Sena 50S VS Cardo Packtalk Edge (Why We Switched)
Armchair Bikers
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When it comes to motorcycle communication systems, my wife and I have been using them for years. They’re just part of the kit, right? Being able to talk to each other on the road, listen to music, get GPS directions – it makes riding together a whole different experience. For a long time, we relied on Sena units. They were reliable, affordable, and got the job done. But last year, we made a big switch to Cardo, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just about chasing the latest features. There were some pretty surprising reasons behind it.
Here are three key takeaways from our experience that might challenge what you think you know about motorcycle communication systems:
- Even top-of-the-line flagship units from major brands aren’t necessarily waterproof, which is surprising given their exposure to the elements.
- Updating the software on these units can still be surprisingly outdated and clunky.
- A solid communication system can greatly simplify moto-vlogging by removing the need for external mic setups.
Let’s dive into why we ditched our old setup and became Cardo converts.
This article is based on the video below.
Starting Out: Our Sena SMH10R Days
For around five or six years, we used the Sena SMH10R. It was a low-profile, affordable headset that got us through rain, snow, heat—you name it. We transferred it between helmets and put it through a lot, and it never let us down.
A sleek, low-profile Bluetooth 3.0 headset for riders who want discreet communication, music, and GPS audio with clear intercom up to 900 meters. Dual pack ideal for two riders.
- Sleek, low-profile fit
- Clear intercom audio
- Pairs with any Bluetooth headset
- Tricky to install
- Hard to press buttons with gloves
- Average music sound
These units were basic, sure, but they just worked.
Time for an Upgrade: The Sena 50S Experience
Eventually, the SMH10Rs started wearing out, and we decided to upgrade. The Sena 50S seemed like the logical next step: premium Harman Kardon speakers, mesh intercom, advanced noise control, multi-channel audio, and long-range communication. We picked up a dual pack at around $700.
Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.
- Excellent sound quality (Harman Kardon)
- Long-range Mesh 2.0 intercom
- Easy-to-use jog dial
- Expensive
- Setup can be tricky
- Shorter battery life on Mesh mode
At first, everything seemed great. But about a month in, we rode through a rainstorm—and everything changed. Both units started acting up. They’d power off randomly, fail to turn back on, and one even started cycling through menus on its own. Water had gotten inside, and drying them didn’t help. It was frustrating, especially since our older, cheaper SMH10Rs had endured much worse.
The Shocking Reality: Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing
That experience led me to dig deeper into the 50S. That’s when I realized it didn’t have an IP waterproof rating. It’s marketed as “water resistant,” but that’s not the same thing. IP ratings—like IP67—clearly define protection against dust and water. No IP rating means no verified protection. Worse, Sena doesn’t cover water damage under warranty.
It’s baffling that a premium, helmet-mounted device isn’t fully waterproof. Rain, road spray, even cleaning your helmet—these are all normal conditions for any rider. Having your $700 unit fail after one storm just doesn’t cut it.
Making the Switch: The Cardo Packtalk Edge
Fortunately, Cycle Gear gave us a full refund. Instead of just walking away, we put that money toward the Cardo Packtalk Edge.
At the same price point, the Cardo instantly won us over with one key word on the box: waterproof. The Edge is IP67-rated, meaning it’s built for the elements and covered under warranty if it fails due to water.
The Cardo also packs in all the premium features you’d expect—mesh comms, noise control, and solid range—but with better usability.
Comparing the Details: Sound, Updates, and Vlogging
Let’s dig into some of the other comparisons and features we’ve found with the Cardo units.
Sound Quality:
Cardo’s JBL speakers deliver noticeably better performance when it comes to listening to music. The audio is richer, more balanced, and doesn’t distort at higher volumes like some other units we’ve tried. Bass is deeper, treble is crisp, and it actually makes riding with background music enjoyable rather than tolerable. While intercom voice clarity is on par with the Sena 50S—both are more than adequate for rider-to-rider conversation—music lovers will appreciate the extra audio refinement the JBL system brings to the table, especially when riding at highway speeds where engine and wind noise compete with your tunes.
Software Updates:
One of the more frustrating aspects of the Sena 50S was its convoluted update process. You had to use a separate Wi-Fi dongle, ensure it had power, connect the headset, make sure both were on the same network, and wait for them to sync. It felt more like updating an old printer than a modern Bluetooth device. In contrast, Cardo nails the user experience.
Their mobile app allows you to check for updates and install them right from your phone—no cables, no dongles, no confusion. Updates are quick, wireless, and pain-free. This convenience means you’re more likely to actually keep your device updated, which is critical for performance and stability improvements.
Audio Recording for Vlogging:
Previously, we had to run an external mic through a GoPro Media Mod just to get halfway decent audio while riding. It involved extra wires, gear, and setup time—not to mention audio levels that weren’t always consistent. With Cardo’s built-in recording feature in the app, all of that goes away. You can record intercom conversations and your own voice seamlessly, which is a game-changer for motovloggers or anyone who wants to document their rides. The audio is clean and wind-resistant. In fact, sometimes it’s so clean that I have to reintroduce ambient sounds like the engine or road noise during post-editing to make the footage feel more authentic. But that’s a good problem to have.
Mounting System:
Cardo also impresses with its mounting system. The magnetic mount is secure, easy to use, and makes switching between helmets incredibly fast. You just click it in place—no fiddling with clips or brackets. And if you have multiple helmets, Cardo sells accessory kits that include everything you need: the mount, speakers, and mic. It’s a plug-and-play system that allows your main unit to travel with you from helmet to helmet. That kind of flexibility is perfect for riders who swap between different helmets for different types of riding or seasons.
Overall Satisfaction and Looking Ahead
The Cardo Packtalk Edge has checked all the boxes for us. Great sound, easy updates, vlogging-friendly features, and most importantly—waterproofing that actually holds up. We’ve already ridden in the rain with no issues.
It’s disappointing that the Sena 50S didn’t meet expectations, especially at its price point. But switching to Cardo has been a game-changer, and we’re excited to keep riding with gear that truly performs.
This isn’t a sponsored post. We bought the Cardo units ourselves. But if you’re on the fence, we genuinely think the Cardo Packtalk Edge is a better system.
Thanks for reading, and ride safe!
The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
