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Happy Fathers Day from Cardo!

A view of the PackTalk Bold. Photo Courtesy of Overland Magazine.

Looking for a Father’s Day gift but not sure where to start?

You’re in luck – with June 19 around the corner, Cardo’s range of communications systems are up for grabs just in time to gift Daddy-oh with the best of the best.

Naturally, we’ve assembled the lineup below for ease of navigating – after all, function is the name of the game for June presents (unless you’re a Gemini), so let’s dig in. 

The Cardo Packtalk Edge

The Cardo PACKTALK Edge. Photo courtesy of Visordown.
The Cardo PACKTALK Edge. Photo courtesy of Visordown.

MSRP: $389.95

Waterproof, durable – the Cardo Packtalk Edge keeps the fun coming whether you’re caught in the rain, shine, mud, dust, or snow.

Featuring a magnetic air mount for snap-on access and run by Natural Voice (the same concept as ‘Hey Siri’), the PACKTALK EDGE is the perfect comm unit for motorcycle helmets – up to fifteen of them – that need to do it all. 

Refreshed sound by JBL, with a 2nd generation Dynamic Mesh communication that’s “Lightning Fast. Crystal clear…unparalleled intercom sound quality, easy pairing, and robust performance.”

Expect to get a range of up to 1.6km/1mi with this little buddy.

The Cardo Freecom 4X

thecardo freedom 4x
The Cardo Freedom 4x. Photo courtesy of Cardo.

MSRP: $269.95

Slightly easier on the wallet, the Cardo Freecom 4X boasts the same waterproof, durable design as the PACKTALK EDGE – but there’s more contrast to this little comm than similarity. 

Up to 4 riders can enjoy the Freecom 4X, with the system guaranteeing up to 1.2km /0.75mi of range. 

Sound by JBL, operated by Natural Voice – the little thing even takes in Over-The-Air Software Updates. 

Other perks include the 2 hours talk time battery after 20 minutes of charging (thanks to the C-port charger), the built-in FM Radio with RDS (handy when you’re in the middle of nowhere), an ‘automatic volume’ feature that adjusts your volume depending on the surrounding chaos, and the ability to connect with any other Bluetooth headset of any brand. 

Stream directly from your smartphone of choice for the Freecom 4X, along with the ability to make calls and control your GPS by voice. 

The Cardo Freecom 2X

The Cardo Freedom 4x. Photo courtesy of Cardo.
The Cardo Freedom 2x. Photo courtesy of Cardo.

MSRP: $209.95

If you were looking at the above two units and thinking to yourself, ‘man, I wish they had something under $250,’ we got you. 

The Cardo Freecom 2X is the baby buddy of the Freecom 4X, with the same spec perks, minus two of the four riders. 

Sounds by JBL< the ability to pair up to any Bluetooth device – a waterproof, durable build that sports a high-caliber radio, over-the-air software updates, and automatic volume, just for kicks and giggles. 

The ideal comm for a dynamic duo, or if you’re more like me and prefer small, intimate groups (introverts UNITE!…Later. Alone. in our separate houses.)

The Cardo Spirit

The Cardo Spirit and Spirit HD. Photo courtesy of Bike Review.
The Cardo Spirit and Spirit HD. Photo courtesy of Bike Review.

MSRP: $189.95

First-time buyer? Thinking of just trying the brand out on the bare basics?

Cardo’s Spirit model may be just right for you. 

Described as a ‘2-way BT intercom,’ the Spirit can handle two riders at a range of 400m / 0.25mi – not quite the distance of the Freecom or PACKTALK models, but hey – not everyone likes to wander away from the group. 

No JBL here, though the sound is still bolstered by an advanced processor ‘for an immersive sound.’

Expect this baby to be waterproof and durable, with the extra perk of over-the-air updates that can be downloaded whenever a better version is available. 

You can also use the Spirit to connect with any other Bluetooth set, with the addition of automatic volume, music streaming, fast charging, and the ability to use either a finger or voice to activate calls or GPS adjustments. 

The ultimate base package, minus the downgrade in quality. 

A view of the PackTalk Bold. Photo Courtesy of Overland Magazine.
A view of the PackTalk Bold. Photo Courtesy of Overland Magazine.

What comm do you currently carry? Would you consider upgrading? Cardo is excellent about seasonal deals, so we will continue to keep you updated on any discounts that come down the pipeline. 

Drop a comment below letting us know what you think (And what you’re currently using), and as ever – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from VisorDown,  Cardo, Overland Magazine and Bike Review*
    1. Hello Frank,

      While the evidence on Cardo’s quality of product (and lack thereinof regarding your use of the units) may render your query to be accurate, you could just be hitting a run of bad luck…I’m notorious for those.

      What seems to be the problem?

      Cheers,
      Amanda Quick

  1. Got a Cardo G9x.
    Why would I want to change it?
    Have older ones with iPod batteries in!
    All still going strong.

    1. A sign of an excellent product – and a fair point!

      I personally still adore being spoilt with new comm units to toy around with…certainly no shortage of helmets over here!

      Cheers,
      Amanda Quick

  2. Something needs to be urgently done to improve the connection on the Cardo where you plug in to recharge.They replace under warranty up to two years .
    No repairs, so it’s basically disposable .
    I have experienced this with two units and have to be very delicate now to recharge the ones that I’m using now.

    1. Hey Barry,

      Ooo, this is great feedback! We have ladies and gents on both sides of the fence here at wBW.

      Good to know, and I wonder if these comms are sensitive to the type of situation in which they’re charging. I had a little unit hate me for using an extension bar, instead of plugging her into the wall. I also had another gadget plugged into the back of my computer when I was younger – and it would give me a temper tantrum and refuse to charge if the computer went into sleep mode.

      I actually think it drained the battery as well (or somehow overcharged it).

      Just shows that electronic assists, regardless of quality, still have vulnerabilities.

      Let me know what you think. 🙂

      Cheers,
      Amanda Quick

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