Cardosystems

Cardosystems stand out as a leading force in top-notch intercommunication systems designed for motorcyclists. Their huge range of devices for in-helmet entertainment caters to everbodys needs and preferences. And it doesn't stop at motorcycles; Cardo has also considered outdoor enthusiasts such as snowboarders, skiers, and off-road adventurers.

As much as I adore the raw sound of the bike beneath me and the wind swirling around, I have to confess that the idea of enjoying music, following GPS directions, or even taking calls in my helmet  quickly grew on me. Having used Cardo's Freecom X4 and Packtalk Edge for over a year now, and despite being an ambassador for their brand, I assure you that I'll be sharing my thoughts with complete honesty.

The key feature, of course, is its ability to keep us connected with advanced Bluetooth technology, Dynamic Mesh Communications (DMC). It makes communicating side-by-side with our riding friends incredibly easy. I've primarily used it for rides with my sister, and our on-the-road conversations range from "where to go?" to "why is that dude coming up so close?"

One standout feature that truly blows my mind is its meshing capability with other brands. You know how it goes – you're riding with a group, and not everyone has the same gear. Well, Cardo doesn't discriminate. It effortlessly meshes with other intercom systems, regardless of the brand. This means no one gets left out of the conversation. Whether your friend is using a different brand or someone in the crew hasn't upgraded yet, it guarantees that everyone stays connected.

Cardo has partnered up with JBL to provide a crystal clear sound, even at high speeds and in noisy environments. Whether you're listening to music, receiving GPS instructions, or talking to your riding buddies, you can expect superior sound quality. No more 'huhhh? What did you say?' on the highway or in the middle of the hustle and bustle of big city life.

You can also tweak your speaker settings on the go, adjusting for better voices, more bass, or cranking up the volume. And let's not forget communication – the upgraded mic makes your voice come through loud and clear, effortlessly cutting through annoying wind noise. I even took a work call during my commute once, and the person on the other side didn't even notice I was on a motorcycle until I mentioned it – pretty cool, right? Haha!

Installing both of the devices I use was super convenient, even for a tech novice like me. Currently, I've got the Freecom X4 on my AGV K3S and the Packtalk Edge on my AGV Pista GP RR.  Overall it took me around 20 minutes to get it going.

To get started, make sure you know how to remove (and put back) the padding from the inside of your helmet. While helmet designs vary, padding is usually secured with Velcro or snaps. If your helmet has built-in speaker cups, you're instantly good to go. However, if not, you'll need to find the best spot to attach the pair of 40mm JBL speakers or cut a tiny piece out of the padding to make it work. My Pista doesn´t have pre-existing speaker cups, which made it a bit more challenging to position the speakers comfortably while ensuring good sound. It took a bit of trial and error to find the perfect spot. To attach the device itself, you can use either use the double-faced tape or simply clip it to the helmet shell, if it's thin enough. I went for the clipping on my Pista and the tape on my K3S and both have been holding up pretty well, despite highway speeds, rainy days or other rougher weather conditions.

My journey with Cardo´s Freecom X4 and Packtalk Edge has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have seamlessly integrated into my riding routine, offering a level of connectivity and convenience that has elevated my overall riding experience. Whether you're a solo rider or part of a group, if you seek to combine technology with the freedom of the open road it´s a must have.

There is just one basic question to ask yourself before starting your hunt for a helmet-to-helmet communications unit—what will I use it for?

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