Flip style helmet.AGV Numo

Good:
Build quality
Sun visor provides good sun protection
Good visability
Easy to install any bike intercom or headset

Bad:
Noisy a lot of wind noise especially from the back and the sides where the side cheeks are not flush with the shell
Chin gurad rease button is very stiff to release
Chin guard requires both hands to lower and lock
Not prescription glasses friendly and will need a lot of modification
Front headband is hard and not adjustable

Conclusion:
I spent a lot of time trying on lots of different helmets and found the AGV fitted me best of all. That was until a hot day then it was pinching everywhere, especially the front headband pushing onto the front of my head. Then I found it was still as noisy as my old Caberg so very dissapointed. The front visor shuts automatically at 80kms with a big bang due to aerodynamics closing it. If you do not use both hands to close the chin guard then it will only lock on one side due to the central locking system which could be a problem.

The Shoei X Spirit II

If something is a II it normally means that the I was seller in the first place and some new gizmos have come along to boost sales of an already good product. This is also true of the Shoei X Spirit II – now with added zest.

Not a cheap helmet by any stretch of the imagination but then the old adage of you get what you pay for seems to be rather apt for this cracker of a lid set out on RRP of 495 GBP.

I do love the sleek design and weighing in at a real feather weight 1,450 grams saves on the neck fatigue. Full face and noise reduced the X Spirit II has left me feeling refreshed and forgetting that I am even wearing a helmet! The washable inner liner is wonderful for thos of us that ride long distance – just ensure the smell of Lenor is not over powering the smell of fresh cut grass as you blast around the countryside.

How safe? AIM and Shell with an ACU Gold standard as well of course of meeting the ECE 22-05 stuff but a little something extra – the X Spirit II now comes with a built the EQRS or Emergency Quick Release System (How we love our acronyms). This snazzy little feature will allow the helmet to be removed in an emergency without putting the rider at further risk.

I’m also a great fan of the ‘pinlock’ system and I know many say fog ‘resistant’ but I am yet to find a lid that keeps the dreaded breath mist out like a pinlock system does. You can swap the pin lock for a shaded slot (for race days of course) and I am looking forward to the development of a light reactive pinlock when it comes to the market.

To add to the comfort of the amazing light weight and the sound reduction fitting of the visor you have a multitude of air vents that, for those of us who still have it, will let the wind flow coolly through your hair, while the chin curtain keeps that bugging up draft at bay.

Thie creation of Shoei has been issued a 4 star rating (Out of 5) by UK Government SHARP scheme.

The only down side I have found is – she is a pricey little number that will leave you feeling pig sick if you happen to drop it while out on the piste!!