This product has been discontinued
Cardo Packtalk Slim JBL Headset Item # 661815
Description
The world's slimmest, premium communication system. The Packtalk Slim is light in shape but heavy on performance. Cardo packed all the punch of the industry-leading Mesh Communication into a tiny, 6.5 mm super-sport form.
Keep you eyes on the road and your hands on the bar. With our all-new, always-on, natural voice operation feature, you will never have to press a button, turn a wheel or move a slider again, because we have just empowered your voice. Whether you ride with a buddy or in a group of up to 15, just say “hey Cardo”, and your Packtalk Slim will do the rest.
Compare models
Features:
- Up to 15 riders, great from 2 upwards: Stay connected whether you are riding in duo, a group of four or a pack of fifteen. Enjoy the highest quality, long distance reception a motorcycle communication system can offer.
- Sound by JBL: Music and motorcycling are both great passions. Cardo-JBL partnership delivers – for the very first time – an ultimate listening experience whether you are tackling a mountain pass or just zooming down the freeway.
- Universal connectivity: Connect your unit to any Bluetooth headset of any substantial brand.
- Aerodynamic design: The thinnest top of the range motorcycle communication system. Only 6.5mm thick.
- Music: All the music you ever wanted streamed directly from your smartphone. Control, share and experience your favorite tune on the road.
- Phone: Answer calls, make calls and control your mobile devices with a touch of a finger or the sound of your voice. No one will ever guess you are talking from your ride.
- Longest real range: Up to 1200 meters (0.8Mi) in perfect condition, but will get you close to 800 meters in real life conditions, about twice as much as the competition.
- FM radio: Built-in FM Radio with RDS for automatic selection of the strongest signal – whether you are in town, or in the middle of nowhere.
- Technology proof: Merge any Bluetooth intercom with your mesh group conversation. Switch unit from DMC to Bluetooth mode to act as any high-end Bluetooth system.
- Automatic volume: Automatically adjusts your sound volume based on the outside ambient noise. Enjoy Vivaldi at full throttle. Don’t get deaf by AC/DC waiting for the lights turn.
- Smart audio mixing: Sophisticated algorithms make sure that all your audio sources – FM radio, music, mobile calls and intercom work together in parallel.
- Audio sharing: Share your play list or favorite radio station with your passenger. Enjoy the vibe together.
- One killer app: Get full control through one simple and intuitive app, but don’t take our word for it, just download Cardo Connect and find out for yourself.
- Charge while you ride: Forgot to charge your unit? Running out of battery? Just plug your unit to a battery pack or your 12V charger and turn your unit on. It will charge while you ride.
- 13 hours talk time: Long lasting battery ensures your unit is available when you need it.
- Call to intercom: Merge any incoming phone call into the intercom conversation. With call to intercom no friend is ever out of range.
- Private chat: Tired of the chatter? Choose just one member of the group and enjoy an intimate conversation.
What's in the box:
- Packtalk Slim intercom(s)
- 40mm JBL speakers
- Long And Short Clamps
- Long And Short Skirts
- Hybrid Microphone
- Corded Microphone
- Rectangular Velcro Pads
- Square Velcro Pads
- Speaker Relocators (Boosters)
- USB Cable
- Battery
Helmet Compatibility:
Part Numbers for Cardo Packtalk Slim JBL Headset
Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chris KR from
Voice activation/control is the only way to go
Bought the duo pack because a buddy and I are planning a trip and went halfsies on it. You save a little money that way which is nice. I upgraded to this from a cheap $65 BTS2. Which was actually very good for the money, but you can immediately tell the quality difference to this unit. The JBL speakers are great, and plenty loud, I'd say could even get too loud. They are actually heavy compared to the ones I took out on the old unit. I also like that they're a headphone jack so you could put earbuds in if so inclined.
Everything paired very easily, not many buttons to use, but once you set up you'll never use the buttons again anyway because the voice activation is very good. Hey Cardo, volume up/down, music on/off, battery status, it all works very well. I'm using a Samsung S8 and the Hey Google assistant also works great for me, if I want to change songs in my google play app, or ask the assistant for directions. I'm very impressed with how well it works.
My favorite feature is the auto adjusting volume though. If you set your music at a comfortable volume before you get on the bike, it will automatically adjust the volume to the wind noise when you're riding, and then back down to a reasonable level at a stop light. No more blaring out your ears at the stop light or trying to make volume adjustments in traffic.
I was hesitant to spend the money on this initially, because my cheap one worked ok, but this is a game changer. The extra features you get are completely worth the money.
Date published: 2019-06-21
Rated 1 out of
5
by
three cylinders or less from
Lots of issues especially for the price
I had two major quality issues with this product. One is the micro USB port failing and won't charge. The other is the headset only outputting to one side. Both seem to be common issues with this model. I got a replacement unit for the USB issue but not on the headset connection issue. Even with the replacement, I had to pay a fair amount on shipping.
Besides the quality issues, there are also some design issues. The battery pack at the back of the helmet protrudes pretty far and gets caught on the collar of my jacket especially in a more tucked position or if the jacket has a hood. Also the additional wiring between the main unit and the battery pack is likely also responsible for the unit to be prone to connection issues to the speakers. The traditional design is likely the better choice for most people.
Aside from the above issues, this product, when it's working well, provides good sound quality, noise cancelling, and handsfree features.
Date published: 2020-11-06
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dan P from
Great features. Be careful with the USB
My son and I split the duo pack with the intention of using it for the communication capabilities for the odd time we ride together, but mainly to be used as a music player and to enable calls/texts while riding.
Installation wasn't too complicated. While my helmet wasn't fully compatible, I was able to modify it a bit to get the Slim to fit.
The comm functions seem to work fine after we got used to how to set things up.
The music playing function works quite well as long as your phone isn't buried too far away. While mine works fine, my son has to keep his phone up in his chest pocket or it breaks up occasionally. (mine is iPhone, his is Samsung).
As far as volume/sound quality goes I'd say it's quite good but the quality of your helmet and the amount of wind buffeting you get while riding is going to affect it. I use a cheap modular helmet, so at highway speeds the sound isn't great unless i crank the volume to the max. If I duck down behind the windshield, it gets much better.
The 'Hey Siri' and 'Hey Cardo' commands seem to work fine.
Water resistance seems to be good as well. I've put about 1000km on using the Slim with about 100km of that being in heavy rain.
The major problem I had with mine though is that the micro USB port got loose and actually broke right out of the unit, so after a couple charges it was toast. While that was highly disappointing, Cardo customer service was quick to respond and send me a new unit once I put my broken one into the mail. I would have expected a unit coming at a premium price like this would not have had this issue, but these things can happen and they fixed the problem right away.
So in the end I"m happy with the unit... USB port issue aside, the build quality seems to be top notch and the features all work as advertised.
Date published: 2019-08-28
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Wayelder from
moderate learning curve
Instalation not hard. Getting to understand it. Really amazing tech. Works well. Expensive but adds a new dimension.
Date published: 2019-06-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Monkeyspunk from
Excellent system!
I got this system about a month ago and have used it a fair amount since getting it.
The battery life is impressive, the sound quality is top end and the features are fantastic!
I have not used any other type or brand of communication gear, so my comparisons will be skewed, but I would totally recommend these for anyone wanting to talk with their passenger or other riders in a group.
The buttons are simple to find with gloves on, the speakers are super good quality and the microphone works phenomenally well when used at speed. I have made and received phone calls using this system and the person on the other end is always shocked to hear I am riding at 120kph while talking to them.
Set up is pretty simple, and the pairing is easy too. Even connecting to other riders is easy!
I am not someone who likes to get all techy and play around with stuff a lot, so the fact that it's simple and straight forward is one of my favorite things about the Cardos.
I recommend these units very much, and the small size of the unit makes it nice to use on my helmet too.
Date published: 2019-08-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Some guy from
Sounds good. Easy to use.
First intercom system that I have used. Bought it after alot of research and review searching. Ryan F9's intercom review is what put me over the edge to buy it. Will fit on a Klim Kreos Pro. Use it mainly for the audio capabilities. Sounds a bit tinny without earplugs, but with earplugs the base comes thru a bit better. Called my wife while doing 100kph with my ADV helmet. She said it sounded like I was just standing outside in a light breeze. Nice and clear.
No noticeable wind drag or effects on the helmet comfort. Battery seems to last a long time. Voice controls are a nice feature. Easier to remember the required voice commands than the button combos.
Date published: 2019-06-20
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Coreysuds from
Excitement to disappointment
For the last year I have been researching Comm. systems for my full face lanesplitter helmet. Talking to friends, watching F9 videos about recommended models/brands, reading reviews on F9 such as this one. Finally made the decision to order this Packtalk Slim dual set with a friend and split on the cost. Upon receiving the item (which arrived quickly) I was so eager to test it out that I installed it in my helmet, to find out that a firmware updated is needed before use, which was easy (yet time consuming) on the Cardo website. My friend who I split the purchase with is without a computer so I tried to complete the firmware update for him as well, but there is an issue with the charging port (micro USB) on the unit and had trouble connecting to the computer. I had read that other riders who purchased from F9 also had this issue, seems that it is a manufacturing error on Cardo's end. I will be returning the item due to this issue.
For the unit that did not have the production error, I tested inside my house as it was installed in my helmet, the JBL speakers produce very poor sound quality, that would likely be very difficult to hear while riding.
Other friends comm. systems which I have tested such as the SENA SMH-5 function as good (or better given the USB port issue) than this Cardo at a fraction of the cost.
Really hoping the Fortnine will not charge me the return fee on this item as it is defected.
Date published: 2020-06-02
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Scotty from
Great Idea, still super buggy
I bought the slim last fall. The reason I bought it is on an annual ride last year three of the riders were communicating. I see a lot of benefit to the communicating. Ryan gave great reviews on the packtalks. I chose the slim because I thought I may as well give music a try and accepting a phone call is pretty important to me. I am pretty much giving up trying to use voice commands with my iphone 11. Rarely works and for some reason I end up with loud music that I never asked for and am unable to shut it off with voice commands. Hit and miss at a stand still and NEVER works at highway speed. The phone calls are acceptable. I haven’t been with a group yet to try the mesh system out. All I can say at this point is that the Mesh better be amazing. I would have been better off buying something for half the price that is good at comms and phone calls.
Date published: 2020-05-25
Questions
Will it fit on Bell Race star flex DLX?
If this is a model made after 2019, then yes. Prior it would not as those have a specific communication system that is now discontinued.
Date published: 2020-10-13
will the Cardo Palktalk Slim fit a half helmet with the half helmet kit
No, the half helmet kit is not compatible with the Packtalk Slim
Date published: 2019-10-16
Can I pair this with my 2 years old Freecom 4 system? Merci! Thanks, Megwetc!
Yes you can.
Date published: 2020-03-03
Do you think it will it fit a Shoei RF-1200 helmet? According to their Website (Cardo), it fits a Shoei RF-SR, but they said nothing about the RF-1200 and got no answer from them when I asked.
I have personally installed this on my RF-1200. You will need to use the short bracket for the battery mount and accept the less than perfect fit for the control unit (it fits, but the curve along the side of the helmet prevents a flush fit)... make sure to check it hasn't moved every so often.
Also, the "hole" in the side of the helmet intended for headphones will not fit the provided ear pieces (I have the non JBL - I believe the JBL are even larger). This means you may have some difficulties with comfort, or fit. I personally just deal with it, but it definitely gets uncomfortable after long rides.
Date published: 2020-03-10
Will this work with the Bell Race Star DLX?
Yes, you should be able to install it on the Bell Race Star DLX.
Date published: 2020-11-25
Can the slim be “stuck” on to the helmet? Can the slim be made to fit on a LS2 Valiant helmet?
I used double sided 3M tape on my wife’s GMAX helmet. Stuck solid they rain and high speed.
Date published: 2020-02-20
I hear that the pack talk slim is coming out with the 45mm JBL speakers, True? If so, when? Thanks
Both the single and dual pack of the Cardo Packtalk Slim have been recently upgraded to the 40mm JBL speakers.
We however do not have any update regarding the 45mm speakers.
Date published: 2019-11-11
Would the Packtalk slim fit Arai Quantum X?
Yes it should fit the Arai Quantum X.
Date published: 2021-12-24