The Japanese company Shoei has been making helmets since 1958. The company was originally formed to make helmets for the construction industry. Elitaro Kamata, the founder of Shoei, had a vision to make excellent motorcycle helmets for riding enthusiasts.
The production of motorcycle helmets began in 1960, and the popularity rose as Honda Motor Co. claimed that the Shoei helmets were genuine helmets. Shoei pays excellent attention to detail, and despite the enormous growth, the company is relatively small. Shoei is a pioneer in helmet manufacturing, and it has made numerous helmet innovations in the industry. Check price here.
The Shoei Hornet X2 helmet review tells you why you should give it a second look if you want a durable and good quality helmet.
Benefits
The Hornet X2 helmet is a true adventure helmet that is designed for use on the road and on tracks. There are no limitations on adventure riding. The helmet you wear should offer complete protection to provide a true balance between performance both on road and off road.
The helmet is designed to provide ultimate comfort during long distance rides, and it can be used in all weather conditions. This helmet is a direct successor to the Shoei Hornet DS, and it is a premium helmet for use on and off roads. The premium helmet is priced around $600.
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.
Features
The Hornet X2 helmet is a superior full-face helmet that weighs 3.92 pounds. For the $600 price point, you can find helmets that are lighter than this. However, if you are concerned about performance, you should know that the Shoei helmets are extremely popular for their aerodynamic properties.
The helmet has an intermediate oval fit, and unless you have an extreme round shaped head, you will be comfortable with this helmet.
Shell Construction
As the manufacturer is Shoei, you can expect the shell to be made of exotic fiber blends. The Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi fiber (AIM+) shell is lighter, smaller, and compact. The unique blend of fibers make the helmet supremely aerodynamic.
The shell is available in 4 different shell sizes to ensure a custom fit for all head shapes. You can find the shell in sizes varying from XS to XXL, and if you follow the sizing chart, you can easily find a helmet that fits you like a glove.
Interior
The interior of the Hornet X2 is made of a dual layer and multi-density EPS liner. That means that the EPS liner is produced of different foam densities to provide a comfort fit inside the helmet.
It also features a compact design without compromising on the ventilation aspect. The key impact areas on your head are protected by the multi-density foam layer which maximizes impact absorption. In the case of a collision, the head is completely protected by the helmet.
The interior liner is made of 3D Max-Dry System II, which is contoured to match the face of the rider. It provides excellent cushioning while allowing the helmet to fit perfectly.
The liner material is moisture wicking as it quickly dissipates sweat. You won’t feel as if you are cooking inside the helmet, thanks to the comfortable interior liner.
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.
Face Shield System
The face shield system uses CNS 2 system, and it is 3D injection molded. This provides more rigidity to the face shield so that you can open and close it while enjoying the solid feel of the face shield.
The face shield visor system also uses QR-N base plate system which enables you to quickly and effectively change the face shield without having to remove the visor completely. The face shield visor fits perfectly against the gasket, providing a complete seal against the natural elements. The thicker gasket is also much more durable.
The improved shield locking system keeps the face shield in place in any position of your choice. The face shield is Pinlock ready, and it is shipped with Pinlock inserts and pins. The visor uses quarter turn screws, which is useful in toolless removal of the visor. If necessary, you can remove the face shield completely and use the helmet with goggles for off-road riding.
Ventilation
The Shoei Hornet X2 helmet features a very good ventilation system with two upper air vents and a large lower air intake vent. Four exhaust vents are placed at the back. The helmet also has outlet vents in the neck area.
The upper vents can be opened and closed using a shutter control system. The lower vent can also be controlled, and it can be kept in multiple positions. The lower vent acts as a defrost vent during extremely cold weather.
The exhaust vents maximize venturi effect to keep your head cool inside the helmet. The ventilation system is further enhanced by a removable chin curtain and breath guard. With the Pinlock inserts, the face shield will never fog while providing adequate ventilation.
Safety
The Shoei Hornet X2 helmet has Snell and DOT approval. Snell certified shell construction ensures that minimal trauma is passed on to your head in cases of collision. Finding a helmet with maximum safety approval is essential to keeping your head safe under extreme riding conditions.
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.
Other Factors for Consideration
With excellent ventilation comes the problem of wind noise. The helmet is quiet in low speed riding. However, for long distance rides and riding at high speeds, you are better off with ear plugs.
The helmet may be a little tight when you wear it in the beginning due to thicker contoured cheek pads, but once you break it in, you will stay comfortable in this helmet. It is worth the purchase if you want to own a good quality helmet.