Cardo Systems is rolling out a new version of its Packtalk dynamic mesh communicator system. The new-for-’22 Packtalk Edge offers several innovations and improvements that are supposed to make it their best dynamic mesh communicator yet, and they wanted us to try it.

That means it was time for a group ride! Cardo invited us to sample their Packtalk Edge in some excellent California canyons and on the Pacific Coast Highway. In all, about 20 riders would ride with the new system to see if the Packtalk Edge was as good as Cardo believes it is.

Prototype units

Cardo must have been convinced that the Packtalk Edge would meet all their claims and impress the riders, because the group would ride with full production units but with prototype software. Cardo says the final production software should be ready in about three weeks. When finished, it can be quickly updated over the air.

Pairing

We broke into four groups and readied to head out into the California hills and coast. Turning on the system and starting pairing is the same as before; pushing and holding two buttons simultaneously puts the communicator into pairing mode. Then one rider pushes a single button, and all four riders in our group are paired in about two seconds. Easy.

The new Packtalk Edge is slightly smaller and thinner than the Packtalk Bold. Photo: Cardo

It should be noted that all the communicators being used were Packtalk Edges, so we didn’t have the opportunity to experience how the Packtalk Edge pairs with other brands of communicators. We’ll try that out later in a full review.

Sound clarity

As the call came to get us underway, it was immediately clear that the system’s sound was much better than previous Packtalk communicators.  First, the Packtalk Edge packs much more volume than any of its Packtalk predecessors. The sound clarity is significantly better than before. During the ride, I didn’t find myself asking “what did they say,” nor did I have to ask anyone to repeat themselves.

At this point, I’m not sure whether the better sound clarity results from the speakers, the microphone, the software, or all three. But it is safe to say that it is the clearest sound out of a Cardo communicator (or any of the competition’s communicators I have tried in the past) ever.

Clipped Sound

That said, there were occasions when two or three people were trying to talk simultaneously. And sometimes, it seemed that parts of those people’s speech were clipped. What I mean by clipped is that you would start to hear the conversation, and suddenly one person’s speech is interrupted by someone else speaking at the same time.

Since the units we were using are “prototypes,” it could be one of the things being addressed in the final software. Cardo will send us another unit when the software is in its final production version. Once we receive it, we’ll test them to see if this issue has been alleviated.

My helmet with the new Packtalk Edge installed. Photo: Barry Hathaway

The new Packtalk Edge is slightly smaller and thinner than the Packtalk Bold. Photo: Cardo

Packtalk Edge turns up the volume

Next, if you ride with earplugs or have hearing loss, you will really like the system’s additional volume. It is a lot louder than before  One of Cardo’s reps told me that he couldn’t ride with the volume set to the max because they were too loud. I can not make that same claim, but I can say that they are indeed very loud. Wearing earplugs shouldn’t be an issue for most riders. I have some hearing loss, and I could hear everything loud and clear at all times, even when riding at “brisk” speeds with my visor open.

Improved noise cancellation

The next improvement I noticed is in noise cancellation. Since I have yet to receive any technical information on the Packtalk Edge, I can’t say whether the improvement is because of the software or the microphone. Still, I can say that the microphone/software does not pick up any wind noise, at all. Not once did I hear it from myself or another rider.

That’s an excellent thing because I ride with my visor open almost all the time. In the past, that wind noise could be transmitted back to me and other riders, and it can be pretty annoying. Not having to listen to the whistle of air through the comm speakers is greatly appreciated.

Cardo Air Mount

Cardo also changed the mounting system for the Packtalk Edge, and it works very well. It uses a magnet to help attach the communication module to the bracket. You can drop the module onto the bracket, and it attaches itself.

The Packtalk Edge’s controls are quite similar to the Packtalk Bold. There are still three buttons and a selector wheel. It’s also still waterproof. Photo: Cardo

And if you are wondering whether the module is secure, you need not worry. The module is very securely attached, and frankly, it takes a bit more effort to remove the module than before.

As for communications range and battery life and the Packtalk Edge’s other features, we’ll cover that in a full review shortly. But from the brief time I rode with the Packtalk Edge, the range seemed about the same, and by the end of the day, about seven hours later, the system told me that it still had a 50 percent charge remaining.

As the zenith of Cardo’s communicator lineup, the Packtalk Edge will retail for $389.95.  If you can’t wait until our full review, you can pre-order a Packtalk Edge on Cardo’s website.