Do Cardo Headsets & Speakers Work On Any Helmet? Here's How Compatible They Are

Cardo is a popular brand of wireless communication devices, offering some of the best headset systems for your motorcycle helmet. If you're considering trying a Cardo system, you will first want to make sure its compatible with your helmet. Cardo headsets actually aren't restricted to a specific helmet design, and they're made to work with most current motorcycle helmets.

In fact, Cardo describes its devices as being "universally compatible," which means riders typically don't have to worry about whether or not their helmet will work with their purchase. Cardo currently has a wide range of options in its lineup, including the PACKTALK Pro, PACKTALK Edge, PACKTALK Neo, and Spirit, among others. Cardo also has a separate PACKTALK Outdoor system which is designed for outdoor use, including skiing and snowboarding.

Headset systems are one of the best gadgets for motorcycle riders, as they allow sound to travel through the helmet. However, there may be some adjusting necessary in order to get the best results because a motorcycle helmet's built-in speaker cavities may not place the Cardo speakers directly where your ears are. Cardo says the speakers can be placed just outside the helmet's cavities when needed, though you may need Velcro pads to help bring them closer to your ears. If your helmet's speaker areas are too deep for a good fit, you can add a layer of foam to help fill the gap. Even a small difference in positioning can affect how clearly the audio comes through.

Unlike a traditional wired headset, Cardo uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your devices while riding. The Cardo unit receives information and sends the audio to the speakers inside the helmet while the microphone picks up your voice. This allows you to listen to music and navigation directions, plus make phone calls, without physically needing to operate any of your connected devices.

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Cardo system is that it gives you the ability to communicate with other riders. This is similar to how a hands-free walkie talkie system works, as it allows you to talk to other riders within range through the speakers in your helmet while they hear you through theirs. Once the connection is established, you can talk without having to press a button every time you want to speak. You can also use voice commands to start or end the intercom and control other functions as you're riding.

The way Cardo connects you to other riders depends on the system you're using. For example, with standard Bluetooth, the riders' units communicate with each other in sequence. As a result, the connection can be interrupted if someone gets too far away. However, Cardo's Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) works by creating a rider network. This allows the system to adjust when riders move farther apart. It also helps keep everyone connected as the group moves down the road.