CONCLUSION

   As expected i made a direct comparison between the Bold JBL and Edge Duo intercoms for this review and so right off the bat it's easy to see that the latter is not only a step up in terms of design and build/material quality but it also has a more responsive roller and for various reasons the USB-C port (fast charging) is also a plus. Thanks to its magnets the Edge model is also easier to mount/dismount and even though it doesn't have an external antenna like the Bold series it actually produces just as good radio quality (if not better). Now in terms of audio quality since both the Bold JBL and Edge series use almost identical 40mm drivers/speakers there was no noticeable difference on my end. Still when it comes to the microphone both myself and the person on the other end noticed some improvement, not huge by any means but still the Edge model did better than the Bold JBL. Voice control and audio feedback/messages (for example the battery status/charge level notification when you turn the device off) are also a tad better compared to the Bold JBL as is battery life since i recorded up to just over 13 hours with the Edge (as opposed to the roughly 12 hours of the Bold JBL). Firmware update via the app was something Ι asked Cardo when i started testing their PackTalk Bold devices so i was glad to see this is the case with the PackTalk Edge. Still not all was perfect during my tests and so i did encounter difficulty in connecting the Edge Duo as intercom not only with the Sena 5S but a few other brand models as well. Things got even worse when i tried to connect the Edge Duo to other brand models for music sharing since i was getting continuous audio time outs (in the end i just gave up).

   Currently consumers can get their hands on the PackTalk Edge Duo by Card for USD515 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 662.72Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) so yes, it’s not what I’d call cost-effective. Still the PackTalk Edge is probably the best communications system for bikes one can buy today and that says a lot. Yes, it may not “play” well with other brands in terms of connecting with each other (this will probably get fixed via new firmware at some point) but it excels in everything else (it’s also a clear upgrade over the Bold model) and for that it obviously deserves the Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Crystal Clear Audio (Both Ends)
- Impressive Volume Levels
- Detailed Voice Prompts
- Voice Controlled
- Bundle (4 JBL Speakers & 4 Microphones)
- Battery Life (Up To Over 13 Hours)
- Features (Intercom/FM Radio/Mixing/GPS Control/Natural Voice/Calls, Music & FM Radio Sharing)
- Range (1600 Meters Max)
- Easy To Use
- Fast Installation
- Cardo Connect App

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Incompatibility With Other Brands (Music Sharing)