AGV Horizon Helmet Review

The AGV Horizon helmet is an aggressive evolution of the Stealth-SV and has added a number of new features. The internal sun visor retracts fully into the shell and is released by a lever on the outside of the helmet that's easy to use with gloves. Also new is the Dri-Lex liner that has a hygienic treatment that wicks away sweat. The new CarbonGlass shell is a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber construction that makes for a lightweight, yet strong outer shell. It's in the mid-range of the food chain for the AGV lineup and is a neutral-oval to round head shape. The integrated ventilation system is low profile but works well in venting and extraction. Listening to their customers, AGV continues to improve their products and provide value well beyond expectations. Also available in graphic versions: AGV Horizon Absolute, AGV Horizon Absolute Italy.

AGV Horizon Helmet Review:

(Note: Graphic pictured above is the AGV Horizon Racer)

AGV Diesel Mowie Helmet Review

Teamed up with Italian helmet manufacturer AGV, the Diesel Mowie is a fighter pilot inspired open face helmet designed for the scooter market.The AGV Diesel Mowie helmet presents very polished details: fabric and leather made in Italy, the mythical "Diesel Mohawk" in high density raised leather, shiny chrome raised logo on the back, and padded ergonomic neck protection which is a removable cold weather neck roll attached with a zipper.

AGV Diesel Mowie Review:

 

One of the most obvious features of the Mowie is the flip-down fighter pilot shield made out of anti-scratch polycarbonate and is also available in smoked, yellow, orange and green. The helmet ships with a clear  with a UV filtering visor. There is a gasket at the top that creates a seal to keep the weather out. The shield works well in blocking wind on city streets, but at highway speeds the cool looking eye protection may provide too much air. The cloth lining is fully removable and washable with the diesel logo. Light and DOT rated, the helmet comes in two shell sizes and a range of eight colors. 

A micro ratcheting system on a padded chin strap makes it secure and easy to adjust. The construction and detail is impressive for a scooter helmet due to its function, style and quality. The helmet comes in a cool army green carry bag.

The Mowie represents another solid collaboration from AGV Helmets and Diesel. To see all options in this category, visit our open face motorcycle helmets section. 

-MotoMary

Related:
AGV Diesel Hi-Jack Review 
Bell Mag-9 Review
AFX FX-50 Review
Arai XC Ram Review

AGV RP60 Helmet Review

AGV has a new addition to their street helmet line with the AGV RP60 Helmet. With its open face design, this helmet is specifically designed for street riding with an old-school aesthetic. Cruisers will be happy with the newest offering from AGV, allowing the wind to hit their face on the open road. With AGV Helmets' history of creating great products, this lid will go head-to-head with something like the classically-styled Custom 500 from Bell.

Let's Check out the AGV RP60 Helmet Review:

It is composed of an ACF fiberglass outer shell and only comes in one shell size. The interior is a sanitized Dry-Comfort material and everything inside is completely removable and washable. It comes standard with a transparent-tinted peak and the lid is equipped with snaps in the event that this is the direction that you want to go. Weighing in at a mere 960 grams, this will be lightweight and comfortable for those long rides on the open road.

To see other similar options, visit our Open Face & 3/4 Motorcycle Helmets section. 

Related: 

AGV GP Tech Helmet Review
AGV T-2 Helmet Review
AGV K3 Helmet Review

AGV T-2 Helmet Review

AGV T-2 Agostini Helmet

Built on the shoulders of the technologies used in AGV's pro-level race helmet (the GP Tech) worn by Valentino Rossi and Marco Simoncelli, the AGV T-2 Helmet uses a slightly less exotic shell construction but retains most of the GP Tech's features. The ventilation, aerodynamics and stability are superb, and the Italian quality seen in the rest of AGV Helmets' line can easily be seen in the T-2. Designed for the aggressive street rider, spirited trackday enthusiast, the AGV T-2 Helmet is an excellent choice in its price range and has received nothing but positive feedback from our riding community.

Check out our AGV T-2 Helmet Review:

AGV T-2 Shade Helmet

Starting with the shell, the T-2 uses AGV's weave of carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass. The result is a helmet that is extremely resilient to impacts but also very lightweight. The protective EPS layer is double density for shock protection. The shell comes in three sizes and the EPS comes in four sizes, so you can be assured that whatever size you need won't simply be their stock helmet model with larger or smaller cheek padding. These helmets fit extremely well for the intermediate oval head shape. The IVS (Integrated Ventilation System) is used here, which incorporates large channels into the helmet that are hollowed directly through the EPS for top-notch airflow. The chin and top intakes feed air into this system that can then exit via the four exhausts.

AGV T-2 Nieto Helmet

The T-2 Helmet uses the exact same shield and shield-change mechanism as the pro-level GP Tech lid. The Racer-X shield is anti-scratch and anti-fog, featuring tear-off posts which allows the use of tear-offs, a critical feature for any serious trackday rider or racer. The shield also utilizes the XQRS (Extra Quick Release System) which is an extraordinarily simple shield change mechanism that requires no tools and allows shield swaps to be completed in a matter of seconds. The T-2 has a removable chin curtain and breath guard and uses a double d-ring chin strap system. Inside, the Coolmax cheekpads, neck roll and comfort liner are comfortable, moisture-wicking and completely removable and washable.

AGV T-2 Barry Sheene Helmet

The AGV T-2 Helmet is a great choice and it's currently on a crazy sale. It is DOT and ECE certified, and primed to be your high-performance street and track lid. Multiple solids and graphics are available, and a full range of colored shields are also available. We're huge fans of this helmet. To compare with similar choices, visit our Sportbike Motorcycle Helmets section.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
AGV GP Tech Helmet Review
AGV K3 Helmet Review
AGV AX-8 DS Helmet Review

AGV K3 Helmet Review

AGV K3 Gothic Helmet

One of the best values at the sub-$200 price point, the AGV K3 Helmet borrows a ton of features from its big brother, the pro-level GP Tech worn by Valentino Rossi for many moons. Beyond the feature set within which you'll find excellent airflow and aerodynamics, Rossi fans will be happy with the multiple ever-changing legacy graphics that have been worn by The Doctor over the years. The shell is resilient and strong, yet sleek enough to cut through the wind, with a comfortable amount of ventilating qualities.

Check out our AGV K3 Helmet Review:

AGV K3 Dreamtime Helmet

The shell of the K3 is constructed from an extremely resilient thermoplastic resin and all graphics and colors are actually painted on as opposed to the stick-on decals that other manufacturers use. This speaks to the quality of the AGV Helmets family. For this price, the fact that this helmet (size MD) comes in at 3lbs 5oz is also a big deal. Inside, a removable and washable Dry-Lex liner and cheekpads is finished with a hygienic treatment to keep the funk at bay and is also moisture-wicking for comfort. As far as fit is concerned, the K3 uses the same shape as the GP Tech, a neutral oval that they found to be extremely ergonomic based on a three-dimensional study of thousands of head shapes. While this won't fit everyone's head (rounder HJC head shapes and super-long Arai Profile head shapes), it will fit a wide range of riders.

AGV K3 Helmet - Solid

The ventilation scheme is absolutely designed for the tuck or 3/4 position as are the aerodynamics. At the front, a chin vent and two chimney vents feed the air intake. At the rear, six extractor vents suck all of this air through the helmet to keep your head cool in the most active of riding situations. The shield is another standout feature of the K3 Helmet. The removal mechanism is AGV's XQRS, or Extra Quick Release System, and it literally takes seconds to take off or put on a new shield. The shield also uses AGV's Perimetrical Visor Seal, a thick gasket that lines the length of the shield and provides an extremely tight seal  that keeps wind noise to a minimum but also maintains a dry head in the event of a cloud burst.

AGV K3 Celebr8 Helmet

Overall, you're getting a sportbike helmet that provides a ton of value at its price point. For an extra few bucks, you can step up from a solid into the Rossi replica graphics, which will please a lot of riders. AGV is an Italian company committed to producing quality helmets, and the K3 represents another example of this dedication. To see comparable helmets, visit our Sportbike Helmets section.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
AGV GP Tech Helmet Review
Icon Alliance Freaky Tiki Helmet
Scorpion EXO-500 Helmet Review
Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet

AGV GP Tech Helmet Review

AGV GP Tech Rossi Wake UP LE Helmet

Loaded with graphical options that have been or are currently being worn by arguably the greatest MotoGP racer of all time, the AGV GP Tech Helmet is a serious pro-level race helmet that will compete head-to-head with the premium offerings of any top-level race helmet manufacturers. Extraordinarily lightweight, stable and speed, and with some of the best ventilation we see of any helmet within this range, it is no wonder that the GP Tech has been the choice of Valentino Rossi for a very long time. AGV Helmets still designs and manufactures this helmet exclusively in Italy.

Check out our AGV GP Tech Helmet Review:

AGV GP Tech Rossi Faces LE Helmet

Starting with the shell, AGV uses a dual-density Carbon Fiber and Kevlar weave that provides excellent resiliency and strength but is also very lightweight. A medium helmet comes in right around the 3.2-pound mark which is about as light as you can get for a full face helmet. Rather than using Snell, AGV has been going with DOT and ECE certifications. ECE22.05 is completely track-legal and provides comparable safety to Snell, but allows the helmet to be lighter than the Snell lids. For the shape of this helmet, AGV conducted a 3D study of thousands of head shapes and found that the most common headform is a true neutral oval. All of their helmets moving forward feature this ergonomic fitment that will fit a wide range of riders.

AGV GP Tech 5 Continents Helmet

Ventilation is monumental in the GP Tech. Using what they call the IVS, or Integrated Ventilation System, there are a total of three intake vents that feed ten total exhaust vents, with the vent holes hollowed straight through the EPS, traveling along channels at the top of the head. Every rider that gives feedback about this helmet seems to mention that the ventilation is superior to any helmet they've worn, which is ever so important on the racetrack. Inside, the Cool Max liner and cheek pads are fully removable and washable, antimicrobial, antibacterial and moisture-wicking. The finishing materials are very plush against the skin, and the stitched-in "AGV Helmets" logo is a nice touch that speaks to the attention to detail they put into this helmet.

AGV GP Tech Rossi Mugello LE Helmet

The faceshield is an anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate shield that comes equipped with the tear-off system, so you can attach plastic strips to the visor, and rip them off as they get filled with bugs for an instant clear shield. The shield change mechanism is simple, and there are other shield tints available, all of which are equipped with the tear-off system. There are three shell sizes for the GP Tech: Size 1 is XXS, XS, S, M; Size 2 is L, XL; Size 3 is XXL, XXXL. So instant of simply bulking up cheekpads and having it look like you're a bobble head, AGV actually adjusts the shell size to keep the helmet streamlined and maintain its aerodynamics.

AGV GP Tech Marco Simoncelli Helmet

Also worn by Marco Simoncelli in MotoGP, the GP Tech features Italian quality and design that is undeniable. And with all the Rossi replica graphics, there is really something for everyone out there. To see comparable choices, visit our Sportbike Helmets section.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide
HJC RPS-10 Helmet Review
Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Bell RS-1 Helmet Review

AGV AX-8 DS Helmet Video Review

Ready to shake up the dual sport motorcycle helmet market, the AGV AX-8 DS Helmet is here and ready to take on the heavy hitters. At an astonishingly light weight of 1490 grams (or 3lbs, 4.2oz), the AX-8 DS is nearly a half-pound lighter than the Arai XD-3. The aggressive looks alone are something that will appear to many riders as this helmet straight-up looks like it came from the future. Utilizing many features of AGV race helmets and combining them with elements of AGV dirt helmets, the AX-8 DS is a truly innovative helmet in terms of features and functionality. This helmet is set to make some serious waves in the DS and enduro markets as AGV Helmets enters the ring.

Here is our AGV AX-8 DS Helmet Review:

The AGV AX-8 DS Helmet is constructed using a Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass and Kevlar blend for superb resilience and extreme light weight and features a double density EPS liner. The helmet uses AGV's Integrated Ventilation System which is also found on the top-tier AGV GP-Tech Helmet. This system is hollowed ventilation channels that are drilled through the EPS for the best possible airflow. With six total intake vents and six exhaust vents, the Venturi Effect is in full force, creating a vacuum that sucks air through the helmet to keep you cool. The cut of the helmet features a low profile and a chin that comes lower than traditional dualsport lids, keeping it more in the vein of a classic dirt helmet. Also, the eyeport offers an extra wide periphery with
its dualsport-styled large shield.

The guts of the AGV AX8 DS are made using CoolMax & Dry-Comfort fabrics. The entire interior lining is removable and washable, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. This keeps your face cool and dry, and prevents the insides of the helmet from getting funked up. The chin curtain and breath diffuser mouth piece are completely removable as well. The rubberized mouth piece is easy to clean as well. Another really great feature of the AGV AX-8 DS Helmet is the fact that the peak and shield can be removed independently from each other. Oftentimes we see dualsport helmets that require removal of the peak in order to take the shield off. The AX-8 DS eliminates that inconvenience by mounting the peak and shield at two different parts of the helmet.

The AGV AX 8 DS Helmet is DOT and ECE 22.05 certified. What really stands out to us with this helmet is just how light and balanced it is, the aggressive lines and look of the helmet, and the great amounts of air it flows. The AX-8 DS is a serious competitor to the Arai XD-3 Helmet and Shoei Hornet DS Helmet as it muscles its way into the class of dual sport helmets.

-RetroZilla

Related:
AGV AX-8 DS Helmet: New Enduro Helmet
Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Dual Sport and Enduro Helmet Buying Guide

Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

In the next segment of our Helmet Buying Guide series, we sort out what we consider the upper echelon of lids. All of the helmets in this guide have very pointed applications in that you will find the most extreme uses, be it racing, extreme dual sporting or serious hyper-mile touring. These helmets are $500 and up and feature the most space-age materials and technologies currently available.

Lids in our Super Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide are made by AGV, Arai, Shoei, Bell & Shark. This level of functionality may be over the top for most riders so don't miss our Everyday Riding & Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guides as well.

First in our run of Super Premium lids is the AGV GP-Tech 5 Continents helmet was worn by MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. The GP-Tech 5 is a carbon & kevlar construction that is lightweight and extremely aerodynamic with ventilation channels hollowed straight into the helmet's shell for superior airflow. The Racer-X visor that comes stock is anti-fog/scratch polycarbonate with a tear-off system and is easily changeable with no tools. The CoolMax moisture-wicking liner is fully removable and washable. The AGV GP-Tech helmet is available in solids, graphics and a Marco Simoncelli version as well. With two MotoGP pros wearing this lid, you know AG Helmets has done something right. It is a intermediate to long oval fit.

Bell Helmets, previously featured in our Premium Helmet Guide with the Bell Vortex, has made a major impact in 2010 with their new line of helmets. The Bell Star helmet, a Snell 2010 race helmet, is no exception. The Star uses the Bell Tri-Matrix composite which is kevlar, carbon fiber & fiberglass resulting in an extremely lightweight yet resilient lid. The ventilation is adjustable using the FlowAdjust system which creates great venturi airflow keeping your head cool and dry. With the built-in rear wing, the aerodynamics are extremely stable. Available in solid colors and a boatload of dope graphic options, the fit on the Star is ideal for an intermediate oval head but with the contour cut cheek-pads, it fits just about everyone well.

Currently being worn by Randy De Puniet on the MotoGP circuit, the Shark RSR 2 helmet is the choice for the racer with the long narrow oval head shape. The RSR2 is constructed with a blend of carbon fiber & kevlar composited fibers and has a ventilation scheme and spoiler situated for riding in the tucked position. The EPS liner is built with multiple densities to provide maximum shock absorption in the event of a get-off and comes in two sizes to provide optimal fit. The ventilation scheme provides excellent airflow for on-track riding with large intake and perfectly-placed venturi side exhaust ports. The liner is fully adjustable, removable and washable utilizing CoolMax & Sanitized fabrics. This Shark helmet is DOT & ECE approved.

The definitive race helmet of the 2000s, the Shoei X-11 led the pack since its inception in 2003. With upgraded Snell 2010 certification and some major improvements in design, the Shoei X-12 helmet took the reins this year and is truly a next generation pro-level helmet. The X-12 utilizes the strong and light AIM+ shell which comes in five shell sizes to create the most accurate fit possible. The Aero Edge 2 Spoiler has been streamlined more so than the X-11 to reduce down force and improve aerodynamics. The brand new CW-1 shield is a wider periphery than previous visors and has a spring-loaded quick-release mechanism for snug fit and swift shield changes. The Shoei X-12 is an intermediate oval shape.

The last race helmet in this bunch, the Arai Corsair V helmet succeeds the RX-7 and boasts a veritable laundry list of improved functionality. The new fiberglass & kevlar shell features a Hyper-Ridge along the bottom which improves shell strength and widens the opening for easy on/off. The ventilation scheme is completely redesigned and flow a remarkable amount of air on the track at speed. The Arai SAI shield system is 5mm longer on each side for an exceptionally larger field of vision. One of the coolest features is the 5-way adjustable AirWing that allows for customizable aerodynamics that, to be honest, is second to no helmet on the market. The Arai Corsair V is Snell 2010 certified and has an intermediate oval shell shape.

For long distance touring helmets in the Super Premium range, there is no competition for the Arai RX-Q Helmet. They basically took the Corsair V race helmet and made the necessary design adjustments to create an optimized touring helmet. It utilizes the same wider-eyeport face shield as the Corsair V in addition the same shell construction materials. The guts have been improved over the Quantum 2 helmet that it replaces, with newer multi-density cheek pads for an optimized fit. The shell shape is an intermediate oval with a smaller and more aerodynamic shape over its predecessor. The five unique shell sizes ensure that every size of this helmet will be the ideal fit. The RX-Q is a Snell 2010 certified race helmet built for the street.

There are very few dual sport helmets whose functionality escalates them into the Super Premium realm. One of these helmets is the Shoei Hornet DS, a Snell 2005 ADV touring helmet. It uses the same materials as the X-12 in shell construction, the lightweight AIM+ shell, and has an extra-wide off-road style eyeport. The Hornet DS is exceptionally versatile and can be used three ways: with the visor and shield, with the visor and no shield, or with the shield and no visor. The 5-layered comfortable cheekpads are fully removable and have a channel for eyeglasses or goggles. Like the majority of Shoei Helmets, the Hornet DS is an intermediate oval head shape. It is DOT & Snell 2005 certified.

The top of the dual sport food chain is the Arai XD-3 Helmet. The fiberglass composite is stronger and lighter than previous iterations of this helmet and Arai used softer yet thinner materials in the liner for better comfort. The Twin-Cam Shield Pivot System provides a great deal of versatility with a face shield capable of use under the peak that is adjustable for aerodynamics depending on riding position. There are multiple optimized intake and exhaust vents designed to flow significant amounts of air and chinbar venting for shield de-fogging. Arai has been making dual sport helmets for a few years now and the XD-3 is the result of a great deal of R&D. It is an intermediate oval shape with Snell 2010 certification.

If these helmets are overkill for your riding style, check out our Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide & Everyday Riding Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide.

-RetroZilla

Related:

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Everyday Riding Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Touring Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

We get countless calls from first-time motorcycle helmet buyers here at RevZilla.com who are curious as to what they should be looking for when shopping for a motorcycle helmet. In this guide we attempted to touch on all of the basic subjects and questions that a first-time or even long-time motorcycle rider might have about purchasing a new motorcycle helmet. We cover the following topics in this video: Helmet Fit, Safety Standards, Helmet Brands, Helmet Applications and Types in addition to cost of helmets and what we consider the three tiers of motorcycle helmet price range. Again, the goal of these videos is to educate motorcycle riders about the crucial details and connect the dots when it's time to buy your next helmet. Watch the video below for all the details!

This is the first installation in a four-part motorcycle helmet buying guide from us. We will soon be rolling out the next three segments, Everyday Helmets, Premium Helmets & Super Premium Helmets.

We generally consider Everyday Helmets to fall into the $100 to $250 price range. These are helmets for the day-to-day rider that are DOT certified and will offer great performance in everyday riding situations. Everyday motorcycle helmets are produced by brands such as SparX Helmets, HJC Helmets, Scorpion Helmets, Bell Helmets and more.

The next level is Premium Motorcycle Helmets. We consider these helmets to fall within the $250 to $500 range. Premium helmets are lighter, more likely to have Snell certification, quieter, and provide better ergonomics than everyday helmets. Also, premium helmets are designed for a more specific riding application than everyday helmets. In this range, you start to see dual sport helmets, modular motorcycle helmets, and some race helmets. Some brands that produce premium helmets are Shark Helmets, Icon Helmets, Nolan Helmets, Akuma Helmets and more.

Finally, the top tier of motorcycle helmets are Super Premium Helmets. These helmets range begin at $500 and provide the most specific application of any of the helmet tiers. You start to see space-age materials in construction with advanced R&D and technological testing. Race replica helmets, hypermiling long-distance helmets, and extreme enduro helmets are all found in this category. They are the lightest and strongest helmets available. Period. Super Premium Helmets come from brands such as Arai Helmets, Shoei Helmets, AGV Helmets, Shark Helmets, Suomy Helmets and Bell Helmets.

We hope this first installment was informative and helpful. Stay tuned for the next three parts!

-RetroZilla

Related:

Touring Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Modular Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Dual Sport & Enduro Helmet Buying Guide

Scorpion Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide