Cardo Motorcycle Intercom Guide

Motor communication in motion

Cardo started producing Bluetooth earbuds for mobile phones. In 2004, Cardo unveiled their first motorcycle Bluetooth system, the Cardo Scala Rider. Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you no longer needed a cable to get a stable connection. This made Cardo the biggest competitor of Sena. Over the years, this Bluetooth system evolved and subsequently, the Bluetooth link to a passenger was created, making bike 2 passenger communication possible. This was followed by bike 2 bike communication, allowing you to talk to other motorcyclists and even share music. Cardo made it possible to communicate in groups. With the introduction of the Cardo Packtalk series with DMC, smooth communication in large groups of up to 15 people became possible. Cardo has a partnership with JBL, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music even more.

What is DMC?

DMC stands for Dynamic Mesh Communication. Where it started with Bluetooth to establish the link with your mobile phone, GPS or another intercom system, Mesh technology is the continuation of this. The connection can be established faster and can be restored faster if it is lost.

Every Cardo headset in the Mesh network is connected to all other possible Mesh headsets in the vicinity. This provides a stable network that increases in stability with each connected system. The dynamic nature of the system automatically distributes the workload across all available systems. If a Cardo headset temporarily drops out, the rest of the Mesh network compensates for this, and as soon as that motorcyclist can rejoin the group, they are automatically reconnected to the network. If you’re going to ride in a large motorcycle group, Mesh communication is essential.

Which Cardo intercom system suits me?

Every Cardo headset comes with a boom microphone that you can use in a jet helmet or system helmet and a wired microphone that you can use in a full-face helmet. We will list the Cardo intercoms for you, from entry-level system to their best system. Or as Cardo themselves say; from a very good intercom, up to the best intercom.

Spirit > Spirit HD > Freecom 2x > Freecom 4x > Packtalk Neo > Packtalk Edge > Packtalk Pro

Cardo Spirit Series

It starts with the Cardo Spirit. A Bluetooth motorcycle intercom system suitable for connecting to your mobile phone, navigation system, and allows you to communicate with 1 other rider within a range of 400m. Conveniently, all Cardo systems are also available as a duo. This way, if you’re riding with two, you can buy an intercom for both at a lower price. If clear sound is important to you, you can upgrade to the Cardo Spirit HD. With HD speakers, FM radio, and a larger range up to 600m.

Cardo Freecom X series

A class higher than the Spirit range is the Freecom 2x, designed to communicate with 2 people within a range of 800m. The addition of the well-known Cardo Jog-Dial makes operating the intercom system easier. The upgrade to Live intercom ensures that the connection can be restored much faster if you lose sight of each other while riding. The speakers also get an upgrade to JBL Speakers in this class. JBL is known for their excellent music speakers, developed for the best sound and you will hear the difference. In this category, you can still upgrade to the Cardo Freecom 4x. With this intercom, you can communicate with 4 people at the same time within a range of 1200m. The Natural Voice recognition is also present here, allowing you to keep your hands safely on your handlebars.

Cardo Packtalk series

At the very top of the Cardo range, we have the Cardo Packtalk Pro which features crash detection with automatic emergency notification and automatic on/off function. The Cardo Packtalk Edge and the light version of this, the Cardo Packtalk Neo. Their latest systems where the second generation of DMC is introduced for the most stable connection to date. The mount of the Packtalk Edge has been improved with the arrival of the Air Mount. A magnet ensures that the module is pulled to the mount. After this, you can simply click the module into place. This is the safest holder to date. The Packtalk Neo still uses the classic holder without a magnet and cannot be used while charging. Other than that, there is little difference between the three systems. The voice control system has been updated in terms of voice recognition. The module itself has a sleeker design, which obviously improves aerodynamics.

Always up to date with the Cardo Connect App

All new Cardo systems are ready for over the air software updates, meaning you never have to connect your headset to a cable to update it. Thanks to the Cardo Connect App, you can easily and wirelessly connect your Cardo headset and provide it with the latest firmware updates. This way, you will always be able to connect smoothly with new devices and have important firmware updates available immediately.

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If you are still unsure about which intercom system is best for you, you can use our handy intercom choice aid. If you have any questions, contact our customer service or come by one of our RAD-stores where we would be happy to guide you to the right Cardo intercom system for you, or a duo-kit to share with someone.

Related links:

• Motorcycle intercom systems
• Motorcycle helmets