The Caberg Ego motorcycle helmet is something which will be entirely new to many motorcycle riders and industry veterans alike. However, like any other motorcycle helmet, the Caberg Ego helmet will protect your noggin; it simply does this with an innovative new ventilation feature, a fashionable and lightweight design, and its affordable price.
Ego Construction
Caberg has produced the decidedly unconventional Ego motorcycle helmet with a strong, durable and impact resistant thermoplastic polycarbonate shell. The Italian company does not say much more than this about the manufacturing process, but the testing they do is explained in detail. To meet the strict ECE 2205, intensive tests must be performed and the helmet cannot fail in any.
It is at the venting of the Ego helmet, though, where most riders will be focused when they first pick one up. Caberg calls it the CASC – Caberg Air Safety Concept – venting system, and it flows air like having nothing up there. This is the ‘cabriolet’ of the full-face helmet category; though, a more apt comparison might be a sunroof. However it is described, it feels like going topless.
Quality abounds on the Ego helmet from the painted exterior, through to the completely waterproof CASC system, and inside into each and every component used in this helmet’s build. It is evident when handling the Ego that serious engineering effort was put into building a solid and safe helmet.
Ego Interior
Inside of the Caberg Ego helmet is a finely made interior which is billed as antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and wicking for serious comfort on a wide variety of heads. As is standard on most high end motorcycle lids, the insides are fully removable and washable. The interior shape is a neutral ovoid, again for the widest range of application so to fit the most riders.
A nice, wide eyeport allows for unusually good peripheral vision usage, and there is room for an intercom and accommodation for some eyeglass frames. An internal, spring-loaded sun visor – becoming more standard every year – is controlled by a lever on the side, and both work flawlessly and it doesn’t scratch your nose when deployed.
The included faceshield is Pinlock equipped and comes with one insert in the box. The shield itself is easy to remove with the spring-loaded mechanism used by Caberg for the Ego helmet – simply lift, click and then remove.
Wearing the Caberg Ego
Fit, finish and function come together and endow the Caberg Ego helmet with a solid feel you can’t miss when pulling it over your head. For fastening the lid, a European-style, “Microlock” quick-release chinstrap is used which includes an integrated D-ring for locking it on your bike. Interestingly, the weight is not much of an issue considering the amazing feature set; it tips in at a mere 1567 grams (3.4 lbs).
The Ego’s CASC vent opens easily, leaving only a stainless steel grate which works to smooth out the air flow as it enters across your crown. The chin vent only functions when at speed, and even then just pushes air up towards the visor. However, with the large input and well-placed exit vents, you don’t have to worry about getting too warm inside the Ego.
Sound levels within the Caberg Ego are actually quite good considering the cut-out, but something should be done about the seal on the helmet’s underside. A simple extra bit of padding here would help with noise and with providing even better ventilation – think about it Caberg.
Is the Caberg Ego for you?
This will depend on one factor, presently – U.S. DOT approval. Caberg expects the Ego to be approved quite soon but will not say much beyond an expected 2012 sales date. They are widely available in Europe; you may even order one, but it is not legal where helmets are required in the U.S. It is possible for it to be here much earlier, so please stay tuned.
Caberg’s Ego motorcycle helmet is one of the most interesting designs in head protection in some time, though there are many such innovations on the market now. Even so, if you take all of what this lid offers to the rider looking for protection with unparalleled venting, it is very hard to believe the suggested retail is only around $300 (or less). The Caberg Ego motorcycle helmet – a convertible for your head – is something to behold.
