You’ve heard it before: “You only have one head. What’s it worth?” For those of us who are inclined to wear a full-face helmet, there are a multitude of choices, and we want the best protection we can buy.

To that end, Scorpion EXO Helmet Company asks, “What’s the difference between a $600 helmet and a Scorpion EXO? About 400 bucks.” They’re not kidding. My new Scorpion EXO-400 arrived in impressive Silver/Dark Silver Octane livery with a suggested retail well below $200. This helmet is one great bargain.

I was immediately impressed with the top-notch fit and finish, as well as the tasteful paint scheme. The KwikWick interior lining feels satin smooth and the front chin bar has a rubber nose breath guard, a nice feature not found on a lot of more expensive helmets. There’s also an Everclear Fog Free coating on the face shield, another feature that other companies charge extra for (if they address fogging at all).

Then, when it comes time to change the shield, it takes all of 10 seconds. The Speedshift quick-change system is the neatest hardware I’ve seen on any helmet. Open the shield, stick two fingers in the recesses on the pivot, and give an eighth-turn to the right. Snap, it’s released. Easy on, easy off.

The chinstrap is plenty long for manipulating with gloved hands. And another one of those small but significant features is the hold-down snap on the strap. I’ve seen plenty of helmets on the market that allow the excess strap to whip the rider’s neck.

In a world full of “You get what you pay for,” I’d say you get much more than that with the Scorpion EXO. — Steve

“I’m a big bad biker. Helmet? What’s that for? If I ever get launched from my scoot, I’ll just tuck and roll, and I’ll be fine.”

If you’d like to believe that, fine, but helmets do serve the purpose of protecting that soft-as-a-melon computer inside your coconut-hard skull. Do I wear a helmet at all times? No. And a half-helmet is my usual choice for cruising. But I’ve recently learned the merits of wearing a full-face lid.

After all, there are those times when it’s just too cold, you’re tired of eating bugs, or you’re doing a 1,000-mile ride, and you never know if this is the time you’ll take that involuntary trip over the handlebars. That’s why I’m glad to have picked up such an all-around good, absolute bargain full-face like the Scorpion EXO-400.

I don’t have a lot of experience with full-face helmets, but the 400 went on easily and felt good when strapped on. It’s lightweight and snug in all the right places, and offers excellent visibility and ventilation. I’m also impressed with the great interior material and very nice exterior finish. I ordered mine in matte black for a subtle look, and I wasn’t disappointed. This helmet will look good on anything from a crotch rocket to a full-dress barge.

Let’s face it, the world of motorcycling usually comes down to getting the best bang for the buck. While I’m not a poster child for head protection, I have a new appreciation for full-face helmets. And if you’re in the market for one, you owe it to yourself to check out the Scorpion line. — Terry RB

SOURCES

EXO-400 Helmet
Solid $129.95
Octane $139.95
Sizes XS-2X

Scorpion Sports
25921 Atlantic Ocean Dr., Dept. RB
Lake Forest, CA 92630
888/672-6774

www.scorpionusa.com