Head Gear

HEAD GEAR

IGNITION

GEAR

Five new helmets to protect your noggin

Blake Conner

NEW IDEAS

SNARL FOR ME

Sometimes you just want to look badass. And no other helmet on the market has more of a snarling face than Shark’s Raw ($289.95-$299.95). This helmet is a hybrid of an open-face and an old-school MX-style lid, featuring a built-in goggle with a Carl Zeiss antifog/scratch lens and customizable face mask (camo, Union Jack, etc).

->+33 4 9118 23 23 shark-helmets.com

ADV TRANSFORMER

With the popularity of ADV bikes and adventure-touring, billed hybrid helmets have become super popular. And this new lid from Touratech, the Aventuro Carbon ($649), is really three helmets in one. Without tools, it can be transformed from an ADV helmet into a visor-less MX lid or no-bill street protection.

->(800) 491-292G touratech-usa.com

“WISH” LID

Italian racing legend Valentino Rossi is famous for wearing special helmets at his home Grand Prix. Fans often have the chance to get a hold of replicas of his helmets like his new AGVCorsa “Wish” ($999.95), which is a tribute to his late friend Marco Simoncelli. The graphics are themed after Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here album art.

->(888)234-5450 store.agv.com

PREMIUM DIRT

For those looking for a premium-quality off-road/motocross helmet, Arai’s VX-Pro4 ($599.95) has to be a consideration. The R75 shell is constructed of Super Fiber, which has 30 percent more tensile strength than fiberglass. A wider/longer bill, revised venting, and Emergency Cheekpad Release System are among many new features.

-> (G10) 3GG-7220 araiamericas.com

MOD POD

Modular helmets have some big advantages for touring and commuting Nolan’s N104EVO ($449.95-$499.95) has a flip-down sun visor, Pinlock antifog Insert, and a removable Clima-Comfort liner. What’s more, It can be fitted with an Ncom B4 Bluetooth communication system. A stainless-steel mechanism ensures the chin bar latches tightly.

-> (866) 243-5G38 nolan-usa.com