Until today, we've only ever associated Cardo with motorcycle communication systems. Now, however, the brand includes fully integrated helmets, bringing all it has learned from making Bluetooth solutions for motorcyclists, including headsets and speakers, and pouring it into two high-tech lids, which represent the new Cardo Beyond range. The brand's biggest competitor, Sena, did this first. The question is, can Cardo do it better?
The flagship of the two-model lineup is the Beyond GTS, which features a carbon shell, brake light, active noise canceling ANC from the built-in speakers, a 2,000mAh battery, wireless charging, Pinlock 200, GTS padding, and front LEDs. It's jacked with technology.
The Carbon fiber composite shell comes in plenty of shell sizes to accommodate the vast majority of head sizes, and is ECE R22.06 and DOT homologated. It has an active brake light built into the back, which looks like the tachometer out of a Honda S2000, and I'd be delighted if it lit up in the same fashion. The most interesting feature about this shell, however, is that it has crash detection and a health monitoring system.
The GTS includes built-in sensors that monitor significant impacts to the helmet. After a certain cumulating threshold is passed, the system will recommend having the helmet checked for integrity or replaced. Rounding out the safety features are a titanium double D-ring fastener and emergency release cheek pads.
We have to imagine the built-in speakers will be beyond anything we've heard to date; however, they're not provided by JBL like those on Cardo's other flagship communication systems. The 53mm speakers in the GTS were created from the ground up by Cardo Sound Labs and have a uniquely designed audio box.
Of course, the GTS is packing more than a pair of speakers in terms of technology; it's got everything the latest PackTalk Pro has and more, starting with second-generation DMC and the ability to add up to 31 riders to a group chat—although why anyone would ever do that is beyond me—public mesh, remote grouping, natural voice operation, live Bluetooth intercom, front LED UI status indicators, and the ability to connect with any other major brand.
Cardo wants us to know that this lid was made for comfort and long-distance touring, and that's not just down to the Bluetooth speakers that'll keep you bopping throughout your ride. The GTS is only available in an intermediate oval head shape, but comes in six sizes and four shell sizes. Inside, Cardo says you'll find a multi-layered padding that's specifically designed for comfort and acoustics, rider-oriented ergonomics.
Keeping the rider cool is a three-position RAM air active top vent, a three-position active front vent with defogging face ventilation, and a passive exhaust vent integrated into the brake light. Vision should never be an issue in the GTS, thanks to an integral drop-down sun visor and a 210-degree wide field of view. But comfort isn't only about how something feels on your head; when you're dealing with this much technology, how intuitive it is to use is also a major player, and since Cardo has built the GTS from the ground up, it has put a lot into making this lid easy to use.
“After 20 years at the forefront of rider communication, this is, without a doubt, a breakthrough moment for Cardo Systems,” said Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer at Cardo. “We’ve always believed technology should enhance the ride without distracting from it, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved with this helmet. It’s not just about adding features. It’s about integrating them in a way that is seamless and feels natural, intuitive, and purpose-built for motorcyclists.”
The GTS uses a one-feature, one-button, single-click interface, auto on/off, and a customizable button. The detachable, replaceable, 2,000mAh battery features wireless charging. The batteries in the GT and GTS are interchangeable, and Cardo states that the 2,000mAh battery on the GTS is good for 13 hours of full-feature use. The components are serviceable, THE tech is upgradable, and like the PackTalk Pro, the GTS features over-the-air software updates. But all this tech and comfort come at a price.
The Beyond GTS will set you back $1199.00/€1199.00 and be available in the summer of 2026. Then, there's the weight price.
The second price you have to pay is the added weight that all this tech brings with it. The Beyond GTS weighs 1870 grams, which is more than other high-end competitors, even when the competitors' units have Packtalk Pros fitted. For example, an Arai Contour X with a Packtalk Pro communicator fitted weighs 1750 grams. The argument from Cardo has to be that there's a lot more on the Beyond GTS than a Bluetooth communication system, and, considering all this, it doesn't weigh that much more than its competitors.
“Every detail in this helmet was chosen with the most legitimate, practical needs of the rider in mind,” said Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer at Cardo. “From the optimized ventilation system that keeps you clear-headed on hot rides, to the intuitive tech that works in the background, we focused on solving the little things that make a big difference over the long haul. It truly is the culmination of everything we’ve learned about how riders ride and what they truly need.”
The Beyond GT is also available in the summer of 2026, but costs $949.00/€949.00. The GT is similar to the GTS in most respects, but for its lower price, you just get a bit less, as you'd expect.
Constructed with a lightweight fiberglass shell and equipped with a rear reflector for visibility, the Beyond GT retains compatibility with ANC technology, although it doesn't include it as standard. It's unclear how or how much it will cost to activate the ANC feature. It uses a less-powerful 1000mA battery, but it has less tech to power, namely, front and rear lights, so it gets the same 13-hour battery life as the GTS. While it forgoes wireless charging, it includes a Pinlock® 120XLT® anti-fog lens and is finished with GT comfort padding.
Let us know your thoughts on motorcycle communication system companies entering the helmet market with their own lids. Will you be one of the first to rock a Beyond model next summer or wait for the reviews to come in?
