PRoductreviews
though we admit we were surprised by the outcome.
Touratech Rating: A+ Touratech took the gold by a land- slide. The Pinlock® anti-fog system— a giant pain in the neck to install, we might add, became an absolute must- have in wet weather riding; ZERO fog on the visor, even with heavy breathing and low speed riding. In addition, the exterior of the visor seems to be factory-coated with rain repellent, keeping the water beads small and transparent. Larger drop- lets whisked away with little to no effort.
Shoei Rating: C- Shoei was a distant second. Also with a Pinlock®—and also a huge pain to install—the helmet did well at keep- ing the fog at bay. However, the exte- rior of the visor had no manner of water repellant, quite the opposite; rain beads would glob on the face, inhibiting vision and requiring near- constant glove wiping. Our heads remained dry, but riding with limited
vision was downright scary. This can become more pronounced with time, as each wipe of the visor leaves small scratches that hinder visibility (especially at night!).
Arai Rating: D Arai came in last by a fair measure. With no Pinlock® element to speak of, fogging was a constant issue. Even with ample vent- ing the visor would fog with the mildest of breathing. The only solution was to raise the visor, exposing one to the elements. It was awkward and uncomfortable, not to mention dangerous.
Safety and Final Thoughts We had a lot of fun testing these helmets and laced our review with a few tongue-in- cheek comments for your enjoyment. Make no mistake; motorcycling is a dangerous endeavor, and we would not trust just any helmet to protect us when the unexpected comes. Our own personal ratings aside, all three helmets proved spectacular and have earned their place as safe, reliable protec- tive equipment. Try them all on, see which one speaks to you, and trust that you are wearing a quality product!
Lance’s Choice: The Touratech Aventuro “It’s light and comfortable. In particular, I love the anti-fog Pinlock®
system, which,
combined with the visor, sheds water and keeps my view clear. This is an outstanding helmet.”
Shawn’s Choice: The Arai XD4 “I was very impressed with the other helmets, far more than I expected to be. But Arai has been my helmet of choice for years and can probably be credited with saving my life a time or two. It’s comfortable and does the job I need done, and I know it will protect me when I need protecting!”
Touratech Shoei Arai
Comm Install Comfort Aerodynamics Ventilation Wind Noise Wet Weather Overall Score B-
C
2.7 B-
2.7 A
4.0
2.0 A
4.0 B-
2.7
Grade Scale A+ A A- B+ 5.0 4.0 3.7
3.3
B+ 3.3
A- 3.7
B- 2.7
B 3.0 A- A
3.7 4.0 D
B
1.0 3.0 B+
C- 3.3 1.7
B- C+ C 2.7
2.3
A+ 5.0
C- 2.0
D 1.0 A-
20.7/ 30 B
16.4/ 30 B-
15.4/ 30 2.0
C- D+ D F 1.7
1.3 1.0
0.0
34
BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2016
Out of 30 Possible Points
member tested
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