Assessment Abstract
When you’re searching for the primary takeaways from this evaluation, right here is my abstract of the Cardo Packtalk Neo:
- The Packtalk Neo presents the vast majority of the identical nice options because the Packtalk Edge however at a cheaper price level
- The unit is IP67-certified waterproof, is able to cross-brand connectivity, and makes use of 40mm JBL audio system for premium sound
- The gadget has 3 important buttons which are pretty small and tough to really feel via a glove
- The Packtalk Neo mounts to the helmet by way of clips, versus Cardo’s Air Mount as seen on their Edge models
- Audio system and microphone work flawlessly
- Pure voice operation means that you can management the gadget with voice instructions
- Music and intercom can be utilized on the similar time
- The app is simple to make use of however seems a bit rushed
- The Packtalk Neo can join as much as 15 riders and pairs effortlessly
- Battery life is roughly 13 hours beneath good circumstances
- Total the Packtalk Neo is a good worth for these searching for large-group connectivity, particularly when purchased as a Duo
Cardo Packtalk Neo – A Step Above the Competitors
Driving is cool, however using in a bunch is even higher. What beats that? Having the ability to talk when you journey!
I don’t imply the occasional thumbs up at a crimson mild, or attempting to flag down the entrance runner as a result of you have to pull over to piss.
No, I’m speaking about really speaking. , by utilizing your mouth? In any case, it’s the twenty first century and hand indicators have gone out of fashion.
In fact, you’ve heard of intercom techniques. In any case, you’re an avid reader of webBikeWorld and scrolled via our Intercom & GPS web page, proper? If not, don’t sweat it – I’ve obtained you coated.
Contemplate the hunt over. The Cardo Packtalk Neo is the one in-helmet system you have to think about, and I’m going to inform you why.
Wait, Who’s Cardo?
Most of you’ll scroll proper previous this since you haven’t been residing beneath a rock.
For these of you who don’t know who Cardo is, I forgive you. They’re solely one of many greatest names available on the market with regards to in-helmet Bluetooth headsets and audio system.
These guys have been across the block a number of occasions since they began again in 2004. 20 years might not look like a very long time, however think about how far expertise has come since! In any case, 2004 was proper round when Bluetooth actually took off.
Cardo was the primary to provide a bike Bluetooth gadget. The expertise got here from cellphone earpieces they had been producing on the time. With apparent success, the corporate grew from there, with the world’s first rider-to-rider headset in 2007, adopted by the world’s first Dynamic Mesh communicator in 2015, with many different milestones in between.
Tech Specs
Let’s dive proper into the juicy stuff.
On paper, the Packtalk Neo packs a punch.
- Intercom Applied sciences: Dynamic Mesh 2.0, Bluetooth, and Dwell Intercome
- Waterproof: IP67 Licensed
- Unit-to-Unit Max Vary: As much as 1.6KM / 1mi
- Group Intercom: 15
- Group Max Vary: 8km
- Pure Voice Operation: Sure
- Sound Profiles: 3
- Bluetooth Model: 5.2
- Helmet Mount: Clickable
- Audio system: 40mm JBL
- Microphone: Hybrid & Corded
- Cross-Model Connectivity: Sure
- Audio Sharing: Sure
- Intercom Recording: Sure
- Constructed-In FM Radio: Sure
- Battery: 13 Hours
- Charing Whereas Driving: No
- Guarantee: 2 years
- Over-the-Air Updates: Sure
Plenty of that data is simply Cardo bragging. Listed below are the important thing takeaways:
- 40mm JBL Audio system
- Cross-brand connectivity
- IP67 Licensed
You might be questioning why I’ve remoted these 3 specs. The reason being easy – Cardo’s greatest competitors doesn’t supply them!
Sena vs Cardo
Sena and Cardo are like Coke and Pepsi. It’s a rivalry that’ll all the time exist with many riders who love Sena and lots of riders who love Cardo. Very similar to Coke vs. Pepsi, you’ll by no means be capable to persuade somebody the opposite is best!
That’s why we take a look at the specs!
Sena makes use of Harman Kardon audio system for his or her models. In my expertise, JBL audio system produce a clearer sound with deeper bass. Nonetheless, please take into account that these findings are primarily based on my trial of Ruroc’s Shockwave unit that are additionally Harman Kardon.
In regard to the audio system, a fellow reviewer, Jim Pruner, had comparable findings when he reviewed the Cardo Packtalk Edge Communicator. You may learn extra about what he needed to say right here.
The Cardo unit being licensed IP67 waterproof is one other main distinction. Sena claims their unit to be climate resistant. Whereas I’m positive a little bit of rain received’t damage it, the place do you draw the road? With Cardo, you will have the peace of thoughts that it will probably face up to any climate.
A very powerful distinction? Cardo models are appropriate with any model, whereas Sena models can solely be linked to at least one one other. This is a useful benefit that Cardo has over Sena. How usually does everybody in a bunch have the identical gear? There’s all the time that one one who needs to be totally different. So subsequent time you’re on a bunch journey and your buddy reveals up with a Sena 50S, don’t fear. You may all keep related, however no because of them!
Cardo gadgets join as much as 15 riders utilizing their proprietary Dynamic Mesh Communication system. For these of you who need to study extra about how this method works, take a look at this weblog publish by Cardo right here.
How Does the Packtalk Neo Carry out?
On paper, the Packtalk Neo feels like a success, however how does it carry out on the road? I’m going to interrupt this class down into two primary classes:
- The sound high quality of the unit
- The construct high quality of the unit
Every class will obtain its personal scoring as I imagine each maintain equal significance when contemplating a Bluetooth headset.
Construct High quality of the Packtalk Neo
The primary up is the construct high quality of the unit.
Straight out of the field, I might inform the Packtalk Neo isn’t some low-cost, off-brand communicator. The unit has a soft-touch really feel to it with seamless rounded ends, responsive buttons, and a easy scrolling button on the again.
For the evaluation, Cardo despatched me two models. On their web site, they listing this as a Duo. By buying the Duo, there’s a important value break and also you’ll obtain two models, in addition to all the mandatory set up equipment.
The velcro patches used to mount the inside helmet audio system and microphone have a robust adhesive backing and maintain exceptionally nicely. Even on the sleek materials that strains my chin guard, the adhesive held sturdy and remained in place with out situation.
The mounting bracket for the unit itself is versatile and sturdy. At first, I used to be hesitant that the small clips used to mount the Packtalk Neo to the helmet would maintain, nevertheless it’s carried out flawlessly up to now. This is likely one of the important variations between the Neo & the Cardo’s top-of-the-line unit, the Edge.
The Edge makes use of a magnetic Air Mount to mount the unit onto the aspect of the helmet, whereas the Neo makes use of a clipping system. In truth, I didn’t really feel like I used to be lacking out on something by not having the magnetic mount. It labored all the identical for me! To not point out, it put in effortlessly onto my Scorpion Covert FX helmet.
The Packtalk Neo has a complete of 4 buttons on it – one within the entrance, high, backside, and the aforementioned scrolling wheel within the again. Whereas the wheel is easy sufficient to function, the others are fairly small and tough to really feel with a gloved finger.
Construct High quality – 90%
My total score on the construct high quality of the Packtalk Neo is rattling close to good. The unit feels nice within the hand, didn’t current me with any high quality management considerations, and feels extremely sturdy. I’m assured that the unit would be capable to face up to a number of arduous impacts and nonetheless proceed to carry out the identical as earlier than. That is necessary to think about because the unit mounts exterior of your helmet, and particles from the highway could be unpredictable.
The one situation I’ve with the bodily construct of the unit is the three smaller buttons. I perceive the need to create a smooth and streamlined gadget, however I’d like to see larger buttons for future releases! As everyone knows, gloves not often match completely and small buttons is usually a enormous nuisance to function whereas sporting them.
Sound High quality of the Packtalk Neo – Audio system & Microphone
I’ve established that the unit feels nice, however does it sound nice? In any case, what good is a Bluetooth intercom in case you can’t hear what the opposite particular person is saying?
I’m happy to say that with regards to sound, the Packtalk Neo carried out higher than some other communicator I’ve used. The truth is, this wasn’t simply my opinion. Ashley, my passenger, made a number of feedback about how nicely it carried out in comparison with the Shockwave unit we had only in the near past trialed. You may learn extra about that right here in my evaluation of the Ruroc ATLAS 4.0 Carbon helmet.
Speaker High quality
The Packtalk Neo makes use of a JBL audio system and boy did it ship! Even in my noisy Ruroc ATLAS 4.0 Avenue helmet, the bass from the audio system was crisp, deep, and intensely clear. At excessive speeds, sound high quality would drop ever so barely however that’s to be anticipated on a bike.
Included within the field are spacers that can be utilized to deliver the in-helmet audio system nearer to your ears. I didn’t really feel the necessity to use them, however I put in them in Ashley’s helmet and he or she cherished it. She claims that it helped drown out highway/wind noise, and made the sound even clearer than earlier than.
An enormous situation I’ve had up to now with intercom techniques is having a tough time understanding what the opposite rider is saying. With the Packtalk Neo, this wasn’t a difficulty. Whereas this was partly because of Cardo’s 2nd Technology DMC (extra on that later), the audio system performed a helpful position as nicely. Voices come via clearly and make conversations at excessive speeds easy.
I used to be extraordinarily happy with having the ability to take heed to music and chat on the similar time. When music is enjoying, the unit will mechanically decrease the amount to permit for an additional rider’s voice to return via clearly.
Bodily, the audio system really feel top quality. They’re prewired and plugged into the unit via a USB-C connection on the again. Putting in them was easy and took a matter of seconds as soon as the helmet liner was off. All in all, the audio system had been improbable.
Microphone High quality
I can hear completely, however might others hear me?
Sure!
Two microphone choices are included within the field. I selected to go along with the smaller, thin-wire model versus the bigger versatile wire microphone. From a {hardware} standpoint, the microphone is great. It connects on to the unit via the identical USB-C connection because the audio system, and mounts inside your helmet on the chin guard.
On the software program aspect, the Packtalk Neo has a number of considerate options that make speaking easy. For starters, the unit has pure voice operation capabilities. Which means you do not want to press a button earlier than talking. Easy discuss and the unit will do the remainder.
It additionally does a fantastic job of filtering out all the background noise, bike noise, wind noise, and respiration. Even in a bigger group of riders, the sound of their bike wouldn’t be picked up by the microphone. This was an enormous reduction as I used to be involved I’d hear an echo of my motorbike via the unit when using with Ashley as a passenger.
As was the case with different models, I didn’t have a difficulty with my respiration being picked up by the microphone. Unbeknownst to me in previous experiences, I’d be respiration closely from the warmth and that noise was being transmitted to whomever I used to be related with. Fortunately, that wasn’t a priority with the Packtalk Neo.
On the telephone, the unit carried out the identical. I used to be stunned as generally on the software program aspect of issues the models carry out in another way between intercom and telephone calls. Plenty of the time, the receiver wasn’t capable of inform I used to be on my motorbike. To them, it seemed like some other Bluetooth name.
Sound High quality – 100%
I used to be totally impressed with the sound high quality of the Packtalk Neo. The unit sounds wonderful proper out of the field and could be custom-made additional to your liking via the app (extra on that later). Communication via the intercom and/or telephone calls was easy and simple to grasp
The microphone is delicate sufficient to choose up your voice via environmental background noises, all of the whereas refraining from transmitting those self same sounds via the intercom.
If desired, Cardo even presents a bigger 45mm JBL speaker package on their web site for riders who need to additional enhance their audio expertise. I felt just like the 40mm audio system had been highly effective sufficient, however a few of you with a louder bike/helmet might need to think about upgrading.
For as soon as, I don’t have something adverse to say. The sound high quality was distinctive and alone is sufficient for me to suggest this unit to others.
Utilizing the Packtalk Neo
Utilizing the Packtalk Neo couldn’t be any simpler. This little gadget is stuffed with neat options, a few of which I’m positive I haven’t even found. By way of ease of use, Cardo has knocked it out of the park. So as so that you can get a real sense of what it’s like utilizing the Packtalk Neo, I’ll begin with the fundamentals and transfer up from there.
Primary Operation
As beforehand talked about, the Packtalk Neo has three buttons and a clickable management wheel. These rolls of those buttons are divided into media (left), cellular (backside), and intercom (high). The wheel is used to regulate the unit quantity, in addition to begin/cease music.
As soon as paired, the unit will mechanically connect with your cellular gadget upon start-up. This was extremely handy for me as I sometimes activate my gadget after gearing up. Not having to take away my gloves and fiddle with my telephone was tremendous helpful.
Voice Management
I don’t find out about you, however the very last thing I need to do is fiddle round with my Packtalk Neo whereas using and attempting to recollect what button does every command. It’s virtually just like the builders at Cardo felt the identical means, therefore the implementation of voice management.
Very similar to your smartphone, the gadget could be managed by a easy Hey Cardo, adopted by the command. You should utilize the voice assistant for nearly each command, akin to muting your mic, answering/ignoring calls, adjusting the amount, and extra.
It’s also possible to use your smartphone’s voice assistant via the Cardo. Merely communicate the phrase that wakes your gadget, and provides it a command. In my case, Siri took a again seat whereas I let the Packtalk Neo do all of the work.
There was just one occasion the place the gadget misheard what I mentioned and entered a loop that echoed my voice endlessly. Merely turning the gadget on and off corrected it. Maybe that is one thing Cardo can look into and repair via a software program replace?
Cardo Join
Earlier than you possibly can really use the Packtalk Neo, you’ll have to obtain the Cardo Join app. That is the sensible features of the gadget that’ll help you make use of the intercom, Bluetooth, and extra. It’s additionally the place you’ll pair with different models for a bunch journey.
The app is easy to make use of and really simple. After answering a number of primary questions, your profile can be arrange and also you’re able to go. With the gadget paired, the app’s interface will turn into the primary display.
With massive buttons for straightforward operation, whereas sporting a glove, you possibly can navigate to your telephone, intercom, music, and radio from the telephone display. It’s also possible to document your voice, which is an excellent helpful characteristic for these of you who might need to vlog/create content material whereas using.
Somewhat gear icon on the highest left of the primary display opens up the settings menu. From right here, you possibly can customise your audio settings, change the models, show, and extra. Within the audio settings is a neat characteristic known as Computerized Quantity.
Primarily what this does is increase and decrease the sound output relying on the environmental noises. This implies whereas using at decrease speeds, your music will mechanically get louder so that you could hear, after which decrease itself once more when stopped at a crimson.
Whereas this isn’t groundbreaking expertise and has been round for some time, it’s one other characteristic of the Packtalk Neo that contributes to the general comfort theme I’ve been attempting to convey.
Intercom Pairing By way of Cardo Join
After they mentioned straightforward pairing, they meant it.
Contained in the Cardo Join app is an possibility for Intercom. From right here, you possibly can function the Packtalk Neo’s DMC options, in addition to the Bluetooth intercom. Beginning, leaving, and becoming a member of a bunch is as straightforward as a faucet of a button. Merely title the group, pair, and discuss away!
The app will save your group session for future use and mechanically rejoin that group upon start-up in case you didn’t go away it earlier than powering off.
Ease of Use – 85%
Cardo’s pure voice operation is the actual star of the present with regards to how straightforward it’s to make use of the Packtalk Neo. As I beforehand talked about, the buttons could be tough to function in a gloved hand however having the choice to regulate the gadget via voice helps mitigate that downside.
Whereas the app is simple to make use of, it might use a facelift. For my part, it seems a bit thrown collectively with out a lot thought put into the aesthetics of it. In fact, this doesn’t have an effect on the efficiency of the app however I’d like to see one thing a bit extra pleasing contemplating the Packtalk’s are often known as a premium gadget.
Battery Life
The Packtalk Neo has a powerful battery life with as much as 13 hours of utilization on a single cost. Whereas this lifespan is very depending on quite a few components, I struggled to empty the battery in any given week.
Upon start-up and shut down the Packtalk Neo provides you with the approximate battery life. This made it easy to maintain a psychological monitor of when it was time to cost. It’s also possible to discover the battery lifetime of the unit contained in the app so that you could control it throughout use.
The Packtalk Neo makes use of a USB-C port to cost it. Sadly, the identical port is used for the audio system and microphone enter, so the gadget must be disconnected earlier than charging. If you end up with a lifeless unit, 20 minutes of quick charging will get you roughly 2 hours of discuss time.
Battery Life Score – 90%
To this point the battery lifetime of the Packtalk Neo has carried out splendidly. You’re ready to make use of the gadget for lengthy intervals of day without work of 1 cost and may shortly fast-charge it when wanted.
As is the case with all tech, there’s all the time room for enhancements with regards to battery life. Hopefully, with future releases, we are going to see longer battery life on the Packtalk models, however for now, the 13 hours of discuss time is greater than ample.
As well as, I’d like to see a separate port for the charger. Whereas disconnecting the unit isn’t a giant deal, it might be extremely handy to have the ability to cost the Packtalk Neo with out eradicating any current cables.
Is the Packtalk Neo Definitely worth the Value Level?
Right here’s the place issues get tough – deciding whether or not or not the Cardo Packtalk Neo is value its value level. Whereas I can offer you my opinion, the reply to this query is very user-dependent!
For instance, how will you primarily be utilizing the gadget? Are you buying a Packtalk Neo to take heed to music when you journey, or do you need to benefit from its group using capabilities?
In case your reply is the previous, it’s possible you’ll be higher suited with one thing just like the Cardo Freecom 4X Communicator which is able to nonetheless sound nice, however is at a less expensive value level as communication is proscribed to 4 individuals.
For the latter, the Packtalk Neo is an distinctive selection for you. As I’ve coated, the gadget has virtually all the nice options of the Packtalk Edge, however at a reduced price. The worth is much more aggressive when purchased as a Duo.
Worth for Cash – 85%
Let’s make no mistake, the Packtalk Neo shouldn’t be low-cost, however for individuals who are out there for crisp sound, group using capabilities, cross-brand connectivity, and extra – that is the gadget for you.
I can’t give it an ideal rating as a result of let’s face it, we’d all like to see a less expensive value. For these seeking to maximize financial savings, maintain out for a sale or go halves with a pal on the duo pack!
Last Verdict
When you couldn’t already inform, I’m an enormous fan of the Packtalk Neo.
Every little thing from how straightforward it’s to function the gadget to the wonderful sound at excessive speeds – I used to be extremely impressed.
In-helmet communicators could be hit and miss! I’ve had my justifiable share of experiences with hard-to-hear intercoms, uneven connectivity, and tinny audio system that sound like cans of tuna.
With the Packtalk Neo, a whole lot of my complaints are minor and can be missed by the common person. If it wasn’t my job to deliver you the ins and outs of the gadget, I’d possible have missed them as nicely!
Whereas cheaper choices exist available on the market, you’re sacrificing efficiency and gadget capabilities. Even in case you don’t plan on using in a bunch, if I might make a advice to you, it might be to seize the Packtalk Neo and stop having to improve to a future gadget sooner or later! You by no means know the place the highway may take you – you may simply end up using with pals you haven’t but met!
Professionals
- Pure voice operation means that you can management the unit hands-free
- Very clear voice output
- Superb sound even at excessive speeds
- Lengthy battery life
- Simple grouping with 2nd Technology Dynamic MESH Communication, together with models from different manufacturers
- Simple-to-use app
- Safe mount that’s discreet
Cons
- Small buttons make it arduous to function the unit whereas using
- The preliminary connection could be finicky
- The app might use a makeover to be extra visually pleasing
- 1 USB-C port shared between the audio enter & charger
- Minor software program bug fixes to hands-free voice operation are required
Specs
- Producer: Cardo Programs
- Value: $319.95
- Assessment Interval: Might 2024 – July 2024