The new Cardo Packtalk Pro continues the evolution of the Packtalk mesh intercom line of motorcycle helmet-to-helmet communications devices with three significant enhancements.
The Cardo Packtalk Pro is an advancement from the Edge, Cardo Systems’ previous flagship model. All of the features discussed in our review of the Cardo Packtalk Edge continue in the new Pro, so we won’t go over them again here. Instead, let’s focus on the new features.
The Crash Detection System is the feature that will get the most attention. As you might expect, we didn’t actually test the feature, but we can tell you how it works. Cardo equipped the Pro with an IMU and then developed software that recognizes when a rider crashes.
When the Packtalk Pro believes you have crashed, you have 30 seconds before an SMS text is sent via your smartphone to the contact you have chosen to let them know there has been an accident. In that 30-second window, you can prevent the text from being sent by saying “ignore,” pressing any button on the unit, or touching a red button on your smartphone.
For Crash Detection to work, however, your smartphone must be paired with the Pro, the Cardo Connect App must be on, and you have to be in a place where your smartphone can send a text. Note that the emergency text is sent via the Cardo cloud.
You will likely be reminded to enable the app every time you power up the Pro unit, as it will tell you that Crash Detection is off. Also, the app has to have its Location Access set to Always—something privacy fans won’t be happy about.
Cardo claims a 95 percent accuracy rate for the Crash Detection software. As the user base increases and crash data is relayed to Cardo, the software will be updated for improved accuracy. Cardo makes wireless software updates easy via the app.
Next up for the Cardo Packtalk Pro is the Auto On/Off, which was easy to test. Like Crash Detection, it uses the IMU. When you take your helmet off and set it down, it will shut off after it is stationary for about a minute, announcing the battery status upon shutdown. Pick up the helmet, and it powers up on its own.
Auto On/Off is perfect during the day, as it conserves battery power when you take a break and remove your helmet. Yes, you have to remove your helmet for it to shut off—you can’t hold your head still long enough to shut it off.
Pick the helmet back up, and the IMU tells the Pro to power up. This is a convenient feature that works. Also, when it powers up, the Pro tells you if you’re connected to your phone, and the status of the Crash Detection mode.
After a hiatus, the 45mm JBL speakers have returned to the Cardo Systems fold as a standard feature—they’re also a $100 accessory. When it comes to helmet speakers, bigger is generally better, and the Packtalk Pro sounds great. The volume is good, and that’s helpful whether you’re using the intercom, listening to music, or enjoying the Moto & Friends podcast.
I enjoyed bantering with fellow motojournalists at the introduction of the Pro—you can’t beat the dry humor of American Motorcyclist Contributing Editor John Burns. The only downside is that whenever someone uses the voice operation feature, you hear it. As a result, I heard “Hey Cardo, volume up” and “Hey Cardo, volume down” a bit too often.
Testing the Packtalk Pro reminds me of the many features that make the still-available Edge so good. Topping the list is the 2nd Gen DMC mesh intercom function and the ability of riders to seamlessly enter and exit the group—auto healing does work. The magnetic mount is also convenient if you use the Pro on different helmets—the 2nd Helmet Kit runs $130. FM radio is still a feature. I was surprised when a Cardo bigwig told me that 50 percent of users take advantage of that function. Also, rather than the gray of the Edge, the Pro has the stylish black finish from the special edition Black model.
The new Cardo Packtalk Pro runs $459 for a single unit, a $59 premium over the Edge. You can decide if the extra features justify the price for your needs. The Pro debuts this month and will initially only be available in Single packs.
Cardo Packtalk Pro Specs
PERFORMANCE
- Talk time: Up to 13 hours
- Charge while operating: yes
- Standby time: 10 days
- Battery charge time: 2 hours
- Fast charging time: 2 hours after 20 minutes of charge
- Mesh range: 1 mile (5 miles with a group)
- Maximum group size: 15 units
- Speaker diameter: 45mm
- Speaker depth: 0.4 inches
SOFTWARE
- 2nd gen DMC intercom
- Universal Bluetooth intercom
- Intercom recording: Yes
- TFT connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Sound profiles: Yes
- Voice operation: Yes
- Software version tested: 4.4
Cardo Packtalk Pro Price: $459 MSRP
