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The HJC CL-SP is HJC's mid-level helmet that has many similar features to another popular helmet called the HJC CL-15. The shell appears to look slightly more aggressive, but the best we can tell is that the new CL-SP is a CL-15 with a upgraded comfort liner.
The CL-SP fits very similar to the HJC CL-15. The liner in the CL-SP is called Bioceramic Nylon which is engineered to keep help keep the liner from getting smelly too quickly. This is a nice feature if you never clean your helmet, but these days helmet liners are so easy to remove and clean you really have no excuse for not doing so at least once a year. The overall fit is moderately round and it also seems to run about 1 full size large just like the CL-15. All of our testers felt more comfortable in 1 full size smaller than they typically wear. The liner is fully-removable and allows you to easily change the internal padding to customize the fit.
The CL-SP ventilation system is similar to the CL-15 and does a fair job of moving air through the helmet. It was not over-impressive until we were at freewat speeds. Then it seemed to go a better job for our testers. It did seem keep our heads cool, but didn't give us the instant gratification of feeling air blowing across our heads in the process.
The CL-SP is about average in the weight department and is similar to the CL-15. Overall riding impressions are positive and the helmet did feel lighter than the scales indicated which is becoming normal these days due to better aerodynamic designs.
Our favorite feature of the CL-SP is the new HJC visor design. It is one of the best designs making it incredibly simple to change visors. It might even be easier to change shields than Shoei's system. Open the visor, press lightly on the curved lever and the visor pops right off. Re-installing is even easier. Just line the tabs up and lightly press the visor down and it magically pops right into place. It is so simple you can do it with your eyes closed. HJC also includes a locking mechanism on the visor to keep it locked down that works very well.
The CL-SP uses HJC's newest HJ-09 visor that comes anti-fog treated. There are 16 different choices when it comes to visors. Anything from clear, tinted, mirrored, race-posts, etc. And the visors are all reasonably priced just like the helmet.
And last but not least, the CL-SP is DOT and Snell 2005 rated, which gives the latest in safety standards.
Overall, we think the HJC CL-SP does a fine job in offering a good value with plenty of features. Were just not sure if the Bioceramic liner makes up for the price difference between this model and the CL-15. Either way we think both helmets are great choices if you are looking for an entry level price point, but expect higher-end features in your next helmet.
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