There’s an age-old challenge for bikers that’s still an issue for some – communication while riding. A fair few have discovered the ride-changing tech that can be found in the average helmet intercom, but some will be using older models with the foibles that come with them and others might still be wedging a pair of earbuds under their helmet.
There are a few brands of helmet intercoms out there, and in this blog we’ll focus on Cardo. They used to make the Scala Rider intercoms that many riders loved and have since introduced the Packtalk and Freecom ranges. The Freecom range’s features will be familiar to anyone who has been using an intercom from a few years ago with mostly line-of-sight range between units, with the most expensive version creating a basic network to boost range and increase the numbers of users in a call beyond just two.
The Packtalk range includes features that simply didn’t exist (or didn’t really work) a few years ago. A true mesh network allows up to 15 riders in one call including up to a 1.6km range between individual riders, and a maximum range of 8km for an entire rideout, and avoids the usual pitfalls of traditional Bluetooth headsets – easier initial connection is the biggest benefit. Impressive stuff! Crucially, the Freecom and Packtalk ranges are compatible with each other and any other brand of Bluetooth intercom.
To compare, traditional intercoms used to be only able to link 2-4 riders together and each had to be in line-of-sight with one another to make it work. Often, if one of the links in the chain broke you’d lose connection between more than 2 of the riders – quite a pain. The Packtalk range shows where modern technology has developed with a battery life that will outlast any ride you can throw at it (up to 13 hours), voice commands (that work quite a bit better than they used to!), and even an optional slim form factor if your helmet is compatible. The usual features of Bluetooth and FM radio are of course present and correct, alongside the handy feature of being able to share the Bluetooth audio from one intercom to another, allowing you more than one rider to listen to the same music or even sit in on the same phone call.
Naturally this level of tech has a price to match (£314.99 each or £559.99 for a duo pack) however it’s hard to overstate the convenience of an intercom – no more waving directions at each other, slowing to a crawl to shout at each other over exhausts and wind through ear plugs, and great audio quality that is designed to work with earplugs without any wires. If you typically like to ride with music, want to make/receive phone calls or feel your rides would benefit from being able to speak to others riding with you then a decent intercom is highly recommended. Both solo and group tours are improved massively with one – you can hear your phone’s music and sat nav directions and you can hear your mates taking the mick out of you when you leave your indicator on for the umpteenth time.
Of course, not everyone has about 300 quid to splurge on an intercom – completely understandable! That’s where Cardo’s Freecom range might suit you. You won’t get the fancy mesh network tech, but for up to 4 riders it could be the solution for you. Ranging from the 1+ (£129.99) going up to the 2+ (£159.99) and finaly the 4+ (£234.99) with a corresponding improvement in features with each step-up. Crucially, all feature the same excellent 13 hour battery life of the Packtalk with different levels of wireless comms. The 1+ suits solo or two-up riders, the 2+ suits pairs of riders while the 4+ is good for groups of up to 4.
All Cardo's intercoms (except the Freecom 1+) include both a boom and corded microphone to suit both full face, flip-front and open face helmets, with mountings for all (except the Packtalk Slim) being compatible with basically all helmets.
If you’re fed up with headphones wedged in your helmet or you want to talk to your mates as you ride then make a point of checking out a helmet intercom, and Cardo should definitely be on your shortlist.
The Bike Stop shop in Stevenage has reopened in accordance with the latest Government guidelines, and we're open for 7 days a week. Our online shop is also still alive and well and taking orders. We’re even doing a 10% off promotion – just enter the code ‘TOGETHER’ at checkout. You can check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365 day period – see our returns page for more details.
