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The Icon Mainframe was the second model released by Icon just after the Alliance, (which is now the called Alliance SS). The Mainframe has stood the test of time and is back again in new colors and graphics for 2008. There are several things we like about the Mainframe and a few things we’d like to see improved.
Icon is a forward thinking company and their marketing department is on the cutting edge. They know how to market their product and have done very well. The Icon product line is clearly marketed to the Gen X and focus seems to be directed heavily towards the stunt seen.
First off, the Mainframe is extremely comfortable. After having tested hundreds of helmet models, the Mainframe is still near the top of the list when it comes to comfort. It seems right at home with the top-end helmets when talking comfort.
The fit is best described as neutral. All of our testers found the Mainframes fit to work despite our testers having a wide range of head shapes. Our long oval guys seemed to be the most pleased, but the round testers did almost as well.
The helmet is a little heavy when comparing it to other models. Our scales show it right around 3lbs 14oz. This makes it the heaviest standard full face model we have tested to date. Granted, the scales show the numbers, but honestly none of our testers said much about the weight after a week of using the helmet. It performs well on the bike and weight never became an issue.
Ventilation is important considering our testing occurs in the Arizona desert. The Mainframe is decent for airflow at speeds over 60mph, but it wasn’t great at slower speeds. We would have liked to see the Mainframe vent better than it does.
The Mainframe excels in the noise-level department. It is one of the quietest helmets we have tested.
The Mainframe really does a fantastic job with graphics and color choices, similar to every other Icon model. There is something for just about everyone. Also, Icon was one of the first companies to focus on women’s gear and they continue with sharp new gear for 08.
The Icon Mainframe has a lot going for it, but we feel a helmet with a MSRP of up to $300 should do things a little better than it does. When we compare the Mainframe to competing models, it costs more and doesn't quite provide as many features. The HJC CL-15 and the Scorpion EXO-400 offer more features for considerably less.
In conclusion, the Mainframe is a fine product and does what it was designed to do. It is extremely comfortable and certainly looks good. Road testing feedback was positive. Paint and graphics are top notch and cutting edge. Our only suggestion, we would like to see better venting and a fully removable liner. Otherwise the Mainframe makes a good choice.
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