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I have been in the market for a new flip-up helmet for a long time. I was looking to replace my three year old Shoei Duotech as I usually replace my helmet every two seasons. However, I had waited because I couldn't find something I liked. The new Shoei Syncrotec did not come in XXL, as the largest size XL did not fit my Max Biaggi sized dome. I wanted to try on a BMW System 4, but would have to drive to Canada to get one, as they were not allowed to be shipped to the USA ( thank your local product liability lawyer for that). I had tried on a Nolan N-100, as several fellow Concours riders who wear them are fond of them. The price was right, but I wouldn't use that helmet for a toilet. What a piece of junk! When I saw the Schuberth Concept, I thought my prayers were answered. Schuberth makes the System 4 for BMW, and the helmet had a bunch of really neat features. And they would ship to the USA! Two helmets later and I still don't have one. Both the XL and XXL Concept didn't fit right. They sat on my head - my head didn't fit INTO the helmet. Make sense? I think its due to my chess club sized brain..... I had heard about the new HJC Symax at the BMWRA Rally in Dayton, Ohio last September. Yes, I was stoked! The release date was pushed back several times, but finally my dealer was able to secure a few in black. I tried on the XXL he had, and had him order me a silver. The price was $229.00. Not a bad deal, and I was supporting my dealer. I'll live. I picked up my silver HJC in late March and have rode about 220 miles with it while on my 1997 Kawasaki Concours. Granted, the Concours has a 19" Rifle windscreen on it, but I was still able to make a good comparison with it to my Duotech. Overall, I liked the Symax very much. Against the Duotech, the Symax is a much better unit. It's also much newer. I would love to compare the HJC to the Syncrotec. Before I go any farther, let me state that flip-up helmets are not for everyone. When you wear one of these units, you are accepting an extra level of risk, and this is due to the flip-up chin bar. A full face helmet (like my Arai Quatum-E) is structurally a stronger unit, being one piece. Also, the chin area of the helmet has a high probability of impact, due to how some riders may come off their machine due to the accident. The chin bar on a flip-up is lighter / thinner than the shell due to how they are being used. So, they may NOT protect you as well as a full face in the chin area. I recognize this risk and accept it. I find the benefits of the helmet outweigh the risk. On a hot day, I can flip-up the chin bar in traffic, or drink/eat a quick snack without taking the helmet off. I can also easily read maps, and talk to others at a stop with yelling over the chin bar. It's a very convenient lid. Oh, and my crack pipe! Lights with a snap!
COMFORT - Overall, I find the HJC a comfortable helmet. I do wish it had a bit more padding inside, but I found out that there is a reason why it does not have more. HJC uses one shell with all the Symax's it produces. To make a size change, they just alter the padding. This is similar to what Nolan does with its N-100. It is probably cheaper to produce one shell, but the larger heads will pay. I was able to spend 2 hours in it with no discomfort at all. There are large ear ports with a removable pocket so that speakers can be easily installed, and the liner is removable for washing. My only bitch will be that I wish it had a bit more comfort padding!
NOIS - You might think its hard to hear noise behind a 19" windscreen, but you can! Compared to my Duotech, the HJC is very quiet. I contribute this to two things - face shield design and ear protection. First of all, the face shield is self-attaching - there is no cover or hardware bolting it on. This makes for a very smooth and clean mating surface to the helmet. Nothing there to catch air and make noise. Second, I find that a lot of noise is due to poor design of the helmet as it goes under the ears. This space is often wide open, and white noise gets in. HJC made the bottom of the helmet curve in, so that it hugs the bottom of your jaw. This cuts down on wind noise a great deal. Even though I always wear ear plugs, I could still hear a little wind noise. But nothing like before. Nice job HJC!
VENTILATION - The Symax has vents both in the chin-bar and on the top of the helmet. The helmet breathed very well, but I had a special test for it. My Duotech, in the rain or very cold weather, would fog up the face shield no matter what. To the point where I had to ride with it cracked open. In the cold, I could deal with it, but pouring rain? After riding 130 miles once in a 40 degree April downpour, I really came to hate that Shoei. The HJC in 40 degree weather did not fog up at all. I could ride with the shield closed. I was a happy guy. I'll have to wait and see what the rain does to the ventilation...
FIT AND FINISH - Overall, very nice job. No longer can HJC be thought of as a South Korean knock-off of a Shoei. The paint work on this helmet is first rate. All the parts are neat and clean with no sharp edges. The helmet flips up and down with a smooth motion, and the face shield is a common HJC CL-10, which most dealers carry. The shield retention system is very easy to use and you can change from smoke to clear in about 40 seconds with no tools needed. The shields are optically excellent. A metal D-ring locking system holds the long helmet straps in check. I was very impressed.
WHAT I THINK - I'm very happy with this helmet. This helmet is DOT rated and overall very sturdy. My main complaint will be the padding. I wish it had more. Otherwise, this helmet was everything I was looking for. Great helmet and a very good price. In my opinion, if you are shopping for a flip-up give the HJC a look. It will impress you. It impressed me! Dave HJC specifications below:
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