TESTED | CARDO PACK TALK BOLD | News | Technology | Tested

We grabbed the Cardo Pack Talk Bold to see how it goes when communicating between side-by-sides. This is our first test, stay tuned for a full product review soon.

The Cardo is essentially a Bluetooth headset fitted in your helmet. Two years ago Cardo partnered with JBL to improve sound quality so I’m excited to see how clear Britney Spears whispers in my ears. The unit can pair with 15 others (and not just Cardo ones), hence the name Packtalk. Imagine the trash talk when racing your mates on a Polaris RZR or climbing hills on a Can-AM Maverick with your mates when all of them are running a Cardo. This unit has a range of about one kilometre in normal conditions, so no good if someone gets lost.

If you’re waiting for search and rescue you can listen to the radio or your favourite playlist via your phone. It also allows you to answer calls simply by telling it to take the call. It automatically adjusts the volume depending on ambient noise and has a claimed 13 hours talk time which you can restore without removing the headset from your lid, it simply plugs in to your portable power source!

Cardo is an excellent brand with a formidable reputation so I’m guessing nothing will break in the first 12 months. So, rather than test it’s durability and functionality as I know it’s durable and works well (I’ve had one for a decade), I’m going to test its relevance for racing side-by-sides, using them on the farm to communicate with other people mustering and for recreational use when climbing hills and different trails. Stay tuned.