|
When we first heard about the SparX brand, we honestly didn't know what to think. It doesn't take long to see that there are a ton of helmet choices out there in this price range. This includes the Scorpion EXO-400 which we give high marks to in our evaluations. In order for a helmet to do well, it must be a strong contender. The SparX S-07 is a home run.
ECE-2205
If you have read through some of our evaluations, you know we prefer the ECE-2205 safety standard. Once we pulled our demo SparX from the box, and saw that it held this rating, it was off to a great start. Without getting to detailed, ECE-2205 standard helmets are batch tested, and the standard allows for a slightly softer helmet, which has been found to react better in regard to a typical motorcycle accident. I think over the next few years you will start to see more and more ECE-2205 standard helmets on the market. AGV, Shark, Suomy have already made the move.
Safety is of course the number one reason we wear a helmet, and many of our customers have an issue buying an affordable helmet. Because SparX has made the move to bring out this helmet in the ECE-2205 standard shows to us that they understand safety. Simply, we feel that ECE-2205 helmets are a better fit when it comes to motorcycle accidents over SNELL. We're not alone in this belief.
WEIGHT
The SparX is also very light when compared to other affordable helmets. Actually it's lighter than the high-end Shoei, Arai and Suomy models. On our scales, in size medium, it came in at 3lbs, 5.3oz. Only 4 other helmets are lighter (Helmet Weight Chart). This is a HUGE plus, and beats the EXO-400 by over 5oz's (3lbs, 10.8oz). It's enough of a difference that you don't need a scale when you have one of each in your hands.
Why do we feel weight is so important? Well, we place this slightly ahead of liner material in many ways. As you know, there are a TON of liner materials being used on the market, and we've found that "most" are comfortable and preform well. One thing you can't dispute is a helmets weight. Either it's light, or it isn't. Lighter helmets are typically more comfortable over longer periods of time. For the SparX to come in at 3lbs, 5.3ozs is a HUGE advantage over other helmets in this price range.
CONSTRUCTION & FREE VISOR
The overall construction appears very solid, and the Special Edition models come with a standard clear visor, as well as a dark smoke. Being that there is only a $30 difference between a solid and the Special Edition models, this is a HUGE plus.
The visor removal system is new, and works well. While it doesn't require any tools, and nothing comes off in your hand, it does make a little noise... By this we mean, there is a slight "pop" when the visor comes free. The only reason we even bring this up is that it caught us a little off-guard. This does not effect the visor system, and we found it very easy to use. It also allows for the smooth surface over the visor, which we feel keeps wind noise at bay.
CRASH REPLACEMENT
The crash replacement policy is very interesting. Here it is as described on the SparX website.
Of course if you plan on using the helmet on the track, you won't be able to take advantage of the policy. But no other company is offering a replacement policy like this, so we have no choice but to give them a pat on the back.
VENTING
While the venting system isn't as good as many of the helmets costing over $300.00, it does an above average job for helmets costing under $200.00. Our demo rides and in house tests put it slightly above average. Does it vent as well as the Scorpion EXO-400 and the HJC CL-15? We would have to say yes. An inspection of the inside shows several large holes in the upper shell, and air does flow well. The visor also has integrated visor vents much like those found on the Arai helmets. While not as fancy as the Arai product, they did help move air through the face area.
COMFORT
We gave the S-07 high marks for comfort. The liner is easy to remove, and uses plastic snaps where needed. Not Velcro. The contoured cheek pads made for a great fit, and the liner material is on par with others in this price range. The helmet seems to fit moderate head shapes best, and all of our testers agreed that it fit pretty much true to size when compared to other helmets.
One thing to keep in mind. We were able to test the least expensive version and the limited additon versions. The liners were slightly different, and gave us a slightly different feel. Not better, or worse, just different.
OVERALL
We REALLY like the SparX. In this price range it has now become our top choice. It's light weight, ECE-2205, they give you a free dark smoke visor (limited edition versions), offers slightly above average venting, and is well made and comfortable. After putting everything together it's hard not to give it top horors.
|
