The brand new Scorpion VX-34 Helmet takes everything that its predecessor (the VX-24) was and escalates to a entirely new level. The shell has been completely redesigned, borrowing features and visual appearance from $500+ off-road helmets for an aggressive style. Internally, the liner and cheekpads have been upgraded, while externally we're seeing some features that we've yet to see in a dirt helmet. By pricing this lid south of $200, Scorpion is looking to capture a big portion of dirt riders who want a serious feature set in a high-performance off-road helmet but aren't looking to spend an exorbitant amount of coin.
Starting off, the premium polycarbonate shell has been completely reshaped, and now bears a serious resemblance to some dirt helmets from the super-premium manufacturers. The ridges on the back provide an aggressive appearance but also a secure place for goggle straps. Scorpion has also included the AirFit air pump system, iterating on technology from a 90s shoe manufacturer, and adding an inflatable bladder behind each cheekpad, with a pump button and release button. This allows you to pump it up when the helmet is on, personalizing the fit to your cheeks, and quickly and easily release the air for helmet removal. We've seen this in Scorpion's sport helmets for a while now, and it's nice to see it cross over to the dirt world.
At the interior, Scorpion is now using its brand new KwikWick II cheekpads and crown liner. As with the KwikWick I, the interior is completely removable and washable. However, softer and more comfortable materials are used, and this version is antibacterial and antimicrobial, which will keep the funk out of this helmet. At the front of the helmet, Scorpion has made the metal roost guard completely removable and replaceable. There is a sponge dirt guard that sits behind that is removable, washable and replaceable. The replaceable roost guard is a big innovation, since rocks can easily damage this and render it less effective. It's nice to be able to swap to a new one in the event of damage.
The VX-34 is now DOT & ECE certified, leaving behind the Snell standard of the VX-24. The ECE standard is comparable in safety to Snell, but allows for a lighter shell. A medium Scorpion VX34 Helmet weighs in at a svelte 3.2lbs. Ventilation has been upgraded as well, with air intakes across the brow that channel into the EPS, and a nearly-20mm top vent that is drilled right through the EPS. This feeds two rear top venturi vents and two winglet vents for significant airflow. The peak is adjustable and replaceable, and utilizes plastic bolts for its attachment to ensure that in the event of a face plant, the bolts will sheer off and peak will not cause you any damage.
We're looking at mid-July 2011 release on the VX 34. The buzz has been huge surrounding this helmet so far, and our initial look has confirmed the speculation: this helmet offers excellent bang-for-the-buck and a major feature set under 200 bones. To see its competitors, visit our Dirt Helmets section.
The ultimate in bombproof all-season Adventure Touring with more emphasis on off-road riding, the Klim Adventure Rally Jacket & Klim Adventure Rally Pants deserves the full HD video RevZilla treatment. We've had this one in the works for a long time, and now we're delivering our full 15-minute detailed review and breakdown of this veritable beast of an ADV outfit. Check out our look at all the subtleties of this jacket in the video below.
Here's the bullet points on what the Klim ADV Rally is bringing to the table:
Inspired by Dakar Rally for all-weather all-season extreme off-road adventure riding
Full GORE-TEX ProShell Outer Construction, utilizing Talisman fabric which is developed by Gore & SuperFabric and is a waterproof breathable version of SuperFabric; GORE-TEX Armacor & SPL600 Pro Shell is used in non-impact areas
d3o molecular-level armor in the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips & back: soft and flexible when riding but becomes rigid upon impact, dispersing energy across entire surface area of armor
Gore-Tex Lock-Out ventilation system; heavy-duty ziplock-style zipper system is 100% waterproof when closed thanks to Gore's newest technology, but when opened will flow a ton of air and keep you cool in the hot months
High-capacity storage system with integrated removable harness system that evenly distributes weight across torso; 11550 cubic cm in jacket alone, which converts to over 4500 cubic inches of storage
Fully waterproof collar is built to be compatible with a Leatt neck brace; includes standard collar and larger storm cuff collar designed to fit over neck brace
Integrated hydration system inspired by Dakar Rally prohibiting any external backpacks
Moisture-wicking antibacterial mesh liner
Pants feature large leather panels on inner side of lower legs for heat and wear resistance
High-back yoke for support and moisture-wicking
Let's not kid around: this is a serious suit for the passionately hardcore adventure rider, and the price tag reflects it. But with all of the space-age technologies and the sheer quality of fabrics and materials, you're getting precisely what you're paying for with this suit. Klim specializes in off-road gear, having produced the highest-quality products possible for over ten years. After two years in R&D, the Klim Adventure Rally Suit has been unveiled and it's sure to be a monster hit in the ADV community.
