK PRO was built to provide. The PACKTALK PRO is Cardo's flagship model, with the latest generation of DMC (dynamic mesh communications) mesh technology, JBL 45mm speaker drivers, a magnetic air mount, and advanced safety features like crash detection that many other models in this class don't offer. Like anything else, this also comes with a higher price tag. Therefore, you probably want to know if the PACKTALK PRO is worth the extra money. Based on 845 Amazon customer reviews that have an average rating of 4.3 stars since its introduction, many customers feel it is.
Specifications and Build Quality
With the specifications of the PACKTALK PRO, you can see why Cardo has put it at the top of their lineup. The first specification is the second generation DMC mesh technology. The difference between DMC mesh technology and just using a Bluetooth headset is the fact that each rider creates a mesh network of all riders. Each rider in the mesh network can hear each of the other riders. If a rider becomes disconnected from the mesh network and returns to the mesh network, the mesh network self-heals without the user needing to start the mesh network again.
According to Cardo, second generation DMC mesh technology has enhanced how easy it is to create groups and provides the best-sounding intercom on the market today.
The speakers used are 45mm JBL-tuned drivers. Bigger speaker drivers produce bigger sounds. JBL tuning produces good sound and not just loud sound. The Air Mount is Cardo's own magnetic mounting system. Just stick the magnetized base to your helmet and click the speakers on and off easily. You won't have to fight with any clamp arms or levers in your gloves. Users rave about the simple-to-use and secure nature of the magnetic mounts as examples of the little things that allow you to forget about your equipment and enjoy your ride.
Just as you would expect with a top-of-the-line model, the packaging of the PACKTALK PRO is rugged enough for continuous use on your helmet in extreme temperatures, rain, and cold weather. The overall build quality matches its high-end designation. This isn't something that is cheaply made and wrapped in a nice box. It looks to be purpose-built.
Audio and Microphone Performance
When you hear "JBL" attached to a product, it doesn't mean someone slapped a label on it for marketing purposes. Customers who have used the 45mm drivers in the PACKTALK PRO consistently state that these have produced the best sounding intercom speakers they have heard yet, with real bass and clearness that remain true even at highway speed. When you wear an audio device pressed against your ears for hours at a time as you would on long rides, good speakers make a big difference. Good speakers let you listen to music at a reasonable volume and still hear your ride leader tell you there is a curve coming up.
Users are equally pleased with the microphone performance of the PACKTALK PRO. They note that wind noise is reduced dramatically with this unit, allowing people listening to clearly hear what you are saying instead of hearing a hurricane. If you've spent days riding down highways screaming into an intercom and getting nothing but static back, you'll greatly appreciate the advancements made in recent years. The PACKTALK PRO has gotten Cardo its name.
Safety Features
Two key aspects separate the PACKTALK PRO from almost every other competitor in this class, and both involve safety and not convenience:
- Crash detection - exactly what it states. The sensor system inside of the unit determines if you are involved in an accident and sends an automated alert message to your pre-determined list of emergency contacts in case you don't answer them within the allotted time frame.
- Auto on / off - another distinct feature in this class related directly to safety. The motion sensors inside of the unit determine when you place your helmet on and it begins running for you. Also, when you take your helmet off, it automatically shuts down. You will never have to search for a power button nor fret about returning to a dead battery because you forgot to turn it off in your garage.
These two features are why many riders prefer this model over less expensive alternatives. You can learn more about how Cardo manages crash detection on the official PACKTALK PRO page at cardosystems.com.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Using data based upon 845 customer reviews averaging 4.3 stars, many group riders believe that the PACKTALK PRO works as claimed. Positive feedback pertains to audio quality, build quality, and reliability of the mesh networking technology. Riders who participate in group rides comment positively regarding improved mesh networking capabilities compared to traditional Bluetooth pairing methods for multiple headsets. Other riders comment positively regarding crash detection and Auto on/off capabilities, stating that these were among the main factors why they purchased this unit over cheaper alternatives.
Negative comments are common. Most of the negative comments refer to cost, and many commenters mention that this is a single-unit purchase, so you pay flagship prices for a single unit versus buying a pair.
Some users have complained that initially they found it difficult to establish connections using mobile apps, and very few have commented that battery life is low during extended touring activities. Neither criticism takes away significantly from the strengths of this unit. Complaints are largely focused on cost, which is essentially a factor of buying at the upper end of available items.
Who Should Buy This Intercom
This unit is for riders who are fed up with dealing with entry-level Bluetooth devices. If you never plan to be part of a group ride, tour with passengers, ride in congested traffic areas, or ride solo and need crash detection watching out for you, then you likely don't need a high-end mesh system. However, if you regularly ride with fellow riders, tour, or ride alone in areas where losing comms could cause problems, most reviewers consider this unit to be the gold standard by which all other competitors are measured.
Also, because of its crash detection and Auto on/off functions, this unit might be especially appealing to solo riders desiring an added level of protection. Because of its mesh networking technology, this unit is perfect for group riders wanting to eliminate the hassle associated with creating networks amongst fellow riders. Although this is definitely an upscale priced unit, for riders encountering these kinds of issues and wanting improvements in their day-to-day riding experiences, it is tough to go wrong with selecting this unit.
Find out how the PACKTALK PRO compares to others in our intercom comparison chart and review other intercom reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cardo PACKTALK PRO perform crash detection?
Yes. Using impact sensors within the unit, it can detect when an accident occurs and send automatic notifications to your previously selected emergency contact(s) if you do not respond within the predetermined time period.
How does Auto on / off work?
The motion sensors located within the unit sense when you place your helmet on and activate it for you. When you remove your helmet, it deactivates automatically. You will never have to look for a power button or return to a dead battery because you forgot to deactivate it in your garage.
Is a magnetic air mount better than a clamp mount?
Most users agree. The magnetic base adheres solidly to your helmet and offers smooth snap-on and snap-off capability without requiring any clamp arm torquing or fighting with levers while wearing gloves. Users often cite the ease of use and security provided by magnetic mounts as examples of minor details that help avoid anger at your equipment before leaving on a ride.
What speakers does it contain?
The PACKTALK PRO uses 45mm driver speakers created and tuned by JBL. Several users stated that these provide the best sounding intercom speakers they have ever encountered, with actual bass and clarity retainable at highway speeds.
Does it connect with other brands' intercom systems?
Yes. Through Bluetooth, it will connect with basically all other devices. However, only fully functional mesh networking capability will occur amongst compatible Cardo units, so for complete mesh networking capabilities, all members of your group must be equipped with compatible Cardo units.
Is it worth paying a premium price?
Yes. If you ride in groups, tour, or ride solo and desire crash detection protecting you, most reviewers said yes. If you never speak to anyone on your motorcycle, you can obtain similar value from substantially less expensive products, and simpler units will suffice.