The Scala Rider PACKTALK system is one of the most advanced helmet-to-helmet communication systems on the planet. Utilizing a mesh-based connection called DMC (Dynamic Meshwork Communication), the PACKTALK can link up to 15 riders within a range of five miles. The system is designed to “self-heal” when riders are entering or leaving a group, unlike Bluetooth-based systems.

Unfortunately, I don’t have 15 friends so I can’t verify whether these numbers are true. After being available on the market for a year, other outlets have verified that the PACKTALK’s DMC works exactly as intended, although the initial set-up takes some getting used to. If you’re a visual learner, there are several videos on YouTube showing the proper way to link headsets and Bluetooth-connect to your phone.

PACKTALK has already proven its functionality, so I decided to put its durability to the test in gnarly single-track woods riding. Scala Rider claims that the PACKTALK is waterproof (up to 30 meters), a feature my girlfriend tested after she crashed her dirt bike in a creek crossing. The headset got soaked but continued to work perfectly. Indeed, the first time I saw the PACKTALK system, it was on display at last year’s AIMExpo. The headset was in standby mode in a fishbowl with fish swimming around it.

The simplicity of the user interface is one of my favorite features of this system. There are only three buttons and a scroll log to modulate, all of which are easy to find while wearing thinner dirt bike gloves. That said, you won’t need to use the buttons very often, since the headset is designed to work in conjunction with a user-friendly phone app called Cardo SmartSet. Through the app, you can set up channels, turn on music, adjust volume levels, make phone calls, and much more. It even displays the battery life of your headset. Once you’ve got a handlebar mount for your phone and touchscreen-compatible gloves, you’re good to go for easy access and quick functionality. Just be sure your phone is fully charged or wired to a power source for extended rides.

The PACKTALK delivered crisp and clear communication while trail riding. I could warn my girlfriend of upcoming mud pits, or how to best hop over a log. If she crashed, she could immediately let me know that she was okay, or if she needed assistance kickstarting her bike. Riding and coaching newer riders can be nerve wracking, but having a comm on our helmets gave me some peace of mind, and gave her a bit of confidence.

The noise canceling mic did a great job of buffering wind and engine noise, although it did pick up some strenuous breathing. If you’re navigating technical trails, the extra noise won’t bother you. Despite the heavily wooded trails, I couldn’t get enough distance to break the connection, and sound quality remained clear and consistent for a full day of trail riding. Better yet, the battery on the PACKTALK headsets was barely depleted of its charge.

Since we were getting comfy using our headsets, I thought we’d add some music to the equation. While testing the FM radio on the PACKTALK, I was quite disappointed in the static sound quality. The switchblade antenna didn’t seem to make a difference, but changing over to a music app like Pandora resulted in crisp, clear sound with fairly good bass. I usually use earbuds to listen to music, and while I doubt any external speaker set-up can match the sound quality of internal earbuds, rockin’ out with the PACKTALK still offered an enjoyable experience.

Testing the Scala Rider PACKTALK while trail riding brought me to two conclusions: First, the system is reliable for a solid connection and is extremely durable, able to withstand bumps, tip-overs, and water. Second, the PACKTALK is technological overkill for this type of riding, because it’s designed to do so much more. That said, having the Scala Rider on our ride was so fun and convenient that we’ll be sure to bring it with us whether we’re on the road, or on the trail. MSRP: Single $329.95 | Duo $579.95 CardoSystems.com

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