Icon Airframe Helmet Review

Icon is a relatively new player in the motorcycle helmet world but they are certainly making a name for themselves in the industry. They push the cutting edge of motorcycle style and design and so far they have been a big hit with the riding crowd.

When Icon introduced its first few helmet designs on the scene, we have to admit we weren't that impressed with them. A number of small but important flaws in design and quality simply turned us away for more established brands. If the Icon Airframe is an indication of what we can expect in the future from Icon then I say sign me up. This is a nice helmet!

I will admit I am a sucker for a good looking helmet but this Icon Airframe has much more to offer than just sex appeal. It meets DOT and Snell safety certifications, which makes it a winner in our eyes. It also offers a high tech fiberglass and carbon composite shell and it simply feels good on our noggin. This is a must in my eyes, a helmet needs to feel good on your head.

Now while I admit that sex appeal is only a small part of the attraction to a helmet, this Icon Airframe oozes sex appeal. The Airframe "Claymore" that we tested was just hot. I don't know any other way to describe it other than to say that it's hawt hot. The Icon Airframe is almost guaranteed to draw comments and compliments from the crowd on the Saturday ride.

Sex Appeal is important....but what's under the covers? Let's find out.

Graphics

Well I guess I kind of played my hand here. It's a great looking helmet that will get your heart racing when you open the box. Easily one of the best looking helmets in my opinion that I have ever had the opportunity to gaze upon.

You know the old saying, you only get one chance to make a first impression? Well the Icon Airframe will make an awesome first impression when you pull it out of the box. From an appearance standpoint...definitely a good looking helmet.

I should mention that the beauty isn't just skin deep and it's not one of those ten footer helmets...meaning it looks good from ten feet away. The paint and finish is nicely done and applied perfectly. The coating is thick and nicely applied and is sure to keep your helmet looking great for years.

Helmet Shape and Fit

I take an XL for my melon sized head and the Icon Airframe fit as expected in the XL size so that should help you as far as gauging the size for your selection but if you have any reservations then check one out at a bike shop to get the correct sizing.

A nice feature is that the Airframe is available in expanded size ranges too ranging all the way from XXS to XXXL for all you super sized melon heads.

The shell on the Claymore XL does a nice job of covering my chin and the lower parts of my head, which gives me a good feeling of protection, unlike some of the modular helmets we're in the process of reviewing, which seem way too short and have my chin sticking out the bottom.

Helmet fit and comfort is so subjective but I can tell you that even after a couple of hours of riding, the Airframe is still quite comfortable and does not induce any abnormal amount of fatigue of any kind. It felt great.

Icon Airframe Liner

I found the liner fabric of the Airframe to be quite comfortable and Icon bills it to be a material they call "HydraDry" which for all intents and purposes is simply a moisture wicking material that is commonly found in helmets of this caliber. I can attest that the wicking material works quite well as here in Georgia, it gets hot and the wicking material easily was up to the task.

Moisture wicking material aside, the liner and padding used in the Aiframe is quite comfortable and makes for a very plush feel on your head. This helmet not only looks great, but it "feels" great on your head as well.

Icon Airframe Venting

As previously mentioned in many of my reviews, I live in Georgia so I am a big fan of helmets that flow a lot of air. I sweat like a virgin on prom night as it is and when the temperature heads to the triple digits it only gets worse. The Airframe venting is pretty simple and straightforward with the first vent being a basic chin vent that has a small lever to open and close it. I must admit I was not a big fan of the lever and it could be difficult to operate with gloved hands.

While not a fan of the lever, I was a fan of the air flow the chin vent provides. It flowed a decent volume of air and I like that.

The Icon Aiframe has two top vents that both open via a single sliding lever located right in the center. The lever moves the visor covers to one of three positions: closed, half open and fully open. Like most helmets, the air exhausts out the rear of the helmet via the "Supervent" exhaust spoiler system.

The top vents flow a lot of air and they direct the incoming air into channels in the EPS helmet liner. It's a simple design and it works well. The vents kept a nice flow of cooling air going across my noggin anytime the vents were open.

Icon Airframe Weight

The size XL Icon Airframe that we tested weighs in at around 3 lbs., 10 oz. It isn't the lightest helmet around but honestly in my opinion helmet weight is way overhyped. As long as the helmet isn't awkwardly heavy and is comfortable on your head then who cares how much it weighs. If it is designed well then it will feel as light as a feather under speed anyways so don't worry about it in my opinion.

If you are a hardcore helmet weight junkie then the Icon isn't for you. It's light but it isn't a featherweight by any means but it is well designed and does indeed "feel" lighter than it is under power so buy it with confidence.

Conclusion

I haven't kept my cards very close to my vest on this helmet review but that's ok....I like this helmet....in fact no I don't like it...I love it. The Icon Airframe is a beautiful helmet that looks great, feels great, flows air well, isn't too loud, isn't too heavy and did I mention it looks great?

This is a helmet that could easily be the ONLY helmet you own or it could be a beautiful addition to your growing collection of helmets but you should take note, you will be reaching for this helmet a lot when you head out the door.

The Icon Airframe is simply an awesome motorcycle helmet.

MSRP is 350-400 dollars....so compare that to the deals you see below.