Cardo Venture Released as World’s First Off-Road Helmet with Comms

• Supports 15 riders through Dynamic Mesh Communication
• ECE 22.06 and DOT certification

Cardo Systems has launched the Venture as the world’s first integrated mesh helmet for motocross and off-road riding. Venture is aimed at dirt and off-road riders who require real-time communication without shouting, stopping or depending only on hand signals, which you must have noticed that none are efficient communication techniques. Availability for India is questionable as government has a BIS certification deadlock for International spec helmets in the country. The ideal route will be if OEMs officially partner with Cardo and get BIS certifications fastracked so that riders may get the Venture.

The helmet uses the Leatt Moto 8.5 as its core safety platform. It gets a composite shell, four-density impact foam, emergency release cheek pads, a Double D-ring fastener and a breakaway visor. It is also homologated to ECE R22.06 and DOT standards. Means the communication system has not been added at the cost of proper helmet safety.

Cardo has also included 360-degree Turbine Technology for impact safety. The system uses turbine discs that allow the helmet to move slightly on the head during an impact helping reduce peak acceleration to the head and brain. The turbine material is also meant to absorb lower-impact energy linked to concussion risk. This kind of rotational-impact thinking matters in off-road riding because crashes rarely happen in a clean straight line. Riders often fall at an angle, hit soft and hard surfaces together or twist while landing.

Venture gets second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication, or DMC, and can connect up to 15 riders. The claimed range is up to 1.6km or a mile. This should be useful for trail groups, training schools, amateur off-road events and long dirt rides where riders may spread out over difficult terrain.

Sound is handled by 40mm Sound by JBL speakers giving the helmet a premium audio claim. Since off-road helmets usually have more open shapes than road helmets, a dedicated audio setup should help riders hear instructions, alerts, route calls or coaching comments more clearly. This is useful not only for fun rides, but also for skill training where a coach can speak to a rider in real time.

Thankfully the Venture also supports live Bluetooth intercom for connecting with other major brands. The helmet also gets music sharing, over-the-air software updates, IP67 waterproofing, and removable, serviceable and upgradable electronic components.