One BIG Difference. Cardo Packtalk Bold vs Sena 50 Series (50R & 50S)

Cardo Affiliate: cardosystems.rfrl.co/4vr67
Amazon Affiliate:
Packtalk Bold: geni.us/PacktalkBold
Sena 50R: geni.us/Sena50R
Sena 50S: geni.us/Sena50S
Packtalk Bold Review: • IMPRESSED? Cardo Packt...
Sena 50 Series Review: • HONEST REVIEW: Sena 50...
Sena and Cardo have been ruling the motorcycle intercom system market for a long time and with the introduction of the Sena 50R and 50S, is the Packtalk Bold still king of the hill. We run some noise tests, range tests and put the two systems through their paces, to figure out which has the best mesh systems and is the overall winner.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
#motorcycle #sena #packtalk
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join us on Twitter: / ridelwh
Join us on Instagram: / ridelwh
Join us on Facebook: / ridelwh
Become a Patreon: / longwayhome
For business inquires: [e-mail]
** All additional video segments contained in the Thumbnails and B-roll segments are used in strict compliance with the appropriate permissions and licenses required from videoblocks.com in accordance with the KZbin Partner Program, Community guidelines & KZbin terms of service.

[@LongWayHome]

What are your experiences with Sena or Cardo?

[@LeoStarrenburg]

Not sure, I have a Nolan Ncom system that's supposed to be made by either Sena or Cardo ? It works OK for me, but most of the time it's just for listening to my Tomtom Rider, did use it with the riding lessons which worked great ! Oh while I'm here, is there anyone using a Sena R10 with a two-way VHF/UHF radio ? Any good ?

[@volodymyrspyrydonov]

I'm using Cargo and quite happy with it, however some of my folks consistently keep complaining that establishing connection between Cardos at times is a pain in the arse... Personally I even succeeded to connect Cargo with Chinese intercom from Ali in Bluetooth mode.

[@RichDunn]

Cardo crush it versus Sena in my personal experience.

[@crash5811]

Cardo Packtalk Bold in Bell Racestar helmet. Works great, but when i listen to the radio i dont recognize some songs that ive been hearing for 20+ years (metallica even). The equalizer settings are set up strictly for the spoken voice and no customization beyond 3 presets. Also the volume settings r fairly spaced. Kinda wish there was a halfway between. 1 is too quiet the other is louder than i want it to be. Even with my leo vince zx14r

[@robertogrady1321]

I had a sena 20s and it only lasted 2 years.The audio stopped working and they do not repair them so I bought a Cardo Packtalk Bold. It is much better although the voice commands don't work well above 40kmh and the radio can never keep tuned into any station! Neither are worth the money and don't do as advertised.

[@woodstock048]

Thanks, I did a search for reviews of the two units. As always, this one is all I need. Great channel.

[@Migs3]

Excellent video. Thanks taking the time to film and edit it and of course for positing it for our benefit. Keep up the good work! -Migs

[@fijijakes]

My Cardo went through the washing machine & still works perfectly!!!!! Don’t think my heart didn’t sink when I realized what happened🤣

[@manuelcuevas7045]

why was it going through the wash in the first place

[@fijijakes]

@@manuelcuevas7045 Great question. It was my husband’s and he put it in his pocket after a ride & forgot it was there. I threw the clothes in the washer and there you have it🤣🤣🤣

[@WirelessGriff]

Well done LWH, another great video, with good humour.

[@pnoyryder68]

Great video and you made my decision for me, thank you! I love the way you thoroughly tested both back to back and highlighted their pros and cons. I've been riding with a Sena 10c since it for first came out but it's starting to get old and won't hold a charge as long. You hit it right on the head about Sena really just catching up to Cardo and sprinkling a few updates to make it look advanced. A head scratcher for me with Cardo is use a mini USB charging instead of USB C std that allows faster charging times and just plain easier! Wtf Cardo?? Clearly one of your engineers fell asleep. But it's not enough for me to not get the new Cardo Packtalk Black tho so thank you!

[@AllMotoTireLLC]

Thanks for the great review. I am thinking of upgrading my ancient Sena SMH10B and this review has probably pushed me in a direction.

[@kennydiesagain]

I have used bold for myself and 3 riders since it was released. It just works. Now you can share music on mesh even better

[@darrenstewart1568]

Very good review, totally agree on the open mesh. There should be an open standard so that people can choose the comms system they want and still comminicate with all current units. Regardless of who manufactured it.

[@glenns6923]

I have a Cardo, love it!. I 100percent agree they need a standard mesh!!! That would be amazing!!!

[@STI1000HP]

Yeah same here love my cardo but sad part I can't connect with buddy's sena 🙄

[@STI1000HP]

@@dunay77 its not the same because I won't be able to listen to music🥺

[@Fee.1]

It shouldn’t be “amazing” the entire point of Bluetooth is to be an open standard this situation makes Apple look downright generous. I’m actually going to file a complaint with the Bluetooth SIG (developers forum). Won’t do crap but worth a shot

[@Fee.1]

Just to clarify. Bluetooth mesh IS AN OPEN TECHNOLOGY. You have to actually go OUT OF YOUR WAY to make it NOT WORK with other implementations. I’m not sure if it’s Cardo or Sena that’s going out of their way to do so, but from the looks of things it’s Cardo if I understand correctly they released mesh units first, that would mean when Sena followed up they’d be shooting themselves in the foot by not using the implementation Cardo does, only reason they’d not do so is if Cardo went out of their way to hijack the open standard that is Bluetooth mesh and turn it into a proprietary format. This pisses me off and I’m going to be doing some digging and calling some people out after I figure out who’s playing what games here. Hopefully a bigger youtuber will take my research and use it to pressure the manufacturers.

[@Fee.1]

And if the situation is neither of the above and literally both Cardo and Sena managed to “accidentally” take an open standard and make two incompatible implementations of it, then that’s even worse and frankly a 3rd party deserves to step in and swallow the market while. No idea where Cardo or Sena is based but this is the type of situation that leaves American and Western companies as sitting ducks, sitting greedy a$$ ducks, as a Chinese or Taiwanese manufacturer can step in overnight and use a far cheaper already standardized Bluetooth stack to do the same thing even better and steal all the market share and Cardo (assuming they’re the market leader) would have earned exactly that by failing to give a crap about their customers money and trying to milk them dry over “new features” that are literally being developed by a group that gives it out for free basically while Cardo and Sena try to act like they’re some innovative company. Ugh.

[@Crashphoenix666]

Previously had Sena and was never happy with it. Bought a PackTalk Bold this spring and have nothing but good things to say about it. Recently rode down to Biloxi, Ms 4 hours of which was in rain, lots of driving rain. No issues with the Packtalk, no water intrusion all was well. After riding home 11.5 hours and listening to an audiobook for half the time, and with my GPS connected full time, I still have 70% battery life left, and the unit has sat for a week since the trip without being charged after. While mostly a solo rider, I have a couple buddies with older non Cardo blue-tooth communicators, and the Cardo connects flawlessly to them (with a shortened range of about 100 yards). It reconnects to them easily when they've go in/out of range. When making phone calls, If I have my windshield in the top position, no one knows I'm on the bike, even with my helmet visor open. The noise cancellation is that good. Sena seems to market more, but in my opinion, Cardo is much better.

[@Kashooni]

Great comparison. Thank you for the good job.

[@RogerLawrence]

Long time Subscriber - First time commenter !! Been a Sena user since 2012, although still on the 10 series (10U is integrated in my Klim Krios helmet) - I TOTALLY agree with you about a standard mesh system. We have one rider in our group who uses Cardo, and it's 30 mins before we can ride dicking about with universal pairing. Totally considering the Cardo for my next lid - if I ever get to ride again with this bloody pandemic

[@goblinmcmonster8981]

Hi your video make me buy cardo last winter and i watch a lot off videos which is the best. Keep making great videos 🤘🤘🤘

[@sidharthamohanrao6630]

Well made vid bro. Thank you. Agree with you completely... Cardo and Sena should be able to talk to each other. Let's not divide the community!

[@TheTripleDubya]

As usual, your videos are the best.

[@mwnahas]

Spot on. I know the Sena 20s is capable of noise suppression because if you transmit silent A2dp it will cancel the wind noise kind of but allows the mic to transmit voice. It's like it's there but nobody tested it to see if it was implemented correctly.

[@fran3570]

As an off-road coach, this video was helping in us making our decision on which unit to purchase for training. I agree completely that it is time to come up with an open-source mesh system that will allow all units from various manufacturers to communicate with the entire group.

[@leavesenmotorcycleclub9920]

I started with the Sena 20S a few years back which was a great little unit. Sena luckily took so long to release the 30S that my friends and I jumped ship after a brief and painful interlude with Interphone to the Cardo PackTalk and then to the Bold and Slim versions. I can honestly say we use them every weekend and on trips to NordKapp, the Bulkans Spain and the French Alps to name but a few and are very happy with the reliability and poverall performance. While we have experienced some technical difficulties with helmet wiring failing, overall I totally agree with what has been said in the video. MESH while frankly perfect for us as we tend to ride close together has a limited range much lower than the publicized 1.6k and I too ride with a modular helmet which the Cardo handles very well although you do need to put the larger foam mic cover on to effectively block out the wind. Voice commands are great although I do think there is still room for improvement as false activations are still a common occurrence and it would be great if some of the voice features could be disabled to suite individual rider preferences. Not sure about open MESH as we like to be in control of who we allow into the group but I see the attraction. Overall CARDO gets a big thumbs up and I will continue to recommend their products. Looking forward to the next update.

[@lonnie.stephens]

Great comparison, I know which to buy for my next unit.

[@adv-moto-rider7216]

Just Purchased the Cardo Palk Talk Bold most of my fellow riders run Sena.... And yes these two units need to be able to talk to each other in Mesh, Sound and water proofing was the biggest factor for me as any ADV rider needs to be able to keep going in the wet, The Cardo does this for me. Voice commands are tricky at first but i have found if you roll the CARDO in "Hey Cardo" and finish of sharply with Volume up e.t.c it works great, The unit don't like the Ozzie slang and you find your self 5km down road reaching for the buttons if you revert back to this language. The sound out of the JBL Speakers is great and even in a MX style helmet with goggles can hear the beats nicely.

[@dshevack1]

I use Cardo 4+ saved a time of money and it works great as intended. Yes you are correct I tell my friends to buy what I have.

[@robb8773]

Thanks, another great video!!

[@samhooper7177]

I have both the Cardo pack talk, Sena 20s Evo and also the Sena 50s. The unit I wear depends on who I am riding with. If I ride alone I wear the Cardo. The hands free functions of the cardo work much better than anything else. I have not tried the 50s mesh yet as none of my riding buddies have a 50s. The speakers in the Cardo are brilliant and the 50s speakers have been greatly improved. Both company's mesh working together would be amazing.

[@2s_company_]

Thank you for your video. Great content. Helps make my decision easier.... Buy neither for now. Wait for the next generation of Pack Talk... Hopefully with USB Type C fast charging and Bluetooth 5.0.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Awinash Ragothaman ... My thinking as well. This ^ 👍🏼

[@Don_Mitchell]

Wise decision.... think I’ll do the same m. When spending that much moolah, a little waiting wouldn’t hurt!

[@Tobeon2]

Thank you for your review. After watching this review of yours, I just purchased Cardo PackTalk Slim a few days go. Somehow though, the voice command does not seem to work when I am riding (it works fine when I stopped with "OK Google" though). Also, for the sound quality for the music listening, I think my $30 bluetooth earbuds have much better quality. I will probably have more firm(?) opinion later. Most of my friends seem to have Sena and Uclear, but hopefully the bluetooth connection still does a job...

[@yegorbabenko5122]

The last sugestion is brilliant and simple as it is.

[@jobane2]

Perla Harghitei 👍👍😎 Thanks for the comparison 🙏

[@Teckel1973]

Thanks for this video ! Test of noise/wind canceling was awesome ! So I bought Cardo Bold 👍🏻

[@noneofyodamnbidness6373]

Great review! Thanks.

[@sukhoi3747]

I gave Sena another chance after the 30k crap, sadly they failed again this time. I'll stick with Cardo Pactalk! Almost new Sena 50R on sale now!

[@headkicked]

The 50R is inferior to the 50S and the 50S is the unit that is more comparable to the PackTalk. The 30K is a better unit than the 50R... just upgrade it with the HD speakers.

[@juststuff3267]

Thank you. Great review. I'm now in the market for a new unit as my Sena 10U gave up a month ago. It won't charge any more. I wish that both companies would work on quick battery replacement like on a Drift Ghost camera. Having to buy a new unit because of poor or no charging is very crap. I did decide to open the unit up to see if I could replace the battery, but found that the unit had water damage too. So far I think it is between Cardo and Interphone.

[@ad78]

Thank you, thank you. I will return and exchange my 50r to packtalk. My main issue got answered with this video

[@roarman75]

Great quick comparison

[@BikingAdventuresandRoutesNI]

I have watched this again and again and the only thing that makes sense is your video. It’s such a pity they don’t do an open mesh THEN the choice is so much easier. Thank you for your great review as always

[@usmcmsgt5487]

Round 1. Both pricey Round 2. Battery life same? But Packtalk has better warning before dead Round 3. range test? Sena wins by hair Round 4. Wind noise? Packtalk bold wins Round 5. Water proof? Packtalk bold Winner: Packtalk Bold wins the fight however both companies should get together and make mesh shareable. I know some guys that have both systems set up on different helmets. I guess it’s like having a PlayStation 4 and Xbox one.

[@jampapaandrew5852]

I love the accent. Very informative review thanks..

[@BillReitz]

Nicely done video. I'm sure the two companies will now come to their senses and cooperate. 😁

[@kierenmoore3236]

Engineered incompatibility ... Capitalism at its finest/most efficient ... 😏

[@BrandGSX]

@@kierenmoore3236 Both companies use pretty standard hardware in their units that can communicate with each other if the software was compatible. As far as I know the mesh network on both actually run on garden variety Bluetooth but its the underlying software that makes them work the way they do. Pretty sure they could get them to work together if they wanted but that would risk one of them losing customers to the other so its probably not something they are willing to risk.

[@drjones694]

I bought the cardo packtalk bold for Xmas and love it So easy to connect using an app rather than buttons And the voice controls are great. Put in my earplugs and ride Love the mesh connect once and you dont have to do it again your buddies come around the music dims slightly and you're talking again

[@adythings]

Excelent video, I was like in doubt on getting the SENA unit or the CARDO... Know I'm going totally for the CARDO. The waterproof and windsupression is a yes yes... You win a subscribe Sr! XD!!! Cya!

[@1732kenneth]

I have used a senna for several years and to get around distance anxiety our group uses an app call "discord" which uses your phone and conference call amongst all riders . The only draw back is cell reception and of course an unlimited plan comes in handy also.

[@FuzzNiner]

Nice! Discord for the win. Not just for gamers!

[@kapilrana6220]

Thank you. Helped me decide as I was waiting to see which one is better (for me). Packtalk Bold it is.

[@joehaney7551]

LOVE my Packtalk Bold !!

[@MW11-]

I have a packtalk slim, same specs as the bold but it looks nicer

[@imreder5171]

Some music is just noise and Cardo knows it

[@dmelson7502]

Your statement is subjective, prejudiced and yet highly amusing.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Hahah- tshtshtshtshtsh

[@imreder5171]

D Melson your comment is subjective, prejudiced and yet highly amusing

[@rench55]

A few years ago, most of my friends had Sena so that's what I spent a bunch of money on. Then they all went out and spent their money on the new Cardo pack talk... A compatible mesh would be great. Everyone could buy the one that fits their needs the best. C'mon Cardo! C'mon Sena!

[@sandyshelton5]

I am a longtime Sena user, as are most of my riding buddies. My default BT intercome is a Sena 10C Pro, and will probably continue to be. I commmute 75 miles a day in the Los Angles area and I prefer to video record my commutes for liability reasons. That being said, I used an older Sena unit (SMH-10) whenever the weather turned wet, which actually does happen occasionally in LA. This past week, I lost my second Sena unit due to rain. Granted it was over 3 years old, but I just can't see making the commute without music and I haven't found earbuds that are comfortable under my helmet. So this weekend I purchased a Cardo Freecom 4+. Nice features, yada yada, but most importatly, waterproof. Had no problems paring with a Sena user via Universal Intecom mode and have been very pleased so far. Since I will only be using the Cardo when there is a threat of rain, it may be a while before I have a firm opinion of it but, as you have said, waterproofing is such an important feature, it's difficult to understand why Sena continues to ignore it.

[@dreamssewn]

Had Sena 30K initially and then upgraded to the 50S. However, whenever my husband and I are out riding we have to turn the mics off due to too much wind noise which rather defeats the purpose of having something readily available in case of emergency to point out things on the road. He listens to music I listen to audio books. Much better when I ride only by myself as I don't have to listen to his wind noise. However, I'm about ready to go back to regular CB use.

[@forestmotoadventures]

You are spot on re: “make love not war.” I did find that my local cycle gear store was saying “most everyone in this area uses Sena.” Wouldn’t it be nice if they worked easily together?

[@mrsexytime_]

I had two Sena's die due to water ingress 7-8 years back. We ended up using a condom over the last unit for a longer trip but the thing still died from water later on the ride back. I bought a Cardo after that and it's been 7-8 years of riding every day with no issue. I may upgrade soon because the updated voice control is sweet, by far the biggest selling point. We didn't get Dave's opinion... Great review, keep them coming!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Don’t think the Senas are spermicide proof, either ... lol

[@mrsexytime_]

@@kierenmoore3236 you work with what you got

[@kierenmoore3236]

Mr Sexy Time - That’s exactly how I apologized to the girl I woke up with this morning. 👍🏼

[@cliff8675]

If I ever start riding in groups that use comms, I'll pick up a Cardo. There are ways to rig one system to the other and bring groups together (so I've heard). But even if it doesn't work as advertised, I prefer waterproof guarantees. The only reason I haven't been caught in a storm this year is the pandemic. In the last week there have been pop-up storms around the region at my normal commute times. So, traveling from home to office and back, means possibly getting wet once in a while. If it can't take being hosed down by a tropical storm once in a while, it can't be on my bike.

[@googlenutzer1188]

We are a group of four riders using the Cardo Packtalk Bold units. Bought them 'cause another group of riders recommended them to us. We're absolutly happy, even with open helmets clear voice and talking up to 110km/h then the wind noise overlays the talking voice. Otherwise no issues with understanding. Rangewise, far below the announced the distance. You're fine up to 300-400 meters then it cuts out. The group remains in this distance anyway so no problems so far.

[@AbhishekNigam44]

Brilliant video. Cardo it is!

[@PatsAdventuresTravels]

I upgraded my Sena 20K to the Pack Talk Bold a couple years ago. Mainly for the wind cancellation. Second is the water proof. Even though I had the 20K in some serious rain and never had an issue with it. My Cardo starts to warn me at 25 percent battery life with a beep.

[@NJMike67]

2nd 50S just died on me in light rain. My old 20S would always work after drying out. I'm done with Sena.

[@miguelmillan768]

Thanks for your review, interesting. I have a set of 2 x 50S for 2 years, I was happy until my battery started dying in 1 and a half hour ride. Sena said the solution is to buy a new unit and I'm not happy with this solution. Also agree with you on the voice command; I haven't been able to use it in a comfortable way when my friends that use Cardo, they are very comfortable using voice command for every need. I have another comment; when you use Mesh intercom between 50S and some others 50S seems to work very good, but when there is somebody in the group with a Sena Mesh but different model, then electronic static noise started getting in the communication. I had used 20S duo pack for many years, now have used 50S for couple years and feeling disappointed with the Sena.

[@thor8640]

I currently have a 20S and it annoyed me from day one as I can barely hear music or a phone call at highway speeds. Will give Cardo a try when I buy a new lid later this year. Great test btw, although somewhat inconclusive IMO. Couldn't agree more with open mesh allowing Sena and Cardo to connect with each other.

[@adrianlampard419]

I have the Sena SRL 2 in my Shoei and have had no problems what so ever. It does everything i want it to do, and imho it looks far better than something stuck on the outside of the helmet.

[@BrandGSX]

The SHO-1 is a similar low profile design and the packtalk slim is also very similar. I agree that the low profile units are much better looking and honestly produce less wind noise.

[@davidmohr4004]

Thanks for the vid.

[@BrandGSX]

I originally purchased Sena and was happy. I knew a few people with them and we could connect and chat. It worked but after the first few days I was not really blown away by it but continued to use it and be content. Later I got a new helmet and decided to get a new comm device rather than transfer it over. I got a Cardo and was immediately impressed everything was just a little better my opinion. I eventually got used to using it and didnt think much of it. That was until I went back to the helmet with the Sena and I was immediately disappointed. The audio quality was very bad while riding comparatively and it just wasn't as easy to use and setup. This prompted me to get a few friends that could afford them to purchase a Cardo as well. The only issue I ever had was I purchased a Packtalk Slim and the charging port broke. Luckily Cardo warrantied it for 2 years and replaced it for free. The port breaking was almost a deal breaker though. Was so angry as I was so careful with it. Luckily Cardo had a new unit in my hands in less that a week. Excellent warranty and customer service and here is me hoping that the issue that caused the failure in the first place has been fixed. (its rather common on the original slim from looking online) One friend purchased a slim with me and had the same issue and my other friends got the Bold and never had this problem. The replacement unit looks a little different on the outside so I am hopeful that the problem with the port has been fixed. Overall I like the Cardo but an worried about it breaking again as the warranty is almost up. I really like the low profile of the slim but cannot recommend it at this time. The Bold seems good but I just don't have the experience with it to say its the best device. If it doesn't have the port issue I can say I would not hesitate to recommend it though.

[@davintempleman7580]

Agreed Sena & Cardo get your act together and fix your mesh systems.

[@BrandGSX]

Sena has the largest market share and I doubt they want to risk losing customers because they can go out and buy "Brand X" and still chat with their friends. Cardo is gaining a large customer base and doesn't want to risk the same thing. Unlikely to happen. The bluetooth consortium/SIG would need to do this as they have no skin in the game.

[@pachoochies]

Thanks for the info.

[@bernhtp]

Great review/comparison. The lack of interoperability is disappointing. I have the Packtalk Slim JBL (Shoei X14) as I have a sport bike. It works pretty well, though I am looking forward to an update that provides longer range and fixes some issues.

[@kierenmoore3236]

bernhtp - Nice. Thinking of getting a Slim for my X14 (600RR); still seems like the best of the current options? Either that or wait for a new Cardo unit update. No regrets with your Slim?

[@BrandGSX]

@@kierenmoore3236 Be careful of the charging port. Look it up as they do break on the slim. Only problem I ever had. My replacement one Cardo sent me for free looks a little different on the outside so I hope it has been addressed and fixed as it is a common issue.

[@hannibalgarces7692]

Cardo. Got it 4 months ago. The best!

[@samsamant3281]

Really cool video and very informative too! I must add one thing here, which is that the Sena DOES connect for over a KM in a straight line, We've tested this on a plateau running several kilometres straight and have found that the connection is still good. Could you please cover the Apps the next time around? I think Sena just has too many different apps and most of the time, the software has been the issue with them. Would love to see a short video on that aspect from you! Keep on rocking!

[@imadecoy.]

Yeah I tested this a long time ago. Buddy stood near-ish to the road and I rode off into the distance. Ground was not flat, I went over a hill and we used the SMH-10R units only rated for 900m. Yeah the quality degraded pretty fast, but I could hear him well past 1 KM and didn't get the full disconnect until 1.6 KM

[@michaelk7016]

Thank you so much for this test. I hope Sena can improve on noise cancelling en waterproofing their units..

[@andrewh4774]

Thanks for the review. When doing a range test could you elevate the stationary system to 1.5m to 2m to represent it being worn by another rider. With RF height equates to range. You might also get ground plane effect with the antenna being so close to the ground this may impact the range and stability of the signal.

[@LongWayHome]

Good point, so I went out again. Got about 20% more range. 100m.

[@TrakxGoPro]

well done and said. Compatability!!!

[@octaviodiokno4667]

this is a great review

[@bc312070]

Love my Cardo, Sena a motorcycle comms that's not waterproof nah. Great honest & informative review.

[@headkicked]

Where are you wearing your Bluetooth headset?! In a pool? At the beach?!

[@Scootir185]

A really great review (again!). My experience has exactly mirrored yours with both manufacturers - Sena continues to offer subpar, buggy products that really negatively impact my ride. Every Sena ride is guaranteed to have 15 minutes of messing around trying to get everyone connected. Not to mention that Sena sound quality at speed is so poor that I can’t hear my group past about 65 mph. Cardo on the other hand can link up a group in about 30 seconds through their app, and then you’re done. Forever. And Cardo’s sound cancellation software allows voice communication up to about 100 mph in the same helmet (well, I mean in theory, what kind of crazy person would ever go 100 mph?). What has bothered me as well of late is the number of major helmet manufacturers who have gotten in bed with Sena or offer some proprietary nonsense built into an otherwise desirable lid. Luckily my Packtalk Bold just glued right on top of the Sena insert on my Neotec 2, but I would have far preferred a more elegant solution. Hey thanks for your awesome content! Your reviews are honest and thorough, truly some of the very best I’ve found on the interwebs. And you’re really funny. You’ve quickly become one of my very favorite motorcycle channels. And if Sena and Cardo, or other potential sponsors, are listening you’ve already impacted several of my motorcycle related buying decisions. Strong work!

[@JensBalze]

I'm from Germany and I could only laugh about the 100mph :P That is a speed I ride like every day on my way to work on the Autobahn :D Communication with cardo still works fine. Unfortunately Sena has a market share from above 80% here in Germany. So many people here doesn't even know about Cardo and think this is a bad and cheap brand...

[@lugnut1009]

I have been saying the same thing for a long time! All communication head sets should use standard mesh communication instead of not working very well with each other even on Bluetooth mode...

[@NickMasseyRideon]

I am quite surprised at your sena range tests. With my wife and I we get pretty good range, we have been a Kilometre away in traffic having got separated, and we still had a solid connection.

[@toddswain7459]

Seems like a market opportunity for someone to make a device that works with both systems! I'd buy it!

[@sumporfuk]

Thanks for the comparison video. Through the years Sena has repeatedly demonstrated their inability to manufacture an honest product and I truly despise them for that. Having said that I did take them up on their rebated offer which had me relinquish my 20S and upgrade to the 50S. I figured it was the best way to deal with an aged 20S that had become a dust collecting paperweight. Even though fully functional old technology eventually becomes obsolete so it’s better to recoup salvage dollars while keeping pace with the current tech however flawed its execution may be. I do hope that Cardo will step up to the plate and introduce an updated unit with a proper USB C port and an external speaker port if it doesn’t already have one. That is where I will look to spend my retail dollars going forward.

[@kierenmoore3236]

^ This

[@kierenmoore3236]

Bernd DasBrot - “... *if* it doesn’t already have one ...”. Comprender?

[@paulkirch4028]

I totally agree with your comments on "Why can't a Sena talk to a Cardo". If one of them came up with a unit to talk to another brand, SOLD AMERICAN

[@siloettee]

I had a sena 20s. It was great for answering phone calls. And I listened to music through my phone from it. But it was crap when trying to talk to my husband while riding. I have since upgraded my ride and am in need of just communication. Our HOG group uses CBs and they have crazy range. If we could find a company that combined Blue tooth with CB that would be great!

[@luisoutumuro424]

Cardo should license their mesh technology to willing 3rd party comm manufacturer partners... creating a de facto standard.

[@BrandGSX]

Thats tricky. On one hand you don't want to charge to much for the licensing so other manufacturers will buy it but on the other hand you don't want it to be so cheap that they can massively under sell you and kill your own product.

[@luisoutumuro424]

@@BrandGSX True, it would be tricky. The devil would be in the details. Specifically the documents to keep the licensing reasonable and accountable. Technology Sharing Agreement with a reverse engineering clause, Manufacturing Licensing Agreement, Non Disclosure Agreement, Terms Of Use, Manufacture Developer Kit. And so on. Think in the scope of "big tech". Sell the product and the platform. Sell the device... but also sell the operating system, the CPU & GPU, the RAM and the displays. Define the platform. Set the standard. Dominate manufacturing and retail markets.

[@gavinfraser7784]

I don’t have mesh but I agree any intercom with mesh should be able to contact to each other 🤷‍♂️

[@Juuul89]

Maybe Sena should spend a little less on marketing and a little more on R&D, just a thought.

[@Juuul89]

@J G Yup you're right! Maybe the wind filter is more difficult but to me it just looks like they're spending their budget on paying off motovloggers XD.

[@sukhoi3747]

J G EOS R5? It’s an super amazing camera. The haters whine about the overheating issue, they forget the device is a Photography Camera with video feature. The main objective is still photos not video. The 8k video is there as bonus not main feature. Sena 50K/R failed because of overall features are inferior than 4 years old Pactalk Bold.

[@B1ueStryk3r]

Well people are stupid enough to believe paid review.

[@timmadmudder2719]

My upgrade will include universal mesh. Currently Sena & Cardo will not get my money because of current limitations with Mesh technology. I'll live with the 20s until such time.

[@oohafrican4658]

I just upgraded my unit and wanted to go with the cardo but everyone I ride with has sena. If the mesh was universal I would have definitely went with Cardo

[@josh_ari]

great idea. for both systems to communicate together they would both have to get on the same Bluetooth version. and you're right, cardio could use an upgrade of their Bluetooth version though. I hear that the JBL speakers that cardo uses are not as good as sena's harmon kardon speakers though.

[@robb8773]

I would like to see you do a cardo Packtalk bold vs edge comparison, please!

[@darronmorris2683]

Thank you for your review we were ready to give up on Cardo we have been having issues with the packtalk slim. Two vacations with no communication he in the US. Cardo stepped up and sent out two new unites so we will see how they work. Just just updated to latest firmware and reinstalled in helmets. I help manage a group of about 350 bikers so it is good to give an update to how both units are working. Thanks again. Thank you for listening to us Cardo!!!

[@TheMegamsp]

So, now what's your feedback? Do you recommend Cardo Packtalk Bold?

[@spetersonmusic]

Owned a 30K, bought a Packtalk Bold. Cardo for the win. Everything about it is better. I just use Bluetooth phone call when riding with my Sena wearing friend. The only solution at this point for that. Cardo just does it better. I agree with you wholeheartedly on them coming up with a common source mesh. That would make the world a better place.

[@RichardDePas]

Started with a Cardo ScalaRider many years ago but was tough to use with heavy gloves on. Went to the Sean SMH10. Easy to operate but very basic. Bought a Sena 10U when I bought a Schuberth C3 helmet. Pairing and operation are horrible even with 2 different remotes plus it is designed for the C3 helmet only. Second remote failed (believe it may have gotten water in it since Sena can't make things waterproof). Looked at the Sena 50 series but as the review says, Sena is playing catch up still. Going back to Cardo with teh Packtalk Bold and ditching the remotes and need for a cheat sheet to operate the dang Sena. Looking forward to Natural Voice commands even if I have to do Bluetooth pairing to my buddies running Sena. Think they will follow suit once they see how the Cardo works.

[@ThrillaPark]

Good work.

[@davidgray8863]

I have had the Sena SMH10, I now own the cardo packtalk bold duo and without a doubt... THE SENA IS THE MOST INTUITIVE HEADSET OUT THERE. touch a button to play music, hold that button to share with other units, next track, roll the wheel forward, previous track roll it back, everything pretty much revolves around the main button and wheel which is so easy to use even wearing the thickest gloves. The Cardo may be better at being weatherproof and wind noise reduction, but it has multiple tiny little buttons, they are very confusing (if you can find them with winter gloves on,) I have not managed to get the voice commands to work and there are many to remember. Using the FM radio (I don't ever listen to radio) regardless of whether I scan forward or backwards on the cardo... it is always the same station, never changes. Both are excellent for sound and voice quality but I was using the sena within a minute of attaching it to my helmet (also sena has better helmet attachment), while I struggle to make the cardo do what I want it to do, 3 days after owning it. When I use my sena, it plays the tracks I have set up, the cardo app finds some long forgotten tracks on my phone and I cannot seem to control what it picks. I would not say it is user unfriendly but the controls should be stolen from sena's simplistic super effective SMH 10.

[@JakeTher1pp3r]

Cardo is 100% the best system out there bar none..it’s the only system I recommend to my customers 🤙

[@B1ueStryk3r]

I have gen 1, still going strong, in all weather.

[@redeyedfreaks]

Does your store stock UClear? On paper their line up is impressive but I've yet to see them in person

[@romanthebarman5919]

Nice one. Cheers

[@drivinpeople8699]

just got a Cardo Freecom4+ last week and i have already called through half my contacts using the voice commands.... i did not want to speak to any of them and it was very uncomfortable :D But beyond that, if it actually calls the right person, the quality of the sound and the wind noise cancellation is amazing!!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Lol ... “You meet the nicest people, on a ...” Cardo?!! 🙃

[@luckylarrikin1439]

Where I am the Cardo Freecom4+ is not that much cheaper than buying a BOLD or a SLIM . . . . . so why did you buy the Freecom? I can only guess that money was real tight . . . no shame in that scenario.

[@nokstabln]

friends have cardo, sena and other cheap variants, so on group rides we use group call and now whatsapp group call with normal in ear headphones, mic tucked between cheekpad and face, it sounds surprisingly good, no wind noise. The motorcycle communicators feel like old tech with no great usability for the price, the fact that the devices cannot communicate between each other is sad, pay 300euro and have to use our phones for group rides...not optimal but only way we can all speak to each other.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Engineered incompatibility ... Capitalism at its finest/most efficient ... 😏 Good point ... Cardo AND Sena might just make both of themselves redundant, if they keep playing incompatibility games ...

[@kierenmoore3236]

Bernd DasBrot - I assume you meant hearing directions? If you want to hear commands, get a wife! 😜

[@BrandGSX]

Why not just use bluetooth mode and daisy chain? You don't have to use the mesh network on Cardo or Sena or most other brands to link up a large group. But if you have enough Cardo owners in the group (half) you can have them use bridge mode and each bring one rider into the network with other brand comms, even phones. With that said it must be nice to have unlimited data, great phone coverage and battery life. As soon as we get into the mountains our riding group wouldn't be able to talk and phone batteries die fast then they are in constant use. These standalone comms defiantly have their place but it nice you were able to find a way to ride without them.

[@reibax]

Totally agree with the fact that I'm not buying either of them because of the proprietary nature of the mesh protocols.

[@GaryBickley]

Have packtalk slim, brother of the Bold. Biggest quality issue is the ridiculously prone to damage charging point in the unit. The small USB connector is to flimsy for durability. Had to send one back already after on 3k miles using it. The process was very easy and no quibble.

[@LongWayHome]

Agree. USB Type C is the way to go.

[@mikeyb6737]

Bold or the Slim? using the Arai XD4. Great fun review thanks

[@stephlamb996]

for the Mesh will be as comutering or video standard. when they will be tired to fight they will work for the customer and not for people from marketing

[@Lawman-196]

Cardo doesn't have play nice, there's is simply better. I have the Pac Talk Slim and love it!

[@luckylarrikin1439]

Yep I luv the Slim . . . . a nice low profile on my helmet . . . . however; Cardo might have done better by locating the USB charge socket on the battery pack that sits at the back of the helmet thus making it easier to get to.

[@jeremyhaley4220]

I bought the duo slims and a friend of mine also bought one and all 3 have had the charging port fail... I'm trying to get cardo to fix mine now?

[@avrc9285]

Interesting, I guess not Sena it is ... not convinced with the range test .. great presentation though, thank you.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Meshing a group of Cardos is a pain in the ass though. Groups who I have ridden with many times before never seem to reconnect a few weeks later, everyone wipes the old group and starts again. Everybody seems to get a different name too, they really need to sort that out.

[@gsdcjd]

While a bit inconsistent the voice command capability makes it a top choice

[@BM0v0]

I know more people that have Sena but the few people that have a Cardo was once on a Sena or started with Cardo. The Sena side would say it's the "known motorcycle brand" and the Cardo side would say that "it works better than Sena". I'm still doing all the research I can before I pick a side. Kinda leaning toward Cardo

[@digger8180]

Thank you for this post😃👍🏻 A good few moons ago I bought a Schuberth C4 helmet and the com's system that slots into the helmet. The helmet has done more miles going between the Schuberth distributor in the UK and back to myself then back and fourth it's even made it to Schuberth in Germany twice. This is further than I have ridden my bike in the time I have owned the helmet and system. It turns out the system is made by SENA and water ingression wrecks the control unit, even though the unit slots in to a designed space on the underside of the helmet. I managed to figure out the problem myself after my helmets many holidays and it was as simple a fix as applying a little dielectric grease to the control unit where it lights up. Why it lights up in an area that you can't see, on the bottom of your helmet is a mystery to me. I informed Schuberth of the fix, I think they regret the deal they made with Sena. I see you have the BMW helmet, have you tried their system, I don't know who makes it for BMW, probably Sena, I have an inkling Cardo might not work with a German company. I owned an original Cardo system years ago and it lasted 10+ years, I personally think they are far superior.