Voice control with UK English works very very well since firmware update issued recently. But you have to swap the language of the unit via the phone app; that one caught me out. No more dodgy US accent required.
Bunter1815 speech recognition still leaves a lot to be desired. I’m an American with a southern accent. Sometimes I have to imitate a “TV news man” to get my phone to understand me. Sigh.
It’s much easier to use a couple of rolled up towels to make a soft base to rest your helmet on. One on the bottom and one rolled into a doughnut. Avoids scratching your helmet as well.
TP1 would you recommend the cardo over say sena 30k then? I'm after something that works well in bigger groups, especially as I'm hoping to join you lads for the picos next year!
One issue used to be backup but I am pleased to say that is now history. I had some problems hooking up JBL speakers for my older Units, Cardo backup was brilliant and we got it sorted. If you have older Cardo Units abd you buy JBL Speakers do not throw box away
They need to be updated with the QR code scanned into your phone, easy once I was told how and even though I had thrown my boxes out Cardo was able to assist and gave me a manual code to enter and worked perfectly. So glad as these Units are very good quality and sound with new JBL is outstanding
My misses wanted me to get a intercom I don't I refuse to get one it's the only time I can't hear her .Not going on a nice ride taken in the views with her still talking in my ear it's is the only time I get some me time on my own great vid again by the way
Good info. The only thing I did differently during my Cardo install was to put the mic just off the corner of my mouth. This is so breathing doesn’t trigger the VOX (others don’t listen to me breath through my nose or mouth) and the chin vent doesn’t get obstructed nor trigger the mic. Keep up the great videos. Aloha 🤙🏼
I found that to really get the maximum benefit I also bought a pair of moulded ear phone ear plugs, superb sound quality at any speed and also incorporating really comfortable ear plugs in one
Do you find the length of the earphone lead annoying? Do you have to tuck it into your jacket? If not, what make did you get. I’m seriously thinking of getting the Packtalk Slim. But I have a loud bike, so I don’t think the JBLs will cut it.
Good video - I installed the Cardo Packtalk Slim with JBL speakers a few weeks ago and am very impressed. Took me a while to figure out that for it to understand my voice commands, I needed to position the microphone just away from my mouth and speak normally (rather than shouting!). All works really well. Only gripe is that to charge the device, I need to take the helmet with me too as the battery is not removable.
The JBL system is amazing and the volume goes plenty loud. The voice commands work almost always for me. The DMC linking is the huge improvement over Bluetooth communications. I’m very pleased with them. I’ve got my GPS and IPhone connected and the wind noise canceling is fantastic when talking on the phone. Hey Siri is just amazing too. Great piece of kit for sure.
My biggest issue with these comm units is the cheap wiring. I've never had one that didn't develop a short. (Get pinched) If I can buy a top helmet with the unit installed, and a 5 year warranty, I think that is the only way I'll ever buy one again. So it is the purist, tap on the shoulder to see something or slap me on the head to stop/slow down. ;) Great video though!
That was my thinking when I bought the Schuberth C4 helmet. So easy to plug in the Sena SC1S radio. Took seconds. But that was the end of my satisfaction. It is a slimmed down version of an old SC10 unit which is now well out of date... and there is no more up to date option. A big waste of money in the end. I have switched to the PackTalk Bold as well. Much happier. Worth taking the 15 minutes to install.
You are able to get lower prices if you club together and buy more units, so shop around. Beware of the lower priced versions, they may not be the latest JBL speakers.
My mates and I got PackTalks - you don't need the Bold version, just get the ordinary one called "BTSRPT", it's currently £254 on Amazon. Edit: nb. that's for a single one
@@TheMissendenFlyer This link is for the non JBL version so its quite a bit cheaper. Some friends have the JBL version and rate them very highly indeed. I have been using my old Scala Q1 for a couple of years now and it has been faultless, even when bashed about in the top box on a spare lid. Good review and look forward to your updates.
Good review TMF....but why am I watching this at 7.30 am on a Bank holiday....?!!. And why doesn't voice recognition understand ' Oi, cardo...turn the bleedin saand up' ...? Steve
Having used a Packtalk myself for 2 years now, I can say that it is a good way to communicate with a group of riders. Seamless connection when nearby, reconnect when in range again, good app to change settings and the sound is good quality. Battery life decreasing though after 2 years... i assume the bold version has a bigger battery
TMF just fitted the packtalk bold to my X4 this weekend. I fitted mine with the extra velcro pads to reduce the gap between speakers and ears. Dead easy to fit as you say without any sticky pads or scew mounts. Now to work out the best combination of connection between Phone, TFT on GS, Nav VI.
Nice vid, TMF. THX for the review. BTW, I introduced my wife to another couple at a black tie cocktail party last evening as “my pillion”. It went downhill from there I must say. 🙄
Hey Great vid! - I have the packtalk slim, very interesting thing about the Voice control, something Cardo make very hard to find is the language for the device, no not the language in the web browser but if you go into the mobile app you can change the language to English UK and it makes the Cardo understand our good ol' accents, worked for me anyway.
Sorry for the long comment. I'm a bit of a technology hound and I'm ashamed to say that I've purchased more than my share of bluetooth helmet communicators. I started with the original SRL for my C3 Pro coupled with the original Packtalk for my son and the Scalarider 9x for my wife. The SRL was very difficult to use and spotty for the bluetooth connection to my phone. To be fair, I think that was due to Schuberth and not Cardo but based on that experience I switched to the SENA 20s for my son and dual 10Us for my wife and me. The bluetooth to phone connection was much better with that setup but the bike to bike intercom was very short range and would tend to get very confused whenever we switched positions in our riding formation making them have to be reset. As you can imagine, very annoying when you just want to ride and communicate. Last year, I decided to splurge on 2 dual packs of the SENA 3k for the improved intercom system. Even though that was technically a MESH system, the intercom still suffered from lots of dropouts and need for resets. The voice command mode on the SENA uses the phrase "Hey SENA" which apparently sounds like something I say in about ever 4th or 5th sentence because it would disconnect from the group mid-conversation and put me in command mode. We used the system on a 3000 mile trip but it never improved and we never discovered any real fix to our issues. The battery life was awful at about 6 hours max as well. After having that much money invested, I was very hesitant to switch back to Cardo even though most of the reviews I was reading indicated a much better experience. At the end of last summer, I finally purchased a dual pack of the Packtalk Bold for my wife and me. The difference has been astounding. The Cardo MESH system just works and the voice control just works. (American accent though) I doubt there is a better system on the market now. SENA has since updated the firmware on the 30k but I haven't had any need to go back. Anyone want to purchase 4 30Ks, 2 10us and a 20s? ;-)
I've just got the same one as you, for the same reason, we use the bmc more than the Bluetooth, but i have a question, why do you have to put Bluetooth on to use dmc. It is saying that iam in dmc mode, but when i turn of Bluetooth, i can't use dmc. Is this correct.
Had the pac talk for a couple of years now and its brilliant. Used it on many tours , always performed flawlessly. The DMC is ace. Excellent battery life. You’ll love it TMF
Been using Cardo for years, the Q3, G9 and recently upgraded to the Packtalk bold too. Been very happy with them, especially the upgrade in speaker quality from the G9 to the Bold (or is this sound quality, Insert comment from some tech guru who knows these things better). Enjoy!
Ordered one of these after speaking with multiple folks and watching your review TMF. Only needed a single unit and £250 was a lot to swallow... hope it's a good one!
Great review , what I like is the fact that they are tried and tested by a great group of lads not by the press. Manufactures take note, real world testing is worth a lot more to the average rider . More riding and testing as a group please . Manufacturers send out to all these guys if you are confident in your product 👍
We are finally having riding weather in Canada! Great information. I personally don't need comms. I don't like music either. Just the purr of my 4 cylinder 4 carb dohc engine!
I've got the same com system. Cardo actually reduced the amount of stuff you get in the package. You used to get a lot more. The speakers are awesome but they are slightly too big (i am talking about millimeters too large) for the Arai helmets. I've mounted Cardo Packtalk in GT-Air and NeoTec 2 and I had to use too much force for my liking. None the less it's best f***ing intercom system you can get. Everyone should consider it because it's the most foolproof solution and it's definitively worth the money.
Our club used it and it works consistently even with many riders. The voice commands work perfect especially with siri. Sena had the stupid handlebar remote or the jogwheel that constantly beeped whenever I turned my head.
Sena 30K works great for me and my friends. Sounds like the Cardo is similar. Sena has the mesh mode and you can even make the group open or closed. Plus FM radio, blue tooth, voice commands. Get free firmware updates too.
have had the pack talk slim for the last few months works great apart from my Scottish accent expensive but great for keeping in touch with other riders at a distance..,,hey cardo.....hey cardo.........hey cardo.......feck....feck....feck.......
Anyone with a TFT equipped BMW may find that the Cardo phone App won't work if connected / paired the recommended way in conjunction with Nav 6 and a smart phone. The Packtalk only has 2 bluetooth channels available and these are taken up with the TFT and Nav 6. Pairing is recommended in this order apparently to get the best out of the devices : Packtalk to TFT as primary phone. Packtalk to Nav 6 as a secondary phone (GPS) . (that has used up both your available channels on Packtalk). Phone to TFT. Allow common sharing of phone directory. Phone to Nav 6. Don't allow common share of phone directory to stop the Nav and TFT squabbling over who controls phone calls. Don't connect passenger headset to TFT. you can speak via DMC along with up to 13 other riders. If paired in this order your phone doesn't have a direct connection to the Packtalk so no Cardo App available. There is a very good but long video on RU-vid explaining all this but he uses Sena not Packtalk but it's the same thing. The video is by Health4ADV, and the title is BMW Motorcycle TFT with Nav 6 and Headset setup and use. It's long at 58 mins but the pairing bit starts 40 mins in.
There are also loads of very helpful RU-vid videos by MotoGeek Freak titled.. Cardo PACKTALK/BOLD, the most up to date Cardo software version is 5.1 which is supposed to address language / accents and TFT problems for BMW owners. Some of the previous software updates have altered the 4 button functions (3 actual buttons and the switch activated by pressing in the top of the roller wheel). It is easier using the phone app and/or voice control to work the Packtalk if your memory isn't good (like mine) but TFT users won't get the Cardo App if connected as the above comment. So the best of luck to the Jocks, Geordies, Scousers, Brummies, Cockneys with your voice control. They are very good for riding in a pack as the name suggests, we have had a pack of 6 connected and they do re - pair automatically when back in range if you get spread out due to traffic. More people in the Pack does extend the range 1st to last rider but over 10 riders would become confusing regarding who is speaking I would imagine. Some of us don't get 9 hours battery life either but the batteries may be getting a bit tired now.
I’ve got an idea, can you do a video on how you and the Mrs use your Cardo’s with your new Wing? I just picked up a ‘21 Tour DCT and I’m befuddled on how to use the Cardos with the bike in an appropriate manner. I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now. Not too many instructional videos that are clear and concise.
Hi TMF, hope you’re well. Just got one of these today and i bought it for the same reason as you. Yet to be installed and tested....great you have the above install vid so many thanks....I’ll see if I can mesh you in from Hayling lol. Kind regards.
Good Afternoon TMF, Thank you for the review!! I use Sena 20s and found it to be very good value for money!. I know its late but a Happy Easter to you and your Family 👍😎🇬🇧.
@@TheMissendenFlyer sorry..I thought you were going to review different manufacturers... I should have retracted the comment but got distracted thinking of you belting out an American accent into your helmet 🤣
Ok so after my last comment regarding my Interphone tour ! I wish you would keep these reviews to yourself ! Looking further into the cardo unit I’ve bought one 🙄 looking through RU-vid you can find lots more about this wonderful bit of kit so kind of thank you 🤣
I have the intro version the Q1. But what I wanted to say concerns the helmet. I have the Arai Tour X and I found it a lot more comfortable if you remove the peak. It causes buffeting and strange ear pressure inside, for me at least. I thought the peak would help with the sun - but a few strips of black tape across the visor are just as effective.
For cardo packtalk to work with an English UK accent u need to change the language in the app to Enhlish UK, it will work fine then. I had the same problem once I changed it in the app all was well. Search on u Tube quite easy to do👍
Well, I have the cardo as well, and on my tour X4, I found that the clip was causing some pressure on my ear, which was unbearable on a long ride. I resorted to using the 3M adhesive. Also, I decided to dig a small hole to embed the mike in the foam of the helmet, as it was scratching my forehead on removal, which was irritating to say the least... Maybe my helmet is just a tight fit, but with all these small adjustments, I'm much, much happier with this system.
The missus and I have been looking at helmet comms, but the problem is finding decently priced ones that will work. So far no luck finding one that will fit fer HJC that will connect to the NCom in my Nolan. So we just use the unlimited minutes on our phones instead. Not practical abroad but for most rides it works fine.
@@PaulGappyNorris the thing is, like the NCom in my Nolan N44 Evo, which completely integrates into the rim of the helmet, the missus has an integrated comm in her Sy-Max III. So I suppose I should have been more specific, we'd like a new comm to integrate into the helmet like the current one does. With just the buttons exposed on the outside. Which for that HJC Sy-Max III is a lot harder to find. But hey, the phone workaround works just fine. And even enabling an unlimited EU zone 1 for a day or a week on one of our subs isn't a massive cost. Thanks for the suggestion though :)
Great vid as always TMF, thanks. I’ve got a Sena 10S and it’s good once you get it paired, but it’s a bit tricky to pair with a new device sometimes, so I’ll be interested to hear how you get on with the Cardo.
Wow TMF im watching ur channel on a 55 inch hi def tv ur cardo vid dang i need sunglasses cause ur tripple rims are brilliant lol now ur vid on r 1250r whew gettin dizzy .awesome quality!!! Ride on!!!
LOL! Loved your American accent! My buddies and I are buying these soon. They seem to be the best out there. It was fun to see box contents and get your take. I wonder if Cardo speaks Texan?!
I'd not recommend SENA anymore to users... the 5's we've had for years were decent products that were supported and improved... but two of us 'upgraded' to the 30k and they've been very nearly unusable. Mesh just doesn't work (huge lag, drop, sound artifacts, etc... even when we're standing right next to each other), and even falling back to bluetooth does not result in error free operation, both of us have to power off the units and restart them every 30-45 minutes to get them to operate after some soft of recurring device malfunction. Expensive junk.
I have been looking for a range less alternative to mesh and I may have found it with Zello an the Vox option. I have Zello open on my phone to a channel with several of my buddies and when I speak it send the message for other to hear. Alternatively I can you a PTT button also. For me it’s the app that could kill sena and cardo if they don’t act quickly.
Crikey I've just had a week in the Canary Islands for the price of the Packtalk! I won't be beating a path to their door unless it comes down in price substantially...
I did consider purchasing the Cardo pack talk, unfortunately Cardo don't seem to have a camera option. I decided to go with the 2018 Sena 10C Pro that provides the regular coms package, GPS, and music, but with a HD camera. It cost $600NZ or $350US from Revzilla. The 10C seemed to be as easy to fit as the Cardo and I like that it fits more flush with the helmet than GoPro cameras. I accept that the Sena product doesn't have the mesh network, but to be honest I don't know that many other riders with coms systems with whom I am going to ride.
Great review TMF, as ever, and useful as I am in the market for a system. The big QUESTION - is the system compatible for linking to talk with others e.g. Sena ? Really useful to know.
Mornin Hugh, I've gone off mainstream and got a U Clear basic unit, as I understand it, most of the brands units say they will link to others -ie my U Clear is supposed to allow to me to talk to riders with other brands units, however, I don't if it actually works in practice. The U Clear is pretty good, however, I have the basic unit with microphones integrated into the speakers, fitted into my Davida, so the 'phones are behind the leather lining, which obviously muffles my voice a bit- I called UK from France whilst riding yesterday, I could hear my mate no probs, once he realised I hadn't got a broken nose :) we talked ok, and he rated the result 7/10. Neighbours have scalas on open face Davidas and say they work great. Waiting to try the compatiblity thing between units. Hope that helps.
Yes as the others have said you can get them to talk via BT - but it's nowhere ear as good as Cardo's DMC tech (hence why I got this top replace my Sena)...
Packtalk Bold is the best intercom I have used to date. Surprised you have issues with voice recognition as it seems to understand my north east Scottish accent no bother. The quality of everything about it is superior to Sena. Yes it’s a chunk of money but I look at it as a long term investment as I don’t intend on changing it every year. Cheers
That is so expensive, more expensive than my helmet! A group of us have interphone comms and they work ok, pain to get connected, and the new ones can apparently only connect to a group of 4, whereas my slightly older one can connect to a group of 6 riders (we've had 5 before). It is so hard to pair them all now, especially with different versions now. But it's really easy to use with just one other interphone... or even 2 others tbh. Plus it's got all the voice settings so the menu is easy to navigate. Easy to take phone calls, use voice dial (through your phones siri or Bixby or Google assistant) All this at £130 when I bought it a few years ago from an Italian website. not £350
Been using the Cardo Packtalk on group rides for almost two years. Their great for “navigation” conversations, re-link instantly if the signal gets blocked by buildings or large truck traffic, and especially handy if the last rider has to hit the loo 🚽No need to race past everyone so they know you have to stop 😆👍
Thanks TMF, these kind of reviews go some way to help me avoid my old enemy........ buyer remorse. And if I do end up with a load of old crap, at least In know it's the same crap you are using!
I went with the Packtalk slim, It's got a slightly shorter range but the two main reasons I went with the slim and not the Bold is the Bold's Arial has a habit of snagging and snapping, and if you accidentally jab the release button, It'll pop right off and you could lose it on the road..and for that much money, You don't wanna do that..lol,
@@TheMissendenFlyer I can see that being an issue with both the Slim and the Bold.. But essentially, It's a small price to pay for a great and versatile communicator, I do agree that the Voice recognition is a gimmick, even after the most recent update it still doesn't understand me.. LOL.. But the "OK Google" works well and the mesh is the best in terms of Quality and Reliability! ! so I'm happy :)
The problem with all, and i mean all, intercom is that the button are usless unless you use them barehanded (plus all the advanced funcion are impossible to use, button combination you can't possible remember and use with glove) and the voice command don't work, just don't work, yes the mash seems amaziong and the battery last a long time, butthe ergonomic are non existant, and no one told you about that.
Always been with Sena which has never let me down but after your review and watching RV and the boys I'm tempted but mainly ride alone occasionally in a small group would it be worth the cost ? Great Vlog as always TMF , Appreciate any feed back 👍
You'd be crazy to go with Sena. The mesh system on the Cardo is just too good,I've personally had so much help from the Cardo team when I didn't know how to update the firmware on my PackTalk.
@@TheMissendenFlyer it has been perfect for us in a group of 10 through Aust bushland. DMC work as intended, self healing as riders comes and go and remembers who was on the network even if you turn it on and off. The range is optimistic I admit. Clear line of sight it can easily go over a kilometre but through dense scrubs I would say about 600m+ it would get fuzzy. If it has wireless charging and internal antenna it would be perfect. The extra mic and speakers for spare helmet is also cheaper than Sena too I believe.
TMF, I’ll be interested to see a video comparing this to what you have been using...I have a Sena and haven’t had any issues, but the JBL speakers peaked my interest
Nice video mate 😎 I’m just waiting for 2019 model to come here to Australia, I have been told late April they should here so I’m looking of ordering one in May
The basic issue I have with (all?) of these systems (I had a 2nd or 3rd gen Senna which have now sold) is you can't hear them unless you ride without earplugs - the in-helmet speakers are useless. What they all need is to be supplied with in-ear plugs. Unless you ride something with a barn door screen or don't ride above 40mph, in helmet speakers are pointless.
Jme Be I've used my packtalk bold with earplugs (naked bike with no windscreen and loud exhaust) . With the volume on max it works pretty good, I think. I haven't tried the Sena though.
@@AndersPetersson79 I'm sure I had senna at max volume - I went on a trip to Austria and found the audio so poor that I sold it when I got back. Infuriated so I was! I have a Schuberth S3 lid so expected there to be no problem.. Saving for some good earplugs with built-in speakers and a 3.5mm jack so I can use my phone with Google Maps....
Mark Shirley. Are you still liking the Packtalk. Four of us currently have Interphone Tours and we’re getting really fed up of constant connection problems. So we’re looking at this and Sena 30k.
Rob Steele absolutely, agree re the interphone, always dropping out and loosing signal. New Cardo’s are superb . If someone drops out of range they automatically drop back in . Take some getting used to but when your used to it it’s great. The voice activation is great too, again takes some getting used to but works really well . Expensive when you already have the interphone but I sold my interphones on eBay . Definitely recommend 👍🏼
Mark Shirley. Cheers for the info. What aspect takes some getting used to? What nationality are you? I’ve seen that the Cardo can be troublesome with some non US users. 👍🏻
Rob Steele I’m from the uk. Just getting used to the features really . The app is excellent and it’s great for creating different groups. There has been an update re-the language differences . When you get it plug it into your pc filing cardo community and download the latest update . From then on there’s no better intercom.
Nice video iv had scala for some years think they are the best out there, like you I had problems with the voice recognition there has been an update but it still does not work . but I don't mind pressing buttons..
Interesting video TMF as ever, impressive range and features. Overall though I prefer the much neater system provided by Nolan N-Com, looks far less an afterthought than these generic types.
I need to do the update on the voice recognition/language, because I’m getting fed up of talking with a gay yank accent to get the bloody thing to understand a word I’m saying.
@TheMissendenFlyer Could you do a long-term review on these? Looking into buying these for my Arai Tour X4 myself! Would love to know how the pairing to music / GPS / TheMissusFlyer faired in the past year! :) Thanks and take care!
I have packtalk bold it is paired with my phone and GPS Now how do I pair it with my wife’s packtalk bold and not mess up the other pairing. Thank you in advance
We will probably look at getting these when our interphones wear out and need replacing, can u tell me do the units come off the helmets for charging or do you charge while still on the helmet?
I have the Packtalk Slim. Have you found a good solution to recording your intercom to integrate with you video? It would be great if Cardo eventually added the capability into their mobile app.
On your Arai XD helmet, did you install the speakers on top of the padding using the Velcro tape, or did you put it underneath the stretchy covering of the padding insert? Underneath the stretchy covering seems like it would be less likely to catch on your ears when putting on the helmet. I have the same helmet and Cardo communicator. Thanks.
