So unless you’re one of those people who live in a climate where you get to ride all year road, right now on the East Coast in the US, we are in peak riding season. If I’m lucky I get to ride from March (I did that and regretted the long-distance ride I did haha) right up to December when the first snow may drop. So we maximize our time when riding on twos! Besides listening to the sounds of the ride, like the sound our bike makes, and the winds going by; I equally like to listen to music and if riding with others the occasional chat along the way. This is where having a good comms system comes in handy, and Cardo is one of those top-tier companies in the space. I currently use the Packtalk EDGE, but what if you want to ride off-road. Well Cardo, has a version of the EDGE for you with the Packtalk EDGE ORV. We took these for a spin, so let’s share some thoughts.
First Impressions – Looks the same?
Okay, this is the part I struggled with. Not so much that the Packtalk EDGE ORV didn’t look good (because I love the design), or that it didn’t function as well as other products in their lineup (because it works amazingly!), or anything else. The biggest struggle I had with the EDGE ORV, is trying to figure out why it existed. I combed through the specs and did the product comparison. I couldn’t find anything different from the Packtalk EDGE, and the Packtalk EDGE ORV. Unless I’m missing something, they are identical. And if that is the case, why do we need an “ORV” version instead of just having people get the Packtalk EDGE instead? Pricing is the same, features are the same, and looks as well.
Once you move back this deja vu moment, you are left with a great comms device! The Packtalk EDGE ORV has the same design as the EDGE and it is one that I think is sleek and slim. Then when you add the very cool magnetic air mount system with it (what I would call one of its top features), you end up with a cool and seamless comms system. Overall first impressions leave you feeling that this is a well-designed, easy-to-use, cool inspiring device. Just not sure how it differs from the Packtalk EDGE.
Tech Features & Sound Quality
Okay, let’s talk about some of the tech features that make this device great. Let’s first go back to the air mount. This is probably one of the first features I show riders when out and about. There is nothing like having to flux around with trying to connect your comms device after charging it, or maybe taking it off during a stop, then having to reattach it potentially with gloves on. However, with Cardo’s air mount, you just have to line it up with the mount and it will do the rest, magnetically snapping into place for you. This right there is quick and seamless, leaving you ready to go in seconds. That right there sells many on it haha.
Some of the other features include Dynamic Mesh communication which is great for group rides allowing up to 15 riders to connect and taking only secs to get everyone linked up. Again making it quick and seamless to get it going. The range is good with about 1 mile and with a good line of site in practice. If you get too spread apart, it keeps the connection together with the people closest together and rejoining naturally once you come back into range. Another tech feature I would highlight would be the over-the-air updates. This is a nice touch and means I don’t need to connect to a computer to update my device, but simply get an alert within the Cardo Connect app, and then update my device anywhere. These features among many more, have made Cardo’s Packtalk EDGE ORV a worthy item in your riding arsenal.
Now how’s the sound quality? Cardo partners with JBL and like the Packtalk EDGE, the ORV also comes with 40mm JBL speakers for the device. This makes for some great sounds while riding. They aren’t perfect and they tend to fail at the same point any comms would, as when that wind noise kicks up at high speed, it is just tough to overcome. On the off-road, where you may not be hitting high enough speed, the sound works well and music or conversation can be heard most easily. Overall the sounds have been good on either side, for listening and from the mic when talking to others.
Experience
I’ve been a fan of Cardo for some time now, as the company makes very cool-looking devices, that cover the functions I need when riding. The Palktalk EDGE ORV continues in this trend. If you are looking to ride off-road, this device is what you want connected to you. Much of the feedback we’ve gathered from our testers included easy-to-use, appealing appearance, and easy-to-connect and get going-to-ride. The only negative feedback was concern over the latch that covers the charging port. While it hasn’t failed on anyone, there was concern with how long it would hold up over time and use. Having used the Packtalk EDGE myself for quite some time now, I don’t share these concerns, as so far it has held up with no issues.
Wrap Up
The Cardo Packtalk EDGE ORV is a great device. Works well, sounds great, looks good, and has that cool factor. With a price tag of $399.95 for a single unit and $729.95 for a duo kit, it isn’t an inexpensive purchase. While there may be other more affordable options, Cardo provides a ton of features for the price. But the question remains, where does the ORV fit in? Yes, it is for off-road. However, with it sharing every single feature and design for the OG Packtalk EDGE, what is the difference? One good way to think about it is if you go into your local retailer looking to pick up the EDGE ORV and they are out, you can equally pick up the Packtalk EDGE and not miss a beat and vice versa. Either way, you’re ending up with an excellent comms device both on and off the road!
