The FF-3 was considered to be one of the lightest helmets available back when it was new, about 4 years ago. This size large V-1 weighs in at 1591 grams (3 lbs., 8-1/8 oz.), which compares very favorably with, for example, the size large KBC VR-1 at 1616 grams and the old OGK FF-3 at 1623 grams. The Coolmax fabric liner is also designed to wick away moisture, although I always wear a helmet liner anyway.įor more information on choosing and fitting a motorcycle helmet, make sure you take a look at the w BW Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page, which also includes a discussion on head shapes. I’d say it’s about average for the breed, maybe comparable to the HJC CL-14 or the HJC CL-SP. The V-1’s liner is removable and it’s comfortable. I do think the chin bar and maybe the inside of the visor are just a touch shorter than normal there’s enough room for my nose and chin but it’s a tiny bit crowded and the back of the visor tends to steam up just a bit more than I’d like. The V-1 in large seems to run true to size that is, it fits just about how I would expect a size large to fit. The V-1 seems to have a “neutral” fit by that I mean that it should fit both long oval and round shaped heads, and, believe it or not, Rick claims that it painlessly fits that size XL light bulb between his shoulders without pain, albeit rather snugly.Ī neutral fit isn’t as easy to accomplish as you’d think.Īnd many of the big-name helmet manufacturers seem to get it wrong, falling on one or the other tail of the normal distribution (aka The “bell” shaped curve), rather than within the one Sigma portion of the curve. Let’s take a closer look… Internal Shape and Fit It’s comfortable, it flows a ton of air and - surprise - it’s actually pretty quiet, considering all of those cool-looking vents. I’m the only one around here whose head fits in a size large without using a shoehorn, and I think the V-1 is a keeper, with or without the graphics.Īlthough I can’t say that the helmet breaks any new ground in terms of design and comfort (and, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it’s made under contract at one of the big 6…or 8…or 10 helmet manufacturers), all the parts seem to work together very nicely. Integrated Helmet Technology used their experience from the powered fan in the AFX FX-11 Lightforce (review) and the LED light in the Shoei Syncrotec Police helmet (review), but this time it’s used for whimsy rather than function.Īlthough there is actually a practical side to the red LEDs in the helmet’s exhaust, as they really do make it more visible at night.īut all fun aside, the Akuma V-1 still wouldn’t be worth its weight in turnips if it didn’t perform, and that’s where the added surprise comes in. That alone is worth the price of admission.Īnd believe it or not, the rechargeable batteries, wiring and lights apparently haven’t added a gram to the helmet’s weight, because the size large shown here weighs less than several other helmets of the same size we’ve reviewed (more on this later). That’s right folks: flip a switch under the chin bar and the exhaust vents glow, just like the afterburners have kicked in! The V-1 is a production version of a custom painted helmet with some great detailing and that detailing includes - get this - red LED lights in the exhaust vents! The way I figure it, as long as you’re wearing a motorcycle helmet, it may as well look great, no? The heck with solid colors and the 1970’s-style graphics commonly found on off-the-shelf helmets. What can I say other than this thing is cool! The artwork was executed by Mike Lavallee of Killer Paint. Navy pilot and designed the Ghost Rider as a reflection of that experience and also as a memorial of sorts to the recently retired F-14 fighter. The V-1 was designed by Kerry Harris, the President of Integrated Helmet Technology, a manufacturer of interesting helmet accessories like the rechargeable LED lights built into the the Shoei Syncrotec Police helmet and the AFX FX-11 Lightforce. Akuma continues the military theme with the V-1 “Ghost Rider”. Surely both the whimsical GPA “Aircraft” helmet and the built-like-a-tank (pun intended!) Draxtar P-104 offer more than just scalp protection. It isn’t very often when a motorcycle helmet hits each of those buttons in fact, there are only two lids that I can think of that make the cut. We’ve brought you some very interesting, unique, hard-to-find and downright curious products in our reviews over the last 6-plus years.įinding cool motorcycle goodies is always a thrill for us and I hope it is for you, too.
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