2017 Budget Adventure Dual Sport Helmet Review by AdventureMotorcycle.com.
View the online article at: adventuremotorc...
⚡️ If you enjoyed this video and want to support me please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel and click the and click the 🔔 icon for notifications when I post a new video.
Today we're going to be reviewing the best three top 2017 adventure helmets in the under $200.00 category. The HJC DS-X1, AFX FX-41DS and the Gmax GM-11 Adventure.
• PRICEPOINT
Let's hit the price points first. The Gmax GM-11 Adventure comes in at $120 for the solid and $130 for the multi color. The AFX FX-41DS starts at $136 and goes up to $175. Rounding out the three is the HJC DS-X1 at either $170 for the solid and $190 for the Lander.
All three represent outstanding value for dollar and feature lightweight polycarbonate outer construction weighing in at less than four pounds.
• FIT
Let's move onto fit, Both the HJC and the AFX have a neutral fit accommodating both round and oval shaped heads.
The Gmax GM-11 Adventure seems to fit round heads the best at least from our testing.
So for those of us who wear glasses - HJC hands down is the easiest to wear with glasses, and even states it in their specs. Number two would be Gmax Adventure and last would be the AFX.
Now look none of these are horrible, just some fit better than others.
• FEATURES
Moving onto the visors. Plain and simple the HJC fits and sounds like you're closing the door on a fine german car. It has a positive seal and closes with confidence.
While the AFX closes nicely and positive there is a clear air gap between the shield and the seal which will cause wind noise and possibly leak.
The Gmax detentes have the least positive feel of the three when you close it, but appears to seal better than the AFX with no visible gap between the shield and seal.
If ventilation is what you want consider the AFX. 17 vents will provide plenty of air intake to keep you cool and exhaust the heat when riding in hotter climates. Even though there are plenty of vents on the AFX, we find they are hardest to operate.
Next up in the ventilation category is the Gmax with 13 vents. Althought the Gmax vents open easily, they don't feel as robust as the HJC.
The HJC has the least vents; 9 at the front, peak and rear, but they all open with ease, have a positive feel.
Now, less or more vents is not an indication of bad helmet. All three have good style with integrated vents which will work to keep your head cool and the inner liners dry. Speaking of which all of our sub $200 helments have removable, washable, moisture wicking interiors.
Quick ratchet straps or D-rings? Your preference. The Gmax and HJC both have traditional D-ring straps. The AFX uses a quick ratchet strap which some love and some hate. The choice is yours.
• Goggles
Want to wear goggles for your dual sport ride? Here's what we found. The HJC and Gmax have the largest eyeports and are the easiest to use with goggles. Both seat and seal well against your face and have very little interference with the shield fully raised.
The AFX provides the least amount of room for goggles, and we simply could not get them to fit with the limited space. With the AFX you may have to remove the shield if you want to use goggles.
• ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
For $120 you get what you pay for with the GMax GM11 Adventure. At this pricepoint, you get a fantastic value but don't expect the finishing touches found on more expensive lids.
While the AFX FX-41DS looks like an aggressively styled dual sport helmet with an integrated sun visor, a virtual cornucopia of ventilation and other features, it's got a few drawbacks. It's more street oriented and likely to be noisy due to gaps in visor and vent seals. Also the exaggerated neck contour won't allow it to sit still on flat surfaces.
It's hard to fault the HJC . It's most expensive of the three at $190. With nice fit and finish, very positive visor operation and seal, if you can spend closer to 200 dollars, and the shape is right, the HJC DS-X1 is your best bet.
All right let's wrap this up. All three of our sub $200 adventure helmets have modern dual-sport styling and features at prices to suit any rider's budget. Despite their pros and cons, all three offer a good to excellent value depending on what your needs are.
Compared to 5 years ago, getting a quality helmet at this pricepoint was unheard of and we hope to see more quality entry level gear like this in the future.
Subscribe to ADVMoto's RU-vid channel and visit AdventureMotorc... for more news, reviews and interviews.
Where to buy: (Affiliate links)
• HJC DS-X1 - tinyurl.com/zfr...
• AFX FX-41DS - tinyurl.com/hln...
• Gmax GM-11 Adventure - tinyurl.com/zc7...
#ADVMoto #dualsport #helmetreview
10 сен 2024
