‘Drift’ is an unusual word. To most of us who are car freaks, it means ‘sideways’. So when Caberg does a ‘drift’ and comes out with a helmet with the same name, it does not quite sound right. It is a metaphor? Is it symbolism? Who knows?
But we do know that the carbon fiber version looks shiny, glossy and impressive. The Caberg Drift is an ECE 22.05 certified Full Face Helmet. It is available in a tri composite shell as well as the complete carbon fiber version, which we will now discuss.
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What Would You Love?
The Drift has all the characteristics of a Caberg lid. It has a brilliant finish. All the parts and fittings sit together tightly. There are no occurrences of any flimsy fittings and the levers as well as locking mechanisms give this helmet a ‘hard’ feeling. It shouldn’t be a surprise, considering this helmet comes from Italy.
The helmet is provided with a Double-D ring buckle for locking in the chin strap. Normally people now prefer the Microlock 2 system which is a one handed operation. But the Double D ring has not become obsolete just yet. It can be operated with gloves on and it is possible to just loosen it a bit to remove the helmet without taking it apart all together.
The compatibility with their Just Speak S system is great, with Caberg taking extra care to mold the recess in the EPS to have exact shape of the com unit.
The Top Features to Look Out For
The carbon fiber version of the Drift looks nice, but is it worth your money? Let’s see.
Shell
Caberg initially launched the tri composite shell, but the full carbon fiber version came soon after. Carbon fiber is on track for slowly becoming the de facto standard material in helmet molding, as more manufacturers have started adopting it in their process. A novelty for now, it will soon become standard once everyone gets accustomed to it.
Fit is an intermediate oval, which is standard for most people with normal head shapes. The helmet comes with a single shell size which ranges from XS to XXL. That’s 53 cm to 63 cm at best.
Weighing in at 1340 grams or 2.95 pounds, this helmet is amazingly light, considering that this is a full face helmet, with inner visor installed. That is an impressive level of weight reduction from Caberg using the carbon fiber shell.
The rims have been lined with a thick gasket which prevents the rainwater from seeping in and giving you a bad hair day.
Visors
The face shield is huge. It does not obstruct the vision by much even though this is a full face lid. The Drift is advertised with ‘PinLock Original In the Box’, and it’s a Max Vision, so rejoice!
Caberg is also touting a new technology – the Self Sealing Anti Scratch Visor. It is supported by a spring loaded mechanism. So when you close the helmet, you have two choices – keep the visor in the down position or press it a little more to lock it backwards for a tight fit against the gasket. This essentially seals your face in, preventing anything getting through.
It looks complicated, but is simple to operate. This system is complimented by the Anti Mist visor lock which works in tandem and prevents extra fogging.
A drop down sun visor comes pre-integrated with the helmet.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Ventilation
A dual function chin vent acts as the primary inlet. This front vent strengthens the anti fogging ability of the PinLock Max Vision. The upper, large dual vent system also lets a generous amount of air in that is then channeled and exhausted out back. Both the vent and exhaust can be adjusted in position with sliders that integrate into the design with angular precision.
The effect is an indirect air flow, much like central air conditioning that keeps ambient temperatures low, without blowing air directly over anyone’s head.
This time, the liner has cut outs that match the channels in the EPS, which means that the air flow will not have much in the way of interruptions.
Padding and Lining
Lining is removable and washable. The padding on the chin strap can also be removed and washed. Fabric is hypoallergenic and breathable. The color combination involves a lot of black interspersed with a grey and light grey at appropriate places. The cushion is not that plush but does its job well to keep your chin, cheekbones and jawline comfortable without creating any pressure points.
A chin curtain has been provided, which blocks chilly air coming in from underneath. The installation and removal is quite easy and it stays in place with a locking mechanism.
Customer Reviews
For a great helmet like this, the only complaint users can find is the noise level. Some have claimed that it is acceptable. But the sentiment leans towards an annoyance factor of the wind noise, which could have been avoided easily with proper design.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Bottom Line
Noise level can be said to be subjective, depending on every individual’s hearing capability and sensitivity. So, people are going to hear noise at a particular decibel level. If this threshold is acceptable to you, Caberg Drift is a nice helmet for you.
If not, you can always continue your window shopping.