Review: Cardo PACKTALK EDGE ORV
The small and mighty ORV.
What Is It?
Cardo PACKTALK EDGE ORV is a complete in-helmet communication system in a box specially designed for the rigors of off-roading.
How Does it Work?
The system includes everything you need to install both the intercom and speakers into your helmet. It’s a hands-free device where simply saying “Hey Cardo” activates a plethora of options from speaking directly with other Cardo-equipped riders in a group, making and receiving cell phone calls and texts, to even streaming music (or listening to the radio via its internal FM radio tuner) through its high-quality speakers.
What Separates It From Other Bluetooth Communication Devices?
Two things: quality components (more on that later) and a connectivity umbrella that they refer to as the DMC (Dynamic Mesh Communication). The advantage here is that rather than chain one device to the next and then to the next as is common with these types of devices (whereby if one member of the chain loses contact, the whole link goes down), PACKTALK blankets the entire group (1-mile, up to 15 riders) in a “mesh” of connectivity.
In short, it works! We were quite unable to lose group connectivity even in staggered single-file processions through valleys known for giving devices fits. Best of all, should you break connection (like when two riders stayed behind and another two veered off to a different trail system), the devices reconnect when range is reestablished without requiring so much as the press of a button.
How Much Work Is Installation?
Not much! There’s no tools required and the net is awash with helpful tutorials should Cardo’s easily digestible instructions not be enough. In short, a sticker mount is applied to the outside of the helmet where the intercom connects. Inside a pair of foam-lined JBL speakers with sticky backs slip into the ear cups of the helmet’s lining. A single headphone jack plugs from one of the speakers to the intercom and you’re done. It took us about seven minutes to do the first helmet and about half that for each one after.
What About Pairing?
Another breeze. A simple interface coupled with Bluetooth 5.2 means establishing a group taking nothing more than entering pairing mode. Whoever you designate the admin presses a button and, while keeping your helmets fairly close, the flashing lights on each intercom go purple and you’re synced up. That’s it. Best of all, unless you manually disconnect on the Cardo Connect app, the unit remembers your groups. No repairing needed.
Is Anything Else Required?
Nope. No cell phone or cellular service. The Cardo PACKTALK ORV includes everything you need out of the box.
Does It Only Work With Other PACKTALK ORVs?
No! The good news about Bluetooth connectivity is that it links up with nearly any other Bluetooth device including any of Cardo’s other communication devices, communicators from other brands, your own machine’s dash (if so equipped), cell phones, Bluetooth-equipped MP3 players, GPS units etc.
How Is The Voice Operation?
It’s surprisingly good. Controlling your audio levels, telling it what you want to do (like broadcast to the whole group), change music tracks, and even check the status of the battery is all a matter of giving commands such as, “Hey Cardo, volume up” or “Hey Cardo, next track”.
To our surprise, the system even acts as an intermediary to your phone’s existing voice command operation. For example, iPhone users can still say, “Hey Siri” and have their paired phone work as usual right through Cardo’s intercom.
How Are The Components?
Top notch. Cardo units aren’t cheap but once you get into the box you understand why. Everything is well constructed, well engineered and high quality. We were particularly impressed by the included JBL speakers – lesser communicators we’ve tried sounded tinny and distant but the 40mm JBLs are much closer to what you’d expect from a pair of quality headphones.
Digging a little deeper reveals that Cardo partnered with JBL in the development of these particular speakers so that they are designed specifically to work within the helmet rather than to simply adapt headphone speakers into the role.
One rider who uses earplugs complained that he wanted more volume out of the speakers but we were able to remedy these complaints by putting the free Cardo Connect app on his phone, which provided a plethora of additional audio customization options, levels and even EQ presets.
How Is The Battery Life?
It took us a bit over 2 hours for the units to achieve a full charge and that netted us close to 14 hours of talk time spread out across three days. We charged them to full again after so we can’t speak on behalf of their quick-charging performance, though Cardo states that even 20 minutes of recharging will offer 2 hours of talk time.
Could I Just Use The Regular Cardo PACKTALK Edge?
You sure could. Cardo has been at this helmet communication game for a long time now, perfecting it with each passing generation via our road-going cousins. And while the whole PACKTALK EDGE line is compatible with one another, the ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) edition represents the brand’s first foray into the ATV and SxS market. As such it comes ready for the unique challenges off-roading presents compared to street bike riding – it’s sand, mud, dust and waterproof.
The EDGE series of communicators are the best of the Cardo line (with features like magnetic Air Mount, DMC 2nd generation: lightning-fast pairing, crystal clear wideband intercom voice, redesigned sound system by JBL and improved natural voice operation with an improved noise-filtering microphone) and the ORV is the top of the EDGE line.
What About Warranty?
Cardo offers an extended 3-year warranty for PACKTALK EDGE, starting from the date of purchase.
What’s It Cost & Where Can I Get One?
The Cardo PACKTALK EDGE ORV retails for $389.95 and can be ordered online (link below) or purchased from most off-road dealerships.
Where Can I Find Out More?