CONCLUSION
Before i continue with my conclusion i need to point out that Cardo Systems send the PackTalk Bold Duo early last year but since i had to change storage rooms to keep up with everything arriving in the lab the sample was misplaced only to be found just 3 months ago. On top of that since i don't own my very own motorcycle i had to rely to friends in order to fully test it which ended up taking longer than expected. So clearly i need to apologise to Cardo Systems for this and hope that they won't hold it against me, at least not for long. Now about the PackTalk Bold Duo, well I’ve only used two other intercoms in my life so i can't really say that it's the best out there but from all 3 I’ve used it's simply the best and that's not something i was expecting. Yes, i was expecting higher volume levels due to its larger JBL speakers but it excels in everything else as well, from available features, microphone quality and signal strength/range, to ease of use, battery life (with the Sena 5S i never recorded over 5 hours while with the PackTalk Bold i recorded just over 12) and of course build quality. Yes, i really liked the size and VFW screen of the Sena 5S communications system but one of the two i gave to a friend actually now has a crack in it so that's probably why Cardo Systems chose to skip using one with their lineup (still in terms of looks and size I'd go with the Sena 5S). Needless to say, I’ve yet to test their newest models (and i don't know if i ever will after taking this long to complete this review) but at least for now it's hard for me to imagine that they can be significantly better compared to the PackTalk Bold Duo.
As I type these lines the PackTalk Bold Duo JBL Edition by Cardo retails for USD353.88 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 399Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) and even though it’s indeed a lot better compared to the Sena 5S it’s also more expensive. This however is the only downside of the PackTalk Bold Duo JBL Communications System which means that for demanding users this will probably not matter much. Audio clarity for both ends, very good volume levels, excellent battery life and of course high build quality, the Cardo PackTalk Bold Duo JBL has it all and that’s why it certainly deserves the Platinum Award.
PROS
- Excellent Build Quality
- Crystal Clear Audio (Both Ends)
- Impressive Volume Levels
- Voice Commands & Prompts (17 Languages)
- Bundle (4 speakers Microphones & 2 Microphones)
- Battery Life (Up To 13 Hours)
- Features (Intercom/FM Radio/Mixing/Calls, Music & FM Radio Sharing)
- Range (1600 Meters Max)
- Easy To Use
- Fast Installation
- Cardo Connect App
CONS
- Price (For Some)
- Firmware Update Not Via App