Reviewed: Cardo PACKTALK EDGEPHONES ORV

Cardo presents wireless communication without the need for a helmet.

In case you missed it, we tested Cordo’s PACKTALK EDGE ORV and came away more than a little impressed with the product. In fact, we’ve been using it on nearly every ride since for nearly two years now.

And while in-helmet communication is a must for most situations, there are some situations where communicating as such without a helmet can be very beneficial as well. What are some of these situations, you ask? Exploring outside of your SxS or off the quad but wanting to stay in immediate contact with your cohorts (even with those still riding), cruising along as a passenger in a UTV, or working the pits for a racer out on the track to name a few. There are certainly times when being in the loop without a helmet strapped to your head can be extremely useful and to satisfy that need, Cardo has introduced the PACKTALK EDGEPHONES ORV.

What Are They?

In short, they are a pair of foldable, all-conditions-ready, noise reducing (NRR15), one-size-fits-all, over-ear headset with a detachable noise-filtering microphone.

How Do You Set Them Up?

No need to fear having to learn complicated technology with this one – charge the units up via the included USB cable, snap a PACKTALK EDGE ORV to the left cup using the magnetic Air Mount, and away you go.

If you’re just the listening-in type, you’re done at this point. If you wish to contribute to the conversation as well, attach the supplied microphone to the headset, adjust it to where you want it and you’re done. Yes, it’s really that easy.

If you are starting from scratch, there are easy to follow instructions included to walk you through setting up your PACKTALK EDGE unit for the first time. You can also reference our review of the product, where we touch upon that process here.

Does It Include Everything You Need Out Of The Box?

Yes. You do need a PACKTALK EDGE to operate the EDGEPHONES and the $489.95 kit includes everything you need to get underway right out of the box. If you already have a PACKTALK, Cardo does offer EDGEPHONES on their own for $149.95 BUT as far as we can tell, this is for the standard EDGEPHONES and not the Off-Road-Vehicles edition being tested here. What’s the difference? The ORVs are IP67 certified for sand, mud and water proofing. We off-roaders typically put our gear through a lot more abuse than our road-going cousins.

How Do They Work?

In two words – remarkably well. The thing we’re noticing about Cardo’s products is that they simply do everything they say without the drama typically associated with modern electronics. In fact, it’s all so painless and effective that you find yourself wondering why nobody’s thought of all this sooner.

Cardo PACKTALK operates on a system they call Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) 2.0. In short, it’s a networking technology that actively seeks to connect to other units. DMC will automatically adapt based on the behavior of units in a network to ensure communication is maintained.

See, in your home or office, everything is stationary. Standard Bluetooth connectivity is more than adequate in such an environment. But group riding is an entirely different animal. We are moving about, distances between units are continually shrinking and expanding, weather is often getting in between transmitter and receiver. That’s why the mesh system ignores all of these fluctuations and instead puts a mesh of connectivity over a 15-rider, 5km bubble.

The EDGEPHONES ORV serve as a hands-free intercom so that all you have to do is speak to begin broadcasting. No fumbling with buttons, wires or switches.

How About That Sound?

With 15 dB noise reduction and some gorgeously rich JBL speakers providing the sound, these things are about as premium an experience as you are going to find outside of a Mercedes. Off-road machinery can be loud, especially in a racing capacity, but we found the EDGEPHONES perfectly suited for clear, crisp sound regardless of environmental noise.

What about the mic?

Sadly, our tests of the mic are limited to what those on the receiving end were hearing as we only had a single test unit but we are pleased to report that the microphone also appears to be very competent.

We never found ourselves in a situation where shouting was required, nor was having to shield the mic with a hand to prevent track-side noise pollution from overwhelming the diaphragm. We simply talked into the unit at regular speaking voice and never found ourselves having to repeat what we said.

Do I need a call phone for this to work?

Nope! No cellular signal or Wi-Fi is required. The unit operates on Cardo’s proprietary Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) network as well as universal Bluetooth 5.2. It requires a bit of fanangling, but we have been successful in getting the PACKTALK EDGE to communicate with non-Cardo branded Bluetooth devices.

Any Complaints?

The only potential downside is that this stuff isn’t exactly cheap. But, as the saying goes – you get what you pay for. We’re really becoming spoiled by Cardo’s tough-as-nails and stone reliable goodies. To the point where meeting at trailheads to find riders fumbling through complicated and unreliable lesser brand device setup seems torturous.

To us, the best off-road accessories are the ones that let you forget they are even there, freeing up your attention for the trail, the terrain, the scouting etc. The PACKTALK EDGEPHONES ORV package is this type of accessory.

What About Warranty?

Cardo offers a 2-year warranty for the EDGEPHONES and 3 years for the PACKTALK EDGE unit.

Where Can I Learn More or Purchase?

Head to Cardo’s official site here.