Shoei X-Twelve Helmet - Late Braking

Like the RF-1100, the X-Twelve continues to utilize Shoei's AIM+ fiber technology that is claimed to produce a lighter and stronger helmet shell, but now constructed to meet the new Snell 2010 standards. Unlike the RF-1100 though, the shell is not formed in the rear to do away with the plastic spoiler; a new, larger plastic spoiler adorns the rear of the X-Twelve instead. Shoei reps stated that because the X-Twelve is intended as a racing helmet, the higher speeds it was likely to encounter required an aerodynamic shape that was unachievable by even the new shell-forming technology developed by the company and used on the RF-1100. The shell-forming technique does allow the X-Twelve to come in an industry-leading five different shell sizes to cover the range of head sizes from XS to XXXL, just like the RF-1100.

The new X-Twelve also incorporates Shoei's new patented QRSA (Quick Release Self-Adjusting) base plate system that pulls the shield evenly against the helmet's eyeport seal once the shield is in the closed position, ensuring a wind and waterproof seal. The new wider and taller CW-1 faceshield is also used on the X-Twelve, protecting the rider from 99 percent of the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays, and the company's three-dimensional molding process ensuring distortion-free vision. An additional benefit with utilizing the QRSA base plate system on the X-Twelve is that the new CWF-1 racing faceshields no longer require readjustment in order to use them on the helmet. Because racing faceshields must be completely flat vertically across the shield so that tearoffs will seat properly (regular faceshields are often slightly curved in order to enhance sealing at the eyeport edge as well as optical clarity), they used to require careful adjustment of the base plates in order to achieve a good eyeport seal-in fact, with some helmets, it was almost impossible to attain a good seal. In addition, the CWF-1 racing shields also have new tearoff buttons that permit tearoff tension to be adjusted without tools. Like the CW-1 shield, the CWF-1 shield is also available with Shoei's optional Pinlock inner lens fog-free system, with the new Pinlock lens that now sits above the upper edge of the eyeport so that it no longer obscures vision as with the previous version.

Improving upon the X-Eleven's superb ventilation would be a tall order, so Shoei engineers made use of the company's wind tunnel to design the new X-Twelve's system. Utilizing a total of five intake and 10 exhaust vents, the X-Twelve is the most aggressively ventilated helmet the company has ever produced. Wind tunnel testing allowed Shoei to find the optimum locations for the vents; for example, new side extractor vents (with development help by the company's MotoGP racing service) help clear warm, humid air from the racer's face to increase comfort and reduce fogging.

The Shoei X-Twelve is backed by a five-year warranty, and is available in solid colors for $649.99, metallic colors for $659.99, and various graphics for $769.99. -K.K.