Radios
Product 2022
Femme, Homme, Enfant
While we were testing the Cardo product, we had something in mind: what could we get out of it whilst skiing? For instructing, to give direct technical and educational advice straight into your ear, to manage groups of skiers, and above all, for safety, on groomed slopes or off-piste with this autonomous communication system which doesn’t need 4G coverage. In the end, we didn’t just use it on the snow, but mountain biking, and occasionally road biking (it’s not as easy to attach the module to the helmet).
The American brand’s line is massive, with products dedicated to different sports (a lot for motorcycling, Cardo’s original market) and listed according to prices ranging from 339.95 euros (Packtalk Slim) to 389.95 euros (Packtalk Black Special Edition).
So, we used the Cardo Packtalk Ski. The specifications are pretty much the same for each pack. The Cardo enables you to control your smartphone via a Bluetooth connection: make and answer calls with a click of your finger (not always easy with thick gloves on and depending on the helmet attachment, etc.) or by using voice command. Obviously, you can manage your music, in the same way as a conventional player. And above all, the Cardo Packtalk Ski lets you communicate with the members of your group or another person by creating your own autonomous network: you don’t need 4G or to buy a Sim card abroad (an excellent option for heliskiing in Canada).
It’s well made, the modules withstand shocks, dust, and snow. It’s also waterproof. If there’s a heavy downpour, you could possibly place a strip of gaffer tape on the socket used for recharging. The audio is a high standard. With JBL expertise there’s guaranteed high performance. The wind noise reduction is very much appreciated.
Before setting out, each system must be installed onto the helmets: the transmission module, which clips onto a support, is attached using a clip that you slide under the helmet’s structure or use a plate that attaches to the helmet. For the latter option, you need to remove the clamp. Please note, you need a small coin to unclip everything, do not rip or damage the small wire that comes out at this level during the maneuver. Cardo could have set it up in different way to extend the product’s durability. An unfounded fear since after several months of use, we haven’t noticed any problems.
Attaching the device is important to do correctly as it determines usage comfort (having a good distance from the microphone for example) and not losing the audio system in the event of a fall. At more than 300 euros per pack, this preparation deserves careful attention. In the long term, will the brand (or brands) working in collaboration with Cardo provide helmets with the system directly integrated? Headphones, for example, even if they are thin, sometimes cause extra thickness depending on the density of the foam padding. They have a Velcro surface. How effective is this attachment? It depends, a somewhat vague answer because it largely depends on the helmet used and its internal structure.
Once everything is attached, you connect the small cable to the microphone that has a little protective cover. Pairing with the phone is done in an instant. The Cardo Connect app provides valuable guidance. This interface allows you to manage calls and create communication groups. But on closer inspection, especially in the “settings” section, you can adjust the volume levels, the microphone’s sensitivity, access the user guides, etc. Everything is pretty simple and clear, except for the quick guide in the user guides that is just a scan (not easy to read on your smart phone) of the paper guide delivered. One suggestion – it’s a shame there’s no geolocation chip included to find a lost module.
If you aren’t wearing really thick mittens or gloves, you quickly get used to the controls: a click to answer a call, a two-second press to reject it, a press to hang up. The audio-management knob is practical, not much to complain about. The microphone needs to be close to your mouth when you speak, like helicopter pilot helmet microphones.
Theoretically the range is one kilometer between each Cardo module. In practice, it is slightly less but sufficient to ensure inter-group communications. Do not expect a range beyond a valley or over large obstacles. The easy communication and how practical it is to use is a dream, especially for a ski instructor who looks out for dangers: he can warn people in real-time of possible dangers, indicate directions, group everyone together for a meeting point, etc.
We wondered about using the Cardo Packtalk Ski off-piste. It is undeniably useful in terms of safety: the first person to go down the slope can be warned by the rest of the group in the event an avalanche starts. But what about the Cardo Packtalk Ski system’s sound waves? Can they conflict with a DVA’s? As carrying a mobile phone is already a source of interference.
We were unable to test the Cardo Packtalk Ski in very low temperatures to check its battery life.
The Cardo Packtalk Ski is an autonomous, high-performance, easy-to-use, and reliable inter-skier communication system. It is attached onto the helmet, and you can share your experiences in real-time, manage safety, or give technical tips. A really nice tool for all skiers and especially professionals.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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