Adventure helmets?

[dino3310]

So you've had this for a while now, what do you think of it? does it make getting the helmet on and off any different?

How much was it and where did you get it from?

[Eddieb]

I see they are on Trade me for $35 : http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=378835833

[XF650]

New Rjays helmet arrived just in time for weekends ride, ex Motomail via local dealer @ $269.00. This is to replace my "grazed" Zeus, bought new for $199. Both these helmets are an improvement on my first "true" Adv helmet, a Nolan Grex RD1. I hate glare, hence preference for helmets with an adjustable peak.
The reason I buy Adv helmets at the budget end of the market is simply because I gark them and as long as they meet the safety standards then I figure it's better to just replace them as required, without worries of having to discard a more expensive helmet.
The ride included norwest wind & dust, cold fog & rain, on a mix of gravel, dirt roads & seal, night & day.
Size & fit
My Zeus is a nice snug Medium. However the Rjays M was just too tight so had to get a Large. The Rjays also has a tighter (oval) base spread than the Zeus (roundish) shape.
Chin strap buckle
Zeus has easy button type release but the adjuster slips. Rjays has double D type but it's too far to the side & fiddly to get at.
Vision
The Rjays has amazing peripheral vision and can easily fit goggles - the Zeus can't.
Venting
The Rjays has the better top vent. Both have good chin bar / face vents, however the Rjays sits lower.
Visor & fogging
No distortion in either visor. The Zeus has more pronounced indents for partial opening. Rjays visor was worse for fogging, probably because it's larger & lower, so more affected by breath.
Peak
Both adjustable & good for low winter sun when adjusted down. Rjays also has benifit of a peak extender, which I found very useful. However Zeus peak is less effected by cross wind than Rjays.
Noise
Zeus helmet is much quieter of the two, possibly helped by thicker padding. The Rjays has an irritating noise from side of visor, possibly from gap for goggle strap. I will look at filling this gap.
Padding
Both have removable padding, Rjays is anti-bacterial. Zeus is thicker & warmer, Rjays thinner & cooler. Sunglasses fit better in the Dakar.
Conclusion
Both these helmets have been on the market for a couple of years now. Basically the main difference is the Zeus is a road helmet with peak added (& looks like it too), while the Rjays is an enduro helmet with a visor added (& looks better).
So far I'd say the Zeus might be the better winter Adv helmet while the Rjays would be the better summer adv lid. Time will tell.....
Pic's of the Rjay's, Zeus & Grex.

[clint640]

Good work Struan, always great to have a no bullshit gear review. How was the visor sealing on the RJays? Some of the cheaper adv helmets I've seen had quite poor fit there.

Cheers
Clint

[XF650]

Good work Struan, always great to have a no bullshit gear review. How was the visor sealing on the RJays? Some of the cheaper adv helmets I've seen had quite poor fit there.

Cheers
Clint

The Dakar visor didn't leak in the rain but it is noisier than the Zeus. I could reduce the noise while riding by pushing in the visor sides, just under the pivots. Hence my assumption there is some tolerence there for goggle straps.
Haven't compared them to a top end helmet, sorry.

[clint640]

.
Haven't compared them to a top end helmet, sorry.

No worries, I'm shopping down the cheap end too If only a shop within 200km stocked any adv helmets...

I once had an old Kiwi road helmet that I improved the quietness of by about 200% with the application of a few layers of duct tape under the edges of the visor.

Cheers
Clint

[Taz]

I like my Zeus as a good road/adventure helmet. Only improvement would be double D rings as I'm not a fan of clips.

[NordieBoy]

I like my Zeus as a good road/adventure helmet. Only improvement would be double D rings as I'm not a fan of clips.

And half the weight?

[888]

I've picked up the relatively new FFM matrix helmet, returned the first one as my usual XXL was a bit too big. The XL is a good, snug fit. Huge ventilation, I can't see the visor ever fogging, unless I decide to smoke while riding. Great field of view, and the visor isn't noticeable until just under 100K. I think there might be some distortion when looking through the visor, but I haven't spent enough time to be sure. Spent $200 bucks and got a tinted visor thrown in. Double D rings and I can fit goggles with the visor right up. The skull graphics are either really cool, or slighty embarrasing, but I wanted a white helmet so I'll deal with it.

[Eddieb]

The skull graphics are either really cool, or slighty embarrasing, but I wanted a white helmet so I'll deal with it.

Those Skull graphics are definately aimed at a portion of the market that think wearing your baseball cap backwards and your jeans around your knees is the height of good fashion.

[Crim]

Those Skull graphics are definately aimed at a portion of the market that think wearing your baseball cap backwards and your jeans around your knees is the height of good fashion.

Sounding old Eddie - but have to agree - I bought a black one and spray painted it silver - I know it's mine now cos it has got my finger prints on it

[888]

hold on a sec, I wear my baseball cap backwards when I'm crawling through the bush pig hunting....I might have to try the pants thing as well. The only mod I will try with this helmet is one of those Sunax visors, they look like a fantastic bit of kit.

[JATZ]

hold on a sec, I wear my baseball cap backwards when I'm crawling through the bush pig hunting....I might have to try the pants thing as well.

Chasing pigs with your pants half down is probly not such a good look

Although I have proof you Waikato boys enjoy chasing animals with your pants down, aye Dino

[dino3310]

Chasing pigs with your pants half down is probly not such a good look

Although I have proof you Waikato boys enjoy chasing animals with your pants down, aye Dino

aye what where who naaa not me mate

[dino3310]

Those Skull graphics are definately aimed at a portion of the market that think wearing your baseball cap backwards and your jeans around your knees is the height of good fashion.

i was gonna get one for a summer helmet this year... gotta look cool with all my bro's G