Looking For A Bluetooth Communicator? Here Is Why Cardo Systems Is King!

Few tech products have ever changed motorcycling as much as the Bluetooth communicator. In addition to connecting riders to each other, Bluetooth devices brought the power of the smartphone inside the helmet, which puts a whole world of tools at the rider’s disposal.

Modern Bluetooth communication units allow riders to talk to each other, hear directions for navigation, listen to music, use voice assistants, or even record rides. (Not that you shouldn’t keep a working knowledge of old-school hand signals, too!)

From Reddit, to YouTube, to review sites all over the internet, Cardo Bluetooth Communication Systems have consistently come out on top when compared to other offerings in their price range. Although later to the game than its main competitor Sena, Cardo has invested heavily in R&D and listen to the everyday biker to put together what is arguably the best package possible at different price points to cater to different group of audiences.

From the PackTalk series of products catering to higher-end users and the Freecom range for those who are looking for a more budget friendly solution, Cardo has you covered regardless of what your requirements might be.

Cardo is distributed exclusively in Singapore by Chong Aik International Pte Ltd

As Cardo’s SOLE AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR in Singapore, Chong Aik provides:
3-Year Warranty (For Packtalk Black)
2-Year Warranty
1-to-1 exchange on the spot (For parts deemed faulty not due to wear and tear)
*With proof of purchase: Invoice

Entry-Level Recommendation (Cardo's Freedom Range):

We’re recommending Cardo’s Freecom + units for the average motorcyclist. Most folks just need to get some directions, listen to music, and talk to another rider or two. They want a communicator that’s easy to use and pair without breaking the bank. The Freecom + units provide exactly that, so congratulations to Cardo for earning our choice for most riders. Nothing fancy, and no compromises where it counts.

Carbon Freecom 4+

Cardo played it smart by creating three different units within the Freecom + line that get more features as they get more expensive. Each Freecom’s name tells you how many other riders can link up to it in total. Need to talk to your pillion or just get audio via Bluetooth? Get a Freecom 1+. Run a Freecom 2+ for two, and Freecom 4+ for four. (There is no 3+.) All the Freecom + devices use a simple button layout, with the addition of a slim jog wheel for the 4+. These units keep a low profile when mounted on a helmet.

There is a catch with the Freecom 1+, though. It can function as an intercom to talk to a passenger with another Freecom communicator, but its range is too limited to connect to other riders on other bikes. You can still stream music and hear turn-by-turn directions from your app of choice, so this is really for connecting to your phone or talking to your passenger via the basic boom mic. As the cheapest Freecom, the price reflects its limitations. If you want better sound quality, especially for listening to music, take a look at the JBL speaker upgrade, although you won’t really need it for turn-by-turn directions or chatter with your passenger.

Move up to the Freecom 2+ if you commonly ride with one riding buddy. The Freecom 2+ adds communication between two riders on two different bikes, out to 500 meters. The Freecom 2+ also gets a wired mic option (along with the basic boom mic option). The JBL speaker upgrade is also available for the 2+.

The Freecom looks sleek on any helmet!

Frequently out riding with your three amigos? You’ll want the the last unit in the series, the Freecom 4+. It can pair with up to three other devices over 0.75 miles (1.2 km). Additional features include “natural voice” technology for smartphone voice commands, a jog dial, and upgraded JBL speakers included as standard. All three Freecom units are available as single units or in dual packs. The dual packs save you a few bucks per unit.

Note: Only the Freecom 4+ comes with Cardo’s upgraded JBL speakers. You’ll have to pay more for the JBLs if you want better sound quality from the 1+ and 2+.

Premium-Level Recommendation (Cardo's PackTalk Range):

Whether you opt for the Cardo PackTalk BOLD or the PackTalk Slim, these are by far hands down the best overall Bluetooth communicators. That’s due to Cardo’s audio quality, mesh technology, and ease of use. These units are functionally the exact same. The Bold is one complete unit, whereas the Slim relocates the battery to the back of the helmet for less wind drag. Take your pick, because both options are equally brilliant.

Cardo’s excellent mesh tech can connect a rider to a group of up to 15 riders. Even better, you’ll be able to talk to any PackTalk-equipped rider you can see up to one mile away (1.6 km), with a total group span of up to five miles (8 km). How’s that possible? Imagine three riders spread out over a distance: Harley, David, and Sonny. Cardo’s mesh technology can join lead rider Harley to Sonny in the back via David’s communicator in the middle, pushing the group’s range far beyond a single communicator’s abilities. That’s great, but what about pairing with a different brand of communicator that doesn’t support mesh connections? The PackTalk units can connect with them, too, over plain old Bluetooth.

Cardo's mesh technology is what sets them apart

The true beauty of the mesh system is in real-world riding, where a group might spread out, then join up again. Cardo’s mesh network automagically reconnects as riders drop back into range. No more stopping to mash buttons in an attempt to link back up. Add best-in-class noise cancellation, upgraded JBL speakers, voice command technology with multilingual options, and up to 13 hours of talk time, and Cardo’s PackTalk Slim/PackTalk BOLD units easily take the top honors for best Bluetooth communicator around.

Don't take our word for it though, if you need more convincing, take a look at this very detailed comparison video done by the good guys over at FortNine, although a couple of years old now, Cardo has consistently taken the top honours over the past 3 years:

Comparison between the different Cardo products

So whether you are looking to prepare for a touring trip up North when the borders are open, or you want to get a communication system so that you can communicate with your pillion or friends when you go exploring around Singapore, you won't go wrong with a Cardo system.

Hit up Cardo's exclusive distributor in Singapore - Chong Aik International Pte Ltd to enquire about their products today! Mention that you are from SingaporeBikes.com and you might just get a special price! (Don't quote us on that though!)

Or purchase via their online webstore located here:

http://www.chongaik.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=1002_1833

Purchasing from the authorised distributor ensures that you get the best advice on your purchase, aftersales support, and unrivalled warranty process should the need arises. Support local businesses today!

45 Desker Road, Singapore 209576
Phone: (+65) 6294 2532/1
Open on: Mon-Fri: 09:00am-06:00pm / Sat: 09:00am-05:00pm

Did You Know?

The Red Lions, performing at Singapore's National Day Parade, communicate with each other during the skydive maneuver via Cardo PackTalk Bold communication systems! Cool right?!