simpson has a factory store in New Braunsfel Tx . tried the helmet on , paid my money and out the door I went.
so it is by far the lightest helmet I have owned I , 3.5 lbs (not an official weight , I need a scale that weighs smaller items , may visit the post office and have them weigh it ) way lighter than my scorpion adv helmet . it vents a lot of air in the chin area ,top vents seem to work but not as noticeable . pin lock ready and it will need it , will fog the shield in a breath (the scorpion was less likely to fog ) , has useful detent positions for the shield . I tend to ride with the shield fully open (the sale lady said one should not do that with this helmet as vibration from wind may cause shield to detach from helmet ) and I read that the shield coming off was a problem with earlier versions . the helmet visor keeper things has a locking mechanism so it seems secure. behind my windshield I see no issues . large vision port as you can see by my photo. they have 5 or 6 types of shields from clear to mirror , drop down sun visor comes with smoke gray , I bought a yellow drop down that really brightens up everything on those bad weather days (amazing clarity on foggy rainy rides ) .
so I like the hat .
here is my critique .
500.00 hat and no included pin lock ..... only has one tab at bottom of shield for your left hand to use one on the right would be nice also.... mechanism to open the front is small and with gloves on hard to find to the release ..... the mechanical that lock the face to the body of the helmet is clunky and requires 2 hands to close ...... and for this helmet , and I really don't mind this on most helmets , a "D" ring ... almost to short to use ( needs a ratchet type at this price point I think ) ..... as for noise it seems no louder than my scorpion but I seem to hear more of everything going on around me . so ear plugs are probably going to be needed more often ( to the store and back about a 3 mile ride I don't bother with plugs . I have not ridden my bike with this helmet farther than about 5 miles in any direction . I know kinda sad . weather and work have conspired against me (riding the Beta on weekends has not helped either ) .
overall I think it s lightness will trump the negatives . would I buy it again ? I think I would . it sits on my head very well and is very light and hoping that will mitigate neck fatigue on long trips . it has a different look and that's a plus . some time soon I will visit the factory store and share my critiques with Simpsons people . it could be better very easily .