Test new helmets

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Test new helmets

Test new helmets
Good litter?

How well have the helmet manufacturers done their models for the 2003 season? MOTORRAD subjected 13 brand new full-face helmets from very different price ranges to an initial practical test.

Holger Hertneck

03/27/2003

Every year the helmet manufacturers try to outdo each other with new creations. New shapes, new designs, new materials, sophisticated visor mechanisms and improved ventilation should convince motorcyclists of the respective product. Representing the huge number of models, MOTORRAD grabbed 13 new full-face helmets for an initial test.
But first the question: What actually characterizes the ideal helmet? First of all, it should be as light as possible in order to minimize the strain on the neck muscles. In addition, it should be quiet and have good aerodynamics, i.e. no lift while driving? noticeable through increasing tensile force on the chinstrap ?? still develop too much downforce. Another point is air resistance. It goes without saying that a small helmet tends to offer less resistance than one with a large outer shell.
Effective ventilation is of course part of ideal head protection. The ventilation openings should all be closable and easy to use, even with thick gloves. The next criterion: the visor. In the opinion of MOTORRAD, the top priority is that the windshield is fog-free. Specimens fogging up in cool temperatures, driving in the rain or fog are not only annoying, they are downright dangerous. Other positive features of a visor are that it is easy to change without tools, as well as a clear detent and locking option in the closed position, which prevents the visor from suddenly tearing open at higher speeds as soon as the driver turns his head.
We come to the most important feature of all, the fit. Even if no head is exactly the same, here are a few general tips for a good fit. The helmet should be snug and snug without any pressure. Individual pressure points often amount to torture after a long journey. Helmets that are tight in the cheek area are more stable at higher speeds than those without such padding. A narrow entrance takes some getting used to when putting on and taking off, but it ensures lower driving noise.
Last but not least, the helmet lock remains. So what is more practical or better, a click fastener or a double D-ring? The simple opening and closing speak in favor of the click closure. Readjusting the belt length, for example when driving with a scarf for a change, is usually very time-consuming and only works when the helmet is removed. In addition, there are usually quite voluminous locks that can press on the lower jaw in an unfavorable position. This risk is much lower with the double D-rings. They can also be readjusted with one hand while driving. They have to be readjusted every time you put them on, but on the one hand this can even be done with gloves with a little practice, and on the other hand it ensures that the helmet is always tight. Another alternative is, for example Nolan with the tested N61 helmet. A ratchet lock (microlock) serves as the locking mechanism, which can also be readjusted while driving and can be closed just as quickly as a click system.
But now enough theory, we come to the actual test. Since these are helmets from different price ranges, there is no winner in the end ?? that would be more than unfair. Each box can be seen as a separate individual test, even if the helmets were tested according to the same criteria. And that consisted of an extensive “dry test” in the MOTORRAD conference room, during which over ten testers put on the various models for hours, and of course a driving test on the autobahn and country road. There it was shown how well the developers got aerodynamics, ventilation and noise under control.
Conclusion: Not every litter in 2003 is an absolute hit. And yet: This year, too, every biker will surely find a helmet that meets their needs and financial capabilities.

Helmet provider

Agv, www.imag-germany.de, phone 07182 / 805900Airoh, www.jfmotorsport.de, phone 06002 / 910391Arai, www.motocat.de, phone 06821 / 904700Axo, www.axosport.de, phone 0711 / 25359030Baehr, www. baehr.net, phone 06331 / 14320Bandit, www.motorbike.de, phone 030 / 30099680Bayard, www.motoport.de, phone 04451 / 915200Bell, www.motorbar.com, phone 0043 / 5242-63830Berik, www.krawehl-gmbh. de, phone 040 / 78919450Bieffe, www.bike-parts.de, phone 09721 / 65010BMW, www.bmw-motorrad.de, phone 089 / 3820Buse, www.buese.com, phone 02471 / 12690Caberg, www.caberg-helm. com, phone 08191 / 971221Climax, www.indoport-motorrad.de, phone 0731 / 60520Craft, www.craft-helmets.de, phone 0251 / 6279424Cromwell, www.indoport-motorrad.de, phone 0731 / 60520CTS, www.cima- motorradbekleidung.de, phone 08234 / 902363Dainese, www.dainese.com, phone 0180 / 3246373Davida, www.motorrad-lust.de, phone 0221/93707070 DMC, www.modeka.de, phone 02521 / 85030Dromo, www.haveba.de , Telephone 07432 / 220595FM, www.fmhelmets.de, Tele fon 06331 / 143275Germot, www.germot.de, phone 06103 / 35052Givi, www.givi.de, phone 0911 / 955100GPA, www.roleff.de, phone 02761 / 929307Grex, www.nolangroup.de, phone 07159 / 93160Held, www .held-biker-fashion.de, phone 08321 / 66460Highway, www.louis.de, phone 040 / 73419360HJC, www.hjc-germany.de, phone 02131 / 3693931Ixs, www.ixs.com, phone 07631 / 18040KBC, www .jfmotorsport.de, phone 06002 / 910391Kiwi, www.kiwi-helme.de, phone 089 / 89809252Lazer, www.lazer.be, phone 0180 / 5001686Levior, www.levior.de, phone 06263 / 42020Marushin, www.jfmotorsport.de , Phone 06002 / 910391M-Cax, www.mg-sport.de, phone 09383 / 99004MDS, www.imag-germany.de, phone 07182 / 805900M.Robert, www.m-robert.it, phone 03722 / 95557MSK, www .msk-kutz.de, phone 02333 / 2018MTR, www.louis.de, phone 040 / 73419360Nau, www.nau-helmets.com, phone 05331/907410 (Portugal) Nexo, www.polo-motorrad.de, phone 0211 / 9796699Nitro, www.polo-motorrad.de, phone 0211 / 9796699Nolan, www.nolangroup.de, phone 07159 / 93160NZI, www.held-biker-fashion.de, phone 08321 / 66460OGK, www.maxxmo.de, phone 02827 / 925123Premier, www.bewa-motorsport.de, phone 06284 / 920910Probiker, www.louis.de, phone 040 / 73419360Schuberth, www.schuberth.de, phone 0531 / 380050Shark, www.krawehl-gmbh.de, phone 040 / 78919450Shiro, www.shirohelmet.com, phone 06821/904700 (www.motocat.de) Shoei, www.shoei.com, phone 0211 / 4397494Simpson, www.simpsoneurope.com, phone 0511 / 3360192Sinisalo, www.zupin.de, phone 08669/8480 Streetfighter, www.louis.de, phone 040 / 73419360Suomy, www.suomy.com, phone 07181 / 980881Takai, www. hein-gericke.de, phone 0211 / 98989THH, www.thh-helmet.com, phone 02154 / 94190Uvex, www.uvex-sports.de, phone 0911 / 97740Vemar, www.teamconnect.de, phone 02581 / 941410X-Lite, www.nolangroup.de, phone 07159/93160

Agv X-R2

Price: 399.99 to 499.99 euros Sizes: XXS to XXL Colors: matt black, black, silver as well as five decor variants and five replica designs Outer shell: multifiber (GRP / Kevlar) Weight *: 1443 grams Other: three-year guarantee; Double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; combined chin and visor ventilation, head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; glued on air scoops; Spoiler on the back of the head; Wind deflector on chin; Air deflector; Preparation for tear-off discs Practical test Driving noise: good to satisfactory Aerodynamics: good Plus: tight-fitting padding in the cheek area, therefore good fit even at high speeds; good workmanship; high wearing comfort; absolutely fog-free visor with clear detent; very quick and easy visor change Minus: poor operation of the head ventilation; general ventilation almost not noticeable; chinstrap somewhat stiff when opening; Strap extremely long; Not very suitable for people who wear glasses Conclusion: The XR-2 should actually have appeared in the middle of last season, but was not available at the time. Agv fans are all the more pleased with the successful sports helmet, which is not one of the quietest or lightest, but sits on the head and has good guidance and aerodynamics. The ventilation should work better on a helmet of this class. MOTORRAD verdict: good * size L

Arai Astro-J

Price: 499 to 639 eurosSizes: XXXS to XXLColors: gray, black, six decor variantsOuter shell: GFK / Kevlar / carbon Weight *: 1393 gramsOther: five-year guarantee, double-D lock; exchangeable cheek pads; combined chin and visor ventilation, forehead and head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; extendable wind deflector on the chin; Air deflector; Visor locking practical test Driving noise: good to satisfactory Aerodynamics: very good to good Plus: great fit; Visor lock in closed position; ideally suited for people who wear glasses; low air resistance due to the small outer shell; comfortable lining; well-functioning, noticeable forehead and head ventilation. Minus: no visor locking, therefore too “limp” in the open position; Visor steams up easily; with thick gloves fiddly operation of the visor lock and ventilation buttons; quite narrow chin area; narrow entry; Very fiddly visor change Conclusion: From the outside, the Astro may look similar to previous Arai models, but it is a new development. Too bad that Arai has not tried to change the visor more easily and to avoid fogging? otherwise the helmet would be practically perfect. Arai-typical also the great fit, the good aerodynamics and the noticeable ventilation. MOTORRAD verdict: very good to good * size L

Baehr Sonic

Price: 289 eurosSizes: XS to XXLColors: aluminum / anthracite, cobalt / silver, red / silver, black / silverOuter shell: Axial fiber (GRP) Weight *: 1584 gramsOther: two year guarantee, click fastener; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; separate visor and chin ventilation; Spoiler on the back of the head; Wind deflector on the chin that can be closed with a push button Practical test Driving noise: good Aerodynamics: satisfactory Plus: absolutely fog-free visor; suitable for people who wear glasses; good strap padding Minus: no head ventilation; Visor and chin ventilation quite difficult to operate with thick gloves; scratchy cheek pads; narrow chin area; relatively narrow entry; noticeable lift from around 150 km / h; Conclusion: Like its big brother Silencer from the same company, the Sonic is also relatively quiet. Despite an important spoiler on the back of the head, the Aerodynakmik could not convince on the test drives. The Sonic noticeably develops lift at high speeds. On the other hand, there is no noticeable head ventilation? this is completely absent. Equip for it Baehr the Sonic as standard with micro, headphones and connection for a radio intercom ?? hence the relatively high weight. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory * size L

BMW sports integral

Price: 298 to 315 eurosSizes: XXS to XXLColors: red, black, white, blue-metallic, silver-metallicOuter shell: GRP Weight *: 1409 gramsOther: two-year guarantee; Click fastener; removable inner lining; Visor and head ventilation; Spoiler on the back of the head; Wind deflector on chin; reflective surface on the back of the head practical test driving noise: good aerodynamics: good plus: close-fitting padding in the cheek area up to the chin; absolutely fog-free, cleanly locking visor; very good fit; noticeable visor and head ventilation; Buttons easy to use; very comfortable, pleasant lining; suitable for people who wear glasses; very quick and easy visor change Minus: somewhat narrow entry; relatively high air resistance; somewhat fiddly click fastener; upward restricted field of vision not suitable for sporty head posture Conclusion: Many have been waiting for this: a sporty full-face helmet from BMW ?? at least in name (sports integral). The helmet is less suitable for athletes lying flat on the tank due to the restricted field of vision. It is very suitable for touring riders. The sports integral is very comfortable to wear, closes down very well and is therefore quiet. Due to its relatively large helmet shell with the distinctive »cheekbones«, drivers need pronounced neck muscles at higher speeds. MOTORRAD verdict: good * size L

HJC CL 14

Price: 159.95 to 179.95 euros Sizes: XS to XXXL Colors: matt black, black, silver, blue metallic and eight decor variants Outer shell: polycarbonate Weight *: 1474 grams Other: two-year guarantee; Click fastener; exchangeable cheek pads; separate visor and chin ventilation, head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; Spoiler on the back of the head; Wind deflector on the chin Practical test Driving noise: sufficient aerodynamics: good to satisfactory Plus: easy entry; suitable for people who wear glasses; relatively quick, easy visor change Minus: ventilation almost imperceptible; key operation difficult with thick gloves; Visor fogged up (Antifog as standard only from the end of March 2003); hook clasp; Lock presses on the chin Conclusion: A new addition to the range of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of helmets is the mid-range CL 14 model. During the test drives, the relatively high driving noises and the difficult-to-use and virtually imperceptible ventilation were particularly negative. The fogging visor on the test helmet will give way to a standard anti-fog visor from the end of March. The testers liked the easy entry and the smart visor mechanism. MOTORRAD verdict: good to satisfactory * size L

KBC VR

Price: 279.99 to 329.99 euros Sizes: XS to XXL Colors: matt black, metallic, silver metallic, smoke chrome, titanium Outer shell: Kevlar / carbon Weight *: 1475 grams Other: two-year guarantee; Double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; Visor and head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; glued on air scoops; Spoiler on the back of the head; Breathing air deflector practical test Driving noise: sufficient aerodynamics: satisfactory Plus: cozy inner lining; good visor locking; easy entry; well suited for people who wear glasses; very quick and easy change of visor; minus: very poor operation of the head ventilation; Ventilation almost imperceptible; Visor fogged up; draughty interior; Noticeable buoyancy from around 150 km / h Conclusion: KBC helmets are new to the German market. The importer is JF Motorsport. The relationship between the VR and the one also offered by JF Marushin Interceptor cannot be denied. Various components are practically identical. At higher speeds, the VR develops noticeable lift, and it gets a bit drafty in the interior, which probably explains the relatively high noise levels. The extremely cuddly inner lining of the KBC was particularly pleasant. MOTORRAD rating: good to satisfactory * size L

Lazer Vertigo

Price: 109.99 to 149.99 euros Sizes: XS to XL Colors: matt black, red, black, silver, blue metallic, black metallic and seven decor variants Outer shell: polycarbonate Weight *: 1460 grams Other: two-year guarantee, click Clasp; exchangeable cheek pads; Visor ventilation, a non-closable head ventilation; Spoiler on the back of the head; Wind deflector on chin; Breathing air deflector practical test Driving noise: sufficient aerodynamics: satisfactory Plus: good visor locking; suitable for people who wear glasses; easy entry Minus: visor fogs up; Head ventilation cannot be closed (but does not work either); general ventilation not noticeable; limp ventilation button on the visor; ECE sticker missing; noticeable lift from around 150 km / h; The screwed visor can only be changed with a tool or a coin. Conclusion: The Vertigo is in the lower price range. The equipment is accordingly poor. At least the cheek pads can be replaced. The helmet cannot come up with extensive ventilation or visor mechanics? You even need a coin to change the visor. Driving noise and aerodynamics are below average despite the spoiler at the back of the head, but the Vertigo is suitable for people who wear glasses and offers easy access.MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory to sufficient * size L

Marushin Interceptor

Price: 229.99 to 269.99 euros Sizes: XS to XXL Colors: matt black, mono chrome, black, blue metallic, silver metallic and three decor variants Outer shell: carbon / Kevlar / Dyneema Weight *: 1516 grams Other: two years Guarantee, double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; Visor and head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; glued on air scoops; Air deflector; Helmet replacement for two years upon submission of the police accident report Practical test Driving noise: sufficient aerodynamics: satisfactory Plus: pleasant lining; good visor locking; easy entry; well suited for people who wear glasses; very quick, easy visor change Minus: very poor operation of the head ventilation; Ventilation almost imperceptible; Visor fogged up; draughty interior; noticeable lift from around 150 km / h; Whistles depending on the position of the head Conclusion: In some respects the Marushin is strikingly similar to the KBC helmet. For example, both brands use the same switches for head ventilation. Like the KBC VR, the Interceptor developed noticeable lift during the test drives at higher speeds and was noticeable due to loud driving noises. But the cozy inner lining, the easy visor change and the easy entry are convincing. MOTORRAD verdict: good to satisfactory * size L

Nolan N 61 Style

Price: 169.50 EuroSizes: XS to XXLColors: six different colored decor variants Outer shell: Polycarbonate Weight *: 1504 gramsOther: five-year guarantee; Ratchet lock; exchangeable cheek pads; Visor and head ventilation; Notch on the back of the head; Retaining lugs for attaching a pin-lock double disc to the visor available; also available in seven replica versions (184.50 euros) with click locks and 17 other plain-colored or decor variants at prices between 119.50 and 154.50 euros Practical testDriving noise: satisfactoryAerodynamics: good Plus: very practical helmet lock; good workmanship; cozy inner lining; good visor locking; acceptable key operation; very quick and easy visor change Minus: visor fogs up; Head ventilation almost not noticeable; Not very suitable for people who wear glasses Conclusion: The new polycarbonate model from the northern Italians can convince except for the non-fogging visor, the moderate driving noise and the barely noticeable ventilation. Particularly positive: the ratchet lock, which Nolan calls Microlock. The good workmanship, the neat fit and the many available model variants (some with different closures) round off the good overall picture. MOTORRAD verdict: good * size L

Shoei X-Spirit

Price: 649 to 799 euros Sizes: XXS to XXL Colors: black, silver and three replica versions Outer shell: GRP / carbon Weight *: 1335 grams Other: two-year guarantee; Double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; combined visor and chin ventilation, forehead and two head ventilation, back of the head ventilation; Spoiler on the back of the head; Visor lock; Wind deflector on chin; Breathing air deflector practical testDriving noise: satisfactoryAerodynamics: very good to good Plus: very good fit; very good workmanship; high wearing comfort; supple chin strap; very good ventilation in the forehead and head area; very suitable for people who wear glasses; Visor lock in closed position; very quick and easy visor change Minus: ventilation buttons difficult to use with thick gloves; Visor fogged up conclusion: Admittedly, the X-Spirit, which appears to its wearer subjectively much lighter than the scales indicates, is not exactly a special offer. In return, however, buyers get a high-quality, sporty integral helmet with sophisticated aerodynamics and great ventilation. If only slightly larger ventilation buttons and a fog-free visor are missing, then the helmet would be perfect. MOTORRAD verdict: very good to good * size L

Uvex Supersonic

Price: 579.95 to 599.95 euros Sizes: XXS to XXL Colors: blue / black, green / black-yellow, red / black-yellow, silver / black-yellow, silver-metallic Outer shell: U-fiber composite material / GRP / Kevlar / Carbon Weight *: 1320 gramsOther: two years guarantee; Double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; Visor and head ventilation; several spoilers distributed over the whole headPractical testDriving noise: good to satisfactoryAerodynamics: good Plus: absolutely fog-free visor; quick, easy change of visor Minus: helmet cut high in the neck, therefore drafty, especially when turning your head; Ventilation almost imperceptible; buttons in need of improvement; conditionally suitable for people who wear glasses; Incorrectly worked transitions from visor sticker to helmet design Conclusion: Gurneys names Uvex the numerous spoilers on the outer shell. They should ensure good aerodynamics, which also works quite well. Due to the high neck area, the Supersonic does not slip into the field of vision even when the head is in the sportiest position? but there is a pull in the neck. The outstanding feature of the Uvex model is once again the brilliant, absolutely fog-free visor. MOTORRAD verdict: good * size L

Vemar VPS Racing

Price: 179 to 189 euros Sizes: XS to XL Colors: blue, black and five decor variants Outer shell: Polycarbonate Weight *: 1507 grams Other: two-year guarantee; Click fastener; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; Visor and head ventilation; glued on air scoops; Wind deflector on chin; Breathing air deflectorPractical testDriving noise: good to satisfactoryAerodynamics: very good to good Plus: absolutely fog-free visor; good guidance in the cheek area, thus stable up to high speeds; noticeable head ventilation, easy to use; quick and easy visor change Minus: fiddly fastener; Not very suitable for people who wear glasses Conclusion: Except for the relatively high weight and the hooking click fastener, there is a Vemar little to complain about. The visor, which is easy to change, is completely fog-free, the fit with the taut cheek area is particularly suitable for sports riders, the ventilation works properly and is easy to use ?? if the weight and noise level were lower, everything would be paletti. MOTORRAD verdict: good * size L

X-Lite X-801 Champion

Price: 399.50 eurosSizes: XS to XXLColors: three decor variants Outer shell: composite fiber (GFK / Kevlar / carbon) Weight *: 1405 gramsOther: five year guarantee Double-D clasp; removable inner lining and exchangeable cheek pads; combined visor and chin ventilation, head ventilation; glued on air scoops; Wind deflector on chin; Air deflector; Pin lock visor; Preparation for tear-off discs; Also available as a single-color Start model (329.50 euros) or the Tribal decor variant (359.50 euros) with ratchet lock and without removable inner lining. pleasantly soft upholstery; absolutely fog-free visor; very quick and easy visor change Minus: one of the glued-on spoilers broke off in the test; not very suitable for people who wear glasses; Breathing air deflector too loose Conclusion: The X-801 is the cheapest integral model from the X-Lite brand, which belongs to the Nolan Group, and one of the positive surprises for 2003. During the test drives, the X-Lite convince with its great aerodynamics, good ventilation, fog-free (double) visor and comfortable inner lining. MOTORRAD verdict: very good to good * size L

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