Here at the SR offices, we have a pretty wide selection of helmet choices to choose from, ranging from brands costing upwards of $600 to others you've probably never heard of (and truth be told, we hadn't heard of some of these lids either). We've got a gamut of countries represented, too, with Japan, Italy, France and Korea all in the mix. With so many different choices to pick from, it's interesting to note that two out of the three staffers usually grabs the HJC as they head out of the office. The latest HJC we reach for now is the same one that Ben Spies grabs before he heads out to the track: the FS-15.
The FS-15 takes over from the AC-12 as HJC's flagship model (though the AC-12 is still available) and builds upon its success. Constructed from a fiberglass composite shell, the FS-15 features all the amenities you've come to expect in high-end helmets: a fully removable, moisture-wicking liner, a tool-less and secure shield changing mechanism, double D-ring straps and an advanced ventilation system.
On the aerodynamic front, the FS-15 is shaped slightly different than its predecessor. The chinbar area doesn't protrude as far out as the AC-12 model did, though the upper forehead seems to be extended ever so slightly. It still favors those with a round-oval shaped head, though the slightly roomier fit compared to the AC-12 should appeal to a broader range of head shapes.
HJC says they tested the helmet in the wind-tunnel at speeds up to 130mph, and did further testing with Ben Spies at speeds upwards of 196mph at the banking in Daytona. Those lessons seem to have paid off as the lid feels dead stable at even the most ludicrous of freeway speeds, despite its rather heavy weight of 3.6 pounds. Even side-to-side head turns at 80 mph put little strain on the neck as the side profile is also efficient. Compared to the model it replaces, ventilation is drastically improved. With the top vents opened one can feel a cool breeze of air flow across the top of the head and exit out the rear exhaust ports. We had a hard time feeling any channeling of air with the AC-12. That being said, the ventilation on the FS-15 still has a way to go before we grab for it on a hot summer day.
Overall, we like the new lid. It fits our heads comfortably, is aerodynamic, and the shield changing system is dead simple: pull back the tabs, pop off old shield and snap the new one right in. Easy. An added bonus is the fact that it's Snell approved and meets DOT standards. But we do have our gripes about it. Firstly, the double D-ring retention system isn't smooth-the second D-ring has a tendency to shift as you put the helmet on, causing the strap to lock into position with excess slack left over. Speaking of the D-rings, for a high end helmet not to have the pull strap to release tension when you want to take the helmet off just doesn't make sense. Lastly, the shields aren't fog resistant-a feature we wish every shield came with. Instead, the shields come pre-fitted with the tabs to fit the Pinlock anti-fog insert. While it works, the Pinlock insert distorts rider vision at its edges.
The FS-15 is available in sizes ranging from XS-2XL and prices vary from $219.00 for solid colors all the way to $449.99 for the carbon fiber version.
HJC Helmets
(562) 407-2186
www.hjchelmets.com