There is now a choice over which communications technology you can integrate with your Shoei Neotec 3, GT-Air 3 or J-Cruise 3 helmet.
Cardo have released two comms devices that will attach to the standard mounting systems incorporated into the helmets.
There's an entry-level Bluetooth unit called the Cardo 4X-S and a more advanced Mesh communicator called the Cardo Packtalk-S.
The new units provide alternatives to the Sena SRL03, which was launched alongside Shoei's Neotec 3 and also fits the GT-Air 3 and J-Cruise 3.
The Sena SRL03 is a popular comms system that works well and integrates very neatly with the lid - but it doesn't suit all riders.
Many prefer Cardo technology, especially those who want to communicate with friends who have Cardo comms on their helmets. There's no simple and reliable way for owners of Cardo and Sena units to have intercom conversations via Mesh. They have to connect via Bluetooth, negating the benefit of having mesh comms.
Another attraction of the new Cardo launch is the pricetag of the 4X-S, which comes in at almost £100 less than the SRL03.
Its more basic Bluetooth-only set-up will suit riders who don't ride in groups of more than four and don't feel the need to splash out for more advanced mesh tech.
Photography: Cardo Systems
Sena haven't released a lower-spec Bluetooth-only unit for Shoei Gen 3 lids, so the Cardo 4X-S fills a gap in that respect.
The 4X-S allows communications between four riders and the launch list price is £243.95 for a single unit. There's no dual pack available at launch.
Its performance level matches Cardo's popular Freecom 4X, offering a claimed unit-to-unit range of 1200 metres.
The 40mm JBL speakers are highly regarded for audio quality and Cardo's Natural Voice Operation system means you can tell it what to do, saving the pain of remembering what each button does.
The Packtalk-S will launch at £356.95, which makes it slightly pricier at launch than the Sena SRL03's £338.95 asking price. Like the 4X-S, there's no dual pack available at launch.
Mesh technology allows Packtalk-S owners to set up group chats between 15 riders, with a claimed unit-to-unit range of 1600 metres.
It has the same 40mm JBL speakers as the 4X-S and can also be controlled with voice commands.
It's essentially a repackaged version of the Packtalk Edge, the wildly popular Cardo universal intercom.
Visually, the 4X-S and Packtalk-S are very similar. They are not as low profile as the Sena SRL03 unit, but Cardo believe that makes their buttons easier to use.
Both the 4X-S and Packtalk-S consist of a control module that clips onto the helmet's mounting plate, a battery that stows in a port at the nape of the neck, the JBL speakers and a microphone.
A short cable running from the control module has a charging port where the rider plugs in a USB-C cable to recharge the battery.
The Cardo Packtalk-S and Cardo 4X-S intercoms are due to arrive in stock at Sportsbikeshop in the second week of April 2026.
Cardo Packtalk-S Intercom - Single
