How to Install a Cardo Packtalk Edge on the Alpinestars Supertech R10

A clean comms install on a wind-tunnel-shaped shell

The Short Answer: To install a Cardo Packtalk Edge on an Alpinestars Supertech R10, use the one-time adhesive mount on the left side just ahead of the Alpinestars logo. Pull the cheek pads, Velcro the JBL speakers into the R10’s speaker pockets, fit the slim wired mic, hide the cables under the crown liner and snap the unit on.

Bluetooth communicators have a reputation for turning otherwise level-headed riders into nervous wrecks the moment they have to pry the cheek pads out of a pricey helmet. Adam Waheed’s SpeedAddictsTV install guides exist to fix that. In this one, he installs a Cardo Systems Packtalk Edge in the Alpinestars Supertech R10, Alpinestars’ flagship race helmet, step by step, and shows that with a little patience it’s a genuinely easy at-home job.

Sponsored by Speed Addicts

This installation guide is brought to you by Speed Addicts, home of the full lineup of Cardo Systems communicators and helmets like the Alpinestars Supertech R10. If you’re in Southern California, visit the Speed Addicts Superstore in Orange, California, to see and try helmets and Cardo units in person. Buy your communicator there and the crew will install it for you if you’d rather not do it at home.

What’s in the Packtalk Edge Box?

Waheed is a fan of Cardo’s packaging: “Everything you need to install your communicator inside this helmet.” Here’s what you get, and what you may or may not use:

• The Packtalk Edge unit, oriented for the left side of the helmet so your left hand runs the controls while your right stays on the throttle.
• The cradle with Cardo’s magnetic Air Mount, plus two cables: one for the speakers and one for the microphone.
• A plastic clamp (generally best for street helmets) and a 3M adhesive glue plate (generally best for off-road helmets). The clamp lets you slide the position fore and aft; the adhesive is one-time use.
• 40 mm JBL speakers. Cardo also sells a 45 mm JBL audio set; Waheed says it adds roughly 25% more fidelity and volume.
• Two microphones: a boom mic for the very best voice quality and a slimmer wired mic that’s cleaner and less in-your-face.
• A USB to USB-C charging cable.
• Velcro pads for the speakers and mic, speaker booster pads (shims) and an alcohol prep pad.

Waheed rarely uses the speaker shims (they push speakers closer to your ears, which helps when a helmet is a bit big for a narrow head) or the alcohol pad (useful if your helmet has wax or polish on it).

Why the Supertech R10 Needs the Adhesive Mount

The R10’s aerodynamic shell “actually works,” Waheed says, but all those diffusers and design elements leave little flat surface area for a communicator. You don’t want the unit too far forward or too far back, so he places the adhesive mount right in front of the Alpinestars logo on the left side. It’s fine if the adhesive overlaps the plastic trim; it still holds securely. Because the 3M adhesive is one-time use, practice your placement before peeling the backing.

Step-by-Step: Installing the Packtalk Edge on the R10

1. Set the helmet on a helmet donut to make the job easier.
2. Test-fit, then stick the adhesive mount on the left side just ahead of the Alpinestars logo and press firmly.
3. Remove the cheek pads gently. The plastic pins are a little delicate.
4. Install the speakers. The speaker with the longer cord goes on the side opposite the cradle (the right side). The R10’s generous speaker cutouts fit the JBL speakers neatly; use the included adhesive Velcro so they never move.
5. Install the left (short-cable) speaker the same way.
6. Hide the speaker wires behind the top crown liner.
7. Mount the slim wired mic in the center of the chin bar with its Velcro tab, wire on the left side and clear of the chin vents so you can still use them.
8. Connect the mic and speakers to the cradle cables. The mic plug has arrow markings; the speakers use a jack connector.
9. Tuck all wiring behind the crown liner and helmet material.
10. Reinstall the cheek pads, left then right, being careful with the pins. Damaging them can ruin the helmet’s ability to hold the pads.
11. Snap the Packtalk Edge onto the magnetic mount. Done.

Second Helmet Kit and Refresh Kit

Own more than one helmet? Cardo sells a second helmet kit with the mount, speakers and microphones, so you can move just the communicator between lids. Cardo also offers a refresh kit with replacement consumables like Velcro and speaker sponges for when things get funky.

Cardo Packtalk Edge and Supertech R10 Specifications

Related Moto-1 Reading

• Cardo Packtalk Pro Top 5 Review: The Edge’s big brother, with 45 mm JBL speakers
• Alpinestars Supertech R7 Review: The R10’s more affordable sibling
• Shoei X-Fifteen vs. KYT KX-1 Race GP Shootout: Race helmets tested at COTA
• Best Motorcycle Helmet Fitment Guide: How to Buy Online: Get the helmet fit right before adding comms

FAQ

Which side of the helmet does the Cardo Packtalk Edge go on?

Always the left. The controls are designed for your left hand so your right hand stays on the throttle.

Should I use the clamp or adhesive mount on a Supertech R10?

Waheed uses the adhesive mount because the R10’s aerodynamic shell leaves little room for the clamp. Place it just ahead of the Alpinestars logo.

Can I reuse the Cardo adhesive mount?

No. It’s designed as a one-time mount, so practice the placement before you peel the backing.

Boom mic or wired mic for the R10?

Waheed uses the slim wired mic for a cleaner install. The boom mic offers slightly better voice quality.

Can the Alpinestars A-Connect be used in the R10 instead?

No. Alpinestars’ A-Connect is designed exclusively for the Supertech R7.