Cardo Spirit intercom.

Easy to install, simple operation

Fitting

Installing it is as straightforward as any other intercom, and it’s fantastic that the Cardo Spirit HD includes both a boom mic and a wired mic, ensuring compatibility with full-face, flip-front, and open-face helmets.

The intercom easily snaps into a compact bracket that can be either stuck to the side of the lid or clipped on. My only small gripe is that the speaker plug is a bit bulkier than others, as it uses a 3.5mm TRS audio connector (similar to those on wired headphones). However, I was still able to fit it onto the Nitro fine.

Connections

Pairing my phone and GPS took a little longer than I’d hope, but like with so many devices, getting them all linked can be a bit of a chore; I’ve rarely found any unit has worked perfectly at the first attempt, and more often than not I’ve had to delete all my pairings, then try again. I found it helped to download the full Spirit HD user manual from here.

Once set, I’ve had no problems, and in fact I’m particularly impressed with how speedily the intercom pairs with my phone when it’s turned on. The Cardo Spirit HD uses Bluetooth 5.2, which is designed to offer better quality streaming audio quality, and also makes for very fast connections.

This is a Bluetooth-only intercom, and it’s limited to pairing to just one other rider; range is limited, so being able to link to another biker should not be the main reason to buy this device.

Control’s

The Cardo Spirit HD doesn’t have voice control, so you’ll need to use the buttons. Although small, they’re designed to be easy to find even with gloves on, and once you’ve learned the key functions, it’s no problem. If your phone is mounted on the bike, you can also use the app for music, radio, intercom, phone calls, and more.

One issue I have with the Spirit HD is that stopping the music requires tapping the play and volume-down buttons together, which feels a bit awkward on the side of the helmet. Starting music is simple with a single tap of the play button, so I would’ve preferred a second tap to stop it. Instead, the second tap skips to the next track, while double-tapping skips backwards. Holding the play button toggles between radio and music.

Pressing the volume down button for one second lowers the music to the minimum volume but doesn’t stop it from playing. That’s handy if you’re in a hurry to mute the audio, but it feels like the design of the four buttons could have been improved. The older Cardo Freecom 1+, for example, had the same number of buttons and functions but was more user-friendly, with no need to press two buttons simultaneously for common tasks.

Features:

• 2-way BT intercom. Two riders at a range of 400m / 0.25mi.
• Thin 32mm speakers and an advanced processor for an immersive sound.
• Waterproof: No matter what you throw at it, your waterproof Spirit will take the beating and keep you connected. Rain, shine, mud, dust, or snow.
• Over-The-Air Software Updates: Always keep your unit updated via the Cardo Connect App. Download over-the-air software updates whenever a new version is available.
• Universal connectivity: SPIRIT connects with any other Bluetooth headset of any brand. Connection is easy and painless.

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