Best lid for the money? Initial reactions cater to the thought…

Ron Lieback
AllAboutBikes.com Content Editor/Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment in a longer-term review of the Scorpion EXO-1000.

The week before my Scorpion Sports EXO-1000 helmet arrived for review, I hit the concrete hard. At 29 years old, it was my first accident ever on the street. I’ll keep the details brief: a car appeared, I impacted, flipped backwards and smacked the noggin. My beloved CBR 929, which I built bolt by bolt last winter, flipped over my right leg, and on its travels, somehow my right hand got stuck in the rear rim. The machine then dragged me a few feet in the opposite direction I was originally traveling.

Luckily, that “safety first” adage stuck, and I was wearing my Arai Quantum lid, as I did all 32,000 miles last season. Although it’s toast now, the helmet did what it was supposed to do. I walked away without a headache (but did have a mangled thumb, a right leg appearing like a hairy rainbow from the toe to hip, and some hematoma). I’ve been faithful to Arai since 2002, and have never used anything else.

But that changed when the EXO-1000 arrived (think Ex-O, as in exoskeleton). Upon reading the supplied literature, I was impressed by the features of the Snell/DOT-certified helmet: SpeedShift, a quick, tool-less shield-changing system in 10 seconds or less; SpeedView, an internal retractable light smoke sun visor that eases eye strain instantly in varying light conditions without changing face shields; KwikWick, a moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads that are breathable, easily removable and washable; EverClear, an optically-correct shield with state-of-the art fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating; and AirFit, which permits a rider to personalize helmet fit through air adjustable cheek pads containing an air pump (think retro Reebok Pumps!).

All these features for a $309.95? I can’t lie…I was doubtful of every feature. But I was soon set straight. And, not being one for “bling” or flashy graphics, the Matte Black Apollo finish delivered the calm style I like.

When the new lid arrived, I was, by the doc’s orders, not fit for riding, so I wore it around my house for a few hours every day while working. Initially, the helmet was very hard to get on; actually, I thought they sent me an extra-small instead of a large. But after the struggle, it fit snug on my head. It felt a bit heavy initially, but this faded, while off the bike anyway. By the third day of indoor-testing, it broke in, although still a bit of a challenge to get on. And as for the snaps holding the removable chin skirt, at least one always pops off while putting the helmet on (after being on the road, I just left both of the snaps off because it was yanking the back part of the neckliner from the helmet).

All getting on fusses aside, the AirFit system really makes this helmet feel like it was custom made for my dome. The system is really pioneering, and after about 12 pumps, I’m encased inside, the membrane saver nice and snug. And the release valve, a tiny piece located next to the pump, bleeds the AirFit in seconds. But it does take some practice to find the valve, especially with gloves on.

The biggest doubt I had was being able to change the shield in 10 seconds or less as advertised. The SpeedShift system is no joke; by the third try, I had it down perfect. But unlike other lids, I don’t really see the need to ever change it, unless you’re cleaning it; the SpeedView retractable smoked visor is all that’s needed when the sun is glaring…and it’s one flip of a switch, working even if you’re wearing prescription glasses (this switch also takes some practice with gloves on). As for the EverClear anti-fog system, aside from taking my new Labrador Bostrom (yes, he’s got a number 2 blue bandanna, although I don’t ride a Yamaha!) for short walks with it on, I wasn’t able to fully test it until I hit the street…and that day finally arrived a few weeks later.

Besides being the first day on a bike in six weeks, it was also the first ride on the new purchase, a K1 GSX-R 750. So to shake the accident blues from my mind, I needed a comfort everywhere, especially up top, and the EXO-1000 delivered it. Besides the comfort, after a few minutes of riding I immediately noticed the quietness of the EXO-1000. I didn’t pump the AirFit for a few miles, but once I did, it seemed even quieter.

I messed around with the ventilation system on the highway, and even with my Alpinestars GP Pro gloves, the vents were easy to open/close. But for some reason, every time I checked the chin vent, it was closed. Also, the visor had a great feature that props it open about an inch to let some air in at low speeds. I had trouble getting the switch to engage, but once it did, it remained open until I closed it.

I only traveled about 25 miles before some dark clouds invaded the blue sky. I kept riding, hoping for a few sprinkles to truly test the EverClear anti-fog system. The rain came, and I purposely began breathing like being chased by a rabid dog, and I could not get that lens to fog up. I still can’t believe it. Soon the drops were even stinging through my Alpinestars leather jacket, creating flood-like conditions in minutes. I forgot to mention, I brought a test pilot with me, my girl Pamela, and it was her first encounter with riding in the rain…luckily I found a carwash.

After sitting in the carwash for about 40 minutes and finally arriving home, my throttle thumb (the one mangled in the accident) was throbbing, bringing me back to the doctors; the dry reds and beer weren’t cutting it. Now it’s time for thumb therapy…but once all is well, I’ll be testing this helmet on a (hopeful) trip from my hometown of Bear Creek, Pa., to Mid-Ohio for the ninth round of AMA Pro Road Racing, with a stop at Nelson Ledges to see how this lid performs at track speeds (hopefully I don’t “crash test” it as Editor-In-Chief Julian Taylor did in his latest helmet review!).

Initial reactions are good, especially for the abundant features, and, obviously, price. But we shall see what further reactions surface after a few hundred miles and some track time with the EXO-1000.