SparX S-07 $140
SparX is the new kid on the block, with the S-07-its first street helmet-only available since November 2007. The company has really hit the nail on the head, though. The S-07 is DOT and ECE compliant, with a considerable feature set: great graphics and finish, full EPS liner, faceshield, forehead and top-of-head vents, rear exhaust vents (not the most effective) and a removable/washable liner. It's quite comfortable and fairly quiet, too. On the down side, the main faceshield vent leaks air when closed, and the faceshield seems less rigid than its competitors. Also, shell sizing runs a bit small. But if you crash and damage the helmet, return it to SparX with a copy of the police report and a description of how the helmet worked and they'll send you a new one!
EXTRAS: smoke faceshield (included), removable breath guard, earplug storage straps in helmet
CR RATED: 3 and 1/2 stars
Z1R Viper $170-$190
Z1R made a splash in 2005 when one of its helmets, priced at $80, had the best impact test results in a Motorcyclist magazine examination of helmet safety criteria. Although we didn't do any impact testing for this buyer's guide, Z1R hasn't rested on its laurels, as evidenced by the Viper. The Viper is DOT and Snell approved, with a full EPS liner. Venting is plentiful with faceshield, face, forehead and rear exhaust vents. Changing faceshields isn't as fast as on some other helmets, but once locked in place the shield won't fall off-unless you do. Fit for the Z1R is a touch on the big side, and on our sample the graphics weren't completely centered on the top and back but were otherwise well done. Definitely a solid midpack lid.
EXTRAS: Coolmax liner, cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 2 and 1/2 stars
Zamp FS-4 $110-$120
The FS-4 is in the middle price range of the Zamp family of helmets even at this low price. It's definitely trying to be a Big Dog in this pack: DOT and Snell certification, fiberglass shell, a crash replacement program, faceshield, top and exhaust vents all backed by a cool metal mesh, and a very high-tech-appearing silver and black fabric around the liner borders. Fit and comfort are about average, and there's a removable breath deflector, too. On closer examination, though, things fall apart a bit. The side and rear exhaust vents are purely cosmetic. The below-ear padding is too tall, and the chin strap is set back a little too far. However, the real killer for us is a difficult-to-operate faceshield mechanism that can put a grown man in tears. A good choice for light-duty riding.
EXTRAS: breath deflector, cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 1 and 1/2 stars
ZOX Supercomp R $120-$140The word that perhaps best describes the Supercomp R is value. It's priced at the lower end of this guide, but the feature set rivals that of many helmets over $250. Full EPS liner? Check. Coolmax removable and washable liner? Check. Antifog/scratch/UV faceshield? Check. DOT legal? Check. Snell certified? Check. And the list goes on for this budget polycarbonate-shelled helmet. The fit is more long-oval but somehow works well for round-oval heads, too. The liner fabric could be softer, but the fit is very comfortable. Venting is adequate with face, forehead and exhaust vents. The quality of the finish is nice, though the chromed top vent will tarnish if it isn't regularly wiped off. All in all a very good buy.
EXTRAS: Coolmax liner, Aegis antimicrobial treatment, removable chin curtain, removable breath guard, cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 3 and 1/2 stars
CKX RR600 $100-$120
The CKX (part of the Kimpex family of brands) is a helmet where less is more . . . and less: The least expensive, the lightest weight and easy on the frills, it has a thermo-injected plastic shell and meets only the DOT regulations. The fit is round-oval and quite comfortable. Vents are abundant, with chin and forehead intakes plus face and rear exhaust ports. Unique to the RR600 is that the helmet comes with a box of antifog wipes. Now for the not-so-good: The build quality leaves something to be desired, with various gaps between parts of the helmet, including at the bottom of the faceshield. Most of all, though, is the lack of EPS in the chin bar and under the ears/lower jaw. For the occasional rider or passenger this might still be a reasonable choice.
EXTRAS: cloth storage bag, removable breath guard
CR RATED: 2 and 1/2 stars