Cardo are releasing their first complete motorcycle helmet with a promise that many riders will desperately want… active noise cancellation to cut out wind noise.
They've just revealed details of the forthcoming Cardo Beyond GTS and Cardo Beyond GT, which they're saying will land in summer 2026.
It's a full-face helmet with a carbon-composite shell, internal sun visor, a new top-grade Pinlock 200 and 3D foam in the comfort liner.
Cardo say they've partnered with the same factory that manufactures helmets for premium brands including Alpinestars, Klim and Fox.
But it's the suite of electronics that takes things to the next level.
The built-in audio system features huge 53mm speakers, incorporating Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) tech.
Cardo are boldly saying the reduction in noise levels will let riders go without earplugs and not worry about hearing damage.
Work on the project stretches back to 2019, but it kicked up a level when Cardo acquired a sound development lab from their audio partners, Harman.
They built a motorcycle wind tunnel at the lab in Straubing, Germany, and used the huge experience of the in-house team to develop ANC specifically for bike helmets.
It works by detecting certain sound frequencies and cancelling them with opposing frequencies.
Photography: Cardo
Cardo say they've fine-tuned the system to block only the harmful frequencies, while allowing useful sounds to reach the rider's ears.
That means getting rid of wind noise without muting the engine or surrounding traffic, maintaining awareness while reducing fatigue.
This is the headline feature in a long list of technical features on the Beyond GTS helmet.
The comms package is derived from the Cardo Packtalk Pro communicator, their current range-topping unit.
The intercom boasts a 2km range and supports group chats of up to 31 riders, with Bluetooth functionality allowing connection to non-Cardo units.
It also includes a battery-saving auto on-off function and accident detection sensors, with an SOS call feature.
The 2000mAh battery supports wireless charging and is replaceable - handy if you want to carry a spare for longer trips.
There's even more tech on top of that.
A series of rear-facing LEDs illuminate when the rider brakes and front LEDs enhance visibility. Integrated sensors can even tell the rider if the helmet has suffered a noteworthy impact.
Now let's talk money. The price in the US and Eurozone has been revealed… $1199 or €1199. There's no UK price at the time of writing, but current conversion rates should put it between £1000 and £1100.
That's a significant outlay, especially on a lid from a brand with no direct track record in helmet manufacturing.
But it's not unthinkable - a top-line sports-touring helmet from Shoei or Schuberth can cost £800-£900 by the time comms are added.
The helmet will need premium quality to rival those brands, and will have to deliver a noticeably quieter ride. If that's the case, there will be demand for the Beyond GTS.
That's why we're keen to try one to see whether it lives up to the hype we've (admittedly) just given it.
You may have noticed we mentioned two Cardo helmets. There's also the Beyond GT, which has a lower spec level and a lower price than the GTS.
The Beyond GT is only ANC-ready, so riders need to buy a plug-in module to have noise cancellation. Cardo haven't revealed the price of this upgrade at this stage.
The Beyond GT has a fibreglass shell, no LEDs, a slightly lower grade Pinlock and a different comfort liner. The communications package is the same, but the battery is smaller at 1000mAh and doesn't support wireless charging.
The Beyond GT has been revealed with a list price of $949 or €949, but with ANC as an add-on we'd expect more focus to fall on the GTS model.
One last thing to note - this isn't the last we'll hear of ANC technology for 2026. Watch this space.