Off-road riding is dirty business and it can get unpredictable for even the most experienced rider, so a helmet is absolutely necessary. That helmet must cope with abusive conditions and still provide protection and be comfortable to wear for the hours on the dirt. Many choices are available, but one manufacturer is at the top of this segment worldwide and that is South Korea’s HJC. Their latest iteration of their very well-received CL-X6 line was released into the market in 2010, and it has garnered its fair share and more of positive reviews.
The HJC CL-X6 off-road helmet is created using a proprietary polycarbonate composite material which manages to save weight even over an earlier version of this model. The shell is compact and is very well made, with a finish not usually found outside of much more expensive lids. HJC equips this helmet with what they call Advanced Channeling ventilation System (ACS) which is connected to the outside vents so that incoming, cooling air is routed over and around the head for incredible comfort – something very much needed in an off-road helmet. On top of the EPS foam making up the internal impact-absorbing structure is a ‘SpeedCool’ fabric that HJC has given wicking, anti-odor and antibacterial properties. As is now industry standard, the guts of the helmet are removable and washable. The eyeport is nicely shaped and wide enough to handle even the larger, over-the-glasses goggles which some require. The visor continues the quality of the CL-X6 as it is well-coated and aerodynamically fit.
Placing the HJC CL-X6 onto your noggin’ is as easy as they come, and the interior is firm and quite comfortable. It does have something close to an oval head space, bequeathing upon it a wide range of potential owners, but it may not be perfect for everyone; try one on before buying as you should always do. Venting is better than many others, and HJC’s ACS lives up to the promise. One rather nice feature is the padded and finished chin bar imparting a sense of a well thought out design. 1530 grams (3.02 lbs) is pretty light for a poly-based helmet, and the CL-X6 feels light even after hours of use. Plus, after that abuse, it cleans up very well and looks to be incredibly durable. That is even more surprising when you learn the price (below). This helmet is a real keeper – if it fits you well enough, it is a very smart buy.
The HJC CL-X6 is suggested to retail for US$120 to around $145 (incredible), but it is possible to locate it for less – ask your local dealer.
The HJC CL-X6 is DOT and SNELL (except the XXXL size) approved and certified.
HJC CL-X6
Reviewed by helmetformotorcycle.com
Rating: 4.7
