Imagine blasting your favorite tunes at highway speeds without the roar of wind drowning them out—could this be the future of motorcycle helmets? That's the mind-blowing promise of Cardo's latest noise-canceling tech, and I put it to the ultimate test in a wind tunnel. Stick around to discover if it lives up to the hype.
Photo by: Robbie Bacon
This year's EICMA motorcycle show in Milan was a feast for the senses, packed with innovative displays that had every rider buzzing. I couldn't tear myself away from CFMoto's impressive lineup (check out the details here: https://www.rideapart.com/news/779576/watch-cfmoto-eicma-v4-sr-rr-1000mt-x-specs/), and Ducati's exhibit was so tempting it almost made me rethink my impulse control. But when it came to pure, cutting-edge technology that pushes boundaries, Cardo's booth stole the show. We're diving into their newest helmets: the Beyond GTS and GT models, which I had the thrilling opportunity to experience firsthand in a controlled wind tunnel environment.
I first wrote about the Beyond GTS and GT when they launched (you can read that coverage here: https://www.rideapart.com/news/777245/cardo-gt-gts-helmets-new-launch/), and to be honest, I approached the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature with a healthy dose of doubt. For those new to this, ANC works like magic earplugs powered by technology—it uses microphones to detect unwanted sounds and generates counter-waves to cancel them out, much like noise-canceling headphones you might use on a flight. My hesitation wasn't a knock on Cardo's reputation; it's just that ear protection is non-negotiable for me, especially as the years add up and I've learned the hard way how wind noise can lead to hearing damage over time. Traditional foam earplugs have been my go-to for years, blocking out that relentless highway hum. So, could this high-tech alternative really measure up?
But here's where it gets controversial: at EICMA, I strapped on the Beyond GTS in a wind tunnel cranked up to a blistering 120 km/h (that's about 74 mph for our American friends), simulating real riding conditions. To my utter astonishment, flipping on the ANC delivered a noticeable drop in wind noise, even with the helmet's visor flipped up—something I'd never expect from electronics alone. And the real jaw-dropper? The music playback was crystal clear, as if the wind blast wasn't there at all. I've ridden at those speeds plenty, but this was hands-down the best audio quality I've ever enjoyed mid-ride. To double-check it wasn't just the helmet's design, I stepped into the tunnel bare-headed, and wow—the noise was deafening, like standing next to a jet engine. It confirmed the ANC was doing serious work.
While exploring Cardo's setup, I also demoed the in-house developed 53mm speakers, which pump out rich, balanced sound without distortion—perfect for everything from podcasts to rock anthems. Another cool add-on was the integrated brake light that activates based on g-forces detected by the helmet's built-in computer, adding an extra layer of safety by signaling to traffic behind you when you're slowing down sharply.
Taking a step back after my session with the Beyond GTS, I put together a quick video sharing my unfiltered thoughts on whether this helmet deserves a spot on your wishlist, especially at its premium $1,199 price tag. Is the tech innovative enough to justify the cost, or is it overkill for everyday riders? Watch the embedded video below to hear my verdict and decide for yourself.
And this is the part most people miss: while ANC sounds revolutionary, does it truly outperform simple, cheap foam plugs in every scenario, like off-road or extreme weather? It's a debate that's sure to divide the riding community—some swear by tradition, others are all-in on gadgets.
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What do you think—would you drop $1,199 on a helmet with ANC, or stick to the basics? Does this tech change the game for long-distance riders, or is it just a fancy gimmick? Share your takes in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're team innovation or team tried-and-true!
