Monday, February 20

Schuberth S2 Helmet : First Look



Debuted publicly at Indy Expo, the Schuberth S2 Helmet is a non-modular helmet using or improving on almost all of the technology from the Schuberth C3 modular. We should see the black and silver versions of the Schuberth S2 start landing in April this year and we have samples on the way. Early Inclination looks like the following:
  • Rated < 85 db of quiet.
  • Non-Modular ECE and DOT
  • Aggressive Design
  • Optimized for 3/4 and Tuck
  • Similar Fit Patter with re-engineered forehead liner / flaps
  • Integrated SRC-S2 Antenna offering 700m range (SRC-S2 System Sold Separately)
More to come as it is released. Stay tuned. Vroom.

-BoochZilla
Follow Me on G+

Thursday, February 16

Bell Mag-9 Helmet - 2012

The brand new Bell Mag-9 Helmet is the aggressive successor to the Mag-8 3/4 helmet. This helmet is built for a variety of riding scenarios, from long-distance touring to cruising to scootering and urban light motorcycling. Designed of a lightweight yet resilient polycarbonate shell, the Bell Mag 9 Helmet features three EPS sizes to minimize material, but maximize comfort and protection. The Bell Mag-9 is DOT certified and features a laundry list of upgrades over its predecessor.  Bell has added intake and exhaust vents to create the trademarked Velocity Flow ventilation on Bell Helmets, which makes this one of, if not the, most ventilated open face helmets on the market. The interior is removable and washable and there are all new cutouts for speakers making installation of your bluetooth communication a cinch. Check out our detailed video review some photos of the brand new Bell Mag 9 below.

Bell Mag-9 Helmet Review:



Bell Mag 9 Titanium Rally
The Bell Mag 9 Sena Rally adds a set of classic racing stripes down the middle of the helmet. In addition, the "Sena" designation means that it is designed to accept a Sena Bluetooth communications device in a pre-configured cutout on the side of the helmet. This feature is sold separately, but allows for a clean, integrated approach to adding a communication device. Check out our review on this added functionality below:



Bell Mag 9 Solid


-RetroZilla

Related:

Bell RS-1 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet
Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet
Bell Custom 500 2012 Graphics
Bell Pit Boss Helmet
Bell Drifter DLX Helmet
Bell Vortex, Moto-9, Arrow Helmets - 2012

Bell Custom 500 Helmets - 2012

Three new graphics have come out for the spring 2012 line of the Bell Custom 500 Helmet. This is Bell's signature open-face lid which is designed straight from the chassis of the original Bell 500 designed by Bell founder Roy Richter in 1954. These Motorcycle Helmets have been immensely popular since their release and it's nice to see some fresh graphic updates of this style. Check out the three new graphics below and in addition to our HD video graphic overviews coming soon.

Click any of the images to make them larger.

Bell Custom 500 Skratch Lace Helmet Review:



Bell Custom 500 Skratch Lace Helmet
Bell Custom 500 RSD Freedom Machine Helmet Review:


Bell Drifter DLX Helmets - 2012

For spring 2012, Bell has redesigned one of the more popular Half Helmets in the industry with the brand new Bell Drifter DLX Helmet. The Bell Drifter DLX is utilizing the Speed Dial adjustable fit system (also seen in the Bell Mag-9 Helmet) which results in unparalleled fit, comfort and overall style. This comfort fit system on the Drifter DLX Helmet allows fit to be adjusted on the fly with the simple turn of a dial. The Bell Drifter DLX Helmet uses a composite shell that is protective and lightweight, meeting DOT standards yet coming in at only 900g, which is under 2lbs. Check out a graphic option of the Drifter DLX below along with our Bell Drifter DLX Helmet Review.



Bell Drifter DLX Pin Stripe

Also, don't miss the Bell Drifter DLX Flames which is coming soon.

-RetroZilla

Related:

Bell RS-1 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet
Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet
Bell Custom 500 2012 Graphics
Bell Pit Boss Helmet
Bell Mag-9 Helmet

Bell Vortex, Arrow, Moto-9 Helmets 2012

We've got one new graphic for the mid-range Bell Vortex for 2012 and three new graphics for the bang-for-the-buck Bell Arrow. There is also a wild new graphic for the Bell Moto-9 lid. Check them out below and stay tuned for our HD videos that will highlight these graphics in full detail.

Click any image to see it larger.

Bell Vortex Attack Helmet Review:



Bell Vortex Attack Helmet
Bell Arrow Parts Bin Helmet Review:




Bell Pit Boss Helmet - 2012

Brand new for 2012, Bell is bringing a new half helmet to the table in the form of the Bell Pit Boss. The focus on the Bell Pit Boss Helmet was to create an extremely lightweight yet protective half helmet. With a classic design and the TriMatrix shell which is composed of kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass, the Bell Pitboss is a great option for the cruiser or chopper rider. Upgrades can be found throughout the Pit Boss like the internal sun shade, cutouts for speaker pockets for your bluetooth communicator, and the brand new Speed Dial adjustable fit system. There is also a neck curtain for cold weather riding that is fully removable. Weighing in at just 900g which is under 2lbs, the Bell Pit Boss Helmet is a new lightweight contender in the half helmet market.

Bell Pit Boss Helmet Review:



-RetroZilla

Related:

Bell RS-1 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet
Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet
Bell Mag 9 Helmet
Bell Custom 500 Helmets - 2012
Bell Drifter DLX Helmet

Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet

The newest Roland Sands Designs top-of-the-line Bell race lid has arrived in the form of the Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet. Touting all of the features and functionality we find in carbon version of the Star as is, what you get here is the newest design from one of the industry's leaders in Motorcycle Helmets. Check out some of the images below and click to see them in much larger versions.



-RetroZilla

Related:

Bell Revolver EVO Helmet
Bell RS-1 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Custom 500 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Mag 9 Helmet
Bell Pit Boss Helmet
Bell Drifter DLX Helmet

Bell Revolver EVO Helmet Review

For 2012, Bell Helmets has ran their Revolver lid through the wringer to develop a new and improved version of what was already extremely popular. The new Bell Revolver EVO Helmet looks to deliver on that claim as it comes with a series of upgrades over its predecessor. The Revolver EVO Helmet features a redesigned seal around the eyeport to dampen wind noise, a new chin curtain that will provide a better seal and keep air out, and they've improved the functionality of their drop-down sun visor. All of the features of the Revolver are also present here, and it's available in a few different colors and graphics, including the ever-popular Bell Rally graphic. Check out the different options and stay tuned for our detailed video breakdown coming soon and the Bell Revolver Evo Helmet Review below:



Bell Revolver EVO Hi-Viz Helmet

Bell Revolver EVO Helmet - Solid
Bell Revolver Evo Skratch Pin Stripe Helmet
Bell Revolver EVO Rally Helmet
Stay tuned for more to come.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Bell RS-1 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Custom 500 2012 Helmets - Graphics
Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet
Bell Mag 9 Helmet
Bell Pit Boss Helmet
Bell Drifter DLX Helmet

Monday, February 13

GMax GM69 Helmet Preview

Coming in as the replacement for the extremely popular GM68 lid, the brand new GMax GM69 Helmet progresses forward on its predecessor's award-winning design and bang-for-the-buck functionality. One glance at the GMax GM 69 Helmet and you notice its sleek new design and the aerodynamic wing that graces the top of the lid. Ventilation has been improved and GMax Helmets, known for the excellent fitments of their lids, has continued focus on an ergonomic fit. Stay tuned for a detailed video breakdown of this helmet when we get one, but for now check out some photos of the brand new GMax GM69 Helmet below.

GMax GM69 Crusader 2
GMax GM69 Women's Crusader 2
GMax GM69 Solid

Wednesday, February 8

Nolan N104 Helmet Review

Nolan N104 Action Helmet
Brand new for 2012, the Nolan N104 Helmet is a huge step forward from its predecessor, the N103, one of the most popular Modular Helmets on the market. For this iteration, Nolan has taken rider feedback and reacted by making improvements that are evident throughout the Nolan N-104 Modular Helmet. Some of the improves on the N104 Helmet over the N103 are lighter weight, lower profile, improved aerodynamics and a much larger shield for improved field of vision. The ventilation has received a dramatic upgrade and the entirety of the interior sees itself improved this year. We're big fans of this helmet, especially at the price point.

Check out our Nolan N104 Helmet Review:



Nolan N104 Outlaw Helmet
So far, we've glanced at some of the improvements, but now let's get into how they've actually made the improvements and detail them a bit more. The Nolan N104 Helmet is 7oz lighter than the N103 which has been done by reducing the profile of the helmet and making it more streamlined. They use two shell sizes which helps to maintain the smaller profile as you go up in the size range, and the shell is now built of injected polycarbonate GE Lexan. The brand new face shield comes in two sizes as well, which allows it to be tailored to whichever shell size you're using. The ultra wide eyeport of the shield is the largest of any Nolan helmet and each Nolan N-104 Helmet comes with a Pinlock insert, which guarantees fog-free riding.

Nolan N104 Helmet - Solid
The brand new Airbooster ventilation system features improved channels in the EPS in addition to improved intake and exhaust vents. The chin vent has added more channels of intake, there is a brand new brow intake that works in conjunction with the chimney vent for excellent airflow. There are also two individual exhaust vents at the top rear as opposed to the one rear exhaust found on the N103. There are plastic vent tubes within the EPS and that suck cool air through the interior of the helmet to keep your head comfortable. One complaint of the old N103 was the length/coverage of the interior sun visor. The brand new retractable VPS sun shield features longer coverage and a new push button release for instant retraction.

Nolan N104 Voyage Helmet
Inside the helmet, there are removable cheekpads, a top liner, neck roll and wind protector. All of the guts feature an antibacterial treatment, and everything is removable and washable. The comfort liner is notched to easily accommodate glasses-wearing riders. The neck roll can be taken out easily which is a great feature for warmer weather riding, and it features a reflective panel at the middle for night time visibility. The second generation of their Microlock retention system features an easily operable plastic opening lever and an aluminum tooth/retention mechanism. The Nolan N104 Modular Helmet is built to work with the brand new Nolan N-Com B4 Bluetooth System, an exclusive for the N104.

All in, for the price point, Nolan packed a ton of features and upgrades into the Nolan N-104 Helmet, and we have a hard time thinking it won't be an absolute monster this season amongst the modular-leaning riding community.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Nolan N104 Helmet Preview

Monday, February 6

Icon Compound Mesh Gloves Review

Brand new for early 2012, Icon has released a slew of brand new Motorcycle Gear. Beyond the ever-changing helmet graphics that we see every season, we're also being treated to some new apparel. The Icon Compound Mesh Gloves, available in short and long versions, are designed with the street and stunt rider in mind, and pair up perfectly with the new Icon Compound jackets. Available in an array of color options, there is absolutely an Icon Compound Glove that will match up with your gear, no matter what your preference in style.

The Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves are designed for warm weather street riding and an over-the-cuff application. These Motorcycle Gloves utilize a high-airflow mesh chasses with an abrasion-resistant Battlehide goatskin palm and strategic neoprene inserts where flexibility is a must. There are injection-molded thermoplastic protectors found across the main knuckle at mid-digitally at the fingers for safety. There is a double layer of goatskin at the lower and side of the palm, backed by foam for added impact and abrasion resistance. The Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves also feature a velcro microadjuster at the wrist and a single velcro gauntlet closure. Pre-curved fingers and palm help to reduce fatigue over the course of a long ride.

Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves Review:



The Icon Compound Mesh Short Gloves are the short cuff counterpart to the long version. Using the same technologies, the Compound shorties have a hi-flow backhand mesh construction with a premium Battlehide goatskin palm. The same injection-molded thermoplastic armor is found at the main knuckle and on the fingers, and a double layer of leather backed by foam padding can be seen at the lower palm and outside of the hand. A neoprene flex panel is located just above the cuff at the backhand for ease of motion and the pre-curved fingers and palm help to reduce fatigue and improve ergonomics. A single TPR velcro pull provides the closure at the cuff.

Icon Compound Mesh Short Gloves Review:


Another few standout products from the Icon Spring 2012 Gear lineup, the Compound Mesh Gloves will no doubt adorn the bikes of many street, sport and stunt riders this upcoming season.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Icon Compound Jacket Preview
Icon Spring 2012 Helmets
Icon 1000 Gear Preview

ICON Compound Overpants Preview

Icon Compound Mesh Overpants

Sometimes fashion and protection demand leather, but climate and comfort demand mesh. On those days, wear the ICON Compound Mesh Overpants. Built with a balance of Fighter Mesh panels and premium grade cowhide, the Compound Mesh Overpants are cooler than Leather Motorcycle Pants, more protective than mesh pants, and easier to don then either, due to dual full-length side-entry zippers. The ratchet waist closure and critical expansion panels make the fit on these overpants both flexible and comfortable.

Icon Compound Overpants


For the cooler climates, this two-fold approach is also available in textile and leather, simply named the ICON Compound Overpants. The same principles apply, using textile portions in place of mesh. Both of these overpants feature removable CE rated impact protectors in the knees that are also fully adjustable.

These overpants are part of an entire new ICON Compound line-up that all feature a mesh/textile and leather construction. In addition to the pants, you will also find two Jackets, Short Gloves, and Long Gloves.




- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

Related:
Icon Compound Jacket Preview
Icon Stryker Rig and Battlescar Vest
Icon Spring 2012 Helmets
Icon One Thousand Gear: Jackets Gloves & Boots for '12

Icon Compound Jacket Review

Available in two varietals, the new Icon Compound Jacket is one of the absolute home runs in the Icon Spring 2012 Gear lineup. Hybrids by design, these Motorcycle Jackets combine the abrasion resistance of leather with the comfort of textile (or mesh in the case of the Icon Compound Mesh Jacket) to afford the sport rider a great deal of protection without any discomfort. Available in an array of bold color accent options both on the mesh and textile versions, there is no question that this is going to be this season's favorite jacket for the street and stunt rider.

Icon Compound Jacket Review:



The Icon Compound Jacket is a hybrid leather-textile jacket built with the sport rider in mind who needs ample protection, light weight and uninhibited mobility. You'll find high-tenacity textile fabrics used in most areas of this jacket with brawny 1.2-1.4mm cowhide leather utilized in all impact areas. There is CE rated Icon field armor in the shoulders and elbows with a dual-density foam back pad that can be upgraded to the Stryker CE protector. The injection-molded external plastic back plate provides an addition degree of protection. There are fighter mesh inserts for airflow on hot days, but also a removable full-sleeved thermal liner for cooler days. Adjustability at the waist and wrists for fit, strategic stretch paneling for mobility and the
Icon Sport fit round out the feature set.

Much the same as the regular Compound, the Icon Compound Mesh Jacket uses an array of materials in its construction. 1.2-1.4mm premium cowhide, fighter mesh, and abrasion-resistant textile compose the shell, with the emphasis being on the large fighter mesh panels for extreme hot weather airflow. The same kit of armor can be found, including the upgradeable backpad and the external injection-molded plastic bit. There is also a removable thermal vest liner. Ultimately, the decision between these jackets boils down to the temperature range in which you do the majority of your riding. If you're primarily a hot weather rider, go with the Compound Mesh. If you like the versatility of cool weather riding, go with the standard Compound.
Either way, you can't go wrong for the price.

Icon Compound Mesh Jacket Review:



Check out the full Icon Spring 2012 Gear lineup out as there are a lot of winners in there beyond the Compound line of gear.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Icon 1000 Gear: Jacket Gloves & Boots for `12
Icon Stryker Rig & Battlescar Vest
Icon Spring 2012 Helmets

Icon One Thousand Gear: Jackets Gloves & Boots for '12

Brand new for early 2012, the Icon One Thousand Gear is an all new line of premium gear from one of our top street and sport manufacturers. With this line, Icon has taken a big step forward with the types of materials they are using in construction. Take the Icon Chapter Jacket for example, with the inclusion of CE rated d3o molecular-level armor at the shoulders, elbows and back, we see a big step forward from the traditional armor setup that Icon has used. The Icon Spring 2012 gear lineup represents strides forward across the board, and the Icon 1000 Gear lineup fits right into the mix.

Icon 1000 Chapter Jacket Review:



Starting off with the previously mentioned Icon One Thousand Chapter Jacket, what you're looking at is a premium leather meant for an array of riding scenarios. At home both in the upright cruiser position or sport tuck, the 1000 Chapter is constructed from 1.1-1.3mm premium Brazilian cowhide for excellent abrasion resistance. It features d3o armor throughout for impact protection, but this armor is also very comfortable and malleable when it is not dispersing energy from impact. There is a quilted satin vest liner, perf and flex panels in all the necessary areas, and features custom oversized YKK zippers which feature a black oxide finish for style. The perf on the front feeds the perf and zip-open exhaust vents at the back. We dig the custom patches
on the upper arms too.

Next is the Icon Shorty Jacket, and our bet is that this will be best suited for the custom chopper rider. Built with the same 1.1-1.3mm premium drum-dyed Brazilian cowhide as the Chapter, the Icon One Thousand Shorty Jacket features a removable CE rated d3o back protector. There is strategic perf at the front and rear to provide a high degree of airflow. Flex panels at the shoulder blades allow enough mobility for you to lean over to grab your race clip-ons or reach out for those ape hangers. Again, we see YKK zippers used throughout and the Icon relaxed fit, which is more forgiving than their attack fit. Available in two versions, one with branded logos on the sleeves, and one (stealth) with no logos at all.

Icon 1000 Shorty Jacket Review:



The Icon Women's Federal Jacket complements the Chapter, but this one is for the ladies. The specs remain the same, but the styling is certainly not, as this jacket is designed for the fashion-minded female rider in mind. Two versions are available and each uses Brazilian cowhide. The black is a drum-dyed antique finish while the red is an aniline-dyed natural grain with a waxed leather finish that is applied by hand. A full kit of d3o CE rated armor is found in the shoulders, elbows and back, and again we see the use of YKK zips throughout. There is a quilted satin vest liner and the cut and contour is absolutely tailored for a lady's shape. The waist cinch belt adds to the militaristic quality of the Icon Women's One Thousand Federal Jacket
that screams BADASS.

Icon 1000 Women's Federal Jacket Review:



The Icon One Thousand Elsinore Boots are a street boot born out of serious attention paid to old-school motocross boots. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Icon Elsinore Boots make a serious statement. That statement is backed up by the litany of protective elements found in the boot. 12" high, constructed of top grain leather, the Elsinore features a stamped metal heel plate, a heat-pressed leather shifter panel, a heat-pressed molded leather shin plate, and cast metal buckles at the closure. The medial in and out zipper is YKK and derived from the paratrooper world. There are additional internal protectors at the ankles, and the boot uses a Goodyear welt construction, which is the method used by the most premium brands in the shoe industry.
This is one serious boot for urban riding.

Icon 1000 Elsinore Boots Review:



Last in the lineup are the Icon Rimfire Gloves, which scream old school as loudly as the rest of the lineup. The Gunn glove cut pattern harkens back to ranch gloves and overall, the Icon One Thousand Rimfire Gloves are very unique within the moto industry. The Rimfires use premium French cowhide, which is highly abrasion resistant yet comfortable simultaneously. d3o armor protects in the knuckles (a first for moto gloves) and the panel of metal rivets at the palm is backed by Nomex, which is the same flame-retardent and heat-resistant fabric used by firefighters and race car drivers. This glove fits right in with the rest of the Icon One Thousand Gear for spring 2012.

Don't miss the rest of the Icon Spring 2012 Gear lineup and stay tuned for detailed video reviews on all of this as soon as we get our hands on it.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Icon Stryker Rig & Battlescar Vest
Icon Spring 2012 Helmets

ICON Stryker Rig and Battlescar Vest













Born from the long-standing Field Armor line, the ICON Stryker Rig is the epitome of impact protection. Now, rather than piecing together the individual Stryker parts, you can purchase the Rig as an all-in-one. Layered with a combined construction of CE approved D30 inserts and articulated injection molded hard panels, the aim here is to be bulletproof ... well, don't quote me on that. Aside from the protection, the Stryker Rig is also designed to be comfortable and functional. There are several adjustments via waist straps and elbow straps as well as the stretch material that tailors to your particular bodyshape. In addition, the entire chassis is moisture-wicking and air-flowing to keep you cool when things get hot.







However, if all this is too much, you can still get the original vest, or its new compadre, the ICON Stryker Battlescar Vest. Styled after the Variant Battlescar Helmet, the Battlescar vest takes one of the most popular protective items on the market and gives it a more modern warfare approach. For a bolder, more colorful approach, consider the new Icon Stryker Driver Vest as your best bet.

ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

Related:
Icon Spring 2012 Helmets
Icon Compound Overpants
Icon Compound Jacket Preview
Icon One Thousand Gear: Jacket, Gloves & Boots for '12

Icon Spring 2012 Helmets

Icon Airframe Pleasuredome
Invading your roads for spring, ICON 2012 Helmets have yet again broken all rules and regulations with their grappling, edgy helmet graphic designs. The Alliance gets 3 wild new looks, while the Airframe gets one that says it all. In addition, the Variant has been stripped down to the raw with three tones that reveal the naked fibreglass/carbon shell for what it really is.

Lets start with the new ICON Airframe Pleasuredome Helmet. Icon says it best: "A world of volcano hideouts, private rocketships, and exotic concubine ninjas is no place for just any man. It requires a man who understands culture, architecture, and fine bourbon. A man who controls time, rides true, and falls up. Are you such a man?" The Pleasuredome
Icon Alliance Ascension
knows no understatement - but really, are we surprised?

Next up, the Alliance Helmets receive three very contrasting new skins. The ICON Alliance Ascension depicts a dismal backdrop of a barren cityscape. The crying angel in the foreground seems to say that heaven weeps for humanity. The question is: does she weep for you, or those who stand in your path?!

At the other end of the spectrum, the ICON Alliance Chrysalis Helmet allows you to show your true colors - namely, pink and purple. Covered with sugar and spice and everything nice (and a few butterflies for good measure), the Chrysalis is equally suited for your hot date pillion, or the
fearless femme fatale ready to take the world head-on wearing
Icon Alliance Chrysalis
this eye-catching lid.

Now we know that not all riders are in a young hooligan demographic. Never fear, the ICON Alliance Headtrip Helmet is here for those who are looking for that 60s-70s throwback. Poignantly balanced between Hippie and British invasion, the Headtrip is all but guaranteed to help you re-live your glory days. Last, but not least, the Aliance Threshold helmet is now available in green - Go Kawasaki!

No, your helmet isn't broken, we promise!
Icon Alliance Headtrip
The new ICON Variant helmets have applied gritty texture over an unfinished look. Styled after the original Airframe Construct, the point here with the ICON Variant Construct Helmet is to showcase the grisly underbelly of your helmet. Under all that paint, the fibreglass/carbon shell doesn't look that pretty, unless of course, that is what your going for. As always, ICON takes it one step further and casts two weathered textures overtop of the revealed shell for maximum overstatement. The ICON Variant Battlescar Covert Green agrees with the military pallet, while the Variant Battlescar Dark Earth is more reminiscent of a rogue faction of Dune warriors. The Variant Construct is also brand new for this season, and plays off the graphic we previously saw in the Airframe Construct.

Icon Variant Battlescar
All told, we expect this year to be no less earth-shattering than the last with these bizarre new graphics. It seems that ICON knows boundaries when it comes to assaulting new genres of riders with their unique designs.


-ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

Related:
Icon Helmets vs Scorpion Helmts
Icon Compound Overpants
Icon Compound Jacket Preview
Icon Stryker Rig and Battlescar Vest
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