The HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet is designed for both street and off-road riding with useful features and a light weight. Ideal for dual-sport or adventure applications where riders explore both paved and unpaved roads and trails, this helmet allows you to have functionality and comfort for both.
The helmet is made of an Advanced Polycarbonate composite shell for lighter weight using advanced CAD design for superior aerodynamics. The peak and Pinlock-ready faceshield are removable for use with goggles, and the large eye port allows for maximum visibility and a better goggle fit.
Important for riding off-road in the warmer months, the DS-X1 features a SuperCool moisture-wicking interior that is anti-bacterial, removable, and washable. The ACS Advanced Channeling Ventilation System allows for full front-to-back airflow to flush out heat and humidity.
This dual-sport helmet also comes with glasses grooves, speaker pockets, a chin curtain, and a double D-ring fastener. It comes in sizes XS-2XL in solid colors silver, black, semi flat black, anthracite, and white starting at $179.99. The Synergy version comes in three graphics options and starts at $209.99.
The X-Fifteen racing helmet is the next generation in Shoei’s X-series of premium helmets featuring the Shoei-exclusive multi-ply Matrix AIM+ shell and multipiece, multidensity EPS liner. The helmet’s revised shape reduces air resistance by limiting lift and drag.
Wind tunnel testing throughout development revealed optimal airflow in multiple riding positions, but none more important than the aerodynamic, tucked racing position. Ventilation on the X-Fifteen has been optimized through deeper channels for airflow and ideal vent placement.
The X-Fifteen has a new faceshield with a two-stage locking system, a new baseplate, and a revised eyeport that expands the field of vision over previous X-series helmets.
The faceshield protects against 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, and the X-Fifteen also features adjustability with optional pads that can be added or removed for a better fit.
The helmet is available in three solid colors and 11 graphics in sizes XS-2XL starting at $899.99.
RPHA stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced, and the RPHA series is HJC’s top-shelf models. The most recent addition to the line is the RPHA 91 modular motorcycle helmet with a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell made from a blend of materials that includes carbon-aramid, carbon fiber, glass fiber, organic nonwoven fabric, and linen fiber, all of which contribute to enhanced shock resistance and light weight. A size Medium weighs 3.8 lb.
The RPHA 91 includes several thoughtful features, such as large, paddle-like air vents. They aren’t as hidden as the vents on other helmets; however, since operating the vents requires simply sliding or rocking a large paddle, they’re much easier to use than the smaller mechanisms found on many helmets.
Reaching up and sliding the vent on the top of the head or rocking the chin intake is effortless even with gloved hands, and there’s no searching and feeling to find them. The temple vents are operated with a slide and are much smaller, but I almost always leave them open.
Another nice feature on the RPHA 91 is the drop-down sunshield. Plenty of modular helmets have sunshields, but some of them don’t come down far enough. The RPHA 91 solves that problem with an adjustable sunshield. Removing the plate on the left side of the helmet reveals a three-setting switch. The switch allows you to set how far down the sunshield drops, and if it’s set to the lowest level, the sunshield also slides away from the face so you don’t have to worry about it bonking your nose on the way down. Dropping the sunshield to the middle position suited me the best.
HJC also made the flip-up chinbar more convenient on the RPHA 91. Although the chinbar doesn’t flip completely around to the back of the helmet like on the HJC i100 (see the HJC i100 review here), it can still be worn in the flipped-up position while riding, although doing so inevitably sacrifices some safety as it leaves your face vulnerable. HJC accomplished this with two design elements. The first is that, with the chinbar flipped up, there is minimal space between the chinbar and the top of the helmet, meaning wind won’t get in between and pull the helmet up. The chinbar also locks in the opened position so it won’t move or drop down during a ride. The lock mechanism is a little tricky to work with gloved hands but not impossible. I wouldn’t try to lock or unlock the chinbar while actively riding, but it’s easy enough to do if I have a few seconds at a stop light.
Other useful features include a neck roll that helps reduce wind noise, speaker pockets and channels to run wires for a comms system, and a Pinlock-ready faceshield (a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included). The RPHA 91 comes in XS-2XL in Black, White, Matte Black, Grey, Semi Flat Titanium, Semi Flat Anthracite, Semi Flat Metallic Blue, and three graphic colors starting at $549.99.
The new Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet features an adjustable peak designed to minimize buffeting and a double chin air intake with a washable, changeable filter and top ventilation system.
The E2’s peak is not only adjustable to three positions, but it also removes easily, and the helmet also features a locking mechanism to hold the chinbar in an open position.
The shell of the E2 is made of fiberglass and reinforced with carbon fiber. Thanks to the Schuberth Individual Program, you can customize the internal padding for an ideal fit.
The E2 comes pre-installed with HD speakers, three antennas, and Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom for easy installation of the SC2 comms system (sold separately). The Schuberth E2 off-road modular motorcycle helmet is available in three solid colors and five different graphics in sizes XS-3XL starting at $699.
The original 3-in-1 style Covert helmets from ScorpionEXO have always been crowd pleasers, offering the ability to transform from a conventional half-helmet to a three-quarter design to full-face protection via a magnetic mask. Now ScorpionEXO has developed its first full-face-only version, the Covert FX, which the company says offers “the same edgy style and function.” I can agree on its cool form, but some of its function misses the mark for me.
The Covert FX is DOT and ECE 22.06 certified and is composed of a TCT-Ultra Composite shell that weighs 3.35 lb for the Large size I tested. ScorpionEXO says the helmet’s CAD-refined aerodynamics minimize both lift and turbulence. I can attest to this, as I experienced very little buffeting wearing the Covert FX while riding a naked sportbike at speed in a 20-mph headwind.
On the inside, the KwikWick III comfort liner features a moisture-wicking fabric, and the liner is easily removable and washable. Thinner and thicker cheek pads are available for further customization. My helmet already fit quite comfortably…for the first 60 miles or so. But I can’t fault ScorpionEXO on this one; it’s a head-compatibility issue. The company’s head shape reference chart on its website says the Covert models are designed for round heads. I’m closer to an intermediate oval, which resulted in annoying pressure on my forehead after a while.
The Covert FX’s ventilation is where I take the most issue. There are two small vents on the top and an exhaust at the rear, but the airflow up there wasn’t very noticeable – and I’m a guy who keeps my head mostly shaved, so I notice. The temps were in the 60s while I was testing it, and the inside of the helmet would’ve gotten uncomfortably stuffy if the weather was much warmer. The dual-position mouth vent provided good airflow when it was fully open. However, the slider is located inside the chinbar, which is very close to my face, making it difficult to adjust the slider without taking the helmet off. Hiding the vent slider inside the chinbar helps maintain that “edgy style,” but an external slider would be more user-friendly.
My favorite part of the Covert FX is the visibility. The EverClear faceshield has a fog-resistant coating, it blocks 95% of UV-A and UV-B radiation, and a good-sized tab makes it easy to open. But what I appreciate the most is that, at its tallest point, the eyeport is about 4 inches, which is anywhere from a half inch to almost an inch taller than many other helmets I’ve tried. It definitely feels more like being in the action versus being in a helmet.
The ScorpionEXO Covert FX comes with integrated speaker pockets, a solid neoprene chin curtain, and both clear and Dark Smoke faceshields. It’s priced starting at $249.95 in five different colors in sizes XS-3XL.
With specialized motorcycles comes specialized gear, especially ADV motorcycle gear. Adventure-bike helmets blend features of full-face helmets (such as a chinbar and a faceshield) and dirtbike helmets (such as a peak visor and lots of ventilation). ADV apparel is typically made of durable textile materials and offers protection from wind, rain, cold, and hard objects.
Over the past year, I’ve tested some Sedici ADV gear: the Viaggio helmet and Garda WP jacket and pants. “Sedici” sounds Italian, and the products have Italian names (viaggio means “voyage”; Garda is the name of the largest lake in Italy), but Sedici is an in-house brand sold exclusively by Cycle Gear and RevZilla (both are owned by Comoto). The gear is designed in the U.S. and made overseas in China and Pakistan.
The Viaggio helmet has an injection-molded ABS plastic shell, an internal EPS liner, and a removable, washable comfort liner. It has a removable peak visor as well as a drop-down sunshield. The faceshield protrudes out just above the bottom edge, providing a wide lip on both sides to easily raise the shield. The faceshield has an anti-scratch coating, but it does not lock when closed, there are no detents for partially open positions, and it does not accommodate a Pinlock anti-fog insert. For those who prefer to ride with goggles, the faceshield can be removed.
The Viaggio, which meets both DOT and ECE safety standards, is a comfortable, reasonably light helmet (the size Medium tested weighs 3 lb, 10 ounces). The interior padding seals well enough around my cheeks and neck to reduce the worst of wind noise (though I usually wear earplugs), the large eyeport offers good visibility, and a tried-and-true D-ring secures the chinstrap. Thanks to the clear faceshield paired with the drop-down sunshield, I don’t have to swap out a tinted faceshield when the sun goes down.
My biggest challenge with the Viaggio is ventilation. There are only three intake vents – one in the pointy chinbar (which is backed by metal mesh) and two small ones at the top, both of which are closable – and two exhaust vents in the back. With the vents open, the helmet moves an adequate amount of air for street riding on mildly warm days, but I wanted more airflow on hot days and during the exertion of off-road riding. Riding with the faceshield up and the sunshield down or with the faceshield removed and goggles on brings in significantly more air, but neither of these tactics is advisable at highway speeds.
Despite a few shortcomings, the Viaggio is a solid adventure helmet for a reasonable price. It retails for $179.99 in the Mappa (Italian for “map”) graphic with topographical lines, which is available in sizes XS-2XL in three colorways: Grey/Black/Hi-Viz (shown), Black/Grey, and Sand/Black. It’s also available in solid colors – Matte Black, Pearl White, and Hi-Viz Yellow – in sizes XS-3XL for $149.99. The Viaggio Parlare (Italian for “speak”) comes with an integrated Sena DWO-5 Bluetooth v3.0 communication system, and it comes in Matte Black or White in sizes XS-2XL for $289.99.
Sedici ADV Motorcycle Gear: Garda WP Jacket and Pants
If you’re like me, you’ve discovered the wonders of stretch fabrics. Jeans, pants, shorts, shirts, and even jackets made from fabrics blended with elastane or other stretchy fibers are more comfortable than plain cotton or polyester and more forgiving of wide waistlines, lumpy love handles, and prominent paunches. While stretch fabrics are now common in casual clothing, you don’t see them as much in motorcycle apparel.
That’s why I was happy to discover that the Sedici Garda WP Jacket and Pants are made of 600D stretch fabric that’s 92% polyester and 8% spandex (fun fact: “spandex” is an anagram for “expands”). The spandex allows the garments to move easily with the body, so there’s no binding or restricted movement. There’s a waterproof membrane laminated inside the outer layer, and the garments are lined with stretchy athletic mesh.
While I found the jacket and pants to be very comfortable both on and off the bike, the pants, which have elastic panels along the waistband, tended to slide down. They close securely at the waist with a metal clasp, a metal button, and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap, but the strap provides only a small range of adjustment. To avoid having to hitch up my pants throughout the day, I wanted to be able to tighten them more. Because I have a 34-inch waist, I ordered a size Large, which covers waist sizes 34-35 inches. I probably would have been better off with Medium pants (32-33 waist). If the pants had belt loops, I could have worn a belt, but they don’t.
The Garda jacket and pants have 1200D reinforcement areas, textured rubber panels, and CE Level 2 armor at the elbows, shoulders, and knees. The jacket has a foam back pad, which can be replaced with an optional Axial CE Level 2 back protector ($34.99), and the pants have pockets for optional Axial CE Level 2 hip armor ($19.99). The jacket also has an outer back pocket for an optional hydration bladder.
Ventilation, adjustability, and pockets abound. The jacket has six adjustable vents, and the pants have two, all of which seal with waterproof zippers. While the vents allow some cooling relief, the full-coverage waterproof membrane traps in heat. The jacket has adjustment at the collar, cuff, forearm, upper arm, hip, and waist, and the pants have adjustment at the waist and lower leg. The pant legs have zippered gussets covered by a flap secured with hook-and-loop tabs, and there’s sufficient room to zip the gussets closed over heavy ADV boots.
The jacket has a total of six pockets, including two waterproof cargo pockets in front and a large cargo pocket across the lower back. The pants have two waist pockets, which are fine for keys, earplugs, and other small items, but they force bulky items like a phone or wallet into the crease of the hips when seated. Side cargo pockets would be a welcome addition.
Other than a few nitpicks, the Sedici Garda WP Jacket and Pants provide the comfort and versatility needed for adventure touring in cool to warm conditions. They don’t provide adequate ventilation for hot weather, and with no thermal lining, you’ll need to add your own baselayers or heated liners in cold weather. Pricing is $249.99 for the jacket and $219.99 for the pants. Both are available in sizes S-5XL in Silver/Black (shown), Sand/Black, or Black.
Let’s face it, sometimes the older styles are much cooler than newer ones. The Retro Motorcycle Helmet from SMK combines a classic design with modern safety and comfort features.
The full-face Retro helmet features advanced impact absorption material, a Resil-coated antistatic and moisture-wicking suede and leather comfort liner, and a faceshield with a Pinlock anti-fog insert.
Unique to the Retro helmet line, the shield and side plates can be mixed and matched for a stylized look.
The Retro helmet is DOT and ECE certified, comes in sizes XS-XL, and is available in solid colors for $149.99 and graphics for $159.99. For more information, visit the SMK website.
Wind noise is muffled, the view is clear, my head doesn’t feel like it’s being pulled off my shoulders – even at 70 mph – and there’s a slight stirring of the scant hair left on the crown of my head. I’ve never owned a modular helmet, typically preferring the three-quarter style, but when I was looking for something safer that still allowed some of the freedoms of a three-quarter and saw the reasonably priced HJC i100, I wanted to give it a try.
A unique feature of the i100, which has a shell made of HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate material, is its full-rotation chinbar for both open- and full-face riding modes, and it meets ECE safety standards in both modes.
The i100 wears comfortably, if a little heavy; the size XL weighs 4.4 lb. It’s wider than many full-face helmets because of the modular hardware, which also contributes to a little more squeezing of the cheeks when the chinbar is closed. However, riding at 70 mph with my Harley’s windshield removed (something I wouldn’t normally do with my three-quarter), there wasn’t much buffeting.
I’m mildly claustrophobic (ergo, my preference for three-quarter lids), and while the i100 doesn’t have as much ventilation as some other helmets, the movement of air through the chin vent was sufficient to not feel stifling, and the vent on the crown kept my head cooler than my three-quarter.
I appreciate how the i100’s faceshield locks in the open position (as does the chinbar), but it takes either two hands or two separate movements to get it fully closed. Pulling down on just one of the tabs on the bottom of the shield leaves a little gap on the other side that has to be pushed shut – or you must use two hands to pull down both tabs at once.
The i100 has a sunshield that lowers and raises smoothly using a lever on the left side. However, on my cruiser, the lower line of the sunshield is right in the middle of my field of vision. Supposedly you can adjust the height, but when I tried, the cog just rotated without any noticeable difference. However, I was able to easily slip on a pair of sunglasses using the glasses grooves in the removable/washable comfort liner, which is made of moisture-wicking, antibacterial material.
The HJC i100, which is also set up to accept the SMART HJC Bluetooth system (sold separately), has been a good introduction to the conveniences of modular helmets. It comes in White, Black, Matte Black, Semi Flat Titanium, and Hyper Silver, and pricing ranges from $329.99-$334.99.
It’s no secret that full-face helmets provide better crash and weather protection than open-face helmets. However, it’s inconvenient to peel your helmet off every time you stop for a drink or need to talk to your riding partner. A modular helmet lets riders have the best of both worlds.
The chinbar on modular helmets provides most of the safety of a full-face helmet but also allows riders to flip up the chinbar when stopped for a quick chat or a smoke – wait, does anyone do that anymore? Modular helmets also allow for other conveniences like a drop-down sunshield and a Bluetooth communications system (usually optional).
To be sold in the U.S., helmets must meet safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. All the helmets on this list meet those requirements, indicated by the DOT sticker on the back, and some even meet the requirements of stricter ECE standards.
If you’re considering a modular helmet, this list was curated for you. Each helmet has different features, styles, prices, and weights, so we’ve boiled all of that down for a quick comparison to help you find the helmet that best suits your needs. More color options and details are available on the manufacturers’ websites, but this list should give you an idea of the options available to you. Ride safe, and ride on!
The AGV SportModular combines the convenience of a flip-up helmet with the lightness and strength of a carbon-fiber shell, offering the same impact absorption as AGV’s top-of-the-line racing helmets. The interior has a multi-density EPS liner and a removable, washable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial comfort liner with a reversible crown pad (one side breathes and the other insulates). The faceshield is Pinlock-equipped, scratch resistant, and locking, and a drop-down sunshield is also included. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $859.95. Weight: 3.2 lb (size M).
The Fly Racing Odyssey Adventure can be used for both ADV riding and street riding, with a flip-up chinbar and a removable peak visor. It features a polycarbonate outer shell and a dual-density EPS liner. The moisture-wicking Quick-Dry liner is removable and washable. The faceshield has a hard coating to resist scratches and a fog-resistant interior coating. A drop-down sunshield is also included. Vents in the chinbar and crown, along with an exhaust vent in the rear spoiler, provide comfortable airflow. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $279.95. Weight: 4.3 lb (size M).
The GMAX MD-01 was made for cross-country adventures, featuring eleven vents and a CoolMax liner to keep riders comfortable even on the hottest days. The exterior is a poly alloy shell, while the SpaSoft interior works to wick moisture away. A multifunction integrated LED rear light ensures you’ll be seen by traffic. Also included are a drop-down sunshield with an anti-fog coating, a breath deflector, a chin curtain, and speaker pockets. This helmet is DOT and ECE approved. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $219.95. Weight: 4.1 lb (size L).
HJC’s i100 is different than other modular helmets in that it features a full-rotation chinbar for both open- and full-face riding modes, and it’s P/J homologated for both. An integrated sunvisor is cable-operated from the left side of the shell, which is composed of HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate material. The i100 is engineered with optimal balance and weight distribution for all-day riding comfort and connects with the SMART HJC Bluetooth systems (10B and 20B). Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $319.99. Weight: 4.1 lb (size M).
The top-of-the-line HJC RPHA 91 features a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell to enhance shock resistance, a distortion-free faceshield with increased peripheral view, and a drop-down sunshield. The chinbar has a hidden closure point for smooth contact and less pressure in the cheek area, and the 3D-engineered interior reduces wind noise. The RPHA 91 is compatible with the second-gen Smart HJC Bluetooth system and other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $549.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size M).
Schuberth’s C5 is a clean-sheet design that’s a leap forward in comfort, fit, and function. The shell is made of DFP fiberglass reinforced with a basalt layer for strength, and the EPS liner provides improved shock absorption. It meets the latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard and is homologated for use in both the open and closed positions. It has a washable comfort interior, a washable chin filter, customizable internal padding, a drop-down sunshield, and pre-installed hardware for the SC2 comms system. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $749. Weight: 3.6 lb (size M).
Functioning as both a full-face ADV helmet and a touring helmet, the Scorpion EXO-AT950 features a polycarbonate outer shell, a dual-density EPS layer, and a removable peak visor. The oversized eye port provides better peripheral and downward visibility. A drop-down sunshield is included, and the removable and washable KwikWick II liner helps keep the rider comfortable. Removing the no-fog Everclear faceshield allows goggles to be worn for off-road use. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $274.95. Weight: 3.9 lb (size M).
The Scorpion EXO-GT930 Transformer can be used as either a modular or an open-face helmet. The chinbar and faceshield are removable, the included peak visor can be added in open-face mode, and the drop-down sunshield can be used in either mode. The shell is polycarbonate, and the multidensity EPS liner absorbs impact energy. On the inside, the KwikWick liner is removable and washable. This helmet integrates with the Exo-Com comms system and is compatible with other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $249.95. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).
The Sedici Sistema II features an outer shell made of fiberglass and aramid fiber, and the dual-density EPS liner is channeled for efficient airflow. The sunshield is easily deployed with a glove-friendly slider, and it has a moisture-wicking, removable, and washable interior with antimicrobial treatment. Fit is customizable with small panels of padding at the forehead and temples. Ventilation is provided by a forehead intake vent, a chin vent, and three rear exhaust vents. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $259.99. Weight: 3.7 lb (size L).
SMK’s Gullwing features P/J homologation that allows it to be used in both open and closed positions. The Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic shell has an abrasion-resistant finish, the interior comfort liner is anti-static and moisture-wicking, fit is intermediate oval, and there are crown, chin, and rear vents. The faceshield is double-glass, extra-wide, and ready for the included Pinlock 70 anti-fog lens. It also features a retractable sunshield, wind stops, a breath deflector, and a quick-release strap. Available in sizes S-4XL starting at $155.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).
We’ve all seen the commercials where the Most Interesting Man in the World says, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” Likewise, Arai doesn’t often release a new helmet, but when it does, it gets it right. More than 70 years of experience went into the development of the new Arai Contour-X.
As we’ve written about in previous reviews and in our “The Why Behind Arai Helmets” feature, Arai maintains a steadfast commitment to building helmet shells with a smooth, strong, round shape. As repeated experience among MotoGP, World Superbike, and other racers has shown, Arai helmets are designed to “glance off” objects, allowing them to maintain sheer integrity, resist deformation, and spread impact energy over the widest possible area. Every exterior feature of an Arai helmet is designed to break away so that the helmet itself will not catch on anything during an impact or slide.
The Contour-X offers excellent protection, comfort, ventilation, and aerodynamics. It features a new Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction (PB-cLc2) shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to a new fiber material and resin, yet it is just as strong as other Arai shells. The medium-size Contour-X tested here, even with the optional Pro Shade visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert installed, weighs just 3 lb, 9 oz – the same weight as the top-of-the-line Corsair-X.
Like the Regent-X, the Contour-X’s shell flares out 5mm around the opening to make the helmet easier to slide on and off. The bottom of the shell also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves strength and shock absorption and was reshaped for flatter sides to facilitate easy mounting of a comms system.
Arai helmets have always been a pleasure to wear, and the Contour-X goes even further with a new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon interior that’s removable and washable and features adjustable Facial Contour System (FCS-2) cheek pads that can be released to ease removal during an emergency. Inside, there are speaker pockets and a new neck-roll wire pocket for a comms system. Through short rides, long rides, and repeated donning and doffing, the Contour-X required no break-in and was comfortable at all times.
Ventilation is fantastic. The new system includes a total of seven intakes, all of which can be closed as needed: a 3D Arai logo vent in the forehead, two F1-derived tear-drop intakes on the crown, two brow vents in the faceshield, and a chin vent. There are also six exhausts: one in the spoiler, two on the sides near the back, and three in the neckroll area. Arai says the Contour-X offers better ventilation than the Corsair-X at street speeds, and I concur.
The round shape of Arai helmets helps them slip through the air smoothly, and the new XGR exhaust/spoiler pulls hot air out of the helmet while also enhancing stability and reducing buffeting at speed. I wore the Contour-X on a variety of bikes with and without windscreens, and it remained steady and comfortable.
The Arai Contour-X is a fantastic lid in every respect. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL, and pricing starts at $739.95 for five different solid colors (Blue Frost, Black Frost, Diamond Black, Diamond White, and Light Grey) and $889.95 for two graphic options (Snake Red and Face Fluorescent Yellow).
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