Helmet Review - HJC IS-17

This post is a review of my helmet, a fluorescent yellow HJC model IS-17.  I got this helmet as a replacement for my Box helmet after an impact.  I couldn't fault the Box helmet - it was my first, and I had nothing to compare it to.  It fit, it was easy to put on, and it allowed me to keep all my teeth.

The moment of impact

That's my helmet in the bottom right corner of the screen.  My chin scraped the floor after my bike went out from underneath me - see my earlier post about it.  So, I needed to go and get a new helmet.

I went back to visit my friends at Helmet City - a great shop in Tatsfield.  I cannot recommend this place enough - they have helped me enormously every time I've been.  One of the reasons I went here was because they could sell me a helmet that they were confident hadn't been dropped or worn by someone test fitting.  A brand new, undamaged helmet is a great way to protect your head.

My wife, being the nervous type, insisted I get a bright hi-vis helmet.  I could see no reason not to - as a new rider, I could use every advantage possible to be more visible to other road users. So, I settled on the HJC IS-17.

I didn't get it just because of the colour.  The helmet is a good 250g lighter that my Box.  That may not sound like much, but after half an hour of riding, it makes a big difference.  I also found the field of vision to be streets ahead of the Box.  I can actually see my gauges without having to nod.  It makes for a tremendously more comfortable and confident ride, knowing I can see more of what's around me.

The breath guard works well, and there is a removable chin curtain.  I find the ventilation on the helmet to be acceptable, but sometimes I wish it would 'breathe' more.  The Pinlock Max visor attachment is very good at keeping the fog at bay.  Another nod to the chaps at Helmet City - my Pinlock insert wasn't quite seating properly, so they replaced it for me!  I haven't had any problems since.  The visor is easy to remove for cleaning, and snaps easily back into place.  I do notice that the internal sun visor does fog up, but I think that's an issue on virtually every helmet.  The controls for the internal sun visor are a bit difficult to use; I found myself needing the visor down, but it had been weeks since I had last used it, so I couldn't figure out how to get it to drop down.  By the time I got it, I didn't need it anymore.

The wind noise is quite low;  the Box helmet was a modular, or flip-front design, which likely contributed to the wind noise.  Riding in the HJC is much quieter, but I'm still able to hear everything around me.

I do need to wear prescription glasses when I ride, so its a pain every time I put my helmet on or take it off - I have to find a place to prop my glasses for a quick moment.  The extra steps involved can be a bit of a pain, but I suppose its worth it in the end.  Certainly not the helmet's fault.

The D-Ring fitting for the chip strap is easy to use, and keeps the lid on tight.  At speeds up to 50mph (haven't gone faster than that yet!), the helmet doesn't try to pull my head off, so there's some good aerodynamic efficiency going on there.

I have fitted my Drift Ghost camera to the right jaw area, and it sits very well.  I don't really notice its there, and it provides a good view of my experience.

After a few months of use, it remains comfortable, and easy to use.  My commute can take up to 80 minutes (if I take a scenic route), and I have not noticed any ill effects on my neck or anything.

Overall, I would recommend this helmet; the price was very reasonable, it meets the tough safety standards, it functions well, and is comfortable.  It also keeps me visible to all those cars out there that wouldn't otherwise see me.