HJC Helmets Forum

The CL Max is one of HJC’s flip-face helmets. A single button release on the chin bar lifts the face up to create an easy way to converse with others or even pump gas without removing the entire helmet. This helmet is one of the most convenient and comfortable for riders wearing eye/sun glasses.

The CL Max has adjustable top and chin vents to regulate the amount of air flow coming in. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to help with fogging too much, as many owners complain that the visor still seems to fog often.

Probably due to the flip-face feature, the CL-Max seems a little noisier than other helmets and it is only DOT approved.

For those looking for a quality, flip-face helmet, the CL Max is definitely one of the best on the market.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, HJC has decided to discontinue the AC-12 line and replace it with the HJC FS-15 line. My guess: the AC-12 became too expensive for HJC to mass-produce.

So what can we expect from the FS-15? Most of the same things we’re used to in the AC-12. The FS-15 comes in both a fiberglass composite shell and the carbon fiber shell. The faceshield is Pinlock prepared to greatly help with fogging problems. The faceshield also boasts a quick replacement system. Advanced ventilation and a Silver Cool liner will help to keep riders cool even on the hottest of days. In addition, the FS-15 comes in a variety of awesome colors and graphics and is both DOT and Snell approved.

From the sounds of it, the FS-15 will be a great replacement for the AC-12. Though I wonder how HJC plans to maintain the same high quality helmet at a lower production cost. For those that currently wear or have worn the AC-12 (and for everyone else), let us know how you think the FS-15 compares. Is this a good move by HJC??

-Julie

IMPORTANT NOTE: HJC has decided to discontinue the AC-12 line and replace it with the ALL NEW HJC FS-15

Though most HJC helmets do come with anti-fog coated visors, fogging can still be a big problem. Luckily, there are many solutions available that will help. One of the most popular is the PINLOCK shield.

This shield is made of moisture absorbing plastic. The silicon seal creates an airtight double lens, which reduces fog build up. The shield is EE 22.05 approved and has been recommended by the Snell Foundation. Though there is some minor construction required to install the PINLOCK system to your current visor, it is relatively easy, and worth the trouble.

PINLOCK comes in a variety of colors. Yellow is best for high contrast vision in mist and rain. Orange works for high contrast vision and blocking sun. Clear is best for most all weather types. The light and dark tint shields are for sunny conditions. Many riders keep more than one color on hand for quick change in varying weather conditions.

Those who have used the PINLOCK system report that fogging is no longer a problem, and the device is rather inexpensive. If you’re tired of using anti-fog rubs and sprays with no success, it might be time to give the PINLOCK system a try!

If you have used this system, let us know what you think!

-Julie

Personally, I think the quick answer is yes.

While a helmet is one of the most important pieces of riding, a proper visor can be just as important. Though many people like to feel the wind blowing by as they ride, helmet visors help protect your face and eyes from harmful elements including dust, dirt, rain, bugs and other roadside debris.

For bikes that have built in windshields, the rider may only need goggles or a small visor to protect the eyes. For bikes without windshields, riders should be sure to wear a full face visor for maximum protection. In addition to the color, a visor that is treated with an anti-fog solution will be best.

While visors don’t need to be of the same brand as the helmet you typically ride with, it’s best to take your helmet with you when purchasing a new visor to ensure proper fit and safety.

-Julie

I wanted to take a moment to discuss one other helmet certification, ECE 22.05. This helmet certification comes from the Economic Commission for Europe and is one of the most common certifications in the world. An ECE certification is required by over 50 countries.

ECE testing is similar to our DOT testing, though ECE requires helmets to be tested at higher velocities than DOT. Therefore, all ECE helmets will be DOT certified, but all DOT helmets will not be ECE certified. In addition, ECE requires that a random batch of all helmet productions are tested PRIOR to being released to dealers for sale. This is much different from DOT who performs random testing after helmets are released.

ECE helmets are approved for competitve motorcycle events and are even the preferred certification by most professionals.

When purchasing a helmet that is ECE 22.05 certified, you can be assured that you are getting a safe, quality, high tested helmet.

Anyone have an ECE 22.05 certified helmet? Do you prefer an ECE certification on your helmets?

-Julie

Related: Shark helmets

I just came across an article called Motorcycle Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off courtesy of Motorcyclist Online.

The article discussed the debate about how strong and stiff a helmet should be to provide riders the best protection. The writer goes into a lot of detail about the brain, helmet construction, testing, and more. A letter from Snell is also included.

Though the article was rather long, it got me to thinking. Just how much do helmets protect? Obviously I wouldn't want to ride without one, but if I were to get in an accident, would it really keep me safe?

If you haven't already, take a few minutes to read the article and discuss. Let us know what your thoughts are on the Great Helmet Debate.

-Julie

So we’ve discussed gloves and different fabrics, but we’re not done quite yet. There’s still more to consider before making a purchase.

Jackets and pants are probably two of the most important pieces of clothing you can purchase for riding. A good set will be made of leather or kevlar. Also important is padding on sensitive places including the elbows, spine, shoulders, and knees.

Boots, while maybe not an obvious purchase, will keep your feet safe and comfortable while riding. Look for heavy duty boots with a stiff sole and reinforcement on the ankles and toes.

While helmets are a necessity, if not mandatory, in my opinion jackets, pants and boots are just as important. Sure your head is most fragile, but if you can keep the rest of your body safe for a few hundred dollars, it seems more than worth it to me.

-Julie

As I was doing some research, I came across some interesting numbers on differences in fabrics. Obviously there are other comfort and personal preferences, but before purchasing any clothing or accessories, you might want to make note of this:

Tear and Abrasion Strength by the numbers:
pounds of force until fabric tears, abrasion cycles on pavement until fabric fails

Cotton Jeans: 4.5 pounds to tear, 50 cycles to failure
70 Denier Standard Nylon: 4.5 pounds to tear, 165 cycles to failure
500 Denier Polyester: 8 pounds to tear, 180 cycles to failure
200 Denier Standard Nylon: 7.5 pounds to tear, 275 cycles to failure
500 Denier Cordura: 22 pounds to tear, 710 cycles to failure
620 Denier Cordura: 35 pounds to tear, 1200 cycles to failure
Competition Grade Leather: 80-110 pounds to tear, 1200-1700 cycles to failure
1000 Denier Cordura: 110 pounds to tear, 1780 cycles to failure
Air Mesh Kevlar: 1260 pounds to tear, 970 cycles to failure
Stretch Kevlar Blend: 420 pounds to tear, 1800 cycles to failure

While there are differences to all of these materials, if nothing else, you may want to rethink wearing just jeans while riding.

-Julie