Arai RAM-X in Aluminum Silver. Image courtesy Arai.
The RAM-X is a new premium open-face touring helmet from Arai, which means no corners were cut and protection is number one. Under the composite shell is a one-piece, multi-density EPS liner that is designed to best absorb and distribute the force of an impact. Arai’s testing has shown that the smaller the impact area, the firmer the liner needs to be in order to absorb that impact. Therefore it used firm foam around the smallest impact areas of the forehead and the base of the head, the softest foam at the large crown area and medium density in between.
Inside is a removable/washable/sizeable liner and the RAM-X features the same free-flowing ventilation as the top-of-the-line Corsair-X race helmet. With all three top vents open, plus the two forehead vents, the RAM-X flows tons of air, thanks partly to the seven exhaust vents. The included Pinlock-ready face shield gives excellent coverage, with improved, easier-to-use shutter forehead vents, and the Pro Shade sun visor system is a clever alternative to an integrated drop-down sun shield. Put the Pro Shade in its fully upright position and it functions like the peak of an ADV helmet, partly closed it’s perfect for late afternoon sun and fully closed it covers almost as much of the clear shield as a regular full-face helmet visor. The RAM-X is available in several colors in sizes XS-2XL spread over three shell sizes, starting at $679.95.
For sport-touring riders who prefer a traditional full-face, rather than a modular, helmet, Shoei’s GT-Air has been a top choice since it was first released back in 2012. Since then, the popularity of “built-in” or integrated Bluetooth communication systems has increased, so for 2019 Shoei has updated the GT-Air II with an optional Sena SRL2 comm system, along with some other tweaks meant to make a great lid even better.
The SRL2 ($299) was designed specifically for the GT-Air II, which means installation is quick and almost foolproof. Insert the battery and controller into their separate compartments, snap the speakers into the pre-cut indentations and stick the microphone on the inside of the chin bar (or use the included boom mic).
We say “almost” foolproof, because we did struggle a bit with getting the battery pack to seat properly. After bending the hook tab out so it would catch more easily, it snapped in without much fuss. The good news is, once it’s in, it’s in; there’s no reason to ever have to remove it unless you want the whole system gone.
Otherwise, the basic construction of the GT-Air II is unchanged: the shell is made of Shoei’s proprietary Multi-Ply Matrix AIM, which consists of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass, organic fibers and resin, backed by a new EPS liner that now incorporates varying foam densities within each piece for a compact, lightweight design that still protects your noggin.
The new micro-ratchet chin strap, as used on the Neotec II, is new this year.
The removable, washable and sizable Max-Dry interior feels like it may be just a bit more plush than the previous GT-Air, but fit seems about the same as before: a slightly longer oval shape than some of Shoei’s other helmets. Fit around the neck roll is a tad looser to facilitate pulling the GT-Air II on/off but is still snug enough to keep things quiet.
One major change is the switch to the new, patented micro-ratchet chinstrap, as seen on the Neotec II. Unlike other ratcheting chinstraps, Shoei’s closure mechanism is made of 100-percent stainless steel—no plastic—for the utmost in safety. I like the design, which lets the user preset the general fit with an adjustable strap, and fine-tune it with the ratchet. It seems more secure and also more comfortable, more like a traditional D-ring strap.
Other features include a new drop-down sun shield that’s 5mm longer than before; that doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s enough to cover nearly the entire eyeport and is less intrusive when glancing down at the gauges. A redesigned upper vent shutter is still one of the easiest to use with gloves on, and has two intake positions, both of which flow noticeable amounts of fresh air; five exhaust vents, none of which can be closed, draw it out.
The new drop-down sun shield is 5mm longer than before, and it covers nearly the entire eye port for excellent visibility.
Shoei focused on making the GT-Air II as quiet as possible, with new, thicker face shield beading that seals tightly against wind and water and a compact, aerodynamic shell (my size small weighs in at 3 lbs., 9.8 oz.). With the vents closed, the GT-Air II is comfortably quiet, but once the vents are open the noise level goes up considerably. The CNS-1 face shield is the same as that used on the original GT-Air, and comes with a Pinlock EVO fog-resistant insert. The GT-Air II’s new baseplate, however, now allows the shield to be opened just slightly for venting and defogging.
Overall, the GT-Air II is a solid step up from the previous version, with enough updates and upgrades to justify the roughly $50 price increase. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL, spread over three shell sizes, for $599 (solids) or $699 (graphics).
Does a rider really need a race-bred, made-in-Italy carbon fiber helmet with a translucent wash of subtle color splashing across it in the sun? Maybe not, but sometimes a guy or girl’s gotta splurge. X-lite, in case you’re not familiar with the brand, is a division of Nolan Helmets that’s been well known in Europe for some time (three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo wore X-lite helmets for the first five years of his GP career), but it has only recently been made available in the U.S. As soon as I laid eyes on the X803 Ultra Carbon in silky Nuance Red, I knew I had to have one.
Like Nolan, X-lite helmets are made 100-percent in Italy, from raw materials to finished product, but unlike Nolan helmets which use Lexan polycarbonate shells, X-lite helmets use “multi-axial hybrid fabrics” (carbon fiber and aramid fiber) bonded with a thermosetting resin. The Ultra Carbon is X-lite’s top-of-the-line series, engineered for reduced weight and an exclusive look thanks to the visible fiber weave.
As a race- and sport-oriented helmet, the X803 isn’t N-Com-ready (though one could install a Bluetooth headset if so inclined), nor does it have convenience features like eyeglasses slots or a drop-down inner sun shield. What it does have is one of the most plush, softest liners I’ve ever put my cheek against, with high-value green contrast panels and stitching, emergency quick-release cheekpads and venting that works well in a forward, sporting riding position. It’s also quite lightweight, with my size small weighing in at just 3 pounds, 3 ounces. The visor is fairly easy to change without tools and it comes with a Pinlock fog-resistant insert. I would prefer a glossy finish on the top vents and exhaust like that on the helmet’s other plastic pieces rather than matte, since a glossy finish would better complement such a beautiful shell, but that’s my only gripe.
At $609.95 ($589.95 for the Puro “plain” carbon fiber and starting at $739.95 for race replica graphics), the X803 Ultra Carbon Nuance is priced competitively with other top-line racing helmets. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL spread over three shell sizes.
For more information, call (866) 243-5638 or visit xlite-usa.com.
Sena 10C Pro installed on an HJC full-face helmet.
For the last three years, I’ve used Sena’s 10C to record my adventures, communicate with my riding companions, listen to my GPS and occasionally take phone calls. I like it because it simplifies my life: an action camera and Bluetooth helmet communicator in one, with the caveat that it’s a better communicator than camera. With the 10C Pro, Sena has upped its camera game and, while it’s still not up to the levels of the latest and greatest dedicated action cameras, the Pro is a solid improvement over the original.
Communicator features are mostly unchanged: the 10C Pro can connect with up to three other riders using Sena products, or one non-Sena user, and it pairs with your phone, GPS or motorcycle via Bluetooth 4.1. I found pairing to be fuss-free and straightforward, and the unit gives you voice prompts to let you know it’s working. Voice audio quality is quite good, to the point where I’ve had phone conversations and the other person couldn’t tell I was riding a motorcycle (I use the 10C Pro in a full-face helmet).
The 10C Pro is easy to adjust both vertically and horizontally for the best picture.
Camera functions, meanwhile, have been improved. The Pro can now shoot 2K video in QuadHD (1440p/30fps or 1080p/60fps) at a resolution of 3.7 megapixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, and it has an increased 135-degree field of view. One of my favorite features of the 10C is its ability to record not just video, but also my voice and those of riders I’m connected with. The Pro steps up its game by adding in switchable Smart Audio Mix, which mixes in music that I’m listening to from my phone along with the intercom audio, and Advanced Noise Control, which reduces background noise. On a street ride I leave the ANC enabled to cut wind noise, but off-road I can disable it to allow the burble of the exhaust to be heard.
The other huge improvement is the ability to preview video and download files to my phone using the new Sena Camera App. It’s always been easy to adjust the vertical angle and 30-degree rotation of the 10C’s camera lens to achieve the ideal frame, but I had to wait until I got home and could watch the video to see how well I did. With the Pro, I can preview my camera lens angle and make sure I’ve got it framed perfectly before setting out.
Using the Sena app, you can preview the camera angle and photos/videos, and download them to your phone for easy sharing.
With its big buttons and jog dial, I’ve found the 10C Pro to be easy to use with gloves on. Battery life is similar to the original 10C: it lasts a whole 10-hour day on intercom, but heavy camera use will sap that quickly. If you have a long enough cord it can be charged while in use, or shut it off and give it about 3.5 hours to fully recharge. If you don’t need 4K video quality and like the two-in-one concept, the 10C Pro now has the features and improvements that make it an attractive choice, and at $349 it’s a lot of whiz-bang for the buck.
AGV’s SportModular Helmet combines the convenience of a flip-up helmet and the lightness, strength and style of a 100-percent carbon-fiber shell. Weighing just 3 pounds, 3.5 ounces for size medium, the DOT- and ECE-approved SportModular offers the same compact dimensions and impact absorption as AGV’s top-of-the-line MotoGP racing helmet, the Pista GP R.
The carbon fiber weave covers the entire shell including the chinbar, and the shell includes multiple vents, an adjustable rear spoiler and a lip on the rear bottom edge that directs rain away from the neck. Pulling down on a large tab inside the chinbar releases the metal locking mechanisms and allows the chinbar to be raised, and when lowered it locks closed with minimal effort. Inside the shell is a multi-density, energy-absorbing EPS liner and a removable, washable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial comfort liner with a unique reversible crown pad (one side breathes better during warm weather and the other side insulates better during cool weather). The SportModular has a snug, just-right fit, is comfortable during long rides and minimizes wind noise thanks to its aerodynamic shape and thick neck roll.
The SportModular includes all the features you expect from a modular touring helmet, including a pro-down sun shield.
As a fully featured touring helmet, the SportModular has a drop-down sun shield, a Pinlock-equipped, scratch-resistant, locking face shield, channels in the comfort liner that accommodate eyeglasses and recessed ear pockets that accommodate speakers, making it easy to install my Sena Bluetooth headset. Face shield removal requires no tools, and the breath guard and chin curtain are also removable. To save weight, the chin strap’s D-ring is made of titanium instead of steel.
AGV SportModular helmet in Glossy Carbon.
With exceptional levels of comfort, convenience, lightness, crash protection, quality and style, AGV’s SportModular helmet is one of the best modular helmets I’ve tested. A helmet such as this makes it easy to ride longer with less fatigue, no discomfort and fewer distractions. From the center button that releases the face shield lock to the sliding lever that deploys the drop-down sun shield, everything works as it should. If this helmet has a shortcoming, it’s rather small intake vents–one on the chinbar and one on the crown–that limit airflow through the helmet, though it hasn’t been an issue for me (this test was done in cooler fall months).
Available in sizes XS-3XL spread over three shell sizes, the AGV SportModular helmet comes in multiple finishes and colors for $749.99-$799.95.
For more information, see your dealer or visit agv.com.
