After three years of use in harsh conditions, the Cardo Packtalk long term durability test results surprise tough snowmobile critics. The last time the SledNH crew field-tested the Cardo Packtalk communication devices was in November 2020.
Cardo Packtalk Bold for Snowmobile Helmet
After three seasons of snowmobiling, it is time to give an updated performance review of these sled-to-sled helmet communicators. Suffice it to say, initially I was excited to have real working communicators that stood up to the rigors of wintertime outdoor use.
The Cardo Systems are touted as motorcycle-based units, so I wasn’t absolutely confident as to how they would work in arctic conditions. I questioned how long the batteries would last, if they would be problem free, and if they could deliver crystal clear voice transmissions.
As most of you know I’ve long been a proponent of anything safety related to snowmobiles. The safer we can make our rides the better we as snowmobilers will fare, both physically and mentally. Not to mention the importance of upholding public awareness, that snowmobilers are responsible recreationalists who uphold family values and respect the environment.
That said, I believe a set of communicators will enhance your enjoyment of our beloved sport and serve to make it safer as well.
Helmet Communicator History
Way back in the day, the Collett Communicators were the only helmet-to helmet game in town. Our group of riders purchased those units and were fortunate to have had many years of quality communications under our belts. They were specifically developed for the snowmobile world and worked quite well.
We also experimented with Back Country Access BC Link Radios. These traditional handheld radios are popular with western riders. The high quality radios offer extended range but are not helmet-to-helmet communicators.
After years of service the Collett Units began to give us trouble, and with tech support waning, it was time to move on. Enter Cardo Systems to save the day.
Packtalk Bold Replaced by Edge and Neo
This article will focus on the Packtalk Bold series of radios, which I’ve owned for three years. The Bold was recently replaced with the new Edge and Neo models. The Slim, Freecom, and Spirit models are also offered.
Cold Weather Packtalk Battery Life
At first glance, the Bold is small, expensive, and leaves you to wonder if the battery will truly last for 8-10 hours of riding. Well, I’m here to tell you that they get exceptional battery life, even during a day of cold riding.
We generally get 7-10 hours under moderately cold conditions. Sub-zero may be another story though, as we have not hit temps that low in quite some time.
Packtalks come with the latest rechargeable lithium batteries built into the main radio unit, they really have upped the game for charge longevity. The helmet-mounted unit has a USB-C port, which can even be charged while riding (with a sufficiently long cord), to get you through those bone chilling days. Charging is a simple affair and takes about an hour to fully replenish.
Cardo Packtalk Long Term Durability Test Results Surprise
So, are the Packtalk communicators durable? My Bold units have been dropped and shuffled around, yet they still continue to work just fine. The Packtalks seem to be constructed of quality plastic, and I’ve had no electrical or mechanical trouble during three years of ownership.
The radio units snap in and out of the helmet-mounted cradle with no trouble whatsoever. The item of most concern are the speaker and microphone wires coming out of the cradle that tuck into the helmet. They’re thin and potentially could be torn if not careful.
So far, so good, but my riding partner managed to slice the microphone wire at the front of his helmet one time. They are a tuned instrument, so treat them with reasonable care and you should be fine.
Okay, they are durable, have good battery life, plus they are advertised as water resistant. We’ve had no issues with snow or water penetration.
Helmet To Helmet Communication Range
What about the all important communication range? The range of two Cardo Packtalk Bold units is advertised as one mile, from rider to rider, and up to five miles for a group of riders in Mesh mode. In real world testing we consistently get 1/2 mile, line of sight for two riders. Only one time did we get a measured mile of range but it ended up in broken speech.
Occasionally you may get more range but it will most assuredly be condition-based. For instance, if one rider is sitting on the top of a hill and the other on top of another hill, with no obstructions between them, then conversations may be completed.
Weather does not seem to affect range as we have been in some raging snowstorms and the communicators worked just fine. Around trees and beyond hills will hinder it somewhat but staying reasonably close works just fine. A number of times I was able to caution my riding partner of trail hazards that might have put either of us upside down.
Cardo Packtalk Mesh with Bold, Edge, Neo, Slim
The Bold, Edge, Neo and Slim models allow up to 15 riders to connect and communicate as a group with Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC). The Mesh relays each Packtalk to the next radio, forwarding conversation through the chain of riders. This relay connects the first rider to the last in line, extending the overall group range.
We had up to three additional Cardo backtalk riders with us, (five total) but have not noticed extended range. To be clear, we have not been able to verify five-mile multiple rider range just yet.
Cardo Connect App Easy To Use
Ease of use is another feature that can make or break your day. If it’s too complicated to understand, forcing you to read the directions at 20 below zero, you are not going to have a good ownership experience.
To start, download the Cardo Connect App to your phone. With the app installed you can connect “pair” your phone to the Packtalk unit. The Packtalk has three buttons on the phone, media, intercom, plus a control wheel.
Connecting radios in a group “mesh” is as simple as powering up and tapping a few buttons as outlined in the instructions.
I suggest watching a YouTube video to see how it’s done. You can even connect to a Bluetooth capable GPS device, delivering wireless turn-by-turn instructions through your helmet speakers.
Voice Command Tricks and Tips
There are some tricks with the Cardo system, in the form of magic words. Here are a few of them: Hey Cardo – Answer – Ignore.
While riding, say Hey Cardo followed by your specific command: Hey Cardo volume up.
It’s really easy to respond to calls, with no need to say Hey Cardo beforehand. Simply say answer or ignore.
Here’s the tricky part for some Android users, myself included. To make a call I have to summon Samsung Bixby to help out. It simply won’t respond to Hey Cardo call Sled Ed. Instead I say Hey Bixby then pause and say Call Sled Ed.
Some Android users use Google commands instead. They say Hey Google – call Sled Ed. Friends with iPhones report the Hey Cardo commands work as advertised. You may need to experiment with your particular phone and operating system.
Music Playback and Helmet Speakers
Music and podcasts are another feature that you can enjoy while riding. I have a YouTube playlist on my phone. It’s a simple case of starting the playlist in sequential order or shuffle mode. You will then hear crystal clear sound from the JBL speakers nestled in your helmet, or if you are like me, upgrade to the Bose Noise Canceling earbuds.
If you have a Spotify or iHeart account on your phone you can link that to the Cardo app as well. Just a short note about safety. I don’t listen to music while sledding but do other times. On the sled I like to concentrate on the trail in front of me as much as humanly possible.
I suggest riders follow any local laws regarding what might be considered distracted riding, or make your decision based on safety first. But it is nice to know you can listen to your favorite tunes. Rock On!
If all those features weren’t enough, then you can just plain listen to old-fashioned FM radio. Just say Hey Cardo radio on or Hey Cardo next station. With the My Cardo app you can manually tune to any available FM station. Radio stations come in quite nicely, I’m impressed with reception.
Cardo Packtalk Duo Kit Price
Last and somewhat most important to a lot of folks out there, is how much will all these gizmos cost?
Two people will save cash by purchasing a Duo kit, which contains two complete radio kits and everything you need to get started.
Duo kits come in every flavor: Bold Duo, Edge Duo, Neo Duo, and so on. Duo kits can range from $400-$700 dollars based on what model and where you find them. Good deals can be had on eBay and Amazon, so shop around. Or choose to wait for a Cardo website sale.
Depending on your preference and wallet size, you might upgrade to the Bose Noise Cancelling earbuds to replace the stock JBL helmet speakers.
Oh well, there goes another $250! In the current world of snowmobiling if it works good, it ain’t cheap. It seems anything I buy for snowmobiling has a specific use and can’t be used for any other recreation I enjoy – or can it?
Half Helmet Kit for eBikes, Skiers, ATV, Motorcycle
This is where the story gets interesting… Both my wife and I ride electric bikes. We ended up purchasing Cardo’s half helmet kit which are made primarily for skiers but easily fit bike helmets.
It consists of a cradle with an armored cable boom mic. Edge and Neo models require the half helmet kit plus a separate radio cradle. We then plug in our Bose Noise Cancelling earbuds and off we go.
It’s gotten so good that we won’t ride without them, we love it that much. Just think about it – we have radios that are now multi-use, for snowmobiling and eBikes. It really takes the financial sting out of just using them in the winter.
Other usage could be your ATV, side-by-side, motorcycle or skiing for that matter. Now that makes far more economic sense – toys that can be switched from sport to sport! Bonus!
Choosing a Cardo Packtalk: Bold, Edge or Neo
Are you wondering which Cardo Packtalk model to purchase? I encourage you to shop around and do your homework, including reading all the reviews.
The new Edge and Neo seem to be the latest weapons in the comm wars. They both have upgraded 5.2 Bluetooth, over the air software upgrades, version 2 Dynamic Mesh Communications software and upgraded audio.
The Edge has a nifty little Air Mount magnetic helmet latch and a three-year warranty. The Neo is basically the same as the Edge but without the trick magnetic mount and a two-year warranty, which will save you a few bucks.
It’s worth mentioning that the Edge magnetic mount automatically locks the radio in place, so it won’t fly away. There’s a security latch to remove the unit from the helmet cradle.
Honestly, my Packtalk Bold works just fine and does all I want it to do, and they are still available at bargain prices.
Snowmobile Safer With Better Communications
One final note on safety. I cannot tell you how many times, while leading a pack, I’ve alerted my riding partners to some defect in the trail by radio. Be it a hole, water bar or washout, downed tree limb, moose on the loose or rock. We’ve seen it all and I’m certain you have too.
I will state for the record that the ability to communicate has saved our bacon many times! That alone should be worth considering the cost of these units. I only wish they would add a groomer warning beacon like the old Collett had.
Photos by Dan Gould and Jim Tucker
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