For a few years now, eBikes have emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in both recreation and viable modes of getting around. In fact, it could be argued that an eBike has more access for commuting and/or regular runabout duties than a motorcycle because of many cities today having dedicated bike lanes and pathway systems that allow for bikes to travel on them away from the roads. For cities with an abundance of parks, beach boulevards, and amazing lookout points once you can get to them, an eBike can turn a great day into a full-on adventure.
Adventure is what Himiway, one of the top tier eBike manufacturers out of Europe, had as their goal when they designed the Cobra Pro eMTB (electric Mountain Bike). It is not so much designed as a commuter bike or even a runabout, instead being intended for use by those that want to get off the beaten (or paved) path and get some proper dirt, dust, mud, brush, and other various things under the tires as you go exploring.
You won’t be lacking for power during your adventure riding, as the Cobra Pro features a top-tier Bafang M620 1000W mid-drive motor, with a peak output potential of 1.2 kW. That motor also provides up to 160 Nm of torque (118 lbs-ft), which with pedal assist set to the most powerful will get you up to 50 KPH (~30 MPH) without issue. Also consider the fact that not many motorcycles have 160 Nm available, and one can begin to understand why this eMTB was meant for adventures!
Priced at $3,999 USD, the Cobra Pro is not what one would label as “cheap,” but it is is one of the few eBikes that has full suspension, as most only have front fork suspension with a hard tail setup. Himiway has fit adjustable inverted forks on the front that are air suspension instead of the cheaper and more standard coil-over-hydraulic setup, and a quad-link rear suspension that absorbs even the roughest bumps and bangs without complaint.
The Cobra Pro also has some of the widest tires fitted to any eBike, wider than most tires on a dual-sport or ADV bike, at 122mm, or 4.8 inches. They are aggressive CST “Roly Poly” tires, with a definite off-road oriented grip pattern designed to grab into any surface. These tires are also one of the biggest issues with the bike, in the sense that they need the electric motor to provide enough torque to rotated them. It all comes down to the massive contact patch these tires have, which is perfectly fine for flat terrain or rolling downhill. But combine the big contact patches with the 40.8 kg (90 lbs) weight of the bike, which makes it one of the heavier bikes out there, and even a hint of an incline means that you’ll either exhaust yourself before even reaching halfway, or you’ll be walking beside the bike pushing it up the hill if you run out of battery.
The tires and weight combined also provide issues in transporting the bike, as unless you have a ute with a big bed or a dirt-bike trailer, the Cobra Pro is rather difficult to mount on many standard tow-hitch or back-of-car bike transport systems. However, if you find a viable solution, when you do get the Cobra Pro to a proper off-road trail, there is not much out there for less than $4,000 that can match its power, comfortable suspension, amazing grip on any surface, and fun factor.
The Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge is a grand expression of “Katoom” (KTM) fanboy fanaticism, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you bleed orange and black, this is for you!
This fancified Packtalk Edge isn’t just a pretty face either. It boasts excellent battery life, premium JBL speakers, Dynamic Mesh intercom, wireless firmware updates, and best of all, unmatched voice command control over all functions.
It’s expensive, still suffers from the occasional glitch or two, intercom audio interference can occur, and the Air Mount longevity is unknown, but overall I think this is the safest and the top in-helmet communicator I’ve used to date.
Ease of Use
Design & Innovation
Build Quality
Battery Life
Sound Quality
Value for Money
Reader Rating0 Votes
Accurate voice command system (~95% accuracy)
Bluetooth can connect to Sena and other off-brand devices for intercom needs
Excellent battery life
Mesh and Bluetooth communication systems work well
JBL speakers have clear, above-average sound quality
USB C charging cable
Over-the-air updates are super convenient
The Cardo Connect app has a great selection of settings
Waterproof, dustproof, and resists cold/heat well
The magnetic “Air Mount” is ingenious and holds securely
Also available in a Honda-branded version
Some microphone placement issues were encountered during testing
The control buttons can be difficult to locate while wearing gloves
Voice control accuracy is affected noticeably by how noisy your helmet is
The charging indicator light turns off when the battery reaches 100%
That KTM badge sometimes costs $30 US more to buy than a standard Packtalk Edge device
The Air Mount protrudes outwards more than competitor devices
Air Mount long-term durability?
Connecting multiple riders in the app should be simpler
Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge Image Gallery
Review Summary:
The Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge is a bluetooth helmet communicator with great battery life, premium speakers, and Dynamic Mesh technology. It also offers excellent voice control.
The Cardo Packtalk Black offers many of the same features with a lower price tag, but the KTM Packtalk Edge is a superior device by virtue of its advanced technology like wireless firmware updates.
It’s relatively expensive compared to other intercom systems, but if you’re looking for a premium helmet communicator, the KTM Packtalk Edge is one of the best we’ve ever reviewed. It’s also available in a Honda-branded version.
First Impressions of the KTM Packtalk Edge
The Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge box.
Open the box of the Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge and you’ll be dazzled by the eye-popping, bright orange housing this aesthetically enhanced communicator wears. The orange pops visually when compared to the comparatively drab grey-colored housing found on the base model Packtalk Edge.
As everyone knows, putting the KTM logo on anything adds 10% more horsepower, but detractors claim it also negatively affects reliability. For die-hard KTM riders, I’m sure that’s a price they’re willing to pay.
The Cardo KTM PT Edge in its box.
On a serious note, this device seems well-built, although everything I can touch on it is entirely made of plastic with a bit of rubber on the rotary switch and charging port cover. That makes it lightweight, but will it also be durable? Will it degrade and fall apart after long-term exposure to UV light, rain, cold, heat, dirt, dust, and mud? Is it even made for adventure riding?
Cardo says they wouldn’t have printed KTM on it if it wasn’t.
The Testing Conditions
In order to properly field test the KTM Edge, my plan was to take it on a long and taxing adventure trip in the real world. Specifically, on a 5000-mile (8100 km) ride from Canmore, Alberta, Canada southwards, keeping mainly off-road along the Continental Divide Trail before ending at the Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, will all be featured as beautiful backdrops along the way as well.
The north rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona was a beautiful sight to see.
That’s exactly how it went.
Temperatures during my testing ranged from a low of 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) to a high of 102 Fahrenheit (39 Celsius). The KTM Edge braved high winds, plenty of dust, and heavy rain at times, but the elements proved inconsequential to its performance over the 18 days used to complete our journey.
Thank You Cardo!
Five friends arrived safely at the Mexican border thanks in large part to the Cardo Packtalk Edge.
Our Cardo contacts Kasey and Zach were so confident in the Edge they sent us 5 more base model devices at no cost to equip the rest of my riding group for this trip of a lifetime. This way we could not only stay safer by keeping the 6 of us connected verbally using the Dynamic Mesh intercom feature but also allowing a wider sample of the product for testing. In my mind, that yields more accurate results.
Installing the KTM Packtalk Edge in Different Helmets
Klim Krios Pro
The lineup of jackets and helmets used on the long ride south to the Mexico border.
Three members of our team (myself included) wore Klim Krios Pro helmets on this trip. The Edge was an excellent fit in all three sizes (Medium, Large, and XL). I popped it in my helmet and stuck the velcro-backed JBL speakers directly to the microsuede-lined speaker pockets.
A JBL speaker installed in a Klim Krios Pro helmet.
The Krios Pro has a perfect location right above the chin bar vent to mount the button-style microphone and there’s a hole in the neck roll to route wires from the Air Mount bracket on the exterior to the interior where the speaker and microphone connections are housed. Installation took about 15 minutes.
The Cardo Packtalk Edge button microphone installed in a Klim Krios Pro helmet.
My helmet and the Cardo KTM Edge paired up especially well from a visual perspective since it has the Loko Striking Grey pattern which mirrors the orange/black KTM Edge colour scheme. It was a match made in heaven!
The Klim Krios Pro in Loko Striking Grey is a perfect match for the Cardo KTM PT Edge.
Scorpion EXO AT950
There were two Scorpion EXO AT950 modular helmets (ADX-2 outside North America) in the group. The owners equipped the boom-style microphone in lieu of the button-style mic in their flip-front lids. Again, no issues with mating the Cardo with these helmets.
The Cardo PT Edge installed in Greg’s Scorpion AT950 helmet. Photo by Greg Phillips.
Unfortunately, one of the boom mics was non-functional right out of the box, but we had 3 spare, unused ones from the Krios Pro wearers’ kits. A warranty claim was made through the usual Cardo channels and a replacement mic arrived 4 weeks later. That wasn’t the most stellar example of a speedy replacement, to be sure, and I hope Cardo improves on it.
Arai XD-4 (Tour X4)
The Arai was the only helmet that gave us issues with the Edge installation.
Ian’s Arai XD-4 helmet had too much airflow coming in the chin bar vent for the boom mic to handle.
We just couldn’t find a good location for the microphone to sit where it wouldn’t be picking up some wind noise at highway speeds. We tried both the boom and button mics to no avail, and in the end, we all just learned to live with the whistling wind noise constantly accompanying Ian’s witty banter out on the road.
The same issue was there with the Sena 10C Evo microphone I experimented with in my own Arai XD-4, so I’m positive it’s a characteristic of the helmet and not a fault of the Cardo.
Quality of the Boom Microphone
We found the microphone quality to be exceptionally clear and good once the correct level of sensitivity was dialed in using the Cardo App, but the boom mics need to be placed almost inside the user’s mouth in order to be top-shelf clear.
On the Great Divide Trip, the boom mic in Ian’s Arai XD-4 was a constant struggle to position ideally because the Edge’s built-in Noise Canceling technology would inadvertently lower the volume of his speech while working to cut down the wind noise being transmitted to the rest of us.
If you have an Arai helmet you may need to invest in a better wind muffler for your microphone regardless of whether it is a Cardo Edge or something else.
A Synopsis of What Works As Advertised on the Packtalk Edge
The back of the Cardo KTM PT Edge box lists an impressive suite of features.
Here’s a summary list of the features we found to work very well on the Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge and base Packtalk Edge.
It connects to my iPhone 13 Pro Max and other phones immediately once set up
It’s slow to connect to the Cardo phone app on Android & Apple devices, but once connected, it works very well and there is a multitude of useful settings to fine-tune performance
Firmware updates wirelessly execute when connected to WiFi or cell data
The battery charges to full in less than 2 hrs and lasts all day even when used continuously except when using Mesh, which cuts battery life to just over half of Bluetooth levels (12+ hrs for BT and approximately 8 hours for Mesh). If you turn off the Edge when having lunch or other breaks, the Mesh intercom lasts 12+ hours as well
The battery still reports at 50% after sitting unused for 15 days
Installs easily in every helmet I’ve attempted to install it in
Plays music, radio stations, podcasts, and any audio coming from my phone perfectly
Makes and takes clear phone calls
Activates Siri on my iPhone every time I request it verbally or using the phone button
Connects to navigation apps or devices that work concurrently with music playing in the background
Connects via Bluetooth intercom to other Cardo and even Sena devices
Performed as intended in temperatures as low as 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) to a high of 102 Fahrenheit (39 Celsius)
Handled exposure to rain, dust, and dirt without issues
Those are the things that worked well on the KTM Packtalk Edge, but in the rest of this review, I’ll dive into the things that really set it apart and the areas it could improve upon.
The Cardo Packtalk Edge installed in a Klim Krios Pro. Photo by Owen Lush.
Over-the-Air Firmware Updates
The first thing to do when you remove the KTM Packtalk Edge from the box is to charge it fully, although mine arrived that way.
The second thing to do is update the firmware wirelessly… which I found to be an absolute piece of cake. Unlike other devices, you don’t need to plug it into a laptop to do this and it’s entirely painless to use WiFi or even cellular data for it.
Updating firmware wirelessly using WiFi or cell data is easy on the Cardo KTM PT Edge.
The Cardo Voice Command Feature
Some things are so freaking good that once inserted into my life that I can’t imagine how I got by before having them. The Cardo Voice Command is one such thing.
My first Cardo device (a Freecom 4X) also had this feature and it showed me that I should never need to take my hands off the handlebars again to poke at the buttons on an in-helmet comms device.
Since that Freecom 4X, I’ve not touched a Cardo button other than when turning on or off the device’s power… with one lone exception while riding by an airport in Montana!
Airports vs. Cardo Devices
Airports are the Kryptonite of Cardo devices.
I’ve no idea what happened when I was riding home from Sturgis in July 2022, but the airport in Billings, Montana shut down all voice command functionality on my Edge. I can’t explain why, but after rebooting the device things were back to normal.
Overall the Voice Command has operated at roughly 95% accuracy in my Krios Pro helmet. Even when I mumble or fake a Scottish accent—it’s nearly flawless.
Voice Command?
This feature allows a rider to verbally manage all of the Edge functions.
You can even activate Siri or Google to do things like making a phone call. The photo below shows the list of available Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge commands.
The list of available voice commands for the Cardo PackTalk Edge.
The Safest Communication Device
The Edge is safer to use than other similar in-helmet devices because it’s the easiest to control verbally.
As mentioned above, my hands stay on the bars instead of fumbling around on the helmet while attempting to find the volume wheel or phone button.
The new Sena 50 series devices also have a good voice command feature on them which can accomplish the same thing, but the user has to make a distinct pause between activating the voice command feature (“Hey Sena”) and issuing the command (“stop music”).
With the Cardo Edge, you can string both parts together into one, run-on sentence. A minor difference to be sure, but it’s easy to appreciate when you’re trying to quickly shut off your music when your significant other, or a police officer is trying to speak to you out on the road.
USB C Charging Cable
Another small advantage the Cardo KTM Pactalk Edge has over the competition is its USB type C connector which can plug into the device both ways.
The USB C-type charging cable from the Cardo Packtalk Edge.
My Sena devices sometimes frustrate me when I’m attempting to get the charging party started because its USB mini connector only fits in one way without damaging the charge port.
The PackTalk Edge Intercom Connects Easily to Sena Devices
The Cardo Edge is a cut above the competition when it comes to playing nicely with non-Cardo devices. It can trick my Sena 10C EVO and 20S devices into thinking it’s a smartphone when it comes to establishing a Bluetooth intercom grouping. Doing that makes the Sena devices pair up immediately when asked to make a Bluetooth intercom connection between them.
The way to do it is to initiate a standard Bluetooth intercom connection using the Cardo app and then activate the phone pairing feature on the Sena. They’ll link up and you can chat while out on the road.
This is a huge draw if you ride with friends who don’t own a Cardo device because getting earlier Cardo and Sena devices to connect successfully has been so difficult that I’d just give up after multiple attempts.
The JBL Speakers in the Cardo KTM PackTalk Edge
40mm JBL speakers come with the Cardo Packtalk Edge.
Cardo 40mm JBL speakers and Sena’s HD speakers sound comparably close in quality and clarity, but I give the JBLs the “edge” at higher volume.
It’s possible to upgrade the 40mm speakers to JBL’s 45mm speakers for $90 US if you’re a complete and utter audiophile who insists on having the best of the best. I haven’t yet tried the 45mm speakers, but thus far the 40mm ones have met or exceeded my requirements.
Charging the KTM Edge While in Use?
No problem charging on the fly with the KTM Packtalk Edge. This is a big deal if, like me, you ride 10 to 12-hour days… or on occasion forget to charge the night before.
The Packtalk Edge “Air Mount” Mounting Plate
The KTM PT Edge housing will jump through the air and attach itself to the Air Mount cradle when moved within 2 inches of the intended landing strip thanks to the power of magnetism.
Magnets draw the two halves together but it’s a plastic latch that securely bonds them as one. Never once over the 5000 miles ridden over rough and smooth terrain did any of my riding group’s Edge devices separate from the Air Mount. Cardo did an excellent job with this design even though I worry at times I’m about to break the plastic latch when releasing the device from the Air Mount. The latch feels on the flimsy side but thus far refuses to break or bend.
In fact, removing the Edge from the Air Mount is a two-handed endeavor for my clumsy meathooks.
The Air Mount Might Become An Issue Over Time
You can see traces of dust that started accumulating under the Edge between it and the Air Mount cradle.
Each time I charged my KTM Edge, I removed it from the cradle and cleaned the two surfaces to prevent wear and tear on it. The two halves are installed so close together that they seem flush but I found traces of fine dust inside. Water will get in between them as well (as seen in the photo above).
It’s my observation that the members of my riding group who followed my lead (cleaning when charging) versus those who left the devices coupled when charging them experienced fewer electrical glitches.
Interestingly, the dust and water never did manage to invade the electrical connectors on my device thanks to the improved seal Cardo put around them.
Electrical Glitches?
Electrical issues were few and far between on the 6 Edges tested on the Continental Divide Ride my group completed, but I’ll mention the examples found here anyway. This is in addition to the airport phenomenon already mentioned.
On the way home from the Mexican border.
Intercom Issues
The intercom usage in our group was 100% of the Dynamic Mesh variety because Bluetooth wouldn’t allow 6 of us to be linked together all the time. We found riders 4 through 6 in the group wouldn’t hear complete sentences from rider 1 if there were hills or other large barriers between the front and back of the group. It was necessary to have rider 3 repeat important information and only then would the signal be clear for all.
Occasionally the gap between the front and back of the group would grow too large and someone would drop out of range, but the Mesh pairing would instantly heal anytime line of sight was re-established. The range astounded us at times! We easily could have 2 miles between the front rider and rear rider with crystal clear audio if there weren’t too many large barriers in the way.
Boom Microphone Issues
As mentioned one boom mic didn’t work at all out of the box, but the same rider also had an isolated issue with the replacement boom mic in his Scorpion AT950 helmet at the two-week mark.
The faulty boom mic from Greg’s Cardo PT Edge.
We don’t know why, but at the beginning of the day, his mic simply wouldn’t work at all until we unplugged the 3mm connector and rebooted the Edge device (switched off then back on). Not a huge problem in reality, but worthy of noting along with the fact that none of the button-style microphones experienced any issues whatsoever.
Static
Noise wasn’t a problem with any of the devices as it has been with some of my Sena 10C EVO, 20S, and 30K devices. These Cardos just seem to do audio better overall although I haven’t tried the Sena 50 series yet to comment on the latest generation of comparable Senas.
How Can The KTM PackTalk Edge Be Better?
Charging Light Indicator
The charging light indicator glows red while the device is charging but then switches off entirely when the battery reaches full. I’d prefer it to glow green when fully charged to let me know it was successful with a glance.
Alternatively, I’d like a visual battery life gauge on the device, even though whenever the Edge is switched on or off the battery status is verbally announced to the wearer.
This green light glows red while the Edge charges and green when connected to a phone.
Microphone Wind Muffler
The microphone has a foam wind muffler on it but this is largely inadequate for helmets like the Arai XD-4 which channel wind at the wearer’s mouth and muck up the audio quality. A “dead cat” style muffler would help deal with this problem.
Connecting Intercom Groups
The Cardo App is better than the Sena App in almost every way except one: connecting intercom groups. Cardo should copy Sena and have an individual QR code on each person’s phone app that gets scanned using the camera on the group creator’s phone to establish the desired connections.
Charging Port Seal
The charging port seal is easy to accidentally leave open when charging is finished. Once properly closed it stays put to keep water and dirt out at least.
The charging port seal tends to stay open if not carefully closed back up.
Backwards Compatibility
The Edge will connect with older Packtalk Bold and Black devices for intercom, but in order to do it the newer Edge will need to create the group and then have the older devices connect to it. Doing the inverse has resulted in frustrated Edge owners due to incompatibility. I confirmed this with a couple of my friends who own Bolds but it wasn’t an issue for me to be the intercom group creator. YMMV of course.
Final Thoughts on the Cardo KTM Packtalk Edge Communicator
The KTM Pactktalk Edge is a device for people like me: KTM fans who don’t already own a Cardo Packtalk Bold or Black. The wireless firmware updates and awesome voice command features set it above all competitor devices I’ve used and the KTM livery is the exclamation on the “love it!” recommendation I am happy to label it with.
Somewhere in New Mexico using my phone as a GPS and my KTM PT Edge to verbally transfer directions to my ears. Photo by Ian Clark.
The only good reason I can think of to buy a Sena or other brand is if you want a built-in camera on your helmet communicator. That’s where the new Sena 50C might have the advantage or edge over the Edge, if you know what I mean.
Hopefully, Cardo will soon build a device to compete with Sena in that regard.
Cents and Sense: The Value of the Packtalk Edge
The KTM PT Edge is (sometimes) $30 more expensive than the base model PT Edge. This is annoying, but understandable since KTM isn’t in the habit of letting their logo get used for free. Although at the time of this writing I see Cardo has dropped the price of the KTM Edge to $389 US making it the same price as the base model Edge.
The KTM Packtalk Edge is impressive but not the best value in Cardo’s lineup.
People looking for the best value should instead cast their gaze towards the Cardo Packtalk Black.
The Packtalk Black can be had for $350, has the upgraded 45mm speakers, still has Dynamic Mesh, Voice Command, and the majority of the same features as the PT Edge. The Black lacks the unnecessary but nice-to-have Air Mount but so what? The only real downside to it is the missing wireless firmware updates, thus having to use a Cardo-specific cable to upgrade the software on it using a laptop.
For myself, I’d wait for an end-of-the-season sale and buy myself a KTM Packtalk Edge because it’s far too easy to misplace the original charging cable for the Black. Apparently, only the original cable or specific ones like it can be used to update the Black and Bold.
Maybe I’m just too fancy for my own good, but I’d pay $40 more for wireless updates and an orange housing.
Atlas 4.0 is the new kid on the block with striking, if somewhat intimidating looks that really make an impression. Although a bit noisy, it comes with a smart design, clever features, sturdy construction, and a matte black finish that will turn heads when out riding wearing this helmet.
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Reader Rating0 Votes
Funky looks
Upgraded safety
Good choice of artwork and visors
Wind noise
Matte black finish is hard to keep clean
Internal comms can’t be managed on the go
Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Full Face Helmet Image Gallery
Ruroc
As a relatively new player in a busy market, Ruroc sure know how to get your attention. From the launch event in London’s iconic Bike Shed in Shoreditch to the delivery of the helmet, everything is on point.
The event was thoughtfully designed with a great exhibition walk-through displaying various artwork available on the Atlas 4 with helmets displayed for a closer look and feel. People were milling around admiring and checking out the helmets whilst having a drink and a chat.
In the main event area, there was a stage, a bar (always an integral part of any event), shelving with many helmets and a clothing display area by EngineHawk.
Build Quality
I was excitedly awaiting the delivery of my full face helmet to test it and I wasn’t disappointed. The branding is excellent and just opening the box is an experience in itself. They are a bit like Apple used to be in the world of computers. I must admit, the look of the helmet is very aggressive and in matte black, this is only accentuated.
Each helmet comes with a clear and a dark visor, and both are Pinlock ready. The shell is quite big, and I thought I looked like a bobblehead when I tried it on. The material on the inside is plush and lovely, the helmet felt secure around my face but it felt spacious around the top and back of the head. Presumably, this is because of the use of the new safety system and it took some getting used to.
To comply with the new ECE 22.06 certification the internal padding has been redesigned, hence making the fit tighter. Padding isn’t the only thing that has been changed.
To meet the ever-stricter certification, Ruroc are the first to use the super-polymer Rheon in a motorcycle helmet. This helps to reduce the rotational impact forces which is being addressed by the manufacturers in various ways.
The whole build and feel of the helmet is of high quality and it is comforting to know they have been redesigned to achieve the new safety standard. This, however, means that the sizing has changed, too and I had to go a size up for the helmet to fit properly.
Features and Specifications
My helmet arrived with their Shockwave audio system which was super easy to install and it is cleverly hidden in the back of the helmet meaning there are no protruding bits on the outside of the shell. The sound is excellent, clear and strong which made my first ride with some heavy music a joy.
However, with the buttons being so streamlined and at the back of the helmet, I couldn’t control the volume or switch the music off whilst riding. I wouldn’t be able to accept a call and the microphone isn’t active which means you have to press the button on the back of the helmet to talk to Siri.
Nope, that is not possible whilst wearing gloves.
I didn’t get the chance to try it with another comms brand so I cannot comment on a rider to rider comms. Not being able to control the sound system whilst riding is a bit of a flaw in my opinion.
Being a long-distance rider I would have liked the option of an internal dark visor to use with the clear visor rather than having to swap the main one.
The strap is magnetic which is unusual and to be honest, not entirely sure how I feel about it. I mean, it’s ace because there is no fiddling like with the D-ring and to undo it you simply pull on the red toggle. Of course, Ruroc have done their testing and it is safe and secure but it does take some getting used to and for you mind to trust it.
The field of view is excellent for those that have good vision. Unfortunately, I wear spectacles when riding so my FOV is limited by my glasses and their frames. However, take these away and you get an amazing field of vision. The side vision is wide and you can see so much more with your peripheral vision. The visor is well designed and looking down to the dash means only a minimal head movement.
The weight of the helmet is on a heavier side to what I am used to, at 1.8kg but the weight is distributed well and you don’t feel it even after a full day’s riding.
The shape of the helmet is big, as mentioned. There is more space at the top of the head but if fits nice and snug around the face and the back of the head. This makes it for a larger shape than most helmets on the outside.
Comfort, Airflow, and Noise Management
The first couple of rides were in sunny but extremely windy weather in February with temperatures not much above zero celsius. Despite closing all the vents the helmet is great at air circulation and I can imagine how that will be great in the summer months but I didn’t exactly appreciate it in the freezing cold.
Needless to say, my nose and face were a bit frozen at the end. The whole experience was one of comfort and I can imagine the good ventilation will be very much welcome in the warmer months.
There is a vent in the chin which opens and closes from the inside, one at the top of the head and two at the back, that are always open. Despite closing both, there was still a fair amount of air coming through and I didn’t think the vents closing system was very effective. There was no whistling from the wind like I’ve experienced it with some helmets but I do think this contributes to the helmet being rather noisy as you can’t stop the flow of air completely.
Naturally, because of the wind, the helmet was quite noisy however, it definitely isn’t the nosiest of the ones on the market. I always ride with earplugs and the wind noise was prevalent on top of the mountain. When I rode through the more sheltered areas, the noise drastically dropped which made the ride much more pleasant.
In my opinion, it is very much a short ride style helmet, perfectly at home in a city and for fun rides. I wouldn’t use it for long tours and it definitely won’t replace my favourite one. Whilst I do love the look of it I feel it is very masculine and I felt it was just a little too big and too aggressive for me.
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves are effective waterproof gloves that offer a significant amount of all-around protection and are well-suited to most riding conditions. They’re also extremely comfortable to wear. If you’re in the market for three-season street/touring/adventure gloves, you should definitely give these some consideration.
Design / Style
Build Quality
Protection
Full leather construction offers great all-around protection
Comfortable to wear, even on long rides
Subtle style without obnoxious branding
Effective waterproof capabilities
CE Level 1 protection offers impact resistance for knuckles
Not touchscreen-compatible
Slight inner liner movement
Leather gains weight as it absorbs water
I usually carry extra gloves in case of changing weather during my ride. So when Racer Gloves USA asked us if we would like to try out some of their gloves, I asked for two pairs: the Pitlane for warmer weather and the Multitop 2 for all-around waterproof protection.
I received the Multitop 2 Gloves this spring and used them for most of a complete riding season. They have been my go-to gloves for trips and all-day rides when the temperature is moderate. However, if the temperature starts rising, I often switch to the Pitlane gloves.
After a season of riding, these are my thoughts on the Racer Gloves Multitop 2 Gloves.
About Racer Gloves USA
Racer Gloves USA is the exclusive US importer and distributor for the Austrian motorcycle apparel brand Racer Outdoor GmbH. Racer Austria has been creating premium street motorcycle apparel since the early 1990s and is well-recognized throughout Europe. Racer Gloves USA’s mission is to bring you quality products that make your riding experience safer and more comfortable.
Features
Several features stand out on the Multitop 2 gloves. The critical element for me is the comfort level provided by the kangaroo leather palms. Add to that the CE Level 1 protection and waterproof membrane, and you have an excellent pair of all-around three-season gloves.
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves definitely stand in the tradition of many other motorcycle gloves, with a streamlined profile and gauntleted wrists. But I was immediately drawn to the classic styling, which included an added pop of carbon fiber knuckle protection and a rugged-looking tan leather palm.
I was also pleased with the rest of the glove’s minimalist black color scheme. These gloves are well constructed with a mix of materials, giving them a high-quality look and feel.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Comfort
Sizing
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves fit true to their sizing chart. Depending on the manufacturer, I wear either a large or extra-large. Because of this, I always refer to the sizing charts. Using the directions in Racer’s chart, my hand measures about 9.5″, so I ordered these gloves in large. I’m happy to report that they fit perfectly.
There are no women’s specific sizes for this model.
Fit and Feel
These are some of the most comfortable gloves I have ever worn. This was one of the first things I noticed. It was like someone had taken the time to break them in before delivery; they felt awesome right out of the box.
The leather is soft and not stiff at all. The fingers are also pre-curved, with accordion knuckles for better articulation.
These gloves are also elastic at the wrists to make them easier to get on and off. Finally, the polyester liner makes for a very comfortable interior feel.
Retention
The Multitop 2 Gloves use a velcro wrist closure and gauntlet closure to keep things snug. Don’t worry about these babies coming loose during a ride.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Build Quality
Outer Shell
Leather motorcycle gloves offer unparalleled protection in a slide, and these gloves are no exception. The outer shell is made of cowhide leather with kangaroo leather palms. The palm also has an additional layer of leather and Kevlar-lined palm padding, offering excellent abrasion resistance.
The back of each hand and gauntlet is constructed of leather with carbon fiber knuckle protection. The finger boxes are also made from leather with stretch panels at the knuckle for extra comfort.
Finally, all the protective padding and additional leather parts are double stitched. A nice touch!
Waterproofing
The Multitop 2 gloves use an unspecified waterproof membrane. As a result, the gloves offer excellent protection against wind and rain. I have used the gloves several times in rainy conditions with no leakage. However, the leather does absorb water, adding to the overall weight of the gloves.
Colorways
The Multitop 2 gloves are available in black (seen in this review) and a black/white combination. In either case, the palms are tan kangaroo leather.
Racer’s branding is a subtle grey on black, which I like. This branding is on the back of the gauntlet, the wrist closures, and the piping. In addition, you can find the Racer logo on the gauntlet and index finger, and it is all surprisingly subtle.
Racer Multitop 2 Gloves Protection
The Racer Multitop 2 Gloves feature multiple layers of protection:
Full leather construction with kangaroo leather palms
Palm padding with Kevlar for added skid resistance
Additional leather and padding up the outside of the palm to the end of each pinky finger
Double closure to ensure the gloves stay on
Carbon fiber knuckle and finger protection
Although the gloves have a lot of protection built-in, many people feel that a hard palm slider is necessary. I believe that in this case, Racer Gloves has used Kevlar in the padding as a replacement for the slider. This addition helps improve the overall comfort and removes bulk.
For $150 USD, these aren’t the most affordable motorcycle gloves you can buy—but they’re also far from the most expensive. In fact, many high-quality motorcycle gloves cost over $250 USD, so you’re getting a pretty good deal here when you consider the protection the Multitop 2’s offer.
I can’t see a lot of sacrifices made here when it comes to the important stuff. The Kevlar in the palms strikes me as an innovative and economical way to protect my hands in a skid, and the kangaroo leather construction feels very durable.
Most of my use was between 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and 30 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature stayed in the single-digit range all day, I would reach for insulated or heated gloves. But in most reasonable temperatures, the Multitop 2’s met my needs—add in that waterproof liner and you’ve got a pair of gloves that will work well for most of your riding season.
If you’re looking for a way to get great overall hand protection without breaking the bank, I’d say these gloves are a more-than-viable option.
What I’d Change About the Racer Multitop 2 Gloves
The Liner Loosens In the Heat
These gloves worked great from relatively low temperatures right up to 30 degrees Celsius. But when my hands got sweaty, the inner liner tended to shift slightly whenever I took them off. It wasn’t an issue during my rides—just mildly annoying afterward.
The Fingertips Aren’t Touchscreen-Compatible
I often use my smartphone as a GPS for speed/speed limit and music. These gloves would work great for touring or adventure riding, so the lack of touchscreen-enabled fingertips surprised me. Touch-sensitive fingertips are now a common feature for modern motorcycle gloves. Maybe this will be available on the next version of the Multitop?
The Leather Absorbs Water
Over the season, I rode in the rain on several occasions. The rainfall included extended periods of light-to-moderate rain and a couple of short heavy downpours. The inner membrane kept the water out, but the leather did absorb a lot of water. Still, I’m not complaining about the ability of these gloves to resist water, and if you don’t mind the weight it’s not really an issue. At the end of the day, the Racer Gloves Multitop 2 Gloves passed the rain test easily.
Conclusion
While I was on my bike, the gloves worked great. My hands were comfortable in all but the coldest or most sweltering conditions. I have used the gloves in various situations while riding around town, as well as on secondary and major highways. They have continued to perform very well.
The Racer Gloves Multitop 2 gloves offer outstanding styling, CE Level protection and are waterproof. But, the biggest thing for me was comfort, comfort, comfort! The Multitop 2 gloves feel great from new. If my protective gear is comfortable, I am more likely to wear it!
Pros
Full leather construction offers great all-around protection
Comfortable to wear, even on long rides
Subtle style without obnoxious branding
Effective waterproof capabilities
CE Level 1 protection offers impact resistance for knuckles
A cooling base layer that does what it says on the packaging, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve feels more like a generic cooling base layer than a motorcycle-focused one. Moisture-wicking fabric does its job and cools using evaporation and heat transfer, but across the back of the shirt, this effectiveness is cut in half by using open mesh.
Materials & Build Quality
Sizing & Fit
Effectiveness
Value for Money
No chemical agents used during cooling
Compression fit, keeping it tight to your skin for optimal cooling
Machine washable
Does not lose any cooling functionality after washing
Comfort-fit seams sit flush and comfortable against the skin
Made of 92% recycled fibers
True to sizing chart
Back is made of open mesh instead of cooling fabric
Feels more like general use garment than motorcycle focused
I had the pleasure of reviewing the KLIM Aggressor -1.0 Cooling Shirt during the hottest summer that Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and most of the Pacific Northwest of North America, have seen in probably a decade. That shirt gave me the surprise of my riding life when it actually worked as described, and I gave it possibly the highest score I have ever given a piece of gear: 90%, which in MotorBikeWriter and webBikeWorld “review speak” means “damned near perfect, no flaws, top of the pile.”
That review also piqued my interest in cooling garments, as I am a bit on the bigger side and have many built-in layers to keep me warm. When bundled up in gear on a 30+ C day, that also usually means I sweat. A lot. So having something that passively helps me stay cool without having to take it out of the freezer and slot it into a special vest or dunk it in water to activate it is definitely something I want to review.
In the middle of the “Sizzling Summer,” as I have come to call it, Fieldsheer, a company well known for providing four-season and snowmobile heated gear, contacted us to see if we’d be interested in their newest line of cooling base layers. When this opportunity arose, of course, I jumped up and down and raised my hand to be put on the list. I am enthusiastic about keeping myself cool while on long rides, and I also wanted to pit a competitor’s product against what I considered the standard for this segment of motorcycle gear, the KLIM Aggressor named above.
About Fieldsheer
Since 1978, Fieldsheer has been involved in the heated and heat-retention garment business. This has included everything from the design and production of motorcycle jackets to developing battery-powered, heated work apparel. Thanks to advances in fabric technology, the company was recently able to provide a wider range of heated—and for the first time, passive—cooling garments for various uses.
Fieldsheer has recently refocused its product lines on heated and cooling apparel and includes active heat management in its battery-powered heated gear via smartphone integration. These heated and cooling garments come as base layers, regular use garments, or top layers and include everything from snowmobile and skiing gear to industrial cooling bandanas, skull caps, and shirts.
About webBikeWorld’s Review Policy
This product was provided by Fieldsheer for review purposes. Note that we do not allow brands to influence review scores or content. Please see our review policies for more information.
We here at webBikeWorld believe that you can’t just try something out once and give an honest opinion of it. Any product we test is actually used by our testers, and for the month of August and part of September 2021, any time I rode—hot or cold—I wore this base layer.
Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Features
When I first unpacked the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt from the packaging, I was surprised to find that there were, in fact, two shirts in the package. As I am 185 cm and 127 kg (depending on if I ate a lot for dinner the night before), I am definitely in the XL to 3XL range for most gear. I have a 127 cm chest circumference and pretty broad shoulders from both genetics and playing rugby in my younger years. Using Fieldsheers’ sizing chart, I found that I was in between 2XL and 3XL, so I requested the 2XL, but they sent me a 2XL and 3XL. Thanks, Fieldsheer, for the generosity in this aspect for an in-betweener!
The biggest thing I noticed right off the bat is that the Fieldsheer cooling shirt is much thinner than my KLIM shirt. Whereas the KLIM feels like it’s been knit together by some very small knitting needles, the Fieldsheer shirt is, to borrow a word from their name, sheer. It’s about 1 mm thick, if that, and is very stretchy, as it is 8% spandex. I also noticed that there were two small panels on the chest and back, as the chest was made of what Fieldsheer calls DriRelease, and the back was an open mesh.
Putting the 3XL shirt on, I found that it was actually a tad too big, with the garment not pulling close to the skin and the sleeves sticking out from under my Rev’It Arc Air jacket. Doffing that, I put on the 2XL shirt and found it to be a much closer, nearly compression-style fit. It still sat a bit loose on parts of me, but where it counted, it was in contact with the skin and pulled smooth.
Like most base layers, as I have discovered through research, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt features comfort stitching, meaning that there are no seams or joins pressing annoyingly into your skin. The fabric is smooth and feels premium on the skin, although I did notice that most of the adjustment and stretch of the shirt happened everywhere except the back panel.
Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Fit & Comfort
Although I already touched on this above in the features, I will go more in-depth here regarding the fit of the shirt.
As per the Fieldsheer size guide, I am between 2XL and 3XL. As I expected stretching, that is why I asked for a 2XL. I have also found that with most gear, it is either one size too big, or one size too small, because of differences in standards across the globe. For example, my Forma Trace riding boots are a Euro size 46, but my feet are 10.5 (Wide) in US sizing—which should equate to an EU 39 sizing, but does not.
Pardon the pandemic belly—we’ve all gained a little in lockdown, even the fitness enthusiasts I know as friends!
I can report that the Fieldsheer gear, at least as far as I have experienced, fits bang on according to the size guide. My chest is 127 cm, the 2XL has a max chest of 127 cm, and it fits perfectly—not squeezing me, but definitely keeping contact with the skin. My side-of-neck-to-wrist sleeve length is 69.5 cm, and the 70 cm sleeve of the 2XL is nearly perfect, just 5 mm too long and peeking out from under my jacket by a hair.
Could you get a better fit? The sleeve is just a tiny bit long, but this usually gets covered with a glove.
Comfort-wise, after about 5 minutes of getting used to the new-out-of-the-bag feel and letting the fabrics start to passively cool you, this is definitely a shirt you could wear for any type of activity. It kind of joins with your body in a way that makes it feel like a second skin, albeit a looser layer. It’s so lightweight you barely notice you’re wearing it unless you’re actively looking down at yourself and saying, “ah, I’m wearing a cooling shirt.”
The comfort stitch seams, and spandex fabric interwoven with the DriRelease, do their job to help with that. The only part I was actively aware of being a shirt, and will definitely explain in much more detail in the Real World section of this review, is the back. The back panel, as well as the underarms, are open mesh, and because of that, they are not as effective as the other panels at “becoming one with your skin.”
Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Ventilation
Since I’m mentioning that back mesh panel, let’s talk ventilation. By nature of biology, humans have five major radiators to dump excess heat from our bodies via sweat from our skin. These are our heads, underarms, backs, groins, and feet. A cooling shirt touches two of those areas: the back and the underarms.
A blessing or a curse? The open mesh design of the back of the shirt works in different ways depending on what you’re using it for.
Most riding jackets, be they cold, warm, hot, or extreme weather jackets, have ventilation that passes across the underarms in some way, and exhausts out the back. By placing open mesh in the underarms and on the back, my assumption is that Fieldsheer wanted natural convection to occur with these vents to both wick sweat away from the DriRelease fabric and get ventilation air to the skin in the major radiation points.
When I mention open mesh, I really do mean open mesh. Each ventilation hole is at least 1mm wide when not being worn, and I assume a mild amount of stretch opens them even wider during use, especially when leaning forwards towards handlebars.
Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Real-World Testing
As stated earlier, it was bloody hot over the summer here. Even as I write this review in mid-September, it is still breaching 20 °C some days of the week, in a month that sees traditional temperatures from 5 to 15 °C. Most days I was out riding in August, the temperatures were in the mid to high 20s, and more often than not, they were above 30 °C. This shirt was used with a combination of jackets, from my Alpinestars Andes V3 on the colder days to my Rev’It Arc Air on moderate-to-hot days, and with my review sample Rev’It Tornado 3 hot weather mesh jacket on the super-hot days.
For the first little while, I tested the Fieldsheer shirt “as it is,” meaning there were no special considerations given to maximizing airflow, opening or closing specific vents to affect which bits were touched by the wind, etc. Calgary is very prone to wind, as we sit right at the confluence of warm Pacific Ocean air coming over the Rocky Mountains and the North American part of the Jetstream.
The join between the front and the back of the shirt. It’s a comfort seam, but there’s still a bit too much of that open mesh for my liking.
Through gentle headwinds, gusting tailwinds, and at one point what felt like a howling gale as a thunderstorm rocked up in 5 minutes flat and dumped a ton of rain and hail on the city, my front and sides were comfortable. If it was a particularly cold day, say between 10 to 15 °C, I did find that I sometimes got a touch cool, but not to the point of it being dangerously cold.
The biggest issue that I had with the Fieldsheer cooling shirt, however, was the back. Because it’s that open mesh and not the DriRelease smooth panel fabric, I found it didn’t wick up the sweat and heat as well, especially in my waterproof Alpinestars Andes V3. That jacket sends a lot of cooling air around the outer shoulder and underarms, with exhaust vents to get rid of it on the sides of the back.
My underarms definitely benefited from that ventilation path, but my back never seemed to pull any heat away from the spine, while the KLIM Aggressor, with its solid back panel of Klimatek cloth, did so with the same jacket on. With the Rev’It Tornado 3, whose back panel is literally one big mesh, there was a lot of evacuation of air and heat, but it still never felt quite as cool as my front did, especially on the 30+ C days.
This made me go back to Fieldsheer’s website and look up the Mobile Cooling shirt again—where I found out that “powersports use” is just one of the many applications they recommend the shirt for. As such, I tested the shirt for a few other things as well, wearing it for one of my pedal bike rides on a hotter day in August, as well as trying it on under a cotton t-shirt during a walk (as someone hiking in a slightly cooler area might).
The mesh goes shoulder to shoulder, top to bottom, all the way to the sides of the torso. For hiking and pedal biking, great! For wearing under a jacket, not so great!
I can report, through this “not on a motorcycle” testing, that the shirt worked flawlessly in both situations. In fact, on the pedal bike ride where my speed averaged about 15 to 30 KPH, it worked better than it did under a motorcycle jacket. Under a thin cotton t-shirt on a cooler day—as hiking in Alberta is generally in the mountains and can get quite chilly—my walk was improved by my underarms and forearms not getting soaked in sweat. The sweat-wicking DriRelease fabric did its job, carried the sweat to evaporation areas, and kept me comfortable.
It is due to this testing—as well as Fieldsheer’s outright admission—that I think the Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve is more of a general-use cooling shirt rather than a dedicated garment for powersports use.
Should You Buy the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Shirt?
At the end of the day, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt is an effective general-purpose cooling shirt. I want to highlight the “general-purpose” bit there. I feel my KLIM Aggressor would be a bit too warm to wear under another t-shirt for hiking, and while it would work just as well for pedal biking, the Fieldsheer is thin and light enough to be eminently useful in both those areas.
After a ride with a mesh jacket. Nice and dry from the DriRelease fabric!
Personally, I think having the back panel made of the same DriRelease fabric as the front would make it much more useful as a base layer under a riding jacket. The underarms with the open mesh are great, since they were definitely effective in reducing a ton of heat through being blasted by colder air. Just make the back solid fabric, allowing it to carry the sweat and heat to the ventilation areas, and my rating on this shirt would be a few points higher.
That said, I can’t deny that having a shirt that doesn’t need to have any chemicals activated by water and isn’t made of exotic unpronounceable things is a step in the right direction. By being made out of almost entirely recycled fabric, the shirt, and Fieldsheer in general, are helping reduce waste and allowing for generally more affordable garments for riders. If you are riding in warmer parts of the US, just make sure to pair it with a hot weather jacket, so you have that armor on top and cooling underneath.
Despite the “my back is kind of warm” issue I faced—and what I consider minor design considerations that make the shirt more general-use vs. motorcycle-oriented—I still can’t fault it too much. If only that back panel was made of the same material as the front, and they extended the mesh from the underarms down the sides, it would work much better with the heat from a rider’s back.
With that in mind, I can safely give the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve a solid 4 out of 5, or 80%, rating, and will recommend it to anyone that wants to have a multi-use cooling shirt that isn’t purely for riding.
Note: As a bit of a fun aside, I wrote this entire review wearing the cooling shirt at my computer desk, and it’s kept me perfectly comfortable the entire time!
This was my first experience with a Scorpion Helmet and I was impressed. The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is a premium offering from Scorpion, and they did not hold back on the features. I love the Carbon look, and the carbon fiber shell translates into a lightweight lid. This helmet has it all going on!
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Very Light at only 1,383 grams
AirFit® custom inflation system
Comm-Ready speaker pockets
Excellent visibility through the visor
FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
Three shell sizes
Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
5-Year Warranty
Excellent price for this level of helmet
Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
Sunvisor slider action is fussy
I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!
Where to Buy
I was really looking forward to the delivery of the Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine full face helmet, knowing that this lid is one of Scorpion’s premium offerings. Peeling open the box I knew things were about to get really happy, sometimes you can just tell. The protective bag is extra thick and cushioned. Surrounding the helmet, I found an additional pinlock visor in a nice protective sleeve, and what is this? Pinlock inserts actually included?
Oh, you are winning me over Scorpion.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Features
A feature-packed helmet: 95%
Being a premium Scorpion helmet I was expecting it to be the latest in helmet technology and the EXO-ST1400 delivered.
Taking me all the way back to my Reebok Pump days, the EXO-ST1400 has inflatable cheek pads for a custom fit. With a squishy ball tucked into the lower front center of the facemask, a couple of pumps quickly filled the cheek pads for a secure fit. Next to the pump is a push-button release for quick deflation. As much as I want to call it a gimmick, it worked flawlessly to lock the helmet into a perfect fit on my head.
The Kwikwick® III liner is soft and held up very well against my not-so-soft beard, thanks to decent ventilation it remained dry and cool on my head, with only a few hot sweaty spots forming near my ears where the airflow tends to be weakest. Fully removable, washable, and replaceable, the liner stayed fresh feeling and smelling after roughly 10 hours of hot riding.
The liner design also incorporates what Scorpion calls KwikFit® 3D, basically it is intelligent and comfortable spacing for your eyeglasses. I tried with my sunglasses and it certainly made it a non-issue to take the glasses on and off.
Scorpion has done a great job with their visor materials, I found the optics to be first-rate through my full field of view. With both the integrated sun visor and the clear visor down, the view was free from annoying internal reflections and distortion. Thoughtfully Scorpion not only provides the pinlock visor in the box but also the inserts.
No top-end helmet would be complete without some thought going into accommodations for a communication system. Scorpion provides space enough for 40mm speakers and the neck roll and liner are easy to work with, making the installation of a UClear Motion 6 system quick and painless.
Resin-infused TCT-U™ 3K carbon fiber shell. 3-Shell sizes for a precision fit
CAD-refined aerodynamics for a smoother, quieter, and more stable ride.
Aero-tuned ventilation via adjustable dual ram-air intakes, and spoiler integrated exhaust.
AirFit® inflation adjustment system.
Fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III interior absorbs and dissipates odor and humidity.
Comm-Ready speaker pockets.
KwikFit® 3D sculpted cheek pads accommodate eyeglasses.
SpeedView® sun visor features 95% UV-A & UV-B protection
EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield with integrated center locking mechanism.
Additional Clear Pinlock® MaxVision shield and Pinlock® anti-fog insert included
EllipTec™ II ratchet system featuring a preset “City Position.”
Included breath deflector and aero skirt. (chin curtain)
DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved
5-Year Warranty
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Construction
Carbon Fiber Shell, Luxurious Liner, Quality Look And Feel: 90%
The EXO-ST1400 utilizes a carbon fiber composite shell. When bound with plastic polymer resin, layers of carbon fiber material creates a composite that is extremely strong, durable, and lightweight. Carbon composites offer higher strength-to-weight ratios when compared to traditional fiberglass or polycarbonate injected helmet shells.
Coming in at a scant 1,383 grams (3.05 lbs), is an impressive feat considering all that Scorpion has packed into the EXO-ST1400. The outer shell shape has what Scorpion describes as “CAD-refined aerodynamics”, and I found the helmet very stable with no lift or any other strange characteristics at speed. Scorpion’s design philosophy is to offer helmets that are equally functional as they are visually appealing.
Scorpion makes the EXO-ST1400 in 3 shell sizes and is DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Fit & Comfort
Multiple Shell options, accurate sizing, and general comfort: 90%
The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is an intermediate oval helmet, I found the sizing chart to be close. I have a 23.75” head, and I ordered the XL. The Scorpion size chart shows that I should have ordered a Large, but I found the XL to be my correct fit. Over time the padding may settle further, but this is where the Air Fit system will refine the fit and keep the lid secure.
The EXO-ST1400 has a well-formed neck roll and combined with the chin curtain, helped to block out wind noise and keep drafts from creeping up on me. I quite liked the fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III liner. Comfortable against your skin, it also wicks away sweat very effectively to keep you feeling cool and dry even during intensive use in hot conditions. The fabric looked none the worse for wear from my rough beard, after multiple times on and off my head.
I installed the UClear Motion 6 communication system with a 40mm speaker and the fit into the provided locations was spot on. Routing of the wiring was simple and removal and replacement of the liner was an intuitive process. With speakers in place, there was no added pressure around the side of my head, the location and space provided were well thought out.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Visor & Vision
Great optics and a nice field of view, not a fan of the visor lock: 85%
The eye port design is large and has great site lines. The EXO-ST1400 has a no-fog EverClear™ internal SpeedView® sun visor that provides 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. Optically it is distortion-free and very nice to look through.
The outer EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield also has excellent distortion-free optics and comes fitted with Scorpions EllipTec™ II ratchet system. This 2-axis movement pulls the shield firmly into the eye-port gasket for a strong seal, while a preset “City Position” adjustment provides added airflow for stop-and-go city riding.
This ratchet system is one of my few complaints about the EXO-ST1400. The overall motion isn’t at the level of a Schuberth or Shoei, and when I compare the cost savings I can forgive that, what I cannot get past is the lock system on the visor. Meant to be a one-handed affair, I found this little latch to be a constant struggle. With gloves on or off, it just refused to easily release. I tried my thumb under it and a finger, the force required to get it to release was very frustrating. I would push the chin bar up my face while fighting to get it to open up. A small issue that proved a regular annoyance.
Scorpion includes a Pinlock Maxvision Face Shield and the pinlock insert, which is something I love and was surprised to find on a sub $500 helmet. Well done Scorpion. They also offer 5 different tints for the outer Everclear No-Fog face shield.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Ventilation
Nice airflow and low fogging: 85%
Overall ventilation was well designed with dual ram-air intakes, and a spoiler exhaust. The vent controls offer two steps for intake volume and did a good job at regulating the airflow without adding additional noise.
The front port did a great job keeping the airflow moving in front of my face without ever having that dry my eyes out feeling. Both the brow and chin ports when closed are whistle-free even at higher speeds (tested for journalistic integrity of course.)
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Noise Management
Quieter than many helmets: 85%.
The design of the EXO-ST1400 is certainly more sport-minded, so out I went on my 2016 KTM SuperDuke GT. When it comes to really test the quietness of a helmet, I love my Duke. KTM fitted the SuperDuke GT with a small windscreen that does a passable job of keeping the wind load off my chest, but in doing so creates a significant amount of turbulence around my neck.
The Scorpion design really impressed me with the ability of the EXO-ST1400 to provide a good seal around my neck, while still funnelling the air with no feelings of helmet lift. Head turns side to side felt great and free of buffeting, and the lightweight overall meant little stress on my neck.
I have always preferred to ride with earbuds connected to the communication system, but in this helmet, I had installed a UClear Motion 6 with speakers. The EXO-ST1400 without any hearing protection was quiet enough to allow music and phone calls to be heard clearly. I can’t call this Scorpion helmet the quietest I have ever ridden with, but it does a great job suppressing the whistles and leaks, and overall was a pleasure to ride wear.
Verdict
I am impressed Scorpion. I like the styling, the features, the fit, and the weight. Optically it was great to look through.
I am not sure if the AirFit system is a big deal, but it works exactly as intended, and I have a feeling that after one season of riding it would be more noticeable for the ability to maintain a good fit.
I like that the pinlock visor and insert both came in the box. I always use the chin curtain, I like the added wind protection. Scorpion also provides a breath deflector, and I would for sure use it when the temperatures drop back into the visor fog-up zone. Again all thoughtful inclusions from Scorpion.
The latch on the face shield is my only real gripe. Simply put, I think it is a poor design. Pushing up on the latch is meant to pull back the catch mechanism, but what happens is you increase the pressure of the catch against its stop. The result is your kind of work against yourself and it means the release is always compromised and frustrating to open.
When it is closed and secure, it seals well and performs properly, so this frustration is not nearly important enough to prevent my recommending this otherwise excellent helmet.
Priced on Revzilla at $429.95, this for me is a solid buy.
Pros
Very Light at only 1,383 grams
AirFit® custom inflation system
Comm-Ready speaker pockets
Excellent visibility through the visor
FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
Three shell sizes
Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
5-Year Warranty
Excellent price for this level of helmet
Cons
Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
Sunvisor slider action is fussy
I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!
Shapeheart Classic Handlebar Phone Mounting System
A valiant attempt to translate what was originally a fitness armband mount to the motorcycle world, the Shapeheart Classic Handlebar Phone Mounting System gets a few things right, but a lot of things need work. This isn’t to say that the idea overall is bad, it just needs refinement and evolution to rise to the level of stronger competitive products.
Materials & Build Quality
Effectiveness
Value For Money
Magnet is very strong, and holds the phone sleeve solidly, without any slippage
Phone sleeves are 99% waterproof
Phone sleeves are remarkably durable
If you have a bare phone, or a metal case for your phone, the steel magnet optional plate will serve you well for mounting
Packaging and product are presented professionally, with clear instructions
No vibration dampening at all.
Phone sleeve clear plastic is hard to see through in sunlight
The phone sleeve does not allow any heat dissipation and caused one emergency phone shutdown
Touch-capacity phone sleeved only worked about 50% of the time
Silicon mounting strap has a tendency with high-frequency vibrations to slip
Steel accessory plate only sticks to metal or glass, not plastic.
In the motorcycling world, much like with the car world, using your smartphone while riding/driving is just asking for an accident to happen. However, smartphones have become useful tools for motorcyclists to view important information. Speedometer doesn’t work? Download a GPS speedometer app. Want to check if your action camera is recording? View its status on your phone.
One of the most important uses for riders with their smartphones is GPS navigation. In fact, most phones, from either the iOS or Android base operations systems, will come with a baked-in GPS navigation map app. As well, there are multiple third-party apps, of which the most popular is by far Waze.
Being able to see these maps and upcoming turns is helpful, especially if you do not have a Bluetooth comm system in your helmet for the phone to broadcast directions to you. This is where the handlebar phone mounting system comes in, with multiple competitors from around the world vying to create the best solution.
About Shapeheart
Shapeheart is a relative newcomer to the mountable smartphone world, started by two friends, Antoine and Michael. Based in France, the company started almost by accident, as the two friends were working on creating an armband that could track heart rate that wrapped around the bicep, preventing the shaking that watches could encounter, or the discomfort of a heart-rate belt strapped around the chest.
They were encountering problems with fitting an optical sensor inside the armband, but the phone that it would connect to was too far away, or too had many layers between the phone and the sensor, which could use NFC to communicate. So, they developed a magnetic mount system that took a full 14 iterations to get just right, that didn’t add any weight to the arm but also wouldn’t have the phone jostled loose during jogging, walking, or exercising.
In 2019, they developed this concept further and released the bike handlebar phone holder, designed for use on the multitudes of bicycles that are popular across France, and Europe as a whole. From this design, it was realized that the system could be adapted to work with motorcycles, and in 2020, their first motorcycle phone mount system was released.
About webBikeWorld’s Review Policy
This product was provided at no charge for the purpose of this review. Note that we do not allow brands to influence review scores or content. Please see our review policies for more information.
We here at webBikeWorld believe that you can’t just try something out once and give an honest opinion of it. Any product we test is actually used by our testers, and for the month of May, 2021, I took off the other phone mount that I have for my bike and used the Shapeheart kit, rain or shine, good and/or bad.
The Shapeheart Classic Handlebar Phone Mounting System
Let me start off by thanking Shapeheart for providing us a review sample of their handlebar mounting system.
Included in the package were the Classic Handlebar Mount boxed product itself, a spare phone sleeve, and a steel one-sided magnetic plate that attaches to a phone or phone case with strong 3M adhesive.
Shapeheart’s packaging, as you can see in the image above, is exactly the kind of thing that would look right at home on a retail peg in the local gear store. It’s unobtrusive, professionally designed, and does a good job listing what you’re getting in the packaging.
Unboxing
Opening the main mounting system box, you will find a drawstring bag that holds the magnet, the silicone mounting strap, and a pair of strong mount retention elastic bands. Honestly, the biggest surprise here was the bag, which turned out to be very useful. Personally, I put my registration and insurance card into the bag and placed them in the tail section of my bike. You could use it for other things as well, such as a place to keep spare GoPro batteries if you’re a vlogger out on a long ride.
The extra mount plate accessory is all that comes in the mount plate sleeve. No instructions are provided, yet I assume the rule of common sense prevails here, since it’s an accessory you need to purchase, you would know what you’re ordering.
Phone Sleeve
The phone sleeve itself is made out of a robust, almost waxy-canvas feeling material on the backside, and a clear cover on the other side that is touch-capacitive and is laminated solidly to the backing. The magnetic plate on the sleeve takes up a good third of the space and is solidly locked into place by the backing material and a compression fit.The phone, in my case an iPhone 8 Plus, slides into the sleeve via a fold-over closure on the back. Once it is fully in, the material has enough stretch and give to pull over the exposed end of the phone and overlap the opening. Once the phone is in, it really is in. The sleeve holds it tightly, and it only moves a few millimeters if you shake the sleeve vigorously.I did notice that the clear side of the sleeve was reflecting the lights of the studio box I was using quite significantly. I put this down to them being pure white LEDs.
Phone Mount Installation
As I ride a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650, my handlebar tube is only 7/8ths of an inch, so the extra mounting rubber bands were not needed. The magnet has four little upraised fingers, two per side, that mate to the four holes, two per end, of the main elastic silicone stretch strap. The mount relies on material tension to maintain stability, which is another reason that the main strap is silicone – to provide a strong grip even on the slipperiest of painted bars.
After finding a good mounting point, I pushed one end of the strap onto two of the mounting fingers. What surprised me was the sheer grunt needed to stretch the strap around the bar and pull it up far enough to meet the fingers on the other side around the bar. However, once lined up, the fingers popped through the holes and the mount was on. I gave it a good tug, twist, and shove to see if it would slide around at all, and it stayed put. Impressive for such a “simple” mounting style. Total time spent: 3 minutes.It should be noted that Shapeheart offers multiple mounting styles, including a hard mount to a mirror stalk or a fork stem mount. I would have preferred to use the fork stem mount, however, as you can see in the pictures, it is blocked off by the central handlebar spar that connects the bars to the front fork.Once installed, it’s as simple as holding the phone sleeve with your phone inside anywhere near the magnet, and it clicks on solidly. The phone sleeve plate is also designed to only be one-way magnetic, so there is no damage done to the internal circuitry of the modern smartphone. When it’s on the magnet, it takes a moderate amount of force to pull the sleeve and phone off, to the point I felt a little uncomfortable pulling it off with my phone inside the sleeve.
Shapeheart Strengths
Good Waterproofing
My concern over the phone sleeve, upon first seeing it, was that the fold-over style of closure was going to be a point of failure. Yet, with the correctly sized sleeve, my iPhone never even thought about slipping out of the sleeve. My other concern was that, with the sleeve ostensibly being waterproof, that having that flap would allow moisture and water in.
However, in both artificial testing (holding my phone in its sleeve under a spray faucet attachment) and real-world experience (getting caught in light rain for 15 minutes while out on my bike), the sleeve did remarkably well. Road mist coming up from the tires of vehicles around me peppered the back of the sleeve, without making it in to affect the phone.
I feel it is my duty to note here that the iPhone 8 Plus is IP67 waterproof rated, and oleophobic as well. I make this mention only to reinforce that I was not worried about my phone surviving rain, allowing me the peace of mind to focus my thoughts on the Shapeheart sleeve itself.
Extremely Durable Materials Used
I also was a bit clumsy with my phone. I had one heart-stopping moment when I pulled the sleeve with my phone inside off the magnet mount and it slipped from my hand, landing face down in a parking lot. The end result? A minor scuff, barely noticeable, on the clear plastic of the sleeve. No damage to my screen or phone.
As I had two sleeves, I also carried the second one around with me at all times. For this part of the testing, I was not gentle with it, as many people are not gentle with their phones. If they were, Otterbox, Ballistic, and other phone case companies wouldn’t have a market!
As such, the spare sleeve was shoved in a back pocket, crammed into one of the chest pockets of my Alpinestars Andes V3 jacket, put in the same pocket as my house keys, earplugs case, and wallet in my Rev’It Arc Air jacket, dropped on the ground, tossed on a shelf with tools on it, and so on.
After a month of almost daily riding and abuse as described above, the sleeve that was used for the phone primarily is on the left in the images above and below, and the one that was the spare? It looks as close to brand new as possible save for a small scratch from a key on the mounting plate paint.
Very Strong Magnetic Mounting
Common bike mounts these days are either pressure-fit systems that grab the corners and/or edges of your phone or use a case with a twist-lock mechanism. Using a pure magnetic connection is a bit of fresh thinking in the motorcycle phone mounting space, and I can tell you with 100% confidence that once that sleeve is on the magnet, it isn’t coming off until you want it to.
I traveled across the city on a variety of roads, from 40 KPH (25 MPH) to the ring road expressway maximum speed of 110 KPH (approx 70 MPH). No matter the speed, if there was a headwind, crosswind, or tailwind, and no matter the road condition, nothing moved the mounting plate from the mounting magnet. I mentioned earlier that it takes a solid amount of force to pull the sleeve off the magnet, and I would estimate that you would need at least a good 15 to 25 lbs of mechanical force to separate the two. Once it’s on, it’s staying on until you want it off.
Shapeheart Phone Mount Weaknesses
Screen Unreadable In Sunlight
The Shapeheart phone sleeves being extremely durable also caused one of my major complaints about the mounting system as a whole to become apparent: The clear plastic that allows for the phone screen to be seen is also highly reflective. I noticed it during the original unboxing and taking the pictures in my studio box, but in actual, direct sunlight, even with the iPhone 8 Plus’s brightness at full and its natural light sensor working overtime, you can often barely see the screen.
Even reflective sun glare, such as off a concrete wall like in the picture below, was enough to cause maps, GPS items, and such to be very difficult to see. I had glanced down to see if this was my turn up ahead, and couldn’t see a thing. Once I entered the shaded area a second later, everything was fully visible.This is not an issue when standing beside your bike and setting up your GPS navigation waypoints. However, when you forget to charge your Sena Bluetooth system before your ride, and it shuts off from low battery when you’re only a third of the way there… you want to be able to glance at the phone, get your bearings and any upcoming turns in the space of a blink, and then be back to watching the road. This proved undoable, no matter how I adjusted or angled the mount once I had pulled over into a parking lot to fix the issue.
It was so impossible to see the screen, in horizontal or vertical mounting positions, that after another few miles, I pulled over into a parking lot again and took my phone out of the sleeve to memorize the turns I needed. Since the gloves I was wearing at the time, my ICON Super Duty II’s, were not touch-capacitive, I pulled my right one off and found out the second most concerning issue about the sleeve.
Sleeve Does Not Allow For Any Heat Dissipation
The air temperature for that first GPS ride day was about 21 C, or almost dead on 70 F. Yet, when I passed the phone from my gloved hand to my bare hand, I nearly dropped the phone because it was quite hot. As part of the construction of many smartphones these days, the actual body of the phone is used as a heatsink for the powerful processors inside.
The Shapeheart sleeve, however, is designed to keep water, road grit, dust, and such away from your phone while you ride. What it also keeps away is wind. And, as the fold-over flap on the closure is designed to sit tight when a phone is in the sleeve, there is nowhere for any heat generated to realistically escape.
This came to a head a few weeks later, when Calgary experienced a heatwave that got all the bikes out on the road, including mine. Hot weather peaking at 90 F, a light wind off the mountains, decent roads to go for a ride on… it was as perfect as it sounds. However, even with the screen off, and streaming music quietly into my ears, all of a sudden the music cut out and the phone streamed a few beeps into my headset before that too stopped.
Concerned, I pulled over as soon as I safely could, and, having learned my lesson before, took off my glove and felt the sleeve. It was so hot I jerked my hand away to prevent being burned. The beeping sound, I later found out, was the iPhone’s emergency shutdown that it performs to save itself from damage. I need to reinforce here that the screen was not on, which is more often than not the key heat generator in phone usage.
Touch-Capacitive Plastic Is Often Not
I protect my iPhone screen with a tempered glass protector. However, for the duration of the month of May 2021, I removed the one that had protected my screen for a couple of years, as I have spares. This was specifically to test out the touch-capacitive clear plastic that is part of the sleeve.
After thoroughly cleaning my phone with a phone-safe screen cleaner and a microfiber cloth, touch was transmitted fairly well through the plastic for the first day or two. Granted, these touches were when I was not on the bike, and the sleeve was not on the mount.
However, once out on the bike, I planned a route that would allow me to pull over into parking lots along the way to do tests like changing the song, opening the maps app, checking a FaceBook or SMS message, and the like. For these tests, I would wear the weather appropriate gloves I have, ICON Super Duty II’s for colder weather, Scorpion EXO-Vortex Air’s for warmer weather. I wiped off any sweat on my fingers on a microfiber cloth I tucked into one of my riding pants pockets, and then tried to use touch.
The result, to say the least, was not positive. A light touch would not transmit through at all. A moderate push would transmit, but a moderate push on an iPhone screen these days puts it into widget moving mode, so I would have to light tap the screen again to get it out of that mode… except light taps don’t transmit. Frustrating!
I did find a way to make it work, which was to pinch the sleeve at the base and literally pull it taught to the screen, and even then, only about 2 of every 3 touches transmitted. Thinking it was the sleeve, and as I had the spare with me, I changed out the sleeves. Touch still would not transmit half the time, and often, I would have to use more force than should really be necessary to make the touch transmit.
Sympathetic Vibrations Are Fed Directly To The Phone
One thing that I noted when I was setting up the mount, but accepted, was that the mount had no form of vibration damping. For those that have never ridden a parallel twin sportbike, above 4,000 RPM the bike comes alive with vibration. It’s not an annoying buzzing vibration, at least not to the rider. Yet, due to the nature of a 180 degree cranked parallel twin-engine, vibrations will make their way through the bike.
In 6th gear, my 2012 Ninja 650, to keep a steady cruise speed on the ring road expressway we have here, revs to about 4,500 RPM, give or take a few hundred RPM. This is where I noticed in my peripheral vision that my phone was starting to slip down, in the sense that if I had it pointed mostly up to the sky, after about 5 minutes of cruising, it would be facing directly to my stomach.
In terms of pure physics of what is happening, the handlebars are vibrating at the frequency put off by the engine, but are mounted hard to the forks and therefore one feels more of the road than the engine by a factor of something around 10 to 1. However, this vibration seems to be just at the right frequency to make the silicone mounting strap “slip” slowly.
While that is inconvenient at worst, what this means is that the mount itself is also passing sympathetic vibrations through to the sleeve and to the phone, due to how strongly the magnet holds the sleeve on. Thankfully my iPhone 8 Plus is old enough that it does not have the newest image stabilization accelerometers for the camera, but on newer iPhone 11s and 12s, sympathetic vibrations at the rate of over 3,000 per minute are enough that they could damage those stabilizers, or at the least jar them enough out of alignment that you would have to restart your iPhone.
Accessory Steel Plate Adheres Only To Metal Or Glass
I have an old, dead Nexus 6P android phone that is my “let’s see what this thing can take” toss-away. Basically, if it fell off while riding, slipped out of my hand and cracked on the floor, et al, it was not the end of the world. For the phone, I have a Poetic Ballistic case, which has smooth plastic ridges on the back.
I took the accessory steel plate, peeled off the 3M sticker cover, and pressed it firmly to the plastic so that it would stay. I picked up the phone, and the steel plate slipped off and landed on my foot. This, in all fairness, made me lift an eyebrow in curiosity.
I felt the edge of the adhesive, and it was tacky and sticky to the skin, meaning that it was properly sticky. With curiosity piqued, I slipped my Nexus 6P out of its case, wiped off the dust and debris with a microfiber cloth, then tried to stick the plate to the aluminum back of the phone. It stuck on the first try, and strongly too for a light press.
I carefully peeled it off, then tried it on the glass back of the iPhone, using only a tiny portion of it on a corner. It stuck to glass the same as it did to aluminum: confidently and strongly. I then tried the plate on the matte plastic of a regular iPhone case. It slipped off again.
Basically, unless your case for your phone is metal or glass, the adhesive used with the plate seems to not like plastics of any kind. This is concerning because if you can’t find a sleeve big enough or the right size for your phone, you’d at least want something like an Otterbox or Ballistic case on your phone in case it did come off during your ride.
Final Thoughts: Things Work Well, Just Not Well Enough
It may sound like I am taking Shapeheart to task in my review, and I will start my feedback by stating that I am presenting only observed situations and my 100% honest opinion. In fact, I like the idea of a magnetic mounting system, removing the need for using a rotational locking case or using pressure mounts on the corners and sides. It is my personal opinion that Shapeheart really is onto something here, it just needs refinement and evolution.
Having originally come from a wearable fitness armband designed to monitor your heart rate, the sleeves haven’t changed much since the final design that was released in 2017. While strapped tightly around your bicep, the large mounting plate makes sense, to spread contact between the armband magnet and the sleeve plate as wide as possible, due to the jarring changes of direction, or repetitive movements, that happen during exercise.
The size of the magnet of the mount, about an inch in diameter, is perfect for fitting on a bike’s handlebars. Where the refinement and evolution need to come is in following the example of other mount manufacturers and offering an accessory vibration damping mount system, or a case with a thin damper built into a small hole in the back of it that would fit snugly over the mounting magnet.
A Valiant Attempt To Make A Fitness Sleeve Mount Work On A Motorcycle
Seeing that Shapeheart only started business in 2017, they’ve come a long way in four years. They developed a fitness product that introduced a new and comfortable way to track your heartbeat and keep your phone on you while allowing you to whip it off your arm if you needed to send a text, change a music album, and the like.
Where it falls short is that a great fitness mount sleeve, meant to be used during jogging, running, or exercise, does not make a great motorcycle phone mount. The basics of it are solid, and there is real potential for a good, quality product with some iterations on the idea. It does its job as described on the box, but not much more at the moment.
The Shapeheart will work if you absolutely must have a phone mount that is not a pressure fit or corner clamp style on a tight budget. Otherwise, there are far better, albeit more expensive, options out there.
Pros
Magnet is very strong, and holds the phone sleeve solidly, without any slippage
Phone sleeves are 99% waterproof
Phone sleeves are remarkably durable
If you have a bare phone, or a metal case for your phone, the steel magnet optional plate will serve you well for mounting
Packaging and product are presented professionally, with clear instructions
Cons
No vibration dampening at all.
Phone sleeve clear plastic is hard to see through in sunlight
The phone sleeve does not allow any heat dissipation and caused one emergency phone shutdown
Touch-capacity phone sleeved only worked about 50% of the time
Silicon mounting strap has a tendency with high-frequency vibrations to slip
Steel accessory plate only sticks to metal or glass, not plastic.
I’ve literally been around the world with Barry Green on a mixture of two and four wheels.
Barry is the author of several motorsport books and now a travelogue of great drives and cars around the world called “The Best of Drives 1”.
It should be of interest to MotorbikeWriter readers whether you are also into cars or not as it is prefaced with Barry’s early career as an amateur motorcycle racer and peppered with references to two wheels.
And, of course, the greatest “drives” are also the greatest roads to ride.
The satin-paged 174-page book costs $55 including postage and packaging anywhere in Australia and is available online at: Barry Green — Author.
It’s an motivational read laced with inspiring images that will make you want to get behind the wheel or handlebars of your favourite steed and go exploring.
After a career of driving exotic and expensive cars, Barry went straight out and bought a rare 2010 Triumph Thruxton in white with a red frame that reminded him of his old 1959 Triumph Thunderbird 650. You simply can’t get two wheels out of the blood!
Barry on his Thruxton
His retirement also gave him plenty of time to come riding the hills around South East Queensland with me; that is, when he was not penning this great read.
As motoring editor at The Courier-Mail for a dozen years I partnered with Barry on many local, national and overseas motoring events and launches.
I’m in awe of his driving and riding abilities and I enjoy his good humour and reminiscences of a similar “wild-child” youth.
This book now has me in awe of his poetic and descriptive writing talents that figuratively put you in the saddle as he takes you to some of the greatest roads in the world in some of the most iconic and often relevant cars such as a Mini around the streets of London, a Citroen 2CV in Provence, or Italian supercar drifting twins from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Of course, there is a big section on Australian roads including several of our local SEQ riding routes.
Even though I know these roads like the proverbial back of my glove, it is refreshing to read Barry’s perspective.
And I now know why he lingers a little longer on the McAfee’s Lookout bend of the Mt Glorious Road … that’s where he was married to his life-long partner.
The book starts in the 1970s when Barry was inspired by the cult film Easy Rider to become a self-confessed wild child, drag-racing a Kawasaki triple before a succession of road and dirt bikes passed through the garage of his rental where there was always a tallie in the rattly fridge to welcome his like-minded mates.
I don’t think I would be alone among MotorbikeWriter readers in relating to much of that scenario.
And like Barry, starting off on motorcycles instilled the most basic motoring skills and mechanical sympathy that breeds a talented motorist.
He finishes his book with an eclectic selection of vehicles he has driven over the years that range from a 1965 Austin-Healey 2000 Mk IIIA to a 2008 HSV Maloo R8 and on to a 2015 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
Thankfully he includes one of my favourite well-balanced raw Italian sports machines, the 1976 Lancia Beta Coupe.
Hopefully my all-time fave — the Fiat 124CC — will feature in The Best of Drives 2, coming soon!
Whether you’re looking for a new track day glove or prefer to ride with maximum protection at all times – the Racer High Racer Glove will cater to both. At $239USD, they will do the job they were set out to do. The High Racers sit in the middle of the road price-wise but they offer protection found in much more expensive competitors, and with the Knox sliders, even more.
AESTHETICS
PROTECTION
CONSTRUCTION
VALUE FOR MONEY
Comfortable
Palm feel was great once broken in
Excellent protection throughout the construction of the gloves
Finish construction had minor quality control issues
Grip pads on the fingertips were unnecessary
Break-in time longer than advertised
Racer USA High Racer Gloves
The High Racer gloves are priced among the giants in the racing industry with an MSRP of $239USD. They come packed with protection in key areas like the base of the palm, finger joints, back of the hand, wrist bone, and forearm. In fact, they are rated CE level 1 along with the competitors like the Dainese Druid 3 or the Alpinestars GP Pro.
These race-worthy gloves are best suited for warmer climate riding as they were designed for track riding not dashing through the snow.
The High Racers are overall great gloves and do what they were built to do – protect your paws. Aside from loads of carbon fiber bits scattered across key areas, the two biggest highlights are the Knox SPS palm sliders and the kangaroo leather palm. The palm sliders will pay for themselves should you find yourself sliding your way out of an apex. The kangaroo leather palms not only provides great dexterity but also provides excellent abrasion resistance.
If you’re looking for a full gauntlet glove capable of providing track-worthy protection, the High Racer from Racer (the name is a tough one), will get the job done.
Thank you to Lee at Racer Gloves USA for providing these High Racers at no cost for this review.
The High Racer comes in two colors: black and white. This review was on the all-black men’s version. You can also read wBW’s review on the women’s High Racer glove. The main difference between the two is that the men’s come with the Knox palm slider while the women’s come with a carbon fiber slider.
This glove comes to the party with a 95% leather construction. This figure is surprisingly high considering the amount of less expensive materials found in most products these days. Perched nicely over the knuckle area is molded carbon fiber held securely with a double stitch with padding underneath. This section was very comfortable and fit a closed fist with ease.
The index, middle fingertips, and thumb of each glove have a silicone fingertip grip material present. This actually hinders the dexterity and feel on the finger pads but it does give you a bit more bite when gripping the brake/clutch levers. At the end of the day, I can see the reason for them but I can’t say that I’m a fan.
Fixed atop of the thumb and fingers (excluding the fourth/pinky finger) are small carbon fiber gems or shells with a base layer of soft foam underneath that covers the finger joints. I appreciate these being left off of the pinky area – one less thing to rip off during a crash.
The fourth/pinky finger is bridged to the third/ring finger to prevent “finger roll”. Keeping the ‘weakest link’ (your pinky finger) tied to your ring finger is an absolute ‘must have’ for a track glove – if you don’t have this on your current gloves – upgrade now!
The palm of each glove flaunts two large-looking pieces of LDPE (low-density polyethylene). These are palm sliders that have been supplied and patented by Knox. They are conveniently placed over the scaphoid and pisiform (on the lower sections of the palm) to provide additional crash protection during impacts and/or slides.
At first glance, the Knox palm sliders look obtrusive and in the way, but they aren’t. I actually forgot they were there while riding for hours on end over the past few weeks.
Along the wrist section, is an accordion-style stretch (stitched into the leather) in addition to a velcro strap to keep the gloves snug – no matter how much you move around. Placed right on the wrist bone is another chuck of carbon fiber for more crash protection.
Lastly, on the gauntlet was another chunk of carbon fiber to provide crash protection and all was held together nicely with a large hook & loop for secure closure. The Racer
The interior of the glove is made up of 100% polyester Teramid fabric, a moisture-permeable and waterproof nylon woven fabric. This is present in all areas of the glove, excluding the kangaroo leather section (entire palm/finger area).
Overall, I did not have any “hot spots” or pain points while wearing the High Racer – even with the tightest of grip. The interior was comfortable and provided ventilation in way of the perforated leather sections on top of the wrist and in the sides of the fingers.
Features
Here are the features as per Racer Gloves USA’s website:
Kangaroo palm with Knox SPS palm sliders
Carbon Fiber protection on knuckles, fingers, and wrist bone
CE certified
Ring and little finger adjoined to prevent “finger roll”
Perforated gauntlet and fingers for airflow
Available in Black or White/Black
Sizes S-3XL
Comfort
Racer Gloves USA promoted an “Outstanding fit with virtually no break-in” – but that’s a bit of a stretch (pun intended). Like “virtually” all gloves, the High Racers took over a half dozen, sweaty, hour-long trips before they calmed down and welcomed my hands into them.
Once the gloves broke in, they felt great and like a nice wine, they’ll only get better with age.
Per the Racer size chart, I wear an XL, and my index, middle, and ring fingers each comfortably reach the end of the glove. The pinky does have a smidge of extra material but it isn’t a deal-breaker nor impede function. For reference, my hand circumference is approximately 8″ / 20 cm.
The materials used on the High Racer were quality but lightweight. On that note, my curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to weigh my current track glove against the Racer glove. When weighed against my Alpinestar GP Pro (another track equipped glove), the Higher Racer came in weighing 6.49oz (184g) while my trusty GP Pros (and chunky) scaled in at 7.12oz (202g) apiece.
For the purposes of testing, the High Racers were worn with an Alpinestars GP Plus R Air, an Icon leather jacket, and a Sedici one-piece leather race suit. Not only was I able to put the gloves on quickly (speed is ‘everything’ these days), but High Racer fit over all three with zero problems leaving zero skin exposed.
Dexterity
Utilizing kangaroo leather on the palm is a huge plus in this area. But for me, the grip pads or “fingertip grippers” completely disrupted the feel and dexterity that you typically get with kangaroo leather palms.
In all, the feel was great once the glove was broken in and after I had stopped thinking about the “finger ripper grippers” on the fingertips.
Airflow
The intended use for the High Racer is to fit snuggle on the hands of a rider at the track. During a race or a track day, your hands are usually anything but dry. And like every glove I’ve had my hands in before, perspiration is a constant, and the High Racer was no exception.
I can appreciate the attempt with the perforated leather sections but in a glove meant to provide protection first, I don’t fault Racer for not keeping my paws dry. If they were claiming to be “the perfect summer glove”, this would be a different story.
Water Resistance
Ever get caught in a rainstorm in a leather jacket? How’d that work out? Probably the same way these track gloves would react – wet, heavy, and wetter.
Build Quality
For a glove with an MSRP of just under $250, I would expect the seams and stitching to be next to flawless but this wasn’t the case with the High Racers. Aesthetically, the seams and stitches aren’t perfectly trimmed, nor are the edges as clean as those on other upper echelon racing gloves. These imperfections were mostly surrounding the finger areas while everything else checked out fine.
The High Racer gives the illusion of a hand-stitched glove from decades past. While I commend the classic look, the aesthetic is outdated when put beside a competitor’s new school design.
The High Racers aren’t all bad looks – the branded piping on the cuff and stamped logo on the velcro was a nice touch.
The integrity of the glove construction has the boxes checked as the downfalls are mostly aesthetic.
Fingers
The tops of the fingers consist of accordion leather and carbon-fiber armor with an additional leather layer holding them in place.
The stitching as mentioned above was not perfect but the overall functionality is not affected by the messy stitching or outseams.
The finger sidewalls are made up of perforated leather to assist in ventilation. Like all full gauntlet track gloves, these areas are extremely tough to provide enough ventilation without losing integrity, so no fault in this area.
Palm & Wrist
The palms are made up of very nice kangaroo leather with the gripper material double stitched in place. The gripper material in this area is less of a bother with the exception of the entire thumb being covered. This does detract from dexterity but the purpose is to provide additional grip. While I understand the additional grip provided may come in handy, I don’t believe adding it solved a problem worth ‘fixing’.
I personally run a combination of soft and medium Renthal or Domino grips on my 2008 Yamaha R6. There has never been a time where I needed any more than that, especially at the cost of losing dexterity while on the track.
At the base of the palm lies the Knox palm sliders – they are genius! They may look obnoxious or in the way but they aren’t one bit. The protection they will provide while sliding on the pavement will fair well when compared to the competitors still using chunks of rubber or leather-covered foam in these areas.
The hook & loop wrist strap operated without fail and easy to adjust on the go.
Protection
This where the High Racer shines! The kangaroo leather palms, the full-grain leather everywhere else, and the carbon fiber armor paired with the Knox sliders are sure to protect your hands should you go down. They are on the same playing field as the major players like Dainese and Alpinestars with CE level one certification.
The Knox sliders as mentioned before, are a huge standout. Having had my fair share of crashes in past, those sliders will come in handy when put to use.
The big piece of carbon fiber fixed on the gauntlet of the glove is light and flexible – a perfect combination that offers additional impact and slide protection.
The Verdict
The Racer High Racer comes to the stage packing a ton of protection for a medium price. Do they come with the same level of protection found in $400 gloves like the Dainese Full Metal or Alpinestars Supertech? Yes. Are they of the same refined caliber? No, but can they play with the MotoGP giants? Absolutely, for $150 less in fact.
After a few hundred miles of riding, the High Racers are broken in and conform to your hand. At that point, they fit perfectly and are ready to hit the track or canyons.
If you have a motorcycle gear obsession like most of us have, $239USD is a fair enough price to snag a pair. Sure you won’t have the flashiest gloves on the track but you can feel confident in knowing that your hands are about as fully protected as they can be.
Pros
Comfortable
Accurate fit
Feel was good once broken in
Excellent protection throughout the glove
Cons
Stitching/finish construction wasn’t built for looks
Pants. They are the comedy sidekick of the moto gear world. Even the word itself sounds funny. ‘PANTS!’ It’s like the punchline to a joke. It’s even funnier when the gear makers talk about them in the singular using the word ‘pant’. And most times, this is exactly how the riding public treats them, too. They are the last thing you think about after you’ve spent a small fortune on getting a kick-ass helmet, jacket and boots. Forever the afterthought.
But why is this? Well, up until a few years ago, there was a real lack of decent pants available to riders. Unless you wanted to go for some top shelf leathers, most other options looked like Dad jeans or – worse still – like you’d just jumped off your Harley at the Sturgis show circa 1988. ‘Cool’ options just didn’t exist. Fast forward ten years and now we’re swamped with selvedge this and waxed cotton that. These ‘Tasker’ pants from the Aussie slash New Zealand Earnest Co. definitely fit into that second group, but are they any good?
What are they, exactly?
The pants are a ‘Kevlar infused’ design (as opposed to ‘Kevlar lined’, which means that the tough stuff is sewn into the pants behind the denim) that’s just about as close as you’ll get to a regular pair of black Levis without risking skin loss. And as per their ‘workwear’ affiliations, they are designed to be comfy and functional enough to allow you to wear them on and off the bike with a minimum of hassle.
‘My current bike pants already do that!’ I hear some of you murmur. Sure, it’s no biggie. At least it’s not as big a deal as – say – a jacket that does the same thing. But should your day job involve any sort of tools, pens, rulers or general long pointy things, the pants have been rather subtly designed to allow you to accommodate these without a) looking like a Valentino Rossi moonlighting as a handyman or b) looking like a boilermaker trying to set a lap record.
Who’s Earnest, then?
A grass-roots moto and workwear clothing business, Earnest Co. was started in New Zealand in 2012 by a bunch of bike and car customisers who needed some gear to do a rather particular set of things and just weren’t finding anything suitable from the gear makers of the time.
Being at the tip of the now popular ‘work look’ moto style, Earnest have made quite the splash down under, and they are now pushing hard to do the same in the US and Europe. With a concise but highly refined range including overall, aprons, pants jackets and gloves, a quick perusal of their gear reminds any bikers with some remaining short term memory just how far we’ve come with our gear choices over the last 10 or 15 years.
What do they look like?
Thankfully the Tasker pants understand that sometimes, you want your pants to take a back seat in the ‘overall ensemble’ party. Sure, camo patterns and the ever-popular cargo 47 pocket look still hold their own but personally, I mostly want my pants to protect my southern junk from angry tarmac rather than to fight for attention.
So if you’re a black jeans kind person off the bike, then these little fellas will tick most of your boxes once your butt is bike-bound. Yes, they do have a few extra seams to distinguish themselves from your garden variety pair of 511s, but most casual observers would be hard-pressed to tell the difference unless they get a real close, and by that time you’re probably more concerned about getting lucky or firing up your taser than you are with abrasion resistance.
What are they made like?
Earnest goes to great lengths describing how their ‘K-Canvas’ materials will protect your skin in the hopefully unlikely case of some unwanted freeway breakdancing lessons, but to my untrained eye, the stuff is as close to regular denim, which in my books is a very good thing. Sure, some of the stitching looks a little more ‘industrial’ than your average pants and the things are definitely ‘substantial’ in their build and heft, but that’s nothing that can’t be said for a quality pair of denim jeans either.
Unlike some of their competitors, you’ll have no real issue accepting that things are up to the task at hand. Without naming any names, I’ve tried on pairs of similar Kevlar weaves in the past and I just didn’t buy the claims the manufacturers were making. They just seemed too thin and light to be able to take a real licking. Rest assured the Taskers aren’t a bit like that.
One word to the wise. They are quite a slim cut, so in my humble opinion, you’ll be more likely to run into sizing issues regarding your inner seam and your ability to bend your knees than not being able to do up the top button. But as with all jeans, they will no doubt give a little over time.
What features do they have?
Here’s where I have my word work cut out for me. Why? Because the Tasker’s clean, minimal utilitarianism means that they are mercifully fuss and do-dad free. No 12 zippers and 27 pockets here. That’s good for a clean look and a fad-free timelessness, bad for the guy who has to come up with all the words to do them justice.
But thanks to Earnest themselves, I can just geek out over a handy specs sheet and let you all know that the material is 20 times stronger than regular denim and it can also stand up against all kinds of sparks and stray blades in a typical workshop environment. It’s also triple-stitched where it counts to make sure an off-bike excursion doesn’t also force you into an unplanned strip-tease routine.
The traditionally-located (i.e. throttle side) coin pouch has a handy design that means it’s divided into two sections – one for your metal moola and one for tools. Think of it as a convenient place to stow a pencil or even a pocket knife without having it standing proud. But be wary of the fact that coins stowed in the wrong compartment will be too deeply buried to be retrieved with standard-length fingers. And just in case you need to be told, never ride with tools on your person. Never ever.
Similar tool-focused pockets are located above the right knee and there’s a ‘Pad protected gadget pocket’ inside the standard LHS hip pocket that fits phones up to an iPhone 11 Pro Max size. Last items on the features list include double canvas layers on the knees and booty bumps, and triple-reinforced pocket entries to ensure that repeated use won’t see them turn into dangling flaps.
Why should I buy a pair?
Look, far be it from me to stop you from riding around town looking like Krusty the Clown, if you follow my on-bike fashion ethos of ‘party up top, business down below’ then the Earnest Co. Tasker pants are a very solid choice. Designed by riders like you and I and not by fashion types that wouldn’t know the difference between a low-side and a side stand, they do what they set out to without exception or pretence.
Think of them like the Jay Leno of moto pants. They are eternally consistent, down-to-earth and not funny or weird in the slightest. If you’re looking to rock up to your local bike stop and explode people’s eyeballs with your ludicrous selection of ‘pant’, then these won’t be the choice for you. But if you want a reliable workhorse that’s genuinely good value (thanks weak New Zealand Dollar!) and that will still be holding up their end of the deal in 5 year’s time, they are a great place to start.
Pros:
Built like a tank
Beautifully functional
Nicely understated
Genuinely multi-purpose
Cons:
No armour as standard
No winter lining
Slim cut may feel awkward at first
Right now, the Tasker pants will set you back $270.00 NZD (that’s USD$194, £140, €160 and AUD$251 at time of writing). They come in sizes from 28/33 to 42/36; but Earnest notes that sizing runs a little slim, so maybe consider going for one size up than usual. Click below to find out more.
