Cardo Packtalk Bold Vs Slim

Are you trying to figure out if you should get the Cardo Packtalk Bold or the Cardo Packtalk Slim for yourself? Today we’ll be comparing both for you.

They’ve been dubbed one of the best motorbike communications systems in the market, and we’re here to help you choose between the two. We’ll be taking a look at things like:

• Functions of the Cardo Packtalk communication system.
• Features of the Cardo Packtalk communication system.
• Significant Differences between the Cardo Packtalk Bold and the Cardo Packtalk Slim.
• Performance of Cardo Packtalk systems compared to other communication systems.

If you’re an avid rider and have a passion for travel, you’ll know that keeping an open line of communication is critical for coordination and safety. So, it’s necessary to have the right equipment that will support you no matter the circumstances. 

Read on to know why you should choose Cardo systems.

Specifications and Review

Cardo is one of the oldest companies providing modular communication systems for motorcyclists, and they’ve been integrating their systems ever since they started making products. This has led to their latest update of the Cardo Packtalk comms system. 

Cardo Packtalk Bold

The Packtalk Bold is a replacement for Cardo Packtalk because of two key feature upgrades– voice command and collaboration with JBL speakers.

When you need both hands on the handles and to focus your attention on a winding road, the voice command feature is a must have! 

Simply saying “Hey Cardo” along with your command will trigger the device to complete the task. Making it straightforward to switch tracks and connect with your GPS, rather than fiddling with buttons. 

The speakers from JBL, make the audio clear. Unlike most helmet comms systems that have low-end barely audible speakers.

The device has received favourable reviews from almost all its users. The highlights being, its seamless connectivity, range, battery life, speaker quality and adjustability.

Cardo Packtalk Slim

The Cardo Packtalk slim is similar to the Packtalk Bold and Packtalk in most functions except that it’s smaller in size, as the name suggests, and there is a range difference.

The design of slim lets the battery sit on the back of your helmet,  apart from the primary comms system. 

The compact design makes it very easy to mount on your helmet, and the larger buttons, make it easy to operate even with gloves on.

The Slim like the Bold has upgraded JBL speakers, and the best part is the price for both models are similar.

The Packtalk Slim comes with numerous positive reviews just as its counterpart. However, if you want a sleeker and compact option, you should positively go for this one.

Bear in mind there’s a chance of slight discomfort caused by the battery that’s mounted at the back, and the range coverage is 0.8 miles rather than the 1-mile range you get with the bold version.

Functions of the Cardo Packtalk communication system

The Packtalk Bold and Slim flaunts many functions that promise to make every ride more comfortable and easy. Yup, that’s right, easy! And how, you may ask? 

Well, you’ll have a device that ensures you’re regularly communicating with your fellow travelling companions. It makes sure you’re entertained with access to your phones’ music apps and radio. You can also access the GPS for navigation. We’ll discuss the essential functions that set this comms system apart from the others.

Both devices have very similar functions with only slight differences, which we’ll discuss later, so keep reading on.

Features of the Cardo Packtalk communication system

The comms system has a sleek design. Its features are simple and have a way of flawlessly blending with the entire facade. They’ve been built not to distract the rider or cause discomfort when mounted to the helmet.

The Packtalk Bold is bulkier with the battery installed into the unit along with the function keys. The dimensions of the unit are 8.89 x 2.49 x 4.83 cm, and it weighs 56.98 Grams.

The buttons are on the smaller side, so toggling them while you have riding gloves on may be an issue, and it comes with a flip antenna to improve connectivity while you’re using the DMC.

The Packtalk Slim, as the name suggests, is slender and more petite in size, with its dimensions being ‎6.86 x 0.64 x 3.78 cm and weighing 47.6 Grams.

The buttons are more prominent, making it easier to toggle with or without gloves, and there’s no flip antenna. The battery is separated from the primary comms device and will have to be mounted independently at the back of the helmet.

The slim and bold come with JBL speakers that are 40mm in diameter and 9.2mm deep and can be easily fitted into any helmet. The company also includes a 12-volt charger,  Noise-canceling microphone, Hybrid microphone, Corded microphone, Replacement microphone sponges and Speaker booster pads for all your audio and sound requirements. 

They’ve gone a step further and added alcohol pads, Velcro pads, a Hybrid mic clip and a Glue plate to make the installation and mounting process more manageable.

You can check the user guide that’s also included in the box or download their app for instructions on how to get the device installed and set up. The application is supported on both Android and iOS.

Significant Differences: Bold and Slim

You should know, there are more similarities in function between the Cardo Pactalk bold and Packtalk slim than differences. Nonetheless, there are a few notable differences.

The design might be the most prominent feature that sets these two devices apart.

The Bold is bigger, heavier and has the battery built into the central comms unit.

The slim is 18gms lighter, and the battery is separate from the comms unit, so you’ll have to mount both separately. The battery goes behind the helmet, and it fits well, but after using your helmet for some time, you most likely will feel the battery behind your neck. 

The function buttons are also quite different. You get three buttons for media, intercom and telephone on the bold, and you have a  control wheel that you can rotate or even click at the back. 

The buttons are smaller in size on the bold. On the slim, it’s simplified, and you have buttons for telecom, media, phone and increasing and decreasing the volume. The buttons on the slim are slightly larger.

The second big difference is the range coverage while using Bluetooth. They both come with Bluetooth 4.1, but unlike the bold, which gives you access to a range of 1 mile (1.6 km), the slim gives you access of up to 0.8 miles (1.2km). 

However, when you switch over to DMC, they both have a capacity of 5 miles (8km) and can link up to 15 units. 

Overall, the functions and features remain the same, so it largely depends on your personal preferences since the price for both devices is also the same.

Performance compared to other communication systems

Communication is crucial while on the road and may not always be as easy as pressing a button, especially when you’re riding, so picking the suitable comms device is imperative to make sure that you and your mates stay well connected at all times. 

We’ve made a general comparison of key features of the Cardo Packtalk range with other devices, and we hope it helps you narrow down your choices.

Packtalk and Sena

The Packtalk features DMC and Bluetooth 4.1 with a connectivity capacity of up to 15 people. Using the device is made easy with voice commands. They’ve collaborated with JBL to give their users the best quality sound systems, and their battery life is formidable. 

They also make the devices waterproof, and it blends into the helmet seamlessly. A few things to look out for would be the price and function keys on the device that may be hard to toggle.

The Sena has a Mesh intercom that allows you to communicate with 30k users and includes Bluetooth 4.1 with a connectivity capacity of up to 30k devices that do not support Mesh intercom. 

Their app has audio mixing controls and noise control. You may find that the intercom is priced relatively high. The device is also not waterproof, and they do not feature voice command.

Conclusion

There’s not much else we can say about the Packtalk devices other than they’ve both been designed and built with the user’s comfort and requirements in mind. 

Now that we’ve discussed all the fundamental features of the Cardo Packtalk devices and made comparisons with the bold and slim version. 

We hope this will help you choose the suitable communications device to accompany you on all your travels and make it even more memorable.