HJC AC-12 Carbon Helmet Review

God I love Carbon Fiber helmets.

I can't help it, they just talk to me. This HJC carbon fiber helmet isn't what I would consider a cheap motorcycle helmet but it I must say I was surprised at the price, considering what you get for your money.
The HJC AC-12 Carbon motorcycle helmet is based around the design of their extremely popular AC-12 helmet. If you aren't familiar with this helmet then take comfort in knowing that it is the helmet of choice for AMA Superbike and Superstock racers Jason Pridmore and Aaron Yates along with tens of thousands of riders around the globe.

It should also be noted that HJC helmets are the #1 helmet sold in North America as far as quantity sold per year, so you know they aren't some fly by night company that is here today and gone tomorrow.

AC-12 Helmet Weight

The first reason that most people buy anything made out of carbon fiber is the weight. Obviously this should be a light weight helmet and the HJC AC-12 does not disappoint in that department. The AC-12 is barely noticeable weighing in at an anorexic 1490 grams for my XL sized nogging protector. When you pick up the box, you would almost think that it's empty.

The other reason you would buy a carbon fiber helmet is that they are the most bad assest looking helmets (is that a word?) on the planet. I love the raw carbon fiber look and this helmet simply oozes cool. The raw carbon fiber helmet complimented by the graphite colored vent system is simply awesome. I am trying to stay neutral here but in case you hadn't noticed, I love the way this helmet looks.

HJC Helmet Fit and Comfort

As far as comfort or fit goes, the HJC AC-12 is surprisingly ordinary. This is not a bad thing, I am just saying that there isn't anything over the top new or different about this helmet. It's comfortable, the padding felt nice and the liner feels very similar to many other liners we have seen used. Don't mistake these comments as a complaint, because it isn't.

The liner and the cheek pads are removable so you may be able to modify or tweak them for a custom fit. HJC may offer different thickness cheek pads but I did not see any listed on HJC's website so check that out if it is important to you.

HJC AC-12 Helmet Quality

The very first full face helmet I ever owned was an HJC helmet. I don't remember the model number or anything like that as I didn't own it long enough. I face planted my brand new Suzuki Katana 1100 the first week I owned it. Young, dumb and no fear of the throttle and that helmet was toast, but it did it's job well and protected my face from a severe beating.

So I may be partial to HJC as I have always thought of them as a quality helmet, even though they do not share the same spotlight with brands like Shoei and Arai. The HJC AC-12 is no different, I found it to be a very high quality helmet and really would put it up there with just about anything else I have tried or currently ride with.

The AC-12 has a near flawless finish and everything about the helmet appears to be quality.  I'd be comfortable saying that the HJC AC-12 carbon is on par with most of the high end helmes that I have ridden with in the past.  Some costing twice as much as this unit too.

AC-12 Venting and Air Flow

The vents on the AC-12 Carbon helmet matched the overall scheme of the helmet perfectly and they functioned exactly as expected. The chin vent is a fold down unit that has a solid and positive feel and doesn't feel flimsy at all like some of the cheap vents on the market.

They vent the air from the chin guard onto the back of the visor rather than onto the rider's face and while it might keep the visor clear, it does little for rider comfort. A small nuance but worth mentioning if you live in an ultra hot climate.  I live in Georgia....so it's an issue for me.

The top vents are also a very simple design and they work quite well. The vents are a sliding design that opens up to reveal a vent hold that flows air straight onto your head through the liner. There are two exhaust vents on the sides of the chin and one up on the back of the helmet; these are permanently open.

I would like to say that I love the venting system on the AC-12 Carbon but I can't.  It functions adequately but I prefer a helmet that flows a LOT of air.  Living in Georgia....it's just a must for me personally.

Helmet Noise Levels

Some riders obsess over helmet noise and they make it  focal point of whether they like a helmet or not.  It simply isn't that important to me and as long as the thing doesn't whistle like a jet airplane then I am ok.  I know that to some this IS important so I would say that the AC-12 Carbon ranks about average on helmet noise. It wasn't the quietest helmet ever but it surely didn't make a lot of noise.

I ride with earplugs so that always helps mute the noise and I make sure that I get a helmet that fits my head well, which the AC-12 does.  A nicely fitting helmet is KEY to reducing helmet noise so if you often find helmets to be noisy, maybe you are wearing a helmet that is too big.

HJC AC-12 Carbon Visor

The HJC's quick-release system is easily one of the easiest to use visor release mechanisms on the market. The HJC is very simple to operate but they add a nice feature by having a small switch on the left side that locks the visor in place. This is a nice feature that ALL helmets should offer but they don't.

The visor was of a reasonable quality and HJC claims that it is coated with an anti-fog material. We didn't notice any fogging at all so I would have to assume that they are being truthful about it.  The visor closes with authority and sealed the eye cavity very well. I didn't care too much for the detent system as it didn't have many choices so I could never seem to get the visor where I wanted it. I prefer a friction set up that allows me to open the visor to the exact point that I prefer. Personal preference and not a big deal.

HJC AC-12 Carbon Conclusion

I think you can tell that I really like this helmet. I can't get past the looks.....they're awesome. The fit and finish is great, it's comfortable and doesn't make that much noise but what sells this helmet to me is the sizzle. The sizzle will always sell the steak.

The HJC AC-12 Carbon is a quality motorcycle helmet that you can buy at a price so low you would think it was one of "those" cheap motorcycle helmets but that is not the case. It should also be noted that the HJC AC-12 Carbon is both DOT and Snell M2005 certified.

Check out the AC-12's below to find a great deal of your very own....MSRP is about 420 dollars and is what you would likely pay at a motorcycle shop in your hometown.

How much money you can save by shopping online?  Find out below......