Review: Next Level Safety with the Cardo Packtalk Pro
Helmet communication devices have come a long way since their introduction, packing an impressive array of features into tiny units mounted to the side of your helmet. Personally, though, I’m not a big fan of too much connectivity while riding.
A little music? Sure. The ability to talk to a riding partner? Absolutely.
But taking phone calls or having turn-by-turn navigation piped into my helmet? That feels like it detracts from one of the core joys of motorcycling—being fully immersed in the ride and connected to the road.
Alas, as a motorcycle journalist, I have to use at least some technology to make my job a little easier. So, a helmet communication device is on my short list of needs and something I always bring along.
I have been using the Cardo Packtalk Edge for a couple of years now, and it gets the job done most of the time. I don’t connect it to my phone, and I’ve learned to carry a spare unit on long trips “just in case” it decides to fail, or a unit runs out of battery before the day is over. When we work our usage time is most likely significantly longer than a regular user. Being able to communicate with my riding partner is that important to me.
If I’m traveling alone, I simply don’t bring a communicator. However, the newest Cardo Packtalk Pro just might change that with its standout feature—automatic crash detection.
Solo Travel Reimagined
The Cardo Packtalk Pro now offers a useful feature that I never imagined would be available. The automatic crash detection system uses sensors to detect significant impacts or abrupt motion changes that might indicate a crash. If triggered, the system sends an alert with the rider's location to a pre-designated emergency contact via a paired smartphone.
Anyone who rides solo understands the heightened risks of being alone in an emergency. Stories of motorcyclists going off the road, sometimes not being found for days after their disappearance prompts a search, highlight the importance of timely assistance.
The automatic crash detection feature addresses this problem by detecting crashes and immediately sending an alert. This capability significantly improves the chances of being found quickly, which could be life-saving in critical situations.
There are a few important caveats to the crash detection system. First, the device must be paired with your phone, which may conflict with your preferences for staying disconnected while riding. Second, your phone must have an active signal to send the crash alert message, which could be an issue in remote or mountainous areas. Finally, your designated emergency contact needs to periodically check their phone while you're on your trip to ensure they receive and respond to any potential alerts.
Other Updates
The device itself remains largely the same as the slightly less expensive Cardo Packtalk Edge. It uses the same mounting system and has the same button configuration. The Pro model does include a slightly upgraded set of speakers, coming with 45mm JBL speakers instead of the Edge’s 40mm ones.
The auto-off feature is new for the Pro model as well. The device powers off when my helmet is still and reconnects when I pick it up again. This saves me from draining the battery by forgetting to switch the comm device off during breaks, an issue I often faced with the Edge. For a traveler who spends hours on the road, a small convenience like this makes all the difference.
The Packtalk Pro comes at a hefty price, however. At $449.95, this more than doubles the cost of most helmets. The Packtalk Edge rings in at $389.95, so you can save a little money if you don’t need the features of the Pro.
You can ask yourself whether you can put a price on safety, though. For some riders, the extra peace of mind the Pro can bring may just be worth it.