The Packtalk Neo is the next generation of the Packtalk Bold but looks more like a light version of the Packtalk Edge. No need to panic for those who feel like they are being deported back to the first time they watched The Matrix while reading that sentence: the Packtalk Neo looks like the Packtalk Edge because moving in the direction of innovation, instinctive operation and better communication is always an improvement. Enter the matrix.
The most important difference between the Packtalk Neo and the Packtalk Edge is the classical click-mount (so, not the magnetic version) to mount the module to your motorcycle helmet. You can’t use the Neo while charging, something the Edge does allow. Everything else is identical. The growing Packtalk family knows and uses a number of innovations, differentiating from their colleagues by implementing – mainly audible – improvements. The Cardo Packtalk Neo simply looks sleek and can withstand the proverbial push and shove you might expect to the side of your motorcycle helmet – in all weather conditions.
Inside, the renewed 40 mm JBL speakers are what stand out. Or don’t. That’s how it works with excellent sound: you get used to it superfast. For over 70 years the Americans have been experts in speakers. Link that to Cardo’s passion for ‘being on the road with your motorbike and still being able to listen and talk’ (in short: intercom) and it’s clear how this cooperation lifts everything to a higher, much higher level.
Better speakers deliver better ‘Natural Voice Operation’ and with the application of the second-generation DMC™ (Dynamic Mesh Communication), the result is better audio quality and a more stable network (mesh) to connect quicker and more easily. The Bluetooth 5.2 used by the system also has something to do with that, of course.
The Cardo Packtalk Neo is an update that counts if you take the Packtalk Bold
as your starting line. In every other case, it is a more than excellent alternative.
You can download the required updates with the Cardo Connect app.
DMC intercom
- Second generation DMC: better audio quality in a more stabile network (mesh) to establish a quicker and easier connection.
- Full intercom calls between up to 15 DMC users.
- Up to 8 km in a full group, up to 1,6 km rider to rider (terrain dependent)
- Up to 15 bikers can participate in a pack (group), where all pack-members can speak and hear everybody else. To avoid confusion only 4 members can be heard at the same time.
Bluetooth Intercom
- bike-to-bike intercom, between up to 2 riders at up to 1600m (terrain dependent)
- Connect to other Intercom brands thanks to Universal connectivity.
Connection to Bluetooth devices
- Simultaneous connection with 2 Bluetooth devices such as navigation system and smartphone
- Receive, reject or make phone calls with 1 push of a button or with 1 voice command
Music and radio functionality
- A2DP/AVRCP, wirelessly stream music from the navigation device or smartphone
- Integrated FM radio with RDS. Thanks to the RDS function, the strongest radio signal will always be picked up automatically, even at high speeds
- Music Sharing allows rider and passenger to listen to the same music source wirelessly via A2DP at the same time
- Choice of 3 JBL audio profiles, selectable via the Cardo Connect app on your paired smartphone
Battery and Charger
- Up to 13 hours of communication
- Standby mode: 10 days
- Charging time: up to 2 hours
- Fast charging: 2 hours talk time after 20 minutes of charging (depending on the mains charger used)
- Charging via USB-C
- Battery type: Rechargeable Li-Po
Other Features
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Waterproof
- 40 mm JBL speakers connected with 3.5mm minijack, so also possible to connect your own earphones.
- Wireless updating through the Cardo Connect app. The Cardo Connect app is available in the Google Play store and the Apple App store.
- Voice control and seamless collaboration with Apple's Siri and OK Google
- Status is spoken in multiple languages
In the box (x2 for Duo version):
- Packtalk Neo module
- Cradle with clamp and stick-on attachment
- 40mm JBL speakers
- wire microphone
- bar microphone
- Self-adhesive velcro patches for microphone and speaker mounting in the helmet
- USB-C cable
- short manual
General remark: The world of electronics (which also includes intercoms, smartphones, GPS, etc.) is changing so fast that it is possible that some (outdated) devices are not compatible with each other in certain areas. Unfortunately, the manufacturer can't provide us with data that shows which combinations between intercoms/GPS and/or smartphones cause problems. A regular update of all electronic devices is therefore desirable to avoid problems as much as possible.
