Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

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Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

39 pictures

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

1/39
Pictures can lie: In truth, we had 12 helmet models in the test, five of them each.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

2/39
Lazer Osprey Hypersport II: A great in the wind, quite comfortable and (felt) impressively light sports driver’s helmet without any serious weaknesses. The waiver of sun visors (weight!) Is understandable.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

3/39
LS2 OF597 Cabrio: Is very easy to carry, is very comfortable, lies well in the wind, does not show any nakedness in terms of shock absorption and also looks really cool. Top grade for the Chinese man.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

4/39
Nolan N 40 Full: Neatly made helmet with a good fit and very good shock absorption values. The various conversion options make the whole thing quite playful – possibly a bit too playful.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

5/39
Scorpion VX-20 Air: Cross helmets have this very special shape to give their wearer a. To let in as much air as possible when things get hot. Unfortunately not so with the VX-20 Air – a bit wrong!

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

6/39
Shark Vancore: This may make an even more evil appearance than with the Bandit Alien II – and that means something. Otherwise a totally impractical and at the same time quite fascinating helmet.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

7/39
X-lite X-403GT: The X-Lite is significantly more expensive than the group sister model from Nolan, but also made noticeably more valuable. Anyone who can cope with the very special fit gets a lot of helmet for the money.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
MOTORCYCLE

8/39
Final evaluation: Due to the respective purposes of use, we do not have a test winner. The following applies: The exact study of the product boxes and the adjoining point table is particularly important this time in order to localize your very personal favorites.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Werel

9/39
And what is talked about apart from the official scoring? The four men each have their own favorites, which they would like to introduce to us.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Werel

10/39
Markus Biebricher (52):
1. Caberg Freeride
2. LS2 OF597 convertible
3. Arai Rebel
11. Scorpion VX-20 Air
12. X-lite X-403GT.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Werel

11/39
Thorsten Dentges (44):
1. LS2 OF597 convertible
2. Caberg Freeride
3. Nolan N 40 Full
11. Scorpion VX-20 Air
12. FM RS41 Vario.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

12/39
Klaus Herder (53):
1. LS2 OF597 convertible
2. Arai Rebel
3. Shark Vancore
11. Scorpion VX-20 Air
12. iXS HX 87 crackle.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

13/39
Jorg Lohse (45):
1. Shark Vancore
2. LS2 OF597 convertible
3. Caberg Freeride
11. Nolan N 40 Full
12. FM RS41 Vario.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

14/39
IXS HX 87 Crackle: What a shame. The synthetic leather-covered jet helmet looks quite valuable when you finger it for the first time, but massive weaknesses in the fit and in the wearing behavior thwart a better result.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

15/39
Germot GM 306: What is exotic about this helmet? Perhaps the fact that a helmet importer (Caberg) does a solid job with its own brand – apart from small flaws in detail.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

16/39
Why? Well, so that Master of Disaster Peter Schaudt, TuV engineer by trade, can destroy everything!
In reality, two copies each in size M …

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

17/39
… Destroyed in a controlled manner during the test process. Incidentally, when you hit the chin, it’s not about beauty awards.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

18/39
Before breaking everything was neatly measured and marked. Then it went to the painful part of the test …

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

19/39
… at least for the helmets. At the TuV drop test facility in Cologne …

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

20/39
… Among other things, the impact from a height of three meters on a real crash barrier beam is simulated. In our opinion, this is more meaningful than a fall on the ECE edge anvil.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
MOTORCYCLE

21/39
The “Head Injury Criterion” (HIC) is considered by doctors and biomechanics as an informative value for making statements about possible brain / skull injuries. Here are the results of the test candidates.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Werel

22/39
What happens to the specimens that were not deliberately destroyed? One helmet from each brand in sizes M, L and XL was tried on and assessed by various editors within the editorial team, …

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

23/39
FM RS41 Vario: The multifunction helmet leaves an ambivalent impression. The basic concept and equipment are correct, but many lack of detail and the not very valuable design are annoying in everyday life.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

24/39
Caberg Freeride: Light, quiet, comfortable and draft-free even at high speeds – the Italian head flatterer is an all-round well-made open face helmet. And would be even better with a sun visor.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

25/39
Bandit Alien II: Whoever buys the Bandit probably knows very well what they are doing. And so it is not likely to go on a long-distance motorway tour. A single anachronism – nice that there is something like this with ECE.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

26/39
Arai Rebel: A fighter design that is almost revolutionary by Arai standards meets proven Arai quality, i.e. the typical sneaker feel-good fit. It’s expensive, but also really well done.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
Herder

27/39
… In addition, of course, every helmet had to prove its qualities where it can be found in everyday life: on the head of a motorcyclist while riding a motorcycle.
The twelve test candidates follow.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

28/39
The camouflage decor is a bit too much of a bad thing – the design of the amazingly comfortable helmet speaks for itself.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

29/39
Forehead and cheek pads can also be inflated. The effect is limited, the helmet is already quite tight.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

30/39
Eight different configurations are possible, the conversion is relatively easy, the assembly and dismantling a bit cumbersome.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

31/39
The sun visor and visor are just right, the interior is very comfortable. A work by practitioners.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

32/39
If it says carbon, there is really carbon fiber inside – the extremely light wearing behavior underpins the contents.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

33/39
When the umbrella is mounted, unfolding the lightly tinted sun visor becomes a real fumble.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

34/39
The sun visor is completely convincing, the interior only partially – the helmet pads should be more comfortable.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

35/39
The sun visor could be a bit longer. The chin guard can be removed and attached again quickly.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

36/39
The optically perfect visor closes just above the chin and allows draft-free 130 km / h. The processing is right.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

37/39
The dark visor is subject to a surcharge – and a must for this design.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

38/39
The visor works perfectly even without locking, and putting it on and taking it off works easily and without “pop-up ears”.

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test
mps photo studio

39/39
The opened visor is annoying in the field of vision, putting on and taking off is difficult, but the lining reconciles.

clothing

Helmets

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

12 unique helmets tested
Helmet exotic

Headgear should match the type of wearer. After all, the eye goes along with it. Both on the tank and on the motorcycle. Twelve unique helmet models showed in the MOTORRAD helmet test what they have to offer besides independence.

Klaus Herder

10/01/2015

Beyond the usual flip-up helmet or touring sports helmet with sun visor categories, there is a lively range of helmets that do not fit into any common scheme. And that is why they do not appear at all in the usual MOTORCYCLE helmet tests or only appear under “also ran” and are then pressed into a scheme that only partially does justice to their individuality.

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A comparison test of helmets, which actually cannot be compared, was overdue. In late summer 2015, MOTORRAD invited to an exotic comparison under the motto “Helmets that don’t fit into any scheme” and only gave the relevant providers two essential requirements in order to be able to take part: It had to be a series model that had successfully passed the ECE test -R 22.05 (the helmet standard currently valid in Europe). And the helmet has never been part of a MOTORCYCLE helmet test.

Arai Rebel


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Arai Rebel.

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

Price: 549.00 euros (decor 649.00 euros)

Sizes: XS to XXL

Weight: 1620 ± 50 g / 1614 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: Matt black, five decors;

Helmet shell: Fiberglass;

Closure: Double-D;

Country of Manufacture: Japan, ECE test mark E 4 (Netherlands);

Replacement visors: clear / tinted / mirrored, 69.95 / 69.95 / 119.95 euros;

Furnishing: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin (pull-out), Pinlock visor (enclosed), helmet bag (normal)

Plus: Very easy to put on and take off; very good suitability for glasses; good to very good fit (chin part but possibly a little too close), crisp, yet comfortable fit; very good aerodynamics; despite the missing latching, visor operation is absolutely practical with perfect ventilation position, sufficiently large field of vision; easy change of visor; easy-to-use and effective ventilation slides; very high quality workmanship

Minus: Evaporates heavily when new; Chinstrap pad much too short; relatively heavy (but well balanced); from 100 km / h relatively loud; ambitious price, replacement visors very expensive; Shock absorption values ​​only in the middle

Conclusion: A fighter design that is almost revolutionary by Arai standards meets proven Arai quality, i.e. the typical sneaker feel-good fit. The Arai Rebel is expensive, but also really well made.

Bandit Alien II


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Bandit Alien II.

Providers: Bandit Helmets, Tel. 0 30/30 09 96 80, www.bandithelmets.de

Price: 199.00 euros with a clear visor (carbon shell 279.00 euros)

Sizes: S to XL; Weight: 1300 ± 50 g / 1252 g (manufacturer information / L weighed); 

To dye: White, black, matte black, carbon;

Helmet shell: Fiberglass;

Closure: Push button;

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E 1 (Germany);

Replacement visors: clear / tinted / mirrored, 39.95 / 39.95 / 59.95 euros;

Furnishing: Wind deflector on the chin (included), helmet bag (normal)

Plus: Easy to put on and take off; good suitability for glasses; relatively easy; good aerodynamics; practical visor ventilation position, easy to use top head ventilation slider (but hardly any function); good shock absorption values; radical design, perfect for the purpose

Minus: Evaporates heavily when new; Chinstrap lock a bit fiddly to use, strap may press on the larynx, pad much too short; very unsatisfactory fit, many pressure points, no defined fit, head is not fully enclosed; Visor notch too slack, closes “automatically” at a slightly higher speed, can only be changed with a tool; severely restricted field of vision; from 60 km / h very loud, over 120 km / h hardly mobile without hearing protection; rather economical equipment

Conclusion: Become bandit Alien II buys probably knows very well what he’s doing. And so it is not likely to go on a long-distance motorway tour. A single anachronism – nice that there is something like this with ECE!

Caberg freeride


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Caberg freeride.

Providers: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de

http://www.germot.dePrice: 199.99 euros (decor 229.99 euros, carbon fiber 279.99 euros)

Sizes: XS to XXL;

Weight: 850 ± 50 g / 966 g (manufacturer information / L weighed with visor)

To dye: White, black, matt black, twelve decors, carbon

Helmet shell: Fiberglass;

Closure: Ratchet;

Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy);

Replacement visors: light / strong / yellow tinted, 25.95 / 25.95 / 29.95 euros

Furnishing: clear visor (included), helmet bag (normal), preparation for communication system

plus: Very easy to put on and take off; relatively easy; Chin strap well padded; very good suitability for glasses; good fit, comfortable fit, no pressure points; satisfactory aerodynamics; relatively quiet for a jet helmet; Visor optically perfect, no distortion, easy to use and with an extremely large field of view; absolutely draft-free; good workmanship; good shock absorption values

minus: Visor can only be attached with tools (but quite easy for that); no sun visor; ambitious price

Conclusion: Light, quiet, comfortable and draft-free even at high speeds – the Italian head flatterer is an all-round well-made open face helmet. And would be even better with a sun visor.

FM RS41 Vario


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

FM RS41 Vario.

Providers: Niemann + Frey, Tel. 0 21 51/5 55 40, www.niemann-frey.de

http://www.niemann-frey.dePrice: 149.90 euros

Sizes: XS to XXL

Weight: 1570 g / 1562 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: White, black, matte black

Helmet shell: Polycarbonate

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy)

Replacement visors: clear / tinted, 31.50 / 31.50 euros

Furnishing: removable chin bar, pinlock preparation, sun visor, P / J homologation (integral / jet helmet)

plus: Sufficiently easy putting on and taking off (possibly slight ear threading problems); very good suitability for glasses; satisfactory aerodynamics (from 115 km / h slight restlessness when looking over the shoulder); very large field of vision with the visor closed, very easy visor change; easy to use and effective overhead ventilation slider; Removal and installation of the chin guard is very easy

minus: Slightly unsatisfactory fit, only partially fits, not optimally balanced, feels heavy; Very synthetic and sweaty lining; Visor is difficult to grip to open (tab / nose not available) and protrudes into the field of vision when fully opened Sun visor a little too short, rattles heavily when operated; Processing somewhat rustic; Impact absorption values ​​below average

Conclusion: the FM RS41 Vario leaves an ambivalent impression. The basic concept and equipment are correct, but many lack of detail and the not very valuable design are annoying in everyday life.

Germot GM 306


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Germot GM 306.

Providers: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de

http://www.germot.dePrice: 99.90 euros (decor 119.90 euros)

Sizes: XS to XXL

Weight: 1500 ± 50 g / 1496 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: White, black, matt black, seven decors

Helmet shell: ABS / polycarbonate mix

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E 13 (Luxembourg)

Replacement visors: clear / tinted / mirrored, 19.90 / 19.90 / 24.90 euros

Furnishing: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin (pull-out), sun visor, helmet bag (normal)

plus: Relatively easy to put on and take off; Chin strap well padded; still satisfactory fit; satisfactory suitability for glasses; satisfactory aerodynamics (from 120 km / h minimal restlessness when looking over the shoulder); very easy visor change; good sun visor design and operation; good equipment, attractive price, cheap replacement visors

Minus: Evaporates heavily when new; Synthetic and sweaty lining; Visor ventilation position too far; Ventilation slide largely without function (“forced ventilation” but okay and draft-free); Impact absorption values ​​below average

Conclusion: What is exotic about this helmet? Perhaps the fact that a helmet importer (Caberg) does a solid job with its own brand – apart from small flaws in detail.

iXS HX 87 crackle


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

iXS HX 87 crackle.

Providers: Hostettler, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40, www.ixs.com

Price: 99.95 euros (as HX 87 in black and as HX 87 Street in matt black / white 89.95 each)

Sizes: XXS to XXL 

Weight: 1280 ± 50 g / 1260 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

Colour: Matt black

Helmet shell: Polycarbonate

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: Vietnam, ECE test mark E 13 (Luxembourg)

Replacement visor: 27.50 (sun visor)

Furnishing: Helmet peak (included), synthetic leather cover strips for peak press studs, sun visor, helmet bag (normal)

plus: Easy to put on and take off; Chin strap well padded; Ventilation slider on top of the head easy to use; proper processing; good shock absorption values

minus: Relatively difficult; very unsatisfactory fit, hard edges on the forehead and neck press heavily; Aerodynamics, acoustics and ventilation are severely restricted, as there is no clearly defined seat in the cheek and ear area and the airstream has access accordingly; Visor / sun visor can hardly be operated with gloves when the umbrella is clipped on; not suitable for glasses, visor / sun visor hits glasses when extended

Conclusion: Too bad. The synthetic leather-covered jet helmet looks quite valuable when you finger it for the first time, but massive weaknesses in the fit and in the wearing behavior thwart a better result.

Lazer Osprey Hypersport II


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Lazer Osprey Hypersport II.

Providers: CIMA, Tel. 0 82 34/90 23 63, www.cima-motorradbekleidung.de

http://www.cima-motorradbekleidung.dePrice: 399.00 euros

Sizes: XS to XXL

Weight: 1300 ± 50 g / 1286 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

Colour: Carbon / white / blue

Helmet shell: Carbon

Closure: Double-D; Country of manufacture: China, ECE mark E 6 (Belgium)

Replacement visors: clear incl.Pinlock / tinted / mirrored, 59.90 / 49.90 / 59.90 euros

Furnishing: Breathing air deflector, wind deflector on the chin, Pinlock visor (included), helmet bag (high quality)

Plus: Easy to put on; Chin strap very well padded; very good suitability for glasses; good fit, comfortable fit, is relatively light and even easier to wear; very good aerodynamics; practical visor locking and ventilation position, very convenient visor operation, simple locking; very easy visor change; proper processing

Minus: Weaning somewhat difficult; Chin strap hinged relatively far back, can press on the larynx if necessary; from 70 km / h clear wind noise, from 100 km / h significantly increased; Ventilation operation a bit fiddly, effect on the chin part hardly noticeable (overall still satisfactory air exchange); Shock absorption values ​​only in the middle

Conclusion: A great in the wind, quite comfortable and (felt) impressively light sports driver’s helmet without serious weaknesses. The waiver of sun visors (weight!) Is understandable.

LS2 OF597 convertible


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

LS2 OF597 convertible.

Providers: LS2 Germany, Tel. 0 44 51/9 60 29 80, www.ls2helmets.com

Price: 249.90 euros

Sizes: XS to XXL

Weight: 850 ± 50 g / 1066 g (manufacturer information / L weighed with visor)

Colour: Carbon matt

Helmet shell: Carbon

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E 9 (Spain)

Replacement visors: clear / tinted, 18.50 / 19.90 euros

Furnishing: clear visor (included), sun visor, helmet bag (high quality)

Plus: Very easy to put on and take off; still relatively easy; Chin strap well padded; very good suitability for glasses; very good fit, very comfortable and well-encompassing fit, no pressure points; good aerodynamics; relatively quiet for a jet helmet; Visor optically perfect, no distortion, easy to use and with a very large field of vision; absolutely draft-free; Sun visor dimensioned for practical use; good to very good workmanship; good shock absorption values

Minus: Visor can only be attached with a tool / coin and is a bit fiddly (also described in the operating instructions in a misleading manner); Sun visor operation a bit uncomfortable in places; ambitious price

Conclusion: Is very easy to carry, is very comfortable, lies well in the wind, does not show any nakedness in terms of shock absorption and also looks really cool. Top grade for the Chinese man.

Nolan N 40 Full


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Nolan N 40 Full.

Providers: Nolan Group Germany, Tel. 07 11/3 10 85 30, www.nolangroup.de

Price: 229.99 euros (Classic 249.99 euros, neon / decor 279.99 euros)

Sizes: XXS to XXL

Weight: 1590 g / 1648 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: White, black, silver, graphite, neon yellow, neon orange, six classic models, three decors

Helmet shell: Lexan

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy)

Replacement visors: clear / tinted / mirrored, 36.95 / 36.95 / 56.95 euros

Furnishing: Wind deflector on the chin (enclosed), Pinlock visor (mounted), sun visor, removable chin guard, umbrella + conversion parts, helmet bag (high quality), P / J homologation (integral / jet helmet), preparation for communication system

plus: Good suitability for glasses; good fit, comfortable fit, no pressure points, pleasant lining; good aerodynamics; practical visor locking and operation, very large field of vision; Easy to use sun visor; Ventilation of the head well regulated and effective; easy change of visor; relatively simple conversion (eight variants); very good shock absorption values

Minus: Slightly difficult to put on and take off (narrow entry); Chin strap padding too short; clear wind noise from 90 km / h; relatively difficult

Conclusion: Neatly made helmet with a good fit and very good shock absorption values. The various conversion options make the whole thing quite playful – possibly a bit too playful.

Scorpion VX-20 Air


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Scorpion VX-20 Air.

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

Price: 299.90 euros (decor 349.90 euros), glasses as accessories 39.90 euros

Sizes: XS to XXL; Weight: 1250 ± 50 g / 1288 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: White, black, white / red, nine decors

Helmet shell: GRP mix

Closure: Double-D

Country of Manufacture: China, ECE test mark E 11 (Great Britain)

Furnishing: inflatable forehead and cheek pads; Helmet bag (normal)

Plus: Relatively easy; good suitability for glasses; satisfactory aerodynamics; relatively large field of view; proper processing; good shock absorption values

Minus: Sitting up difficult, getting down very difficult; Chin strap padding too short; unsatisfactory fit, very tight, wearing comfort severely restricted by a chin section that is much too short; Price too high for what is offered 

Conclusion: Cross helmets have this very special shape to give their wearer a. To let in as much air as possible when things get hot. Unfortunately not so with the Scorpion VX-20 Air – a bit missed topic!

Shark Vancore


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Shark Vancore.

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

Price: 269.95 euros (matt black 279.95 euros, decor 299.95 euros)

Sizes: XS to XL

Weight: 1300 g / 1456 g (manufacturer information / L weighed with glasses)

To dye: white, black, matt black, five decors

Helmet shell: Thermoplastic

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: Portugal, ECE test mark E 11 (Great Britain)

Spare Parts: Eyeglass frame 35.00 euros, eyeglass lens nine to 14 euros

Furnishing: Glasses, helmet pouch (high quality), preparation for communication system

Plus: Good fit, comfortable fit, no pressure points; aerodynamics are satisfactory for the rugged shape; Glasses operation very easy; absolutely draft-free; Head ventilation slider very easy to use and effective; proper processing; radical design, perfect for the purpose

Minus: Getting used to, possibly a little arduous putting on and taking off; only partially suitable for glasses (rather small frames fit quite well); very limited field of vision; “Mal-even ventilation” in city traffic (comparable to opening a visor) practically impossible; from 90 km / h strong wind noises; rather below average shock absorption values

Conclusion: This may make an even more evil appearance than with the Bandit Alien II – and that means something. Otherwise a totally impractical and at the same time quite fascinating helmet.

X-Lite X-403GT


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

X-Lite X-403GT.

Providers: Nolan Group Germany, Tel. 07 11/3 10 85 30, www.nolangroup.de

Price: 399.99 euros (Neon 439.99 euros)

Sizes: XXS to XXL

Weight: 1480 g / 1536 g (manufacturer information / L weighed)

To dye: white metallic, black, matt black, silver, anthracite, neon yellow, neon orange

Helmet shell: Carbon / fiberglass / kevlar mix

Closure: ratchet

Country of Manufacture: Italy, ECE test mark E 3 (Italy)

Replacement visors: clear / tinted / mirrored, 36.95 / 36.95 / 56.95 euros

Furnishing: Wind deflector on the chin, Pinlock visor (mounted), sun visor, detachable chin guard + conversion parts, helmet bag (high quality), P / J homologation (integral / jet helmet), preparation for communication system

plus: Good suitability for glasses; comfortable lining; very good aerodynamics; practical visor locking and operation, very large field of vision; Easy to use sun visor; Chin and upper head ventilation can be regulated very well and is very effective; very easy visor change; simple remodeling; relatively quiet for a modular helmet; good workmanship; still satisfactory shock absorption values

minus: Difficult to put on and take off (narrow entry); Unsatisfactory fit, partially presses (especially ears), pinlock lower edge interferes with the field of vision

Conclusion: the X-Lite X-403GT is significantly more expensive than the group sister model from Nolan, but also made noticeably more valuable. Anyone who can cope with the very special fit gets a lot of helmet for the money.

You can buy the helmets here

We tested these helmets valuation Purchase opportunity
LS2 OF597 convertible very good Buy now from Amazon
Arai Rebel Good Buy now from Amazon
Caberg freeride Good Buy now at Louis.de
Lazer Osprey Hypersport II Good In specialist shops
Nolan N 40 Full Good Buy now from Amazon
Shark Vancore Good Buy now from Amazon
X-Lite X-403GT Good Buy now at Louis.de
Bandit Alien II satisfying Buy now from Amazon
FM RS41 Vario satisfying In specialist shops
Germot GM 306 satisfying Buy now from Amazon
Scorpion VX-20 Air satisfying In specialist shops
iXS HX 87 crackle sufficient Buy now from Amazon

Final scoring


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


MOTORCYCLE

Bottom line.

This time it was not a comparison test in the conventional sense, but rather an unconventional compilation of twelve individual tests. So if you are a passionate streetfighter driver, for example, looking for the best possible bad headgear, you will only find it from fourth place. Or even choose the penultimate table as a very personal favorite, which was just as convincing in terms of shock absorption as the first-placed.

In other words: The exact study of the product boxes and the adjoining table of points is particularly important this time in order to localize your personal favorites. Which also explains why the coveted title of “test winner” does not exist this time for once.

The totally subjective hit lists of the editors


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


Werel

Markus Biebricher

Markus Biebricher (52)

1. Caberg Freeride

2. LS2 OF597 convertible 

3. Arai Rebel

11. Scorpion VX-20 Air

12. X-lite X-403GT


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


Werel

Thorsten Dentges.

Thorsten Dentges (44)

1. LS2 OF597 convertible

2. Caberg Freeride 

3. Nolan N 40 full

11. Scorpion VX-20 Air

12. FM RS41 Vario 


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Klaus Herder.

Klaus Herder (53)

1. LS2 OF597 convertible

2. Arai Rebel 

3. Shark Vancore

11. Scorpion VX-20 Air

12. iXS HX 87 crackle 


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


mps photo studio

Jorg Lohse.

Jorg Lohse (45)

1. Shark Vancore

2. LS2 OF597 convertible 

3. Caberg Freeride

11. Nolan N 40 Full

12. FM RS41 Vario 

Twelve unique helmet models in the product test

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Motorcycle clothing – tests at a glance

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Helmets that don’t fit into any scheme

What trickled into the editorial team with the motto “helmets that don’t fit into any scheme” impressively demonstrated how differently the term “exotic helmets” can be interpreted. This is what the editors ask themselves about the models of Germot and Lazer actually still today, which distinguishes them from other “normal” full-face helmets. But no matter: Both requirements were met, journalistic curiosity urged participants to take part in the test to see what the exotic, non-exotic, can do.

In the rest of the test field, the spectrum ranged from the most evil-looking helmets for the streetfighter faction (Arai, Bandit and Shark) to multifunctional helmets for somewhat playful helmet conversion junkies (FM, Nolan, X-lite) to jet helmets that go well with the current one Naked / retro / custom bike shaft fit (Caberg, iXS, LS2). With the VX-20 Air, Scorpion sent a cross helmet into the race, which subsequently turned out to be not all that cross and therefore quite individual.

Classic comparison test unthinkable

A classic comparison test with this colorful mixture was unthinkable, but that did not change the fact that the main task of every helmet – the protective function in the event of an accident – was once again felt in the tried and tested way on the tooth, or rather on the shell. The positive result: Despite all the individuality, there were no outliers, and with the Nolan N 40 Full even a helmet almost reached the MOTORRAD target value of HIC 1000. In the practical part, however, MOTORRAD deviated from the usual scoring scheme and led with the heading “Purpose suitability” an additional category, from which you can see, for example, the extent to which a fighter helmet is really really bad.

This is how MOTORRAD tests


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


Herder

Master of Disaster: TuV engineer Peter Schaudt always breaks everything. That’s his job!

Five copies of each helmet model were put to the test: three in size M, one each in size L and XL. Two specimens in M ​​did not survive the helmet test because they were destroyed as part of the shock absorption test at TuV Rheinland in Cologne. The three remaining test samples had to show what they can do in practical trials. To do this, the Yamaha MT-09 from the MOTORRAD long-term test fleet set off on the big Stuttgart tour: city traffic, country roads, autobahns – everything included and after each trip with very fresh impressions logged in detail.

In order to be able to classify the driving impressions even better, the legendary “conference room dry test” was on the program at the end, in which additional colleagues who were “unencumbered” by driving impressions were involved. Once again, it was all about handling, fit and workmanship. And as always, the editors’ totally subjective hit lists were created, proving once again that the best helmet is the one that fits and pleases you personally.

The helmets on the TuV test bench


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


Herder

They all come down: A Scorpion on the TuV drop test stand in Cologne.

The successfully completed examination according to the helmet test standard ECE R 22.05 is a basic requirement for making it into the selection for the MOTORCYCLE helmet test. However, the editors consider the mundane re-measurement of the ECE shock absorption values ​​to be superfluous. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the helmet manufacturers observe themselves closely. Peter Schaudt, helmet expert at TuV Rheinland: “As soon as a provider with new models appears on the market, we receive them from competitors to check the ECE values.” On the other hand, in the opinion of MOTORRAD, the ECE only sets a minimum requirement for motorcycle helmets Are defined. On the one hand, this is due to the sometimes absurd test specifications, in which the drop tests are carried out with helmets frozen to minus 20 degrees. In addition, the points of impact are precisely defined in the European standard. Which in turn encourages some helmet providers to reinforce the test points accordingly. A procedure that is within the legal framework, but which makes critics scoff at the fact that this method can even be used to knit a bobble hat so it is ECE-compliant.

For this reason, MOTORRAD sat down at the table with TuV expert Schaudt and accident researcher and biomechanic Florian Schueler as early as 2009 to develop a practical test procedure for helmets. For six years now, the “MOTORCYCLE helmet standard” has proven itself in numerous comparative tests. Central point: the helmet continues to fall from a height of around three meters on the test stand of TuV Rheinland, but not on the ECE edge anvil, but on a real guardrail carrier (“Sigma post”), which, according to Florian Schueler, is often tragic in accidents Role. The helmets are also tested at room temperature; the impact on the left and right side occurs at both low and high speed.

ECE allows a maximum HIC value of 2400


Twelve unique helmet models in the product test


MOTORCYCLE

Values ​​for shock absorption.

According to ECE, an acceleration value of 275 g is permissible in the event of an impact on the test anvil. The probe equipped with sensors forwards the g-value to a computer, which calculates the HIC-value with the help of other parameters (duration of force application). The “Head Injury Criterion” is considered by doctors and biomechanics as an informative value for making statements about possible brain / skull injuries.

The ECE allows a maximum HIC value of 2400. An abstract number, but above all far beyond good and bad. The MOTORRAD expert crew agrees: “In the MOTORRAD test, HIC 1000 should be feasible!” The top values ​​of the last MOTORRAD helmet tests prove that some helmet manufacturers have already achieved this target value. The current test field still has some catching up to do.

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