Cardo 4X-S comms - SAVE £40.66 when purchased with a new Shoei helmet

In the early part of 2026, Cardo launched a Mesh comms. unit that integrates into the Shoei Neotec 3, the GT Air 3 and the J-Cruise 3. It was, and is, called the Cardo Packtalk-S. Shortly thereafter this was followed by this unit, the Cardo 4X-S.

 

Now if one were being picky one might suggest that the Cardo units don't integrate quite as neatly as do the Sena ones that were designed to fit seamlessly into Shoei helmets in partnership directly with the company. But there is a benefit to the Cardo units sitting not quite as flush against the shell; and it's that it allows the buttons to be slightly larger and easier to use. 

 

The Packtalk-S is an all-singing-all-dancing Mesh unit based on the Cardo Edge. It's a unit that is every bit a match for the Sena SRL-03 system offered by Shoei; in fact, the Cardo system probably represents a bit of an upgrade in some respects.

 

Now the Cardo Packtalk-S is high end, with all the bells and whistles that modern systems have to offer, including the ability to talk to a huge number of riders over a hugely long distance. The downside with the Packtalk-S is that, because it offers capabilities that many riders will never need, it is quite expensive; although in truth only marginally more so than the Sena SRL.

 

But what this means is that, with both systems, many people would be paying way over the odds if all they really wanted to do was take phone calls, get directions from the satnav, listen to music or talk to a pillion. Shoei never seemed particularly bothered by such a consideration, however. Historically, if you wanted integrated comms. on a Shoei helmet you were in for £340 for the Sena SRL. (20% less than this, obviously, if you bought the comms. at the same time as the helmet, thus saving the VAT).

 

And it is here that Cardo has stolen a bit of a march on Shoei and Sena because the new 4X-S is going to be more than up to the job for many motorcyclists; and for those for whom it is sufficient there's a saving of around £100 to be had.

 

Visually, the 4X-S is identical to the Packtalk-S. It integrates into the helmet in exactly the same way. The operating buttons are the same. You get the same 40 mm JBL speakers and so on. As with the Packtalk-S you will be able to plug in speaker-equipped earphones in a way you cannot with a Sena SRL. You can also upgrade to better and louder 45 mm JBL speakers.

 

The main thing to know, however, is that the Cardo 4X-S is Bluetooth only. It offers no Mesh facility; and if you ride in large groups and want to talk over longer distances you are going to want Mesh.

 

But, as we've intimated, if you only want to connect to your phone, the satnav or to talk with a pillion you don't need the extra useability of Mesh.

 

In truth, the 4X-S will actually allow you to talk to other riders with Bluetooth comms. systems. But you'll only be able to talk to three other riders and over a maximum distance of 1.2 k. There is, though, one thing you get with a Bluetooth system that you don't get with Mesh ones. With Mesh, Sena won't talk to Cardo, but with Bluetooth the two competing systems will talk to one another. It's a little added bonus!

 

Where we get to, however, is that you should only go for the 4X-S if you're pretty confident that you won't be wanting to talk to other riders. If you think that, in the future, you might want to, we reckon you should pay the premium and go SRL or Packtalk-S. It's not a lot of extra money, but the higher-spec systems are better when talking to other riders.

 

Let me finish with one word of warning. Cardo suggests that you can use voice commands with the 4X-S. Well, in theory, that might be the case, but in our experience it doesn't work very well. If voice commands are important to you, don't go for the 4X-S, or the Packtalk-S. Or indeed the Sena SRL. The technology is such that, right now, voice commands are so hit and miss that, in our view, they are more trouble than they are worth!