The Cardo Spirit Headset has become a focal point in discussions among audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. As part of a reputed brand lineage, it carries the promise of high-quality audio experience and seamless connectivity.
This review aims to delve into the key features of the Cardo Spirit headset, while also addressing potential areas for improvement. An unbiased, holistic evaluation of the headset’s performance will be presented, underlining its compatibility with varied user requirements.
Does the Cardo Spirit Headset live up to the hype? Can it cater to the expectations of even the most discerning audio connoisseur? Stay tuned to find out.
Cardo Spirit Headset Review
In our in-depth review, we’ll explore every facet of the Cardo Spirit Headset, from its design and sound quality to its battery life and connectivity. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who appreciates great sound, this headset could be a game-changer. Let’s delve into the details.
Fitting
The Cardo Spirit Headset features a fitting process that is as straightforward as any other intercom system. It’s commendable that both a boom mic and a wired mic come packaged with the headset, ensuring compatibility with full-face, flip-front, and open-face lids.
The intercom fits snugly into a compact bracket, which you can either stick to the side of the lid or clip on, according to your preference. The only minor gripe is the slightly bulky speaker connecting plug, a 3.5mm TRS audio connector. Despite this, the headset was easily fitted to a Schuberth C5, designed for the brand’s own Sena-made intercom, suggesting versatility in fitting with virtually any lid.
Connections
The pairing process with both my phone and GPS was a bit tedious, consuming more time than anticipated. This is not uncommon with devices of this nature; often, it takes multiple attempts to achieve successful pairing. A valuable tip – downloading the full Spirit HD user manual alleviated some of the stress. Once everything was set, the connection proved to be problem-free and the speed at which the intercom pairs with my phone was noteworthy.
The Cardo Spirit HD boasts Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which not only ensures excellent streaming audio quality but also facilitates quick connections. Keep in mind, this is a Bluetooth-only intercom with a limited range and restricted to pairing with one other rider. It may not be the best choice if connecting with multiple bikers is your main objective.
Control
The Cardo Spirit HD does not feature voice control, necessitating the use of buttons for operations. Though these buttons are small, their strategic design ensures they are easily locatable, even with gloves on. Key options can be memorized for straightforward operation. With your phone mounted on the bike, the app can control functionalities such as music, radio, intercom, and phone calls.
The device speaks some actions like “phone pairing” or the radio frequency, providing auditory assistance. However, the process of stopping music – tapping the play and down-volume buttons simultaneously – is a bit awkward. I would have preferred a second tap on the play button to stop the music, as starting it requires just a single tap.
Moreover, the operation of the four buttons may need some time to get used to. Comparatively, the older Cardo Freecom 1+ had a more intuitive layout despite having an equal number of buttons and functions.
Volume and Clarity
Riding with earplugs is my standard practice, and the Cardo Spirit HD’s volume handled this requirement with ease. The clarity of sound was impressive, providing a well-rounded audio experience. The bass quality was particularly noteworthy, standing tall among the high-end intercom models I’ve encountered.
The Cardo Spirit HD’s performance was marginally outpaced by Cardo’s JBL-equipped top-tier units. However, the slight difference was virtually indistinguishable and could be easily overshadowed by varying helmet acoustics.
The bass boost mode was a standout feature of the Cardo Spirit HD, providing an additional punch to the audio output. I generally preferred to keep this mode on. Additionally, the headset offered a ‘high volume mode’, resulting in a louder output, and a ‘vocal’ mode, which did not present any notable advantages.
What sets the Cardo Spirit HD apart is the integration of its volume control with the streaming device. This feature eliminates the need to maximize your phone’s volume before a ride for optimal speaker performance, a pitfall seen in some other brands.
Range and Pairing
The Cardo Spirit HD is advertised as having a range of up to 600m, which is considerably less than the 1,000m range claimed by its flagship counterpart, the Packtalk Edge. The Spirit HD also supports just a single pairing, restricting you to communication with one partner, without the option for group conversations.
Despite these limitations, during my testing, the Spirit HD surprisingly managed almost 800m before losing signal, seamlessly reconnecting at a little less than 400m. This performance was recorded when paired with the more powerful Packtalk HD, which should have represented the weakest link in the chain. However, it’s important to note that intercom testing has numerous variables, including unpredictable factors such as weather conditions.
The Spirit HD is ideal for rider-to-pillion communications and works well if the other rider is close enough. However, for serious rider-to-rider conversations, investing in a higher-end model could be beneficial. Moreover, if group chats are what you’re aiming for, a mesh-enabled model like the Packtalk Edge would be a far better choice, although cross-brand compatibility is non-existent in these models.
For greater flexibility, riders can pair their phones and use a WeTransfer call, Discord, or the new Chain app from Ruroc. These platforms allow communication with any number of riders, irrespective of their location, as long as they have a data connection, making the type of intercom they use irrelevant.
Battery Life
The Spirit HD can be effortlessly removed from its bracket, allowing for convenient charging through the USB-C socket. While no charger is included, any standard USB device can be used, and a full charge typically takes around two hours. In terms of battery life, the claimed 13 hours align with my own testing.
When streaming music at full volume, I was able to achieve just over 11 hours of use, which is truly impressive considering the compact size of the device. One particularly outstanding feature of all the Cardos is that the battery level is audibly announced when turning them off, serving as a helpful reminder to recharge at the end of a ride, if necessary.
Waterproofing
A vital feature for any motorcycle intercom system is its ability to withstand the elements. Fortunately, the Cardo Spirit HD doesn’t falter in this regard. It is IP67 rated, meaning it is fully protected against dust and can withstand being submerged in up to a meter of water for up to half an hour. This makes it perfectly suited to withstand any rainy ride or unexpected weather changes, thus ensuring uninterrupted communication and music streaming on the go.
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FAQs
Often, potential buyers and users of the Cardo Spirit HD headset have several questions regarding the product’s capabilities, features, and usage. Here are a few frequently asked questions to address these concerns.
Can the Cardo Spirit HD connect to GPS devices?
Yes, the Cardo Spirit HD can indeed connect to GPS devices. By pairing the headset with your GPS device via the Bluetooth settings, you can easily receive audio directions through the headset. This is particularly useful for motorcyclists on long trips or unfamiliar routes.
The audio cues from the GPS can guide you to your destination without the need to continuously check your device, thus ensuring a safer and more focused ride. Remember, simultaneous connections with multiple devices may depend on the specific model and configuration of your GPS device.
Is the Cardo Spirit HD compatible with other brands of headsets?
The Cardo Spirit HD, like many other Cardo devices, features Universal Intercom functionality. This means it can be paired with many non-Cardo Bluetooth intercom systems. However, the process for pairing can vary depending on the brand and model of the other device.
It’s crucial to consult both your Cardo manual and the manual of the other device for specific instructions. Bear in mind that while the intercom functionality should work across brands, some features may not be available when connecting with non-Cardo devices.
Can the Cardo Spirit HD connect to music streaming platforms?
Absolutely. The Cardo Spirit HD can connect to your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing you to stream music from any platform that you have on your device.
Whether you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, or any other music streaming service, as long as it’s available on your connected device, you can enjoy your favorite tunes while riding. The device controls allow you to play, pause, and skip tracks, so you can manage your music without needing to directly interact with your phone, thus promoting safer riding.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of motorcycle communication devices, the Cardo Spirit HD proves to be a competent contender. It exhibits a strong blend of functionality and durability, catering to the essential needs of motorcyclists.
Packed with a robust battery, clear audio quality, and solid waterproofing, this headset is designed for long journeys and unpredictable weather conditions. The Cardo Spirit HD’s battery life and IP67 rating make it a reliable companion for any rider.
On the other hand, certain limitations in range and pairing options may steer group riders or those desiring extensive range towards the higher-end models. Yet, the Spirit HD still stands out as an ideal solution for rider-to-pillion communications and riders close to each other.
In conclusion, the Cardo Spirit HD offers value for its price tag. It may not have the most extensive feature set, but it excels in its basic functionalities, proving itself to be a dependable asset for any motorcyclist. Thus, your final decision would rely on your specific needs and budget considerations.