When buying two intercoms, why spend double money on two separate units when you can purchase one product line that does it all at the same price? With ratings of 4.5 stars from over 4,200 consumers, the Cardo Spirit Dual Pack is a simple solution. The Spirit is a complete package for each rider, including a speaker, microphone, mounting bracket and a 30 hour battery life with wireless connectivity.
There's no wait time to receive a second unit, and you don't need to worry about whether the second unit will be in stock when you're ready. Everything you'll need is contained within one box. While the dual pack is essentially the same Spirit product that consumers rave about, it contains two separate units instead of one. Therefore, you will receive all necessary components for two riders (speakers, microphones, etc.) in one box.
The Spirit is engineered to function well in rain or snow, and is capable of receiving updates to software via Wi-Fi connection using the Cardo Connect app. Additionally, the Spirit can be connected to nearly any Bluetooth enabled headset available today. Something relatively unique in the marketplace compared to many "walled-garden" manufacturers. Compare the Spirit to other 2-rider products using our [intercom comparison chart](/intercoms/).
Specifications & Build Quality
The Cardo Spirit utilizes Bluetooth intercom technology. As opposed to the Packtalk mesh network systems offered by Cardo, Bluetooth provides ample functionality for rider/passenger communication and allows for bike-to-bike communication for two riders traveling together. The range of the Spirit is sufficient for these purposes.
The build quality of the Spirit far surpasses that of competing budget-friendly intercom solutions. Based upon several years experience designing motorcycle communications devices,the Cardo device with a solid feel and button presses that provide confidence in operation. The mounting bracket snaps securely into place against the majority of helmets. Two different types of mounting hardware are included in the packaging: a clamp mount and an adhesive mount, allowing you to choose which type works best for your helmet.
The waterproof capabilities of the Spirit truly differentiate it from lower-cost alternatives. According to Cardo, the Spirit is completely waterproof. None of us care how much water splashes around while we ride. Water may splash into your helmet while you ride through rainstorms or snowstorms, but the charging port is sealed as well as the buttons. While there aren't too many reports of this occurring, some customers claim that after riding through an unanticipated storm for hours, the Spirit continued functioning without issue.
As previously mentioned, the Spirit comes as a dual pack, providing you with two complete kits, each containing its own speakers, microphone, mounts, and charging cables. No additional purchases are required to outfit both riders.
Audio/Microphone Performance
Cardo uses standard 40mm speakers in the Spirit. These speakers are not as powerful as those used in the Spirit HD model, but they produce sufficiently clear audio at highway speeds. Music plays loudly enough for most riders' needs. Calls and podcasts sound crisp and clean. The speakers are thin enough to fit into most helmet speaker pockets without applying excessive force to your ear area.
Intercom volume is typically a hot topic among motorcyclists. The Spirit produces sufficiently loud volumes to allow riders to communicate at speeds up to approximately 70mph based upon your helmet design and wind noise levels. However, if you ride a naked bike or wear extremely loud helmets, you may find yourself desiring even greater volume. However, for most riders wearing typical helmets, the volume produced by the Spirit should be more than adequate.
The microphone configuration incorporates a wired boom-style microphone. Although some riders favor the boom-style due to better voice pickup clarity, positioning the microphone near your mouth helps significantly in reducing wind noise. Generally speaking, riders on touring motorcycles and cruisers seem pleased with microphone quality. However, riders on sport bikes tend to experience less consistent results due to increased wind noise.
An advantage of purchasing the dual pack is that both units are pre-paired prior to shipment. Simply power on both units and they will connect immediately. No navigation of menus required...no reading of manuals at roadside rest stops required...it is very convenient for non-technical individuals.
Consumer Feedback
More than 4,275 customer reviews exist for the Spirit dual pack with a combined rating of 4.5 stars. Many similar comments/reviews/ideas exist regarding specific features of the Spirit dual pack.
Positive feedback:
Many reviewers praise the waterproof nature of the Spirit as the primary factor influencing their decision to purchase it. Motorcyclists residing in areas experiencing frequent rainfall comment frequently on how well it performs under conditions that destroyed previous intercoms. Another review reported he successfully completed a two-hour ride through a sudden thunderstorm with zero malfunctions.
Several reviewers praise the universal Bluetooth compatibility. While some systems only operate when paired with another unit manufactured by the same company, the Spirit will connect with other Bluetooth-enabled headsets. Reviewers have expressed satisfaction connecting it with Sena units as well as generic headsets.
Reviews praising long battery life include the fact that the Spirit operates approximately 10 hours actively communicating and much longer when streaming music or on stand-by mode. Multiple reviewers stated they charged theirs once per week with normal commuter usage.
Negative feedback:
A number of reviewers state that the speakers are not loud enough for high-speed riding. This complaint seems to occur mostly from riders using loud exhausts or windier helmets. If you are going to be riding a bike with significant wind noise then consider purchasing either the Spirit HD model that has improved speakers.
In addition to complaints about speaker volume, a small number of users experienced reduced intercom distance compared to specifications listed. Like many consumer electronic items utilizing Bluetooth technology (i.e., smart phones), actual range may vary depending upon physical obstructions (other traffic vehicles, trees etc.), line-of-sight and electromagnetic interference (cell towers, other electronic devices). Since actual performance cannot always be guaranteed by manufacturer specifications, Cardo lists one range but experiences may vary from individual to individual.
A few users complained about difficulties sealing the charging port cover. The rubber flapper that covers the charging port can sometimes be difficult to seal correctly. If it doesn't seal correctly, there is potential for water ingress and loss of waterproofing. A few reviewers lost their charging port cover altogether.
Who Is This Product Designed For?
This intercom was designed specifically for couples/pairs who desire to communicate with each other during rides, but does not necessarily require higher-end features such as multiple simultaneous connections or advanced audio processing capabilities. It is ideal for couples who recently purchased matching motorcycles and wish to converse during weekend rides. Parents who take children on rides and wish to keep them informed. Or friends who travel together on bikes and tire of relying upon hand signals and stopping at gas stations.
This product was NOT designed for larger group rides. The Spirit Dual Pack is a 2-way Bluetooth-based intercom system (not a mesh multi-user product). If you frequently participate in group rides involving more than two members. You should explore alternative products such as Cardo's Packtalk series.
This product was not developed for enthusiasts seeking superior-quality audio performance. Standard speakers perform adequately. However. They are not HiFi performers. If you value music quality at speed. Consider upgrading to the Spirit HD model which offers improved 40mm HD speakers. Check our articles discussing mesh and premium intercom systems for further options.
In essence, this product addresses virtually all 2-rider applications well: waterproofing. Excellent battery life. Ease of installation. Universal compatibility. And thousands of satisfied riders backing up its credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy.
Will Both Units in My Dual Pack Be Pre-paired When Shipped?
Yes...both units will be pre-paired out-of-the-box in your dual pack. Charge them...mount them...turn them on...and they will instantly connect...no manual pairing necessary!
Is the Spirit Fully Waterproof?
According to Cardo...yes...the Spirit is rated as fully waterproof. Regardless of how harsh the environment may be. Rain...snow...mud...dust...it won't matter...you can ride in whatever environment you prefer with confidence that your intercom will continue functioning normally. Please ensure that you seal the charging port cover before proceeding on a wet ride.
Can I Connect the Spirit to Other Brand Headsets?
Yes...the Spirit uses standard Bluetooth protocols and will connect to ANY Bluetooth-enabled headset regardless of manufacturer (Sena, Generic Headsets, etc.). Keep in mind that some manufacturer-specific features may not be supported when mixing brands. However, basic intercom functionality should remain intact.
How Long Will My Batteries Last?
Your battery will run approximately 10 hours of active intercom use...far longer when operating in music-streaming or stand-by modes. Most commuters reported needing to recharge theirs once or twice weekly...charging time is approximately 2 hours.
Is There FM Radio Capability in the Spirit?
No...standard versions of the Spirit do not contain an integrated FM radio feature. Only the Spirit HD version contains an integrated FM radio feature with automatic scanning/tuning capabilities. The Spirit primarily supports Bluetooth-based intercom functionality/music streaming/call handling...
What Will Be Provided in My Dual Pack Packaging?
You will receive two complete kits containing: speakers/microphones/mounts/charging cables. There will be no requirement for separate accessories or purchases to enable both riders.
If you ride with a passenger or a regular riding partner, then the intercom represents one of the easiest methods available today for equipping both parties with communication capabilities simultaneously. Waterproof construction/easy setup/a proven history based upon more than 4,000 positive reviews make it difficult to ignore this option.
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