In the lengthy line of flip up helmets, the X-Lite X-1003 is jam packed with goodies and comes with an impressive crash test report. The build quality and finish of this helmet is putting X-Lite, with Nolangroup on the front page with all the other major helmet manufacturers.
The ‘Elegance’ version of the folding helmet has enough sophistication going on for itself to justify the name. Featuring an ECE 22.05 safety standard, the helmet has passed the SHARP crash tests with a score higher than 95%, which is more than what can be said about other helmets in the same category.
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What Would You Love?
This flip up helmet has been provided with a dual action system to open the chin guard. This actually means that the chin guard is a little complicated to open and it does not ‘flip-up’ as easily as you would expect. So you know how important it is, for the chin guard to stay in its place in the event of a crash.
But that’s not all. ECE has approved use of this helmet for use with the chin guard in both open and closed position. Considering that ECE is one of the strictest standards there are in the European Union area, this should be an instant satisfaction for the safety conscious.
In other words, the X 1003 has been dual homologated (P/J homologation).
X-Lite has quite some confidence in the quality of the product as well as their manufacturing process to have given a five year warranty with your purchase of the X-Lite X 1003.
Top Features to Look Out For
Safety is one thing. Features, construction, ventilation and comfort are another. So how does the X 1003 fare in each? Let’s have a looks.
Shell
Following a trend in all its helmets, X-Lite has managed to use composite fiber materials in this helmet as well which is a good compromise between weight and safety. Weighing in at 3.5 pounds for the standard size, it is not exactly lightweight, but it is not heavy either. So unless you are all set to burn rubber on every tarmac you can find on long tours, you can get by with this helmet just fine.
Helmet sizes come in different forms. The X 1003 comes in 3 outer helmet sizes with a range of EPS sizes resulting in an effective range from XXS to XXXL. This decision by X-Lite is a fine one, apparently to reach a wider segment of customers and eliminating ‘fit’ as the reason to pass off this wonderfully safe helmet.
Visors
A characteristic of all flip up helmets, the X 1003 also has a scratch proof face shield and a drop down sun visor. The visor is wide enough to allow you access to a wider periphery of vision. Furthermore, it is fully compatible with the PinLock ultra wide fog-free shield, which can be inserted and attached easily. It does not come with a default PinLock in the box though, which can be a bummer because most other helmet manufacturers are jumping the bandwagon and including a PinLock lens as a standard accessory when you buy their helmets.
The drop down sun visor, operated by a simple slider to the left of the helmet is scratchproof as well as UV resistant for those sunny days.
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
The X-1003 utilizes a ‘Touring Ventilation System’ to keep your head cool for as long as possible. Though it may just sound like a fancy name for the standard venting scheme used in pretty much all helmets, it works quite well.
Air is allowed in through the chin vent and a top vent, which can be toggled even with your gloves on. X-Lite has put in channels in their EPS so that the air coming in properly ventilates your scalp and is exhausted through the back of helmet via a vent below a subtle spoiler outline.
It won’t be much use because it is essentially a flip up helmet; so you can just open up the chin guard and let some relief in. But how many times are you going to do that if you find yourself on an extended ride?
Padding and Lining
An anti-bacterial, removable and washable inner lining relieves you from the discomfort effortlessly. It is quite soft and comfortable even when the helmet is worn longer periods.
The comfort liner and cheek pads are relatively easy to remove. The icing on the cake is that X-Lite has provided grooves and adjustable cheek pads for those of you wearing spectacles or glasses making it easier to slide them in and out the helmet.
Customer Reviews
This is a popular helmet among most riders. The reasons are high safety standard, effective ventilation, high levels of comfort and the ability to wear spectacles on long rides.
But the major grudge over here is that Pinlock lens is not included in the package and has to be bought separately.
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
Very few helmets have provisions in place that enable you to wear spectacles. This is one of those few ones, which actually has everything on the positive side. If the absence of a Pinlock lens is bothering you, consider that this helmet has one of the highest sharp test scores in the flip up helmet segment. So think about what you are giving up for the sake of convenience.