Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

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Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
PHOTO-BK.COM

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

23 pictures

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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1/23
In the comparison test, eleven racing helmets faced each other.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

2/23
Simple but very functional: visor lock with pin in the helmet shell and hole in the visor (above). The upper ventilation openings are in an unfamiliar place. Air supply only when the head is turned sideways.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

3/23
The retaining tab on the double-D fastener is partly sharp-edged (above). According to the operating instructions, changing the visor should be possible without tools – but it is not! All in all, the Lazer has a somewhat careless workmanship.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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4/23
Double chin ventilation for a great climate in the helmet. The SR 2 is one of the few that has a noticeable breeze reaching the chin (above). Easy to use, even with gloves, and very functional: visor lock.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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5/23
The visor lock sits far back, but is still very easy to use (above). Only the Scorpion offers an air pump system. It enables the helmet to be better adapted to the shape of the head via thinner air tubes.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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6/23
This one or is it the other one? When discussing the driving impressions, there was a lively exchange.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

7/23
Top on hot days and in racing stress: effective chin ventilation (above). Tight entry and exit, but otherwise the Shark is very comfortable to carry. The variable wind deflector on the chin cannot be removed.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

8/23
The filigree slider for forehead ventilation can only be felt easily without gloves (above). Exemplary: emergency release of the cheek pads just in case. Unfortunately, not every test person offers this safety feature.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

9/23
Easy visor change with a central push button. The visor lock, on the other hand, is a bit fiddly (above). You don’t see it every day: inner lining in bright green. The fit is one of the best in the test field.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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10/23
All eleven hats at a glance.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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11/23
Is everything right? Last check before approaching the route.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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12/23
We did our laps during a race training session in Hockenheim.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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13/23
As with the AGV, very functional central locking of the visor (above). On the inside of the chin section there are two small openings (arrow) with foam in them. If you remove this, a pleasant draft of air flows to the chin.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

14/23
The impact test took place on the test bench of TuV Rheinland. …

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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15/23
… We collected the driving impressions during a two-day race training in Hockenheim.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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16/23
Helmet on, …

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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17/23
… Gloves on, …

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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18/23
… Tire warmers down and out onto the slopes!

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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19/23
A practical evaluation in such tests is essential.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
mps photo studio

20/23
The central visor lock is very practical and works great (above). On the other hand, the ventilation closures are less popular. They have to be laboriously inserted or removed as required.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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21/23
It couldn’t be more complicated: visor mount with interchangeable mechanism (above). Saves drilling in the helmet shell and, according to Arai, therefore serves safety: forehead ventilation via openings on the top of the visor.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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22/23
First-class ventilation on the top of the head and excellent usability (above). Two wind deflectors of different lengths for different levels of ventilation on the underside. Without any protection, the helmet pulls too much.

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test
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23/23
Two days on the slopes with a Ducati 1199 Panigale and a Yamaha YZF-R1 brought a lot of knowledge. And a lot of fun.

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Helmets

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

11 racing helmets tested
Hat to risk

Content of

Anyone who bravely turns the shower on the racetrack should minimize the risk – even with a good helmet. But which one is really good for happy spinning? In a comparison test, eleven racing helmets from around 400 euros compete against each other.

Volkmar Jacob

05/10/2016

Anyone who wears a racing helmet as a motorcyclist belongs to the illustrious circle of the full throttle group. Or at least want to be part of it. In addition to the symbolism, these motorcycle helmets have a lot of solid, practical properties: sophisticated aerodynamics, well-functioning ventilation, visor locking, tear-off visor holders, double D-lock on the chinstrap and much more.

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A folding mechanism, on the other hand, is an absolute no-go. You could wear a safety vest right away. Racing helmets also do not have a sun visor on board. In the following sections we report what we particularly noticed during testing and below we go into more detail on the requirements for racing motorcycle helmets described.

AGV Pista GP


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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AGV Pista GP.

Contact: AGV, heiko.howe@dainese.com, www.agv.com

Price: from 1100 euros to 1300 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: k. A., weighed: 1416 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: Carbon

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E3 (Italy)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored / rainbow: 64.99 (Racing: 84.99) / 64.99 (Racing: 84.99) / 79.99 / 119.99 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, visor with tear-off visor holder, three tear-off visors, pinlock visor (enclosed), helmet bag, ear plugs, foam pads for head / cheek correction

Points: 115

Grade: Very good good

Conclusion: the AGV shines with the best shock absorption. It is the only one that undercuts the HIC target value of 1000 (averaged). The huge field of vision and top aerodynamics are the other highlights of the 1,100 euro cap and indicate its preferred area of ​​use: the racetrack. In the fit / comfort section, the AGV is in the good midfield. The AGV Pista GP is very comfortable, but with the best it lacks a slightly more defined seat. On the downside, there is clearly the awkward to use and moderate ventilation. The racing helmet made in China is top-quality, but a bit sparsely equipped.

Arai RX-7V


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Arai RX-7V.

Contact: Arai Helmet Germany, Tel. 0 21 33/9 76 77 14, www.arai.de

Price: from 799 euros to 1099 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1620 +/- 50 g, weighed: 1602 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP mix

Country of Manufacture: Japan, ECE mark E4 (Netherlands)

Replacement visors clear / tinted: 74.95 / 74.95 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin (pull-out), Pinlock visor (enclosed), helmet bag, maintenance oil

Points: 97

Grade: Good – satisfactory

Conclusion: Such a big name and then only third from last place? Unfortunately yes. The very mediocre HIC values ​​in the impact rating once again give the brand a better result. Arai attaches great importance to protection against penetration of the helmet shell and apparently sacrifices better damping behavior for this – it’s all a question of philosophy. Another sticking point: the weight. The Arai RX-7V is the heaviest helmet in the test and only offers mediocre ventilation. In addition, changing the visor is very cumbersome. On the plus side are the good fit and the excellent workmanship.

BMW Race


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BMW Race.

Contact: BMW Motorrad, Tel. 0 89/38 26 10 01, www.bmw-motorradonline.de

Price: 595 euros to 670 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1350 +/- 50 g, weighed: 1433 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP / carbon / kevlar mix

Country of Manufacture: Spain, ECE test mark E9 (Spain)

Replacement visors clear with tear-off / tinted: 80/75 euros

Scope of delivery: Wind deflector on the chin (two sizes, short / long), visor with tear-off visor holder, four tear-off visors, double visor lens (pinlock, mounted), helmet bag

Points: 99

Grade: Good – satisfactory

Conclusion: The worst shock absorption values ​​of the test are unusual for the Bavarians, who otherwise have a strong concern for safety. On the other hand, the race can fully convince with the other criteria. The great fit with a defined fit and comfortable padding is one of its three chocolate sides. The second: the field of vision. The panoramic view to the side and up is amazing, the upper edge of the helmet is hardly noticeable in a racing position. Chocolate, the third: ventilation. If necessary, there is a pleasant draft throughout the helmet. The BMW Race is very well made, but leaves a few points in the equipment.

HJC RPHA 11


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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HJC RPHA 11.

Contact: HJC Germany, Tel. 0 21 31/52 35 60, hjc-germany.de

Price: from 399.99 euros to 549.90 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1315 g, weighted: 1330 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP / carbon / aramid mix

Country of Manufacture: South Korea, ECE test mark E1 (Germany)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 49.95 / 49.95 / 59.95 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, visor with tear-off visor holder, pinlock visor (enclosed), tinted replacement visor, helmet bag

Points: 118

Grade: Very good good

Conclusion: The latest successor to the R-PHA 10 Plus is the surprise of the test. The fit and comfort are very neat, and it shines with the best usability. In terms of shock absorption, the HJC RPHA 11 is in the good midfield, as well as in terms of ventilation and field of vision. In order to improve the noise development, the South Koreans are currently upgrading to thicker ear pads. With these pads, however, the helmet presses a little, which is why we recommend the thin parts. Except for the inner lining, which clearly smells of chemicals, the workmanship and features of the 400 euro helmet (base price) are first class.

Icon Airframe Pro


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Icon Airframe Pro.

Contact: Parts Europe, Tel. 0 65 01/9 69 50, www.partseurope.de

Price: from 386 euros to 644 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1580 g, weighed: 1562 g (size L)

Sizes: 3XS – 3XL

Material helmet shell: GRP mix; alternatively: carbon

Country of Manufacture: South Korea, ECE test mark E1 (Germany)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 49.50 euros each

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, tinted replacement visor with pinlock and tear-off visor holder, helmet bag

Points: 97

Grade: Good – satisfactory

Conclusion: The Company Icon is extremely popular in the stunt scene because of her cool clothes. However, the brand’s racing helmet cannot consistently convince: average shock absorption values, poor ventilation, high weight, and in extreme cases the visor can fog up. In addition, the processing of the Icon Airframe Pro lacks the ultimate perfection. On the plus side, there is a good fit and an acceptable operation. We also like the gaudy design and the striking helmet shape including the tear-off edge on the underside. Comparatively low cost price. A helmet for people with a penchant for the exotic.

Lazer Osprey Aerial Carbon


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Lazer Osprey Aerial Carbon.

Contact: CIMA motorcycle clothing, Tel. 0 82 34/90 23 63, www.lazerhelmets.de

Price: from 279 euros to 549 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1350 +/- 50 g, weighed: 1342 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: Carbon (alternatively: GRP)

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E6 (Belgium)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 39.90 / 49.90 / 59.90 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, self-tinting visor with Pinlock visor (mounted) and tear-off visor holder, three tear-off visors, helmet bag

Points: 82

Grade: satisfying

Conclusion: Someone has to carry the red lantern, and that’s the one in this test field Lazer Osprey Aerial Carbon. With the most important criteria – shock absorption and fit / wearing behavior – he leaves many points. The helmet, which was developed in Belgium and produced in China, does not fit very well and also presses a little on the ears. In the remaining chapters, too, he hardly sets any highlights. The good, self-tinting visor is a welcome exception. However, its change raises a question mark. Despite numerous attempts, also with the aid of the operating instructions, the part could not be removed without a tool (2.5 mm Allen key).

Schuberth SR 2


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Schuberth SR 2.

Contact: Schuberth, Tel. 03 91/8 10 60, www.schuberth.com

Price: from 669 euros to 749 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1300 +/- 50 g, weighed: 1326 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP mix

Country of Manufacture: Germany, ECE test mark E13 (Luxembourg)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 55/69/85 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, Pinlock visor (mounted), helmet bag

Points: 130

Grade: Very well

Conclusion: After the test victory of the predecessor SR 1 in 2013, the Schuberth SR 2 at the top of the podium. Top values ​​in almost every criterion beam the hat made in Germany into the helmet Olymp. The defined, comfortable seat is particularly popular. Together with the “Race” from BMW, it sets the standard here. If it were a little better equipped (emergency aid system, replacement visor), the top-quality helmet would get the full number of points in this chapter. A small downer for stylists: the different color designs are rather matter-of-fact and sober. The competition has more oomph.

Scorpion-Exo 2000 Evo Air


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Scorpion-Exo 2000 Evo Air.

Contact: Scorpion Sports Germany, Tel. 02 12/2 33 88 49, www.scorpionsports.eu

Price: from 369.90 euros to 439.90 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1350 +/- 50 g, weighed: 1394 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP / Kevlar / Dynema mix

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E13 (Luxembourg)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 35.90 / 35.90 / 44.90 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, visor with tear-off visor holder and pinlock visor (enclosed), tinted replacement visor with pinlock and tear-off visor holder, helmet bag

Points: 104

Grade: Good

Conclusion: In 2013 the Exo-2000 Air debuted with its unique air system. The successor Scorpion-Exo 2000 Evo Air also has this feature, with which the upholstery can be conveniently adapted to the contour of the cheek. In practice it works very well, but it still doesn’t quite come close to the top helmets. In addition, the helmet still only ends up in the lower midfield when it comes to shock absorption. A shame, because in the other criteria it can certainly convince. Above all, it is top-quality and offers a wide range of features. The racing helmet made in China was rated “good” and placed in the middle of the field.

Shark Race-R Pro


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Shark Race-R Pro.

Contact: Shark Helme Germany, Tel. 0 41 08/45 80 00, www.shark-helmets.com

Price: from 449.99 euros to 529.99 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1320 g, weighed: 1458 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XL

Material helmet shell: Carbon / aramid mix

Country of Manufacture: Thailand, ECE test mark E11 (Great Britain)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 84.00 / 84.00 / 94.60 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, anti-fog visor with tear-off visor holder, reflective sticker (enclosed), helmet bag

Points: 119

Grade: Very good good

Conclusion: The Shark Race-R Pro fits seamlessly into the ranks of top helmets. It is a real all-rounder and offers a great fit and high wearing comfort. He is also involved in the impact test. It also offers a large field of vision and great ventilation. In addition, as the quietest hat, it gets the full number of points in the “Noise Development” chapter. He only makes a small slip in weight, here the high level of comfort takes a toll. The only thing missing for the Shark is a visor with a pinlock system, so that the pilot has a full view under all circumstances.

Shoei X-Spirit III


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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Shoei X-Spirit III.

Contact: Shoei, Tel. 02 11/1 75 43 60, www.shoei-europe.com

Price: from 699 euros to 869 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1415 g to 1450 g, weighed: 1433 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: GRP mix

Country of Manufacture: Japan, ECE approval mark E6 (Belgium)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 59.95 (Racing: 99.95) / 59.95 (Racing: 99.95) / 99.95 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector (two sizes), wind deflector on the chin, Pinlock visor (enclosed), helmet bag, maintenance oil

Points: 114

Grade: Very good good

Conclusion: Apart from moderate shock absorption and the somewhat heavy weight, the brand new X-Spirit III only delivers first-class results. The Japanese fit perfectly, has very functional ventilation, a wide field of vision and, together with the AGV hat, offers the least resistance to the wind. For this purpose, it is equipped with an emergency aid system and is perfectly processed. The X-Spirit III is the only helmet that offers a tiltable helmet lining that can be used to influence the field of vision. A better shock absorption value would be for the Shoei X-Spirit III much more in it.

X-lite X-802 RR Ultra Carbon


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


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X-Lite X-802 RR Ultra Carbon.

Contact: Nolangroup Germany, Tel. 07 11/3 10 85 30, www.nolangroup.de

Price: from 519.99 euros to 659.99 euros

Weight: Manufacturer information: 1260 g, weighted: 1300 g (size L)

Sizes: XS – XXL

Material helmet shell: Carbon

Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E3 (Italy)

Replacement visors clear / tinted / mirrored: 47.95 / 47.95 / 67.95 euros

Scope of delivery: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, Pinlock visor (mounted), helmet bag, care oil, visor cleaning cloth

Points: 126

Grade: Very well

Conclusion: Put it on and feel good: The X-lite offers an excellent fit and comfortable padding. In addition, it shines in the impact test with the third lowest HIC value. With the exception of the somewhat fiddly visor lock, it is also extremely easy to use. In the three most important chapters he is busy collecting counters. Although the Italian is also convincing in terms of the remaining criteria, it does not set any standards there. The X-lite X-802 RR Ultra Carbon is super processed, but offers neither an emergency aid system nor a replacement visor – point deduction. The bottom line is that he deserves second place.

valuation


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


PHOTO-BK.COM

A practical evaluation in such tests is essential.

Here you can see an excerpt from the horsepower rating. If you want to see the complete rating, as well as all the more detailed data of the helmets and the shock absorption rating, you can buy the article as a booklet or download it as a PDF.

Racing helmets put to the test Points* Purchase opportunity
Schuberth SR 2 130 Order now on eBay
X-lite X-802 RR Ultra Carbon 126 Order now on eBay
Shark Race-R Pro 119 Order now from Amazon
HJC RPHA 11 118 Order now at Louis.de
AGV Pista GP 115 Order now from Amazon
Shoei X-Spirit III 114 Order now at Louis.de
Scorpion-Exo 2000 Evo Air 104 Order now from Amazon
BMW Race 99 Order now from Amazon
Arai RX-7V 97 Order now from Amazon
Icon Airframe Pro 97 Order now from Amazon
Lazer Osprey Aerial Carbon 82 Order now on eBay

Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test

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That’s how the test went


Motorcycle helmets for the racetrack in a comparison test


Klaus Herder

The impact test took place on the test bench of TuV Rheinland. We collected the driving impressions during a two-day race training in Hockenheim.

For many years, the general test standard ECE-R 22.05 has been in force for uniform safety standards. Unfortunately, it prescribes such nonsensical things as a shock absorption test with the helmet cooled down to minus 20 degrees. In addition, the standard also provides for a blow on a flat anvil, which experts consider to be impractical. That is why the colleagues from MOTORRAD, together with the specialists Peter Schaudt from TuV Rheinland and the accident researcher Florian Schueler, developed a different test method in 2009, according to which PS also tests. The method provides for an impact test at room temperature. In addition, a guardrail post (“Sigma” post) is used instead of the flat anvil. The inspectors mark points on helmets that are aligned in a uniform manner, with which the helmet later thunders onto the post – once on the left and one on the right. For the right side, the helmet is accelerated to 7.5 m / s, which corresponds to exactly 27 km / h.

On the left side there are 5.5 m / s (around 20 km / h). A standard dummy records the data. There are two values ​​involved: Acceleration “g” and “Head Injury Criterion” (HIC). In addition to the pure impact energy, the latter also takes into account the duration of the force. We added up the HIC values ​​and averaged them. Desired value: 1000. A stroke of the chin on the edge anvil is not included in the evaluation. Reason: The chin strap absorbs some of the forces, which is why the measurements cannot be compared. Nevertheless, we have listed the values ​​for orientation. For the practical test, we chased a Ducati 1199 Panigale and a Yamaha R1 around the Hockenheim circuit for two days as part of a Toni Mang racing training course (thanks again!). Before that, we tried out the helmets in the editorial office and examined them carefully.

Shock absorption

It forms one of two elementary criteria, which we weight and score strongly in the evaluation. Most helmets that wander over the counter never come into sharp contact with the ground – and that’s a good thing. But when it happens, those who wear them need the best possible protection. That is why the racing helmets tested went through an impact test again this year.

As with previous comparisons, this time too, huge differences were revealed in the absorption capacity. Surprise winner 2016 in this chapter: AGV Pista GP. The Italian clearly undercuts the HIC value (Head Injury Criterion) of an average of 1000, which experts are striving for – full points! In the last test around three years ago (PS 09/2013) the hat still delivered average results. Obviously, AGV has accurately modeled its expensive top product in this regard. On the other hand, things went less well for the BMW race, which brings up the rear. The rest of the racing helmets tested ranged from “almost top” to “almost a flop”.

Fit / wearing behavior

The second main criterion. Only those who feel comfortable in their helmets can concentrate fully on driving. When it presses, bites or pinches, concentration is quickly gone and the mood is in the basement. Experience shows that despite being the same size, different heads prefer different hats. If helmet X fits driver A perfectly, driver B cannot handle it at all and prefers helmet Y – and vice versa. Fortunately, more and more manufacturers offer different types of padding to customize the helmet. When buying, make sure that the seat is pressure-free, neither too tight nor too loose. An absorbent fit is ideal. Caution: You often feel pressure points only after a certain amount of time. A 45-minute test drive is therefore perfect. If all adjustment doesn’t help, choose a different helmet.

An evaluation of this chapter with a 100% hit rate is difficult for the reasons mentioned. The racing helmets that several testers felt comfortable in received the most points. These are often those hats that have a recess for the ears and have a defined fit. There was agreement on the assessment of the quality of the upholstery. Particularly fluffy candidates were rewarded, fortunately there were no outliers.

Handling / operation

Here, among other things, we paid attention to how easy it is to change the visor. Nothing is more annoying than a fiddly mechanism that almost breaks your fingers. We also checked how easy it is to lock the visor. A completely locked window is important for a departure. Anyone who has ever seen pebbles trickle through the open visor in the gravel bed knows what we’re talking about.

Also important: Can the ventilation mechanism be operated easily with gloves? Is it easy to get to them? Can you easily remove the inner padding for washing? The wind deflectors for breathing air and the chin can be easily attached and removed?

ventilation

Good ventilation is worth its weight in gold when it comes to our sweaty favorite hobby. Only when a fresh breeze surrounds the forehead, top of the head and chin does the pilot stay fit. There are big differences between the candidates here. The racing helmets from BMW, Shark and Shoei are excellent. They also have a pleasant breeze on their chin. The lower flaps of the other helmets are apparently only used for ventilation.

That is important for a good climate. But the direct flow is at least as important. The bottom lights in this chapter: AGV Pista GP, Arai RX-7V, Icon Airframe Pro and Lazer Osprey Aerial Carbon. With them, even on the top of the head, there is often only a mild breeze. Since there is a lot of draft in some helmets without a lower wind deflector (chin), we tested the racing helmets consistently with this protection.

Field of view

The clear front runners in this area are the hats from AGV and BMW. They offer a real panoramic view. Only the mandatory edge of the helmet on the top protrudes minimally into the field of vision. If you can’t stand that, you should put on a glass ball, that’s it! Most of the rest of the racing helmets also offer a decent outlook, negative examples are non-existent.

aerodynamics

A difficult chapter. Some manufacturers boast of aerodynamics that have been carefully worked out in the wind tunnel, developed and tested by the best racing drivers in the world in MotoGP. But even though we took our heads out of the fairing at top speed in the ultra-fast Parabolika in Hockenheim during the practical test, we couldn’t find any great differences. Only the AGV Pista GP and the Shoei X-Spirit III were able to stand out slightly from the rest of the field.

Noise development

We generally recommend hearing protection at all times for spinning. The same applies to sporting activities outside the city. Because even a racing helmet that is well insulated cannot dampen wind and engine noise sufficiently. Those who often drive without earplugs run the risk of permanent hearing damage. Shark is the calmest hat, closely followed by Schuberth.

Weight

A good helmet balance can compensate for a lot of weight. But a light cap is more comfortable to wear than a heavy one over the long term. At exactly 1300 grams, the lightweight of this comparison comes from X-lite. The Arai RX-7V brings up the rear with a whopping 1602 grams.

Fogging tendency

Nine out of eleven candidates work with a second plastic disc that is inserted into the visor (“pinlock” system). A wafer-thin silicone strip runs around the inner edge of this lens, creating a layer of air between it and the visor. This layer effectively prevents fogging. Only Shark and Icon do without the feature and instead offer fog-free visors. However, our test showed that in extreme cases (closed visor at pre-start, high humidity) fog forms on the inside. However, they worked perfectly in dry conditions and free travel.

Equipment / processing

In this chapter we take a closer look at the quality of racing helmets. How tight are switches, levers, sliders and flaps? How effectively can the visor be locked? Can you see glue residue? Are there any sharp-edged components? How good is the paint job? How high the general quality perception?

We also evaluate the equipment. There are two points deducted if an emergency aid system is missing. With it, the helmets can be removed more easily from pilots who have had an accident. There is a further risk of point deduction if the scope of delivery does not include a tinted replacement visor. Scorpion, Icon and HJC offer this great service.

And finally?

At the end, let’s try a quote again, this time it comes from Duden Online: “With hat in hand, you can travel all over the country.” A tribute to men who always politely pull their hats and achieve a lot with this gesture. The rhyme animates us to our own hat poetry: If you want to heat up quickly and sportily, you shouldn’t skimp on the hat. In this sense: happy gazing with a dreamlike helmet!

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