Cardo Freecom 2x Duo Headset | Cardo Systems Review

After owning the Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset System for two years, I decided it was time to write a product review! I was recently reminded why I’d wanted to write a product review as soon as we got the headset system. But I decided to wait to get the full experience with the headsets before writing about it. Well, after two years, it’s about time I share our experience with Cardo’s Freecom 2X Duo Headset.

Cardo Systems – Communication Devices

Let’s talk about Cardo Systems first. They provide a great series of Bluetooth communication systems. Cardo Systems was the first to release a motorcycle Bluetooth communicator. Now, they provide communication systems for many types of riding and outdoor activities.

Several of their products’ use Bluetooth technology to connect groups of riders. These products connect between two to four riders within a range of about one mile. The Cardo Systems products are great for partner rides or small groups of riders.

Cardo Systems also has products that use a mesh network and can support up to 15 riders. These are easy to connect and span over a wider area.

Product Review of the Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset System

After two years of shoulder taps during motorcycle rides with Kyle, it was time to upgrade our gear. Kyle decided it was time to invest in some communication devices for us to use while riding together.

Some of the top things he looked for:

• communication between two people; no large group communication
• no sightline distance concern, preferred close distance
• Bluetooth capability, no mesh network needs
• battery life
• helmet compatibility with our brands
• cost: mid-range
• decent default speakers and microphones
• ease of installation
• ability to listen to music
• connect to a phone for turn-by-turn instructions

Here’s a video Kyle watched to put together his list of requirements:

After some research, we decided to get the Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset System. Two major features jumped out. First, this headset system supported two riders. Second, the headsets are connected to our phones through an app. Lastly, the Cardo ecosystem is pretty easy to expand. For example, if we ever rode with friends (unlikely) or if I got my own motorcycle (less unlikely).

Features & Issues of the Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset System

As mentioned earlier, Kyle had some specific features he wanted and ones he didn’t care for. Let’s walk through them and then some of the issues we’ve faced.

Close Distance & Bluetooth Capability

Kyle and I are very close when on the same motorcycle, so we didn’t need a mesh network and Bluetooth capability worked great for us. We also ride solo and have never joined a group (nor do we expect to) so we didn’t need mesh or group capabilities.

The sound quality of the headsets is great for the mid-range price. It took us a few tries to attach the headset system to our helmets. There was quite a bit of moving around the pieces until we were both happy with the sound quality. It also took us a few tries to get the microphones rightfully placed. It was difficult to find the most optimal spot while avoiding as much wind noise as possible. Because of my helmet set-up, mine took longer to optimize but, once we did, we never had to touch it again!

Helmet Compatability & Ease of Installation

Another major factor was the ease of installation and compatibility with our helmets. The Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset system was easy to install. Some sticky tabs get placed on the back of the Cardo device and then stuck on the helmet. The package came with everything you would need to install, including the sticky tabs. The only extra thing we used were pieces of electrical tape to ensure the headphone wires were properly taped down throughout the helmet.

Issues We’ve Faced

To be perfectly honest, only my phone has had issues connecting with the Cardo device. That was on an older device and usually had to do with my Bluetooth connectivity. After I disconnected the Cardo device and then reconnected it, the Cardo device would go back to working normally. We never got an official diagnosis of what kept causing this connection error but it was pretty easy to solve.

Would We Buy It Again?

Absolutely!

The Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset system makes our motorcycle rides so much more enjoyable! We can talk to one another with little delay. It’s easy to move the microphone around until you find the best spot for the least amount of wind noise.

Kyle recently answered a phone call from me and I didn’t even realize he was using the Cardo headset! His voice came through so crisp and clear. It sounded like he was at home and not out riding his motorcycle (on a windy day, too)!

After two years of using the Cardo Freecom 2X Duo Headset system, we’re super happy Kyle decided to take the plunge and purchase this motorcycle communication system. As the backseat rider, I can easily communicate with Kyle and let him know if I need to adjust my seating or take a break while keeping both of us safe.

I can’t wait for motorcycle riding season to start again so we can keep visiting new places!

This is a travel post about
the Cardo Freecom 2x Duo Headset.

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