With the arrival of the much-heralded X-Fifteen from Shoei, the obvious question of how you improve upon the previous X-Fourteen model arose. The number of times that the X-Fourteen has accompanied Marc Marquez on his adventures off of the track and into the gravel trap serves as proof that this helmet will be hard to beat, but the design team at Shoei still has some tricks up their collective sleeves.
Starting with the overall shell design, Shoei claims that revised aerodynamics provide a six percent reduction in drag and 1.6 percent less lift compared to the previous model. While this impact may only be noticeable to the most experienced racers at the track, the revised face shield opening, which provides improved visibility when riding in a full tuck position as well as wider peripheral vision, will be welcomed by all. The face shield also receives an improved two-stage locking system that is easy to operate with gloves on and keeps the shield firmly in place at speed as well as in the event of a crash.
The shield which accommodates the insertion of a Pinlock lens also includes tearaway buttons. Switching the clear shield out for a tinted version in anticipation of a sunny track day proved to be a simple task taking less than two minutes.
The X-Fifteen features updated ventilation with three intakes and exhaust ports on the top and two on the chin, which feed air into a revised cheek pad cooling system. The opening for an optional hydration hose can also be used to increase the volume of air flowing through the chin. Riding a full day on the track confirmed that the X-Fifteen has one of the best ventilation systems I have experienced, keeping the face shield clear in the cool morning and my head cool in the afternoon heat.
Four shell sizes accommodate the range of XS to XXXL. The X-Fifteen felt very natural on my head which is typically described as being medium oval shape. As an added benefit, the fit of the helmet can be customized thanks to the addition of new pocket pads that hold separate removable layers of foam.
Whether you ride on the track or the street the X-Fifteen represents the opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle of Shoei development and design. The fact that the helmet has been certified by each of Snell, DOT and ECE 22.06 speaks volumes as to the quality of the protection the X-Fifteen delivers.
Of course, top shelf products are accompanied by top shelf prices and the X-Fifteen is no different, with pricing starting at $1,239.99 for solid colours and $1,469.99 for graphic models.
Distributed in Canada by Motovan, Shoei products are available at leading retailers across the country. Visit www.motovan.com for further details, including current graphics and the location of a dealer near you.
Pros
– Industry-leading protection
– Excellent ventilation
Cons
– This level of quality and innovation comes at a cost
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