Can the Cardo Packtalk Pro Dominate Group Rides?
Evan Rally
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If you’ve ever yelled “turn left!” into your helmet mic and watched half your group veer right into traffic, you know, GPS won’t save your ass. A good comms system will.
That’s the moment it clicked for me. Sure, GPS is great for solo rides, but when you’re leading a pack of riders through unfamiliar terrain, tight corners, foreign signs, unpredictable weather, communication becomes everything.
I’ve tried just about every Bluetooth headset out there. Some are solid for riding solo. Some kind of work for groups. But finding one that nails both? That’s been the unicorn.
So when Cardo dropped the Packtalk Pro, claiming it improves on the already-excellent Packtalk Edge with smarter tech and safety features, I had to put it to the test. I strapped it on for my Ride of Passage tours in Thailand, riding alongside guys using the Edge, the Custom, even a couple Sena units bridged in (yep, we went full chaos mode).
Throw in Bangkok traffic, jungle switchbacks, and daily rider chatter, and you’ve got the ultimate battlefield for a comms system.
So… did the Packtalk Pro finally deliver what the others couldn’t?
Let’s get into it.
The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.
- 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
- Magnetic air mount
- Auto on-off
- Crash detection and emergency call
- 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)
- Costs as much as a mid-range helmet
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Packtalk Pro feels premium. The magnetic Air Mount is ingenious and makes attaching and detaching the unit incredibly easy and secure. But the real promise lay in the enhanced features: auto on/off, crash detection, and the upgraded 45mm JBL speakers. Having already been impressed by the Packtalk Edge (as detailed in our Cardo Packtalk Edge review), I was eager to see if these additions justified the “Pro” moniker and the higher price tag.
My primary testing ground became the challenging and rewarding Ride of Passage tours I lead in Thailand. These multi-day adventures involve large groups of riders using various Cardo and even Sena communication systems. The ability for the Packtalk Pro to seamlessly integrate with all of them was immediately put to the test.
What I Love About the Cardo Packtalk Pro
The Best Audio Experience on the Market
The standout feature, and one we highlight in our Best Helmet Speakers Roundup, is the inclusion of Cardo and JBL’s 45mm speakers. The difference in audio quality compared to the standard 40mm speakers found in the Packtalk Edge is significant.
The sound is richer, deeper, and more nuanced, with powerful bass and crystal-clear highs, even at high speeds. Whether I’m listening to music, podcasts, or directions, the audio experience is simply unmatched.
Seamless Group Communication with DMC
Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) is a game-changer for group rides. On my Ride of Passage tours, it flawlessly connected groups of up to 15 riders, even with varying terrain and distances. Riders using the Packtalk Custom and Packtalk Edge connected effortlessly.
What’s even better is the ability to bridge in Sena units (although a bit of a pain, as you can check out in our Cardo and Sena Pairing how-to article), ensuring everyone in the group can stay connected regardless of their chosen brand. This reliability and universal connectivity are crucial for leading large tours.
The Convenience of Auto On/Off
The auto on/off feature, powered by the internal IMU, is surprisingly convenient, especially for touring where you make frequent stops. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had older comms units unexpectedly die because I forgot to turn them off during a long lunch or overnight.
The Packtalk Pro automatically powers down when you take your helmet off and powers back on almost instantly when you put it back on. This small detail streamlines the whole process of gearing up and breaking down, and it ensures you don’t accidentally drain your battery.
Added Peace of Mind with Crash Detection
The integrated crash detection is a valuable safety feature. While I thankfully haven’t had to rely on it in a real-world scenario, the peace of mind it offers is significant.
As Joe Goe demonstrated in his Cardo Packtalk Pro review, the system is sensitive enough to detect even a slow speed spill. In the event of a crash, if you don’t respond within 30 seconds, it will automatically notify your chosen emergency contacts with your location. This is a potentially life-saving feature for solo riders or those exploring remote areas.
Effortless Mounting with the Air Mount
The magnetic Air Mount system is great. It makes attaching and detaching the Packtalk Pro incredibly quick and easy, even with gloves on. The magnet is strong and secure, so there’s no risk of the unit falling off, but the release mechanism is simple to use when you want to remove it for charging or storage.
Need to Knows & My Gripes
While the Packtalk Pro is exceptional, there are a couple of minor points to consider.
Like the Packtalk Edge, some of the more advanced features rely heavily on the Cardo Connect app. While the app is generally user-friendly, it’s another piece of software you need to be familiar with, especially for initial setup and customization.
Source
The premium price point is the most significant barrier for many riders. While the added features and upgraded speakers justify the cost for serious tourers and those who prioritize the best technology, budget-conscious riders might find the Cardo Spirit or Packtalk Custom (as we discuss in our Best Bluetooth Units Roundup) a more accessible option.
How It Compares to Other Communication Systems
- vs. Cardo Packtalk Edge: The Pro is essentially the Edge with auto on/off, crash detection, and the 45mm JBL speakers. If those added features are worth the extra cost to you, the Pro is the clear winner.
The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
- vs. Sena 60S: This is the most direct competitor to the Packtalk Pro, and Sena’s latest flagship. The 60S introduces an innovative “Wave Intercom” that uses cellular data for unlimited range, and it also features upgraded Harman Kardon audio. However, Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) is still widely regarded as the most robust and easy-to-use system for large groups in areas without mobile signal.
Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.
- Mesh and Wave intercom (unlimited range with cellular signal)
- Harman Kardon 40mm speakers
- Long battery life (17–22 hours)
- Mesh only connects with other Sena units
- Not fully waterproof
- vs. Budget Options (Cardo Spirit HD): While budget units offer basic communication, they lack the advanced features, audio quality, and group communication capabilities of the Packtalk Pro. You get what you pay for in terms of performance and reliability.
The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly
- Max 2 Intercom Participants
- Short range (600m)
Why I Chose the Cardo Packtalk Pro
For leading my motorcycle group tours and for my own peace of mind on solo rides, I needed a communication system that was reliable, offered exceptional audio quality, and had advanced safety features. The Cardo Packtalk Pro ticks all those boxes and more. The seamless group communication, the convenience of auto on/off, and the added security of crash detection make it an invaluable tool for any serious rider.
While the price is a consideration, the performance, features, and overall experience make the Cardo Packtalk Pro a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best.
The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.
- 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
- Magnetic air mount
- Auto on-off
- Crash detection and emergency call
- 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)
- Costs as much as a mid-range helmet
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