Cheap Motorcycle Helmets Online » Motorcycle Helmet Reviews

KBC Stealth Helmet Review

Bill — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:20:52 +0000

The VR series of motorcycle helmets made by KBC was somewhat of a turning point for this relatively new company. The VR series, starting with the revolutionary VR-1 set the standard for helmets that offer many of the features found in more expensive helmets, but at an affordable price. Not only would I consider it affordable, but it's actually very inexpensive when compared to helmets with simila .....Read the Rest of the Story

KBC Force Helmet Review

Bill — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:56:16 +0000

It's no secret that KBC has been gaining immense popularity in the past couple of years, mainly because they build good quality helmets at a price point that is attractive to most buyers. Following the success of the KBC VR series which included the VR-1, VR-2 and VR-3, KBC has done it once again and produced another exceptional helmet, the KBC Force RR. For most consumers, KBC quickly gained gro .....Read the Rest of the Story

Scorpion EXO-700 Neon Helmets

Bill — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:07:41 +0000

There have been a number of studies done in the last few years that have conclusively shown that brighter colors are much more visible at drivers at night with neon being one of the brightest and most reflective of all of them. That said, it's no surprise that neon motorcycle helmets are considered to be one of the safest choices in motorcycle helmets available on the market. Motorcyclists need .....Read the Rest of the Story

HJC FS-15 Carbon Helmet Review

Bill — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:27:54 +0000

The news that the venerable and extremely popular HJC AC line of helmets was being replaced has been around for a while so it's not much of a surprise to anyone. One of our favorite styles of helmets are the all carbon series that many of the manufacturers have been pumping out lately and this is our first chance to get our hands on the replacement for the HJC AC-12 Carbon.....meet the HJC FS- .....Read the Rest of the Story

Bell Apex Double Cross Helmet Review

Bill — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:10:03 +0000

Bell helmets were a mainstay in the helmet world for a number of years and have just recently risen from the dead to bring back some pretty hot motorcycle helmet designs. We're going to take an in depth look at a Bell Apex Reactor helmet in this review.

The Bell Apex series of helmets are the value line of helmets in the Bell lineup with the Bell Star series of helmets being the top of the line offering from Bell. We, just like most of you, are big fans of quality helmets that can be bought at discount prices. Nobody wants a cheap motorcycle helmet but everyone wants a bargain.

The helmet world is full of choices in this day and age so why would anyone pick a Bell motorcycle helmet? What makes them worth investigating? Good question, and one that we had ourselves so we decided to take a closer look at a buddies Bell Apex helmet.

Let's take a deeper look at some of the details.

Helmet Weight

The shell of the Bell Apex is constructed from a Kevlar composite, which typically means a lightweight helmet and the Apex did not disappoint. It's no featherweight but it did weigh in at a svelte 3 lbs., 9 oz. in the XL size. So while it isn't a superlight helmet, a Kevlar shell simply sounds cool.

Under power the Bell Apex cut through the air nicely and does no impose a significant amount of buffeting or drag like some helmets can do. No matter the weight, the design is much more critical to how it feels going down the road. We road all day with the Bell Apex atop our noggin and felt great at the end of the day.

Bell Apex Fit

The Apex is one of those helmets I would describe as having a "neutral" shape, meaning it isn't round but nor is it the typical longer oval shape helmet. It personally fit me well, very similarly to the HJC CL-SP helmet that I am so fond of wearing.

Bell has carefully designed their helmets to fit a wide variety of heads and this neutral shape seems to be more and more common with other manufacturers as well.

Bell Visor

I was pleasantly surprised by the visor setup on the Bell Apex helmet. I recently reviewed an HJC CL-SP and I ahve to tell you, that visor is one of the best I have ever seen. I expected the visor on the Apex to come up short in comparison but I was pleasantly surprised. The visor is quite sturdy and produced almost no flex under a moderate amount of torque.

The Apex visor uses Bell's quick release removal system. It worked quite simply, just raise the visor up the 3rd position, pull down on the D-ring and it pops right off. A child of 5 could work this visor pretty easily. I wouldn't hesitate to say it is one of the simplest visor removal systems of any helmet we've tried.

Noise Levels

Noise can be a very subjective factor in a helmet review but I would say this helmet exhibited nothing out of the ordinary when it came to helmet noise. I rode it on a bike with no fairing and I wear ear plugs so your results may be slightly different, but I was perfectly content with the noise level of the Bell Apex helmet. The liner was quite snug so combine that with the ear plugs and it's really no surprise that it sealed against my head nicely.

Venting and Air Flow

I am a big fan of motorcycle vents that flow a lot of air and work simply. The more simple the setup, the better in my opinion. The Bell Apex sports a top sliding cover that operates two small air vents. Both of these vents are covered with a fine, mesh screen. The small size of the vents and the design of the linder did not allow a lot of airflow across the top of the head at all.

Your experience may differ, but when I rode, at the angle that I ride at, I barely felt any air flow at all in the top of the helmet. This makes for a nice quiet helmet, but very little air flow. I guess it depends on which is more important to you.

The chin vent on the Bell Apex was a direct contrast to the top vents in that it flowed a decent amount of air. It's designed similarly, with a sliding plastic cover that exposes two screen mesh covered vents. The air exits these vents and onto the rider's face through a rectangular opening in the rear of the chin bar.

The excellent flow of the chin vent makes up somewhat for the very poor flow of the top vents but it's still not enough for me. I am biased in this regard though, I prefer a LOT of air flowing around my head....I can live with extra noise, as long as I have air blowing across my scalp. Some riders prefer a quiet helmet over air flow though and this helmet is that. It's dead quiet, at least on my shape head.

Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality

The Bell Apex helmet comes in a number of different graphic combinations from a mild solid color to a wild and funky Yakuza style graphic. The helmet we looked at was the Bell Apex Double Cross. This design in our humble opinion was sweet, as we're a fan of a more understated design than something that is over the top.

The surface finish on the Bell helmets is a unique finish that kind of reminds me of the pearl coats that adorned some of the show cars in my youth. It looks "deep" and was pretty attractive if you ask me. The graphics were very smoothly applied and appeared consistent around the circumference of the helmet.

The helmet overall was of excellent quality. The visor fit nice and snug, the liner is outstanding and one of the nicest we've seen. The fit, finish and construction left nothing to be desired on our example. Bell seems to be back, and back with a quality motorcycle helmet that you would be proud to wear on the Saturday ride with all your friends.

Conclusion

The Bell Apex meets both DOT and Snell approval and offerws a five-year warranty on the helmet. In summary, I would say I am pleasantly surprised that the Bell Apex is such a good helmet. Bell is not one of the names that you typically think of when you think of a motorcycle helmet but that could change over the next few years. The Apex is available in a wide variety of other colors and patterns, it fits nicely, it's priced moderately, it's quiet and seems to do everything well.

I would list it as one of my all time favorites if the top vents flowed better than they do. In spite of that, I will say it's a far better helmet than some much better known brands and even some that cost twice what this helmet cost.

Bell Apex XX R6 R1 Blue Full Face Motorcycle Helmet SML
US $112.12

Bell Apex Edge Full Face Race Motorcycle Helmet Red XL
US $112.12

Bell Apex Edge R1 Blue Full Face Motorcycle Helmet MD
US $116.99

BELL Apex Solid Black Fullface Motorcycle Helmet MEDIUM
US $80.00

Bell Apex Yakuza Graphic F F Helmet sz SMALL 118141
US $69.99

Bell Apex Reactor Motorcycle Helmet in Red Silver S
US $119.95

BELL Silver Apex Helmet Size Large
US $159.99

BELL Silver Apex Helmet Size 2X
US $159.99

BELL Silver Apex Helmet Size XLarge
US $159.99

Bell Apex Yakuza Helmet size Medium 118142
US $79.99

Bell Apex Doubled Crossed Cross Motorcycle Helmet NEW
US $209.00

Bell Helmets Apex EDGE BLUE Full Face Street Bike L
US $149.99

Bell Apex XX R6 R1 Blue Full Face Motorcycle Helmet LG
US $112.12

Bell Apex Edge R1 Blue Full Face Motorcycle Helmet SM
US $199.99

Bell Apex Edge Full Face Race Motorcycle Helmet Red SM
US $112.12

Bell Apex Edge Full Face Race Motorcycle Helmet Red LG
US $112.12

Bell Apex Yakuza Graphic F F Helmet sz XSMALL 118140
US $38.99

New BELL MC DOT Street Full Helmet APEX DBL Crossed XL
US $106.60

HJC CL-SP Helmet Review

Bill — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:55:17 +0000

This review is going to take a hard look at a helmet we've owned for quite some time now and that is the HJC CL-SP helmet. If you aren't familiar with HJC helmets then you should know that HJC motorcycle helmets have long been a favorite of riders around the globe. They provide a great value for the money and incorporate a lot of features found in much, much more expensive helmets. If you are .....Read the Rest of the Story

Icon Mainframe Helmet Review

Bill — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:05:50 +0000

The Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet might be the perfect compromise between buying a high end motorcycle helmet or cutting costs and going with a cheap motorcycle helmet to save bucks. What we are saying is that it's a great bang for the buck.

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Specs

This Icon helmet sports both DOT and SNELL ratings which tells you right out of the gate that you are dealing with a quality helmet from a safety point of view. It sports a Dyneema/fiberglass composite shell for strength and has removable cheek pads for comfort and washability.

The Mainframe also sports a fairly sophisticated venting system that works very well. As many of you might know we live in Georgia so it's HOT and a great venting system is an absolute must. In fact my preference is towards helmets that flow a LOT of air.

The Icon helmets also sport a "no-tool" replacement visor system that makes swapping your face shield a quick and simply operation and to top it off it also includes a removable anti-fog breath deflector. I personally don't care for these and usually remove them but to each their own.

So that's the basics, let's see if the Icon Mainframe series of helmets lives up to their billing.

Icon Helmet Sizing

Proper sizing of your helmets is one of the most critical factors in how happy you will be with your helmet selection. I am fortunate that I have a normal shaped head that is slightly oblong...which is the most common head shape there is.

Finding your proper size is very simple and you can check the Icon Sizing Chart to make sure you order the right one for your head.

Icon Fit and Finish

One thing we could almost guarantee that you will be ecstatic with is the appearance of your Icon Helmet. Icon is quickly making a name for itself when it comes to putting out a very attractive helmet....hot might be a better term.

The Hooligan that we tested was simply an awesome looking helmet. The orange-flame design combined with the chrome base is simply cool. Old school flame job combined with hot contemporary graphics and materials.

I could barely go anywhere without someone commenting on the helmet so if visual appeal is important to you, (and we KNOW it is) then the Icon Mainframe Hooligan will not disappoint. Quality paint, superb clear coating and nice construction combine to make an attractive looking helmet.

Icon Visor System

I am not going to say anything on the visor system other than to say that it is exactly what Icon bills it to be...the simplest visor changing system on the market. Changing a visor on an Icon Mainframe helmet is a piece of cake.

It's billed as an optically correct 7 position visor as well. I like visors that offer a wide range of options when it comes to the detents and this one does not disappoint.

You won't be disappointed.

Icon Venting System

The Icon venting system sports the usual array of vents found on helmets of this type. A chin vent handles incoming air for the face and visor while a three position forehead switch acts as an additional ram-air vent to significantly increase the overall cooling of the helmet.

I found the top vent system to flow a decent volume of air. As I told you earlier, I like a LOT of air and this helmet does an admirable job of keeping air flowing around your head.

The only thing I wasn't all that impressed with was that the vent appear to be a bit on the fragile side and I fully expected them to break.

I must admit they've held up admirably over the last few months and I have no complaints.

Icon Mainframe Noise

I really hate talking about noise when it comes to helmet reviews as noise is so subjective. What is a loud helmet to one rider might be perfectly acceptable to another. It's a topic that is always asked about though so I usually address it.

To me, the Icon Mainframe was a bit noisier than some of the other higher end helmets. I suspect it to be the top vents that stick out in the wind a bit but it was neither excessive nor was it out of the ordinary for a helmet in this price range.

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Conclusion

Overall I think you would be very happy with the Icon series of helmets. I have had the chance to review an Icon Airframe helmet and I really liked it. I think Icon is going to have a bright future in the helmet world as they are already making a dent and selling more helmets every month than the last.

The Icon Mainframe Hooligan is a nice blend of old school style and contemporary flair. The flame job reminds you of the hot rod days of yesteryear but the styling and chrome overlay is hot enough to let you know that this is definitely not an outdated helmet.

Judging by the amount of comments that I received on this helmet, there is no question that it's a hot style that is sure to make you the envy of your buddies on the Saturday ride.

Product: Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet
MSRP: $300
Buy It Now: Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet

Icon Mainframe Helmet Replacmnt Supervent Hooligan Yell
US $40.00

Icon Mainframe Helmet Replacmnt Supervent Hooligan Red
US $40.00

Icon Mainframe Helmet Replacmnt Supervent Hooligan Blue
US $40.00

Icon Mainframe Helmet Replacmnt Supervent Hooligan Slvr
US $40.00

Icon Mainframe Helmet Replacemnt Supervent Hooligan Blk
US $40.00

ICON MAINFRAME HELMET HOOLIGAN PINK XSMALL
US $150.00

ICON MAINFRAME HOOLIGAN HELMET BLACK CHROME SIZE XS
US $116.13

ICON MAINFRAME HOOLIGAN HELMET BLACK CHROME SIZE LARGE
US $100.00

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Red XL X L 0101 1407
US $175.00

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet M
US $100.00

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Black Chrome Helmet Large LG
US $159.99

Icon Mainframe Hooligan Blush Womens Helmet Large LG
US $159.99

ICON MAINFRAME HOOLIGAN BLACK CHROME HELMET LG
US $189.95

Womens Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet
US $120.00

Icon Helmet Mainframe Supervents Hooligan Blush
US $55.00

Icon Helmet Mainframe Supervents Hooligan Lavendar
US $55.00

Icon Helmet Mainframe Supervents Hooligan Pink
US $55.00

Icon Helmet Mainframe Supervents Hooligan Black Chr
US $55.00

Scorpion EXO-400 Helmet Review

Bill — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:59:14 +0000

Ya know we named our site Cheap Motorcycle helmets online for many reasons but some people are confused by the term "cheap." Cheap does not have to mean inferior and that is definitely the case with the Scorpion EXO-400 helmet. It is the entry level offering from Scorpion but I have to tell you, you wouldn't know it to wear it.

Ya see, Scorpion makes some pretty darn nice helmets and the EXO-400 is one of them, despite the fact that it is their entry level helmet. I'd rank Scorpion helmets base model ahead of some other much "higher end" helmets from some high profile brands.

We've already reviewed the Scorpion EXO-700 and the Scorpion EXO-1000 so we figured why not get our hands on the little brother and complete the EXO lineup. The bar was set pretty high with both of those helmets so it will be interesting to see how the little brother stacks up.

Let's Get to It.

First Impression

I always love opening a new helmet box and it's amazing how often the first impression sets the stage for things to come. The Scorpion EXO-400 did not disappoint as it simply felt good in my hands on the first touch. It feels like a quality helmet, it looks well put together and the fit and finish was pretty darn good for what is supposedly an entry level helmet.

I am a bit of gear snob as I like to ride with quality stuff both for the protection factor as well as the envy factor....yep I can admit it. I like having cool stuff so my friends will want one too. Petty...maybe....uncommon....definitely not. I have to say though that this 150 dollar helmet was NICE. It could easily fill the need of a guy that only has the bones for one helmet. This is a cheap motorcycle helmet that really is cheap but is also high quality.

However, beauty if only skin deep and first impressions don't mean everything so let's dig a little deeper.

Paint and Graphics

Like most helmets you can save a few bucks by buying it in a solid color but what's the fun in that. Scorpion offers several graphic combinations that will give your helmet a nice visual pop that most riders crave. Our favorites from the Scorpion lineup were the Scorpion Sting, Scorpion Tribal and last but not least the Scorpion Octane. Each of those graphic combinations are available in different base color combinations as well, so you are sure to find the perfect helmet for you.

You will be happy to hear that the decals are applied perfectly and they look far better in person than the pictures do them justice. The clear coat is smoothly applied and looks an inch thick so it's sure to keep your helmet protected from nicks and scratches as well as the fading effects of the sun.

First impression........sweet!

Helmet Shape and Interior

Helmet fit is always very subjective because what feels great to one head shape, is not so comfortable on another head shape. I would describe the EXO-400 as a neutral shaped helmet. It's not round but rather slightly oval and should fit the majority of riders head shapes very well.

The helmet liner is made of a moisture wicking material that Scorpion calls "Kwik Wik" and it's both removeable and washable along with the cheek pads as well. We were surprised to find that the cheek pads were removeable, which is uncommon at this price point of helmet. The liner had a nice smooth feeling and the padding was very plush and very comfortable....no disappointment here.

Also if you've never bought a new Scorpion helmet before, they smell like chocolate. Yes....you read it right....chocolate. The first time we smelled a Scorpion helmet, we thought it was a mistake or a fluke but after reviewing a few and talking with other Scorpion owners, its obvious that it's an OEM feature. I have to say that I found it annoying and not a nice addon.

Scorpion...whatever the joke is.....lose the chocolate smell.

Helmet Weight

Helmet weight is another one of those features that is overrated in our opinion. Sure a helmet shouldn't be too heavy but in some cases, it shouldn't be too light either. As long as your helmet feels good on your head and is made correctly, you will barely feel it under power anyways.

Because it is important to some though, we try to include it in all of our reviews. Our XL Scorpion EXO-400 weighed in just under 4lbs coming in at 3 lbs and 14 oz. This is definitely no lightweight but we were not surprised at this price point for the weight to come in right around that mark.

If it needs defending though, I have to say the Scorpion EXO-400 does not "feel" like a heavy helmet and under power, we barely felt it on our head. That is the sign of a well designed helmet though, the aerodynamics should make it almost weightless as is the case with this one.

Polycarbonate helmets are traditionally heavier than a fiberglass or carbon fiber helmet and the Scorpion sports a polycarbonate shell, so no surprise. It should be noted that regardless of the weight or the shell material, the EXO-400 carries both DOT and Snell.

Scorpion EXO-400 Visor

The Scorpion EXO-400's visor gave us little to write about other than to say it's thick enough to feel quality and clear enough with no distortion to also function like a quality visor. It fit against the eye port very well and sealed nicely. The lifting mechanism only has 5 detents with the first one being wider than I prefer but certainly no deal breaker.

One of the few dings I would give the Scorpion helmets is the visor removal system. Now don't get me wrong, none of them are all that difficult but the Scorpion "SpeedShift" system is just one of those that takes some fiddling to get the visor off. I suppose after you own the helmet for a while it would be a simple process but it seemed overly fussy to us.

Scorpion's website claims that the visor is treated with an anti-fog coating. We didn't experience the right kind of weather during our test to give it a try but I am sure considering how well put together the rest of the helmet is, that it works as expected.

Scorpion Helmet Noise

If you are a noise junkie then the Scorpion EXO 400 is not going to be a disappointment. It exhibited typical noise characteristics of similar helmets and we found it to be much quieter on a bike with no fairing than a bike with a fairing but this is not that uncommon.

The fairing can dump the airflow right under your chin and this is bound to make most helmets noisier than if the flow was directed up or around the helmet shell. I didn't notice any kind of whistling around the venting system as can be typical on some helmets.

Helmet noise is another one of my pet peeves when it comes to writing these reviews. You can take the same helmet on the same bike on two different riders and get vastly different interpretations of the noise. Suffice to say, the Scorpion EXO-400 was at least as quiet as any other helmet that I have tried in this price range and actually quieter than some higher end helmets.

Scorpion EXO Venting

Anyone who has read any of my previous reviews knows that the venting system is important to me. I live in Georgia and it gets HOT in the summer. I love helmets that flow a LOT of air and despise helmets that don't.

The top vent on the Scorpion EXO-400 has a horizontal tab that opens and closes the top vent and a small rocker lever operated the two vertical vents. Too complicated and too many levers in my opinion. They are small and hard to find and operate if you wear gloves. It might be easier once you own the helmet for a while but I was annoyed at this feature.

The chin vent also has a small vertical switch that operates the vent but the vent is small and exhausts onto the back of the visor only, nothing across your face. The EXO-400 is also equipped with two rear lower exhaust vents as well as a top exhaust vent that can be closed via an on/off switch. I still can't figure out why manufacturers allow this vent to close, it would seem that it could be open full time with no repercussions but maybe it's a cold weather thing? Who knows.

I have to say I was disappointed in the venting system of the Scorpion EXO-400. It is functional and maybe to an average person I am sure it would be just fine. I just like huge volumes of air flowing across my head, it's a personal preference.

Conclusion

All things considered, the Scorpion EXO-400 is probably one of the best bangs for the buck you can find in the motorcycle helmet world. It's a cheap motorcycle helmet if you consider price but I would say it's a heck of a deal and a quality helmet if you consider what you are getting for your money.

It has a few small flaws like the chocolate smell and the mediocre venting system but these are pretty minor in the overall scheme of things. It's a quality helmet from a quality company and I am sure you would be happy with the Scorpion EXO-400 helmet if you give it a try.

MSRP is about 170 bucks....so see what you can find for a bargain below:

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Green Helmet XXXLarge 020100908
US $79.99

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Blue Helmet Small 020100203
US $79.99

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Yellow Helmet XXXLarge 020100708
US $79.99

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Yellow Helmet XXLarge 020100707
US $79.99

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Yellow Helmet XLarge 020100706
US $79.99

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Blue Helmet XSmall 020100202
US $79.99

SCORPION EXO400 Sting Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Large
US $50.00

Scorpion Motorcycle Helmet EXO 400 Sting Red XSmall XS
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Yellow XXLarge 2XL EXO400
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Yellow XLarge XL EXO400
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Yellow Large L EXO400 NEW
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Yellow 3XL XXXL EXO400
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Silver XXLarge 2XL EXO400
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Silver XLarge XL EXO400
US $149.95

Scorpion Helmet EXO 400 Sting Silver Large L EXO400 NEW
US $149.95

Scorpion EXO 400 Sting Yellow Street Helmet XXLarge NIB
US $60.00

Scorpion Helmet Red Sting EXO400 Size M
US $129.00

Scorpion Helmet Yellow Sting EXO400 Size M
US $99.00

Scorpion EXO1000 Helmet Review

Bill — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:44:13 +0000

Scorpion helmets are one of our favorites even though they are not one of the more popular brands that get all the attention like Shoei, Arai or AGV. The Scorpion EXO-1000 was released on the North American scene last year with a great amount of buzz and excitement.

The EXO-1000 was going to be equipped with what they call "HelmetPump" cheek pads that are inflatable, to allow customization to your face. As you might expect, this generated a lot of excitement and drama and really the EXO-1000 was the must have helmet of 2007. Did the Scorpion helmet live up to the hype generated around it? I guess that depends on the individual, but I will tell you what I thought about it.

Let's cover all the bases.

Paint and Graphics

Like every Scorpion helmet we've been fortunate enough to review, the EXO-1000 is superb. The fit and finish is outstanding, the liner feels great against our skin, the paint and graphics are smoothly applied and we are again impressed with the Scorpion EXO-1000.

I was particularly taken with the vents on the Scorpion EXO-1000 as they are of particularly high quality. Many of the helmets we ride with or review are equipped with very flimsy vents or ones that don't function as good as they look but that is not the case with the EXO-1000. The vents open and close with a very solid feel that inspires confidence in the quality level of the helmet.

The paint quality is outstanding and is more than adequately protected by a very thick clear coat to protect it from nicks, scratches and of course fading.

Helmet Fit and Comfort

Helmet fit is so subjective that is difficult to discuss in a review. Everyone has a slightly different head and what one might find to be very comfortable, another might absolutely despise. I can tell you that the Scorpion shell has a very neutral feel that is slightly oval shaped from front to back.

It has been our experience in the past that this type of design fits the vast majority of head shapes out there and as such the Scorpion is likely to fit your head fairly well. My head is slightly oval shaped and the Scorpion EXO-1000 fit me nicely and was very comfortable on my head.

The liner felt great against our skin and Scorpion calls the material "KwikWick", and they claim it to be a moisture wicking material. I can tell you that I didn't find the material to be all that absorbent however I tested it in August in Georgia so most helmets will fail the sweat test under 100 degree conditions.

Venting System

The EXO-1000 has a not uncommon four intake vent system. The vents consist of a chin vent, a brow vent and two top vents, each with separate controls for that vent. The quality of the vent mechanisms is one of the best I have ever tested but I cannot say the same thing for the flow.

The chin vent has a single vertical cover that opens forward and the way it is designed there is no direct air flow onto the face to cool you down. The vents open in the rear of the chin bar but I was disappointed in the amount of air they flowed. It might be adequate for most, but I am a giant fan of helmets that flow a LOT of air and this one does not.

I was hoping that the brow vent would make up for the lack of air flow from the chin vent but it really didn't. It flowed a small amount of air but not enough to make up for no air flow onto your face. I expected the two top vents to gulp air like it was going out of style but they only flowed adequately. Again, for most people the venting system is probably adequate, I just like lots of air flow and am admittedly baised towards helmets that do flow a large amount of air.

Helmet Weight

Helmet weight is often overanalyzed in my opinion and if you are a weight junkie then this is not the helemt for you. It weighs in at a comparatively heavy 4 lbs which makes it one of the heavier helmets out there. Heavy is a relative term though as a well designed helmet will feel much lighter under speed than it does at rest.

Some will claim the EXO-1000 is too heavy and maybe it is for some, but I am not that sensitive to helmet weight. The Scorpion felt great under speed and I barely noticed the extra weight at all. In fact, if I didn't know it was a heavier helmet before riding with it, I probably wouldn't have even noticed it.

Scorpion Visor

The EXO-1000's clear visor uses the standard Scorpion quick release system that we have tested before. It consists of a round dial that makes removing the visor very simple but can be a touch finnicky when replacing the visor. It isn't something you can't figure out in just a minute or two, and if you can't then you sure as hell shouldn't be riding a motorcycle to begin with.

I have heard of others having issue with the visor on their EXO-1000 helmets but ours fit nicely and was snug against the eyeport. It fit nicely, was easy to get on and off and the clarity of the clear visor was very good. We noticed almost no distortion to speak of at all.

The only thing I didn't care for, was that the visor only had 4 detents to hold it open. I found this to not offer the amount of flexibility that I like to have but was certainly not a deal killer. The first detent is open quite wide too but there is a lever on the side that allows you to slightly crack the visor just a bit. The lever also functions as a visor lock too, which is another nice feature.

Noise Levels

I have to admit I expected the EXO-1000 to be pretty noisy compared to some helmets simply because of the vent design. The top two vents just look noisy. I have to mention though that just like helmet fit, noise is very subjective and individual to the user.

The helmet wasn't too noisy but the vents and the scoops and the knobs did produce a very noticeable "windy" noise going down the road at speed. It certainly wasn't the loudest helmet I have ever ridden but it sure as heck wasn't the quietest either.

Helmet Pump Inflatable Cheek Pads

Ok, let's finally get to what all the excitement was about when this helmet was originally announced. The EXO-1000's cheek pads are equipped with air bladders inside of them and a small air manual air pump in the chin bar to pump them up.

I gotta tell you, I wasn't impressed. The inflatable cheek pads are ok, but seriously, if the helmet fit is that poor that you need to pump up the cheek pads then you probably have the wrong size helmet to begin with wouldn't you say?

It could be a nice feature for someone who likes gimmicks or gadgets I guess or who just has an oddly shaped face but for me it was an unnecessary feature. It doesn't hurt the helmet (other than extra weight) but it also didn't add much to it in my opinion.

Conclusion

The Scorpion EXO-1000 has earned both DOT and Snell approval ratings so you know it meets their standards and will allow you an extra measure of comfort. If I were designing this helmet I would take away the inflatable cheek pad system and redesign the vent system to get those suckers flowing some air.

The EXO-1000 feels well built and is quality helmet no question. I am just not fan of the inflatable cheek pad system and nor am I a giant fan of the venting system. They both work adequately but they just weren't the best in my opinion.

Overall a nice helmet that you will be happy with in my opinion. Scorpion always tries to overachieve at each price point and this helmet is no different. A lot of features for the money.

Scorpion Motorcycle Helmet Deals

SCORPION EVERCLEAR FACE SHIELD FOR EXO 1000 DARK SMOKE
US $39.95

SCORPION EVERCLEAR FACE SHIELD FOR EXO 1000 LIGHT SMOKE
US $39.95

Scorpion EXO 1000 Motorcycle Helmet Face Shield Silver
US $54.95

Scorpion EXO 1000 Sun Visor Blue
US $15.00

SCORPION EXO 1000 EVERCLEAR FACE SHIELD Mirrored Blue
US $54.99

Scorpion EXO 1000 Motorcycle Helmet FaceShield Dk Smoke
US $39.95

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET SUN VISOR SHIELD AMBER
US $22.48

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET SHIELD GOLD EVERCLEAR
US $54.95

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET SHIELD RUBY EVERCLEAR
US $54.95

SCORPION EVERCLEAR FACE SHIELD FOR EXO 1000 RUBY MIRROR
US $54.95

SCORPION EVERCLEAR FACE SHIELD FOR EXO 1000 BLUE MIRROR
US $54.95

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET SHIELD CLEAR
US $39.95

Scorpion EXO 1000 Black Helmet Large 051000305
US $289.95

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET Large Black
US $289.99

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET X Large Black
US $289.99

Scorpion EXO 1000 Sunvisor Amber Helmet Accessories
US $30.44

Scorpion EXO 1000 Matte Black Helmet Large 051001005
US $299.95

SCORPION EXO 1000 HELMET SUN VISOR SHIELD LIGHT SMOKE
US $22.48

Icon Airframe Helmet Review

Bill — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:12:02 +0000

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.