Hjc Cl-xs
I ended up getting the HJC CL-XS for £78 on ebay including postage.
So far so good, I can see why people are not raving about the screen, it has a few detents and in the fully up position with the shade raised as much as possible it is out of the way just and you can wear goggles. but would be better off removing the screen and lowering the sun shade.
One stop down with the shade is fully lowered and the sides of the screen are in your vision but directly ahead is not, however it is not the best option as you get caught focusing on the screen and then the infinity position.
One stop down it is fine and allows a good amount of breeze through, ideal pulling away from traffic lights. There is now an amount of visual distortion in the straight ahead position as you are looking through the screen at its most acute angle, hence refracting through the perspex (or whatever the plastic is made from) This is negligible and after three rides you learn to live with it.
Fully down the screen can be raised a crack, to allow a bit of air flow through or can be fully shut. This is fine from about 30MPH onwards UK winter.
The idea of the 2 mm gap when fully closed is because to remove the screen you raise it all the way and then pull it out. if you dont push it in all the way it will then close leaving the 2mm gap.
Anything above 75MPH and I wouldnt be completely happy with a Helmet with the sun shade bit. You can feel it pulling and when you raise your head at this speed it doesnt suddenly catch, but exerts more pull. This has been put into a practical situation when lorry drives past you at 70mph and you are going the other way with a lorry on the inside lane at 70mph there was a bit more buffeting than normal! A3 towards Stonehenge
Whats noticeable is that this helmet is rather light, again compared to the Schuberth C1 and my open face helmet.
In the rain the shape of the visor aids the running of rain droplets to the side of the visor at a lower speed than regular helmets, this was a great feature I was pleasantly surprised to find out, and sort of helps to overcome the slight distortion caused by this design
The chin gap is less than two fingers deep which I diddnt expect and I have a normal jaw!
The lining is removable and is of a kind of mesh and not foam which is great. It breathes very well and on the whole the helmet is very suited to warmer weather, the vents are either open or taped (by you) shut.
The helmet clamps on my head and I have to confess to being a bit claustrophobic, Its my first Full face helmet (Schuberth C1 and open helmet) but I am over that now.
However having spent a while inside a Kirby Morgan Mk17 Super light, the one with the spider strap that glue's your face to the waterproof seal (commercial diver) I was reminded of the same feeling when each spiders leg is stretched tight over your head. This helmet has a similar feeling with channels for the air flow that exert less pressure.
The ears pockets are remarkable vacant, and certainly give the feeling of being breezy, yet not too noisy.
I wear a Ruff, buff or whatever theyre called over my nose and it seals things good and proper around the neck to head area, but the face still gets some not too excessive venting. Obviously on a trip I would not have this on when trying to keep cool.
I got one in white because it goes equally well with any riding outfit, and looks great, however it requires allot more cleaning than a multi coloured helmet! ie a daily once over with a wet rag.
Though I am not a fan of the double D rings, mine came with them. I would much rather have a quick release buckle, but its something I can work around.
In conclusion
I like the helmet, I like it allot. I find it very comfortable, and ideal for warmer climates, the removable visor is great for road use, particularly in the winter months and you can use goggles for off road use as well.
I think it is well built, and certainly a durable helmet. Yes the more expensive hornet and tourX are better made, but considering that you replace the helmet once it has been used for what its there for, I am happier buying and falling off with this helmet 4 times rather than reusing the more expensive ones.
Next time around I may buy the Airoh S4 and see how it compares, for something differnt, but and I mean it seriously, I know that I can order this helmet at the drop of a hat (sorry) because its fits really comfortably and is all around great.
Last edited by photographicsafaris; 21 Jan 2009 at 22:19.
Reason: add info
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