Cardo Beyond

The new Cardo Beyond incorporates the same Dynamic Mesh 2.0, Open Bluetooth intercom, wireless updating, voice control and automatic on/off features of the flagship Packtalk Pro intercom (reviewed here), but uses massive 53mm speakers instead of the current largest 45mm ones, and has the controls cleverly integrated into the visor side pods.

These large speakers are what will be a key part of the active noise cancelling, which promises to reduce wind noise without affecting the sound of traffic and sirens.

The main electronics are removable for ease of upgrading, though hopefully this means that they’ll be transferable to a new lid when it comes time to replace it.

The Beyond helmet – which was designed in collaboration with Kiska in Austria (the design house behind many of KTM and Husqvarna’s iconic models) – is manufacturered by the same company that produces lids for AGV, Alpinestars, Bell, Fox and Klim. It’s available in XS to XXL, with an impressive four different shell sizes. The interior has two different grades of lining depending on which model you buy, and Cardo says the lid suits an ‘intermediate-oval’ shaped head. As always though, you need to try it on to decide if it’s right for you.

The Cardo Beyond helmet has a five year warranty, with three years covering the electronics and two years for the battery in the EU.

There’s also what’s described as a ‘helmet health indicator’, which is claimed to continuously monitor and report on the lid’s condition.

Below are the key differences between the two models, both of which are certified to ECE 22.06 and DOT, have quick-release emergency cheek pads, anti-microbial removable lining and a customisable button on the side for your choice of function…

This active noise cancelling technology has the potential to be a genuine game-changer, but any helmet using it has to be designed specifically for it – there’s almost certainly no way we’ll ever see effective ANC in an after-market comms system as the speakers will need to be so much bigger, the lid itself acoustically tuned and the sealing around the ears must be carefully refined. Also of course, all that tech will have to be built in while still allowing the helmet to pass the strict ECE 22.06 test criteria.

Both the Cardo Beyond GT and GTS have double-D straps with titanium buckles, which is a surprising choice for what appears to be a very promising touring helmet as a good micrometric ratchet buckle can offer all the safety with added convenience.