Cardo Freecom X2 - Tested

Having used the Packtalk Bold for the past (almost) 3 years, I was interested to check out the new offerings from Cardo in the way of the mid-level Freecom X2.

I installed the Freecom 2X onto my Airoh Commander helmet, installation was reasonably straightforward, I used the adhesive mount instead of the clamp mount I have used on previous helmets due to the design of the Airoh.
Connecting to my phone was easy, just hold the back button for 5 seconds and it goes into first phone pairing mode. Head to Bluetooth settings on your phone and hit the Freecom X option. Once Bluetooth is connected, open the Cardo app, and if this is the first time, it will want to do an update. These devices do "Over-The-Air" updates, meaning the app will download the software to your phone then push it to the Freecom. This process took about 4 minutes for me, but you will need to have at least 50% battery life on your phone, or the app won't let you do the update.

The Freecom X comes with the JBL 40mm speakers, and in comparison to the Cardo HD speakers included with the Spirit HD, there are some small differences in sound profile. I'm not sure anyone not in the audio industry would notice, and in fact, in a back-to-back comparison, it was even difficult for me to notice.
The JBL speakers have a little more mid and base, whereas the Spirit's speakers seem to have a little more top end. But in real-world use, with wind noise and traffic, I doubt this would actually make much of a difference, they're both rather good and definitely better than intercoms of old.

One of the features available on the Packtalk, that I thought I would miss going to the Freecom X2 is voice commands, These are available in the Freecom X4 but missing on the X2. but in truth, with just one push of a button on the Freecom unit, I can activate Siri on my iPhone and get full control of pretty much anything, and the only other 2 voice commands I used to use on the Packtalk was "Hey Cardo, Next track" for skipping a song I was listening to, or "Hey Cardo, Battery Status" but the Freecom X gives you an indication of battery level when you turn it off, and there is a button combination you can press to get the battery status also, so for me, no great loss there.

Sound Quality has been massively improved with these new devices. WOW, it's amazing. Even compared to the current Cardo flagship the Packtalk Bold, the sound quality when talking to another rider over the "Live Intercom" system is astounding. There also seems to be more volume available. Listening to music I only need the device at around 50% to hear clearly even on the motorway. This also helps when listening to music and talking on the Intercom at the same time. It's much easier to distinguish what the other person is saying. When they start talking the volume of the music drops and I can easily carry a full in-depth conversation.

The Freecom X2 has really shown me that I don't need the top-of-the-line Packtalk, I love the sound from the 40mm JBL speakers, and the form factor of the smaller Freecom X is brilliant. I've started using the Spirit HD for commuting daily now, and because the Freecom uses the same mounting brackets, these are now my new go-to for riding with mates and listening to music. Well done Cardo, you have made a mid-level offering, that doesn't feel like it missing anything. A device with a price tag normal people can afford, that isn't just the one you get when you can't afford the good one. I can highly recommend Cardo and if I'm completely honest, any one of the new Spirit or Freecom units.

To work out which device might be right for you, check out our full Cardo breakdown HERE

Freecom 2X

Price Single NZ$ 379.00
Price Duo NZ$ 729.00
Range: 800m
Speakers: 40mm JBL
Battery Life: 13 hours
Comms Connections: 2x live intercom
Bluetooth Connections: 2x (Phone/GPS/Other brand intercoms)
FM Radio: Yes
Voice Commands: No
USB-C With Fast Charge: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67
Over-the-air updates: Yes
Cardo App Control: Yes
Physical Layout: 3x buttons 1xwheel

Freecom 4X

Price Single NZ$ 499.00
Price Duo NZ$ 899.00
Range: 1200m
Speakers: 40mm JBL
Battery Life: 13 hours
Comms Connections: 4x live intercom
Bluetooth Connections: 2x (Phone/GPS/Other brand intercoms)
FM Radio: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
USB-C With Fast Charge: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67
Over-the-air updates: Yes
Cardo App Control: Yes
Physical Layout: 3x buttons 1xwheel