Fuzzbuster
Well-known member
Here is my impression of the Packtalk Black Cardo system so far! 
My helmet has factory cut outs for the speakers to fit in so that is what I used for my first ride. I could not hear anything. @shanekingsley expert advice said to re-locate the speakers above the liner and more in-line with my ears. That worked way better. (Also, make sure all volume dials are up including spotify or wherever your music is coming from) the difference between the factory speaker location in my helmet and the new location is about 3/8" - 1/2" and is much closer to my ear.
I used the adhesive backed velcro to attach and did not use any shim material. When I put on my helmet I do have to give it a few wiggles to get the speakers comfortably seated against my ears. All the wires I routed under the liners and tried to not pinch them or have any that would cause a pressure point against my head. The speaker connector is tucked in at the back. I used the small stick on mic.I placed it high and off to the side. I wasn't sure if it would work at first but it works really well. It is also below the venting as shown in the pic. I didn't want it directly in front for a few reasons. I use a camel pack hydration system while riding and stuffing the mouth piece in there would not work. I also grab my helmet to carry it from the middle and was worried I would bump it. If I placed the mic in the middle it would almost be touching my face.
I fastened the mic on with the provided adhesive backed velcro. The cardo unit is attached to my helmet with the provided clip. I installed the liner after the clip was installed, it took a bit of wiggling to get it to go.
The unit fit nicely and has not moved while riding.
General notes:
After adjusting the speaker location the sound is sufficient. The unit comes with a usb charging cable but you need a wall adapter, I used my iphone one. Battery life seems good. Buttons and volume wheel work well. Voice commands work well if you can remember them all. The price was more than the regular Packtalk Bold but the speaker size is larger at 45mm, and I have hearing damage so louder is better! I mostly listen to music and it works well. I have also received phone calls and that worked well. I have not tried GPS or pairing with other riders. There is no weight difference or wind noise with the unit on the helmet that I noticed. I ordered from amazon reluctantly and received it next day and it was unopened, no finger prints etc. Overall it is great so far and for an interesting onboard listening experience try movie soundtracks like Starwars etc while your bombing down the backroad cornfields!
My helmet has factory cut outs for the speakers to fit in so that is what I used for my first ride. I could not hear anything. @shanekingsley expert advice said to re-locate the speakers above the liner and more in-line with my ears. That worked way better. (Also, make sure all volume dials are up including spotify or wherever your music is coming from) the difference between the factory speaker location in my helmet and the new location is about 3/8" - 1/2" and is much closer to my ear.I used the adhesive backed velcro to attach and did not use any shim material. When I put on my helmet I do have to give it a few wiggles to get the speakers comfortably seated against my ears. All the wires I routed under the liners and tried to not pinch them or have any that would cause a pressure point against my head. The speaker connector is tucked in at the back. I used the small stick on mic.I placed it high and off to the side. I wasn't sure if it would work at first but it works really well. It is also below the venting as shown in the pic. I didn't want it directly in front for a few reasons. I use a camel pack hydration system while riding and stuffing the mouth piece in there would not work. I also grab my helmet to carry it from the middle and was worried I would bump it. If I placed the mic in the middle it would almost be touching my face.I fastened the mic on with the provided adhesive backed velcro. The cardo unit is attached to my helmet with the provided clip. I installed the liner after the clip was installed, it took a bit of wiggling to get it to go. The unit fit nicely and has not moved while riding.General notes:
After adjusting the speaker location the sound is sufficient. The unit comes with a usb charging cable but you need a wall adapter, I used my iphone one. Battery life seems good. Buttons and volume wheel work well. Voice commands work well if you can remember them all. The price was more than the regular Packtalk Bold but the speaker size is larger at 45mm, and I have hearing damage so louder is better! I mostly listen to music and it works well. I have also received phone calls and that worked well. I have not tried GPS or pairing with other riders. There is no weight difference or wind noise with the unit on the helmet that I noticed. I ordered from amazon reluctantly and received it next day and it was unopened, no finger prints etc. Overall it is great so far and for an interesting onboard listening experience try movie soundtracks like Starwars etc while your bombing down the backroad cornfields!
