The Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet is packed with improvements over its predecessor, the EXO-1000, but manages to remain in the same price range, delivering an even higher degree of performance. Designed as the premium long-distance touring lid within the Scorpion range, the Scorpion EXO1100 Helmet is optimized for the upright or 3/4 riding position, providing ideal comfort, aerodynamics, protection, and ventilation in all touring scenarios. With an improved shell, redesigned airflow system, and other subtle upgrades, we can easily see this helmet being an absolute home run as we move into the latter portion of 2011 and the 2012 riding season.
Available in a run of solid colors and Scorpion's newest graphic options, the Scorpion EXO 1100 Helmet is sure to carry the torch after the immense popularity of the EXO-1000. Let's get right in to the upgrades found on the 1100. First and foremost, the ventilation in the EXO-1100 has been completely redesigned with enormous channels that span the entirety of the EPS liner to flow a ton of air and keep the head cool on all long rides. As with the EXO-1000, the ventilation is strategically-positioned to perform the best in the upright and 3/4 position. There is an open/close chin vent, an open/close brow intake, two open/close chimney intakes, an open/close chimney exhaust (that controls two vents), and two rear lower diffusers. There is a ton of air that flows through this lid.
The new for 2010 Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet is also 4oz. lighter than its predecessor. Scorpion has decided to use DOT and ECE safety certifications rather than Snell. ECE provides a comparable safety level to Snell, but allows for significant weight savings. We see this with some other brands (such as AGV) and the result is a high-performance, lighter weight helmet. Internally, the KwikWick II liner system is now being used which is a significant upgrade over the first iteration. In addition to being softer and providing better moisture-wicking properties, the KwikWick II is also completely antimicrobial and antibacterial which will help keep your helmet funk-free. It still remains removable and washable (cheekpads and crown liner). The comfort liner uses a slot system rather than the velcro of the 1000, which reduces pressure points.
At the neckroll, we see another improvement as it now features a new lower profile that creates a better seal at the entrance of the helmet, offering significantly lower wind noise. The opening is now more accommodating for putting the 1100 on and off, and its intermediate oval shape is going to fit an extremely wide range of riders' head shapes. The AirFit system remains in this helmet which is a controllable air bladder system behind each cheekpad, allowing a personalized fit with the simple push of a button. This makes getting in and out of the helmet a lot easier and also ensures you can have the snuggest fit possible for maximum comfort and ergonomics.
Beyond the extensive upgrades, the EverClear fog-free shield is optically-correct and anti-fog treatment works very well. The SpeedShift shield change mechanism allows for shield changes in seconds with the simple twist of a knob. The shield itself is spring-loaded, features strong detents, and the locking mechanism is three positions (open, locked, and cracked for airflow). Another big feature that carries over is the SpeedView internal retractable sun visor (also featuring the anti-fog EverClear coating) which provides the rider a quick way to ease the glare when the sun makes its way out.
With the extensive feature set from the EXO-1000 and a significant amount of improvements, we see the Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet as providing excellent value at its price point and being suitable for a wide range of riders.
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The Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet is brand new for 2011, bringing innovation to a helmet (the EXO-1000) that was already a standout at its price point for long-distance touring. While we've yet to get our hands on one to do a video review, an initial look at the stat sheet on this helmet is impressive. It retains all of the features that made the EXO-1000 so popular, but iterates in various ways to further optimize this helmet's performance in the upright riding position.
First and foremost, the Scorpion EXO1100 Helmet features DOT and ECE22.05 certification rather than the DOT/Snell rating had by the EXO-1000. The ECE standard provides an extreme degree of protection, but allows weight
savings over having a Snell certification. ECE 22.05 is a fully track-legal safety standard in the States, and more and more manufacturers are leaning toward this standard due to the weight savings it offers.
The next major upgrade is the KwikWick II helmet liner and cheek pad system. The original Kwikwick system was fully removable and washable, featuring moisture-wicking properties. The new KwikWick II system (which we first saw in the VX-34 dirt helmet) adds antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It also boasts a softer finish against the skin, and the moisture-wicking abilities have been improved. It is still easily removable and washable. The last upgrade (from what we can tell at this early date) is an improved ventilation
scheme and rear spoiler that will provide improved airflow and stability when compared to the capabilities of the EXO-1000.
Beyond the upgrades that we're seeing at first glance, the Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet maintains every other standout feature of its predecessor. It uses a Fiberglass and Kevlar Matrix shell which is quiet, lightweight and wind-tunnel tested. The AirFit system remains, which allows riders to personalize the cheek pads via a bladder that sits behind them, inflating with one button, and deflating with another for easy helmet removable. The EverClear no-fog shield uses Scorpion's proprietary anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, and we've always heard
good results from Scorpion loyalists. The shield also uses the SpeedShift change system, allowing tool-less shield changes in a matter of seconds.
Inside, you'll find the SpeedView retractable internal sun visor, which slides up and down with a simple lever that can be operated while wearing a glove. If the sun slips behind a cloud, this is a quick solution to be able to continue to see the road. The sun visor also has the Everclear coating to keep the fog out of your ride.
While this is still a very preliminary look at this helmet, our first glance hints at a lid that will provide long-distance tourers with a high-performance sub-$300 option that is
absolutely loaded with features. The EXO-1000 helmet was extraordinarily popular and we see no reason why the Scorpion EXO 1100 Helmet won't be even more in demand with its improved weight, ventilation and liner system.
We look forward to getting our hands on one of these for a video review, so stay tuned for that!
With the extensive feature set from the EXO-1000 and a significant amount of improvements, we see the Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet as providing excellent value at its price point and being suitable for a wide range of riders.
