Cardo Systems Bluetooth helmet to helmet communication for four, plus JBL sound to ride to your favourite playlist.
There are two things guaranteed with technology. One is that technology is constantly improving. Two is in order to keep up with latest technological offerings, all you have to do is add money. It doesn’t seem to matter what industry, product or function.
Cardo Systems got me hooked on bluetooth communication many years ago with the Scala Rider Q3. Promoted as a communication system, I was more interested in the way to listen to music while riding. I find it obnoxious to have a stereo blasting my personal choice in tunes from the dash of a bike. I have sat many a peaceful morning with coffee at the beach, day dreaming in silence only to have it interrupted by obnoxiously loud pipes (vehicles and motorcycles), or someone’s stereo too loud and, the offender doesn’t share my taste in music.
The reason I ride is to escape the constant noise of daily life. I love the fact that I can put on a helmet and the world gets shut out. I am now in control of what I let in to my world and music is something I rarely live without.
Like any other tech company, Cardo Systems moves fast. I finally upgraded to Cardo Systems Freecom 4x with the JBL sound and it seems now that Cardo System PackTalk is all the rage. In addition to that, Ducati has to have its own branded Cardo Systems and Simpson Helmets is also working on a design specific to their helmet line.
Back to the Cardo Systems Freecom 4x. The 4x simply means that the system is capable of connecting no more than four riders and up to 1.2 km / .75 mi. It operates smoothly with natural voice operation. If one system becomes disconnected, it will automatically reconnect on its own.
I wear one of three helmets when I head out on two wheels. The first helmet has the original Freecom 4x set up with the JBL sound. The second one, I cheaped out and bought a basic second connection without the JBL. At first I didn’t really notice because I was wearing the second helmet all the time. My music sounded a little tinny and lacked bass. Eventually, it began to annoy me. So, when helmet number three was introduced into the mix, I bought a additional connection with the JBL sound. There’s the bass! Big difference and like everything else – add more money.
Putting these systems inside a helmet is a bit cumbersome because you have to take apart the padding, try to hide the wires, put the speakers in just the right place and then somehow, when you get it all back together it isn’t as perfect but at least you now have music.
My music connects effortlessly with the my phone. The buttons are relatively easy to find if I want to forward a song, or stop the music. A roll of the dial will change the volume, however, if your phone volume is low, you will not be able to turn up the Freecom 4X volume past the limit on your phone.
Of note, placement of the holder on your helmet is key. There are two ways to mount the system. One is to have the holder clip onto your helmet from the bottom edge. You have to put it at such a place as to be able to hide the wires inside the helmet. You will most likely mount it on the left side of your helmet so you can operate with non-throttle hand and you have to find the sweet spot. By sweet spot I mean, too far forward and when you check your blindspot, your shoulder will either adjust your volume or turn the music off. Too far back and you will be fishing to find it while riding. A little trial and error will be necessary.
If you don’t want to mess with it, or have it mount to the bottom of your helmet, Cardo Systems includes a second option of affixing it to your helmet with an adhesive plate.
There are two microphone options as well. One for full face and a longer extension for open face helmets. Microphones come complete with wind socks including a spare.
If you are looking for a solid bluetooth communication system or simply a way to play your music inside your helmet, explore Cardo Systems website for the best option to suit you. They are not just for motorcycling.
