Caberg (Sintesi Jet) HyperX Helmet Review

[sportster1200]

This is a review on the Caberg (Sintesi Jet) HyperX helmet that I bought from this ebay seller bikesecurity4u a couple of weeks ago.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Caberg-Hyper-X-Motorcycle-Helmet-Black-Silver-Medium-/250842819196?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Helmets&hash=item3a6765aa7c

 

 

Background

 

I currently own a large size Nolan N102 flip-up helmet which I felt personally is an excellent helmet because:

 

1. It fits my round (see http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm for their definition of head shape) and rather big head (circumference size: 57cm) perfectly fit.

2. The interior cushion feels comfortable and tight (but now fits very loosely after years of wearing causes the foam to wear out).

3. It’s practicality because the sun visor helps block out the sun (especially useful when I was travelling on the North-South highway for nearly 9hrs when I did my touring trip last time). The flip-up design allows me to put on the helmet easily with my spectacle on.

4. Its aerodynamic is fantastic. My head doesn’t feel the strain even though the helmet is heavy and travelling on NS highway at 160km/hr for 9hrs straight did not bring on any ill effect on my neck at the end of the day.

 

However, the helmet is a few years old now (helmets have shelf life), heavy and BIG. So big that I look like this character from the movie “Spaceballs” when I put it on.

 

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/spaceballs.jpg

 

Thus, I begin looking around for a new flip-up helmet that has a smaller profile, lighter and of course still has the pros of the Nolan N102. And I came across this new helmet from Caberg which was reviewed in-depth by webBikeWorld http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-hyperx/review.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPnh1rmOX_U.

 

The helmet is currently not available in Singapore. And it’s only available online from UK-base websites. Thus, I ended up buying a medium size Caberg HyperX from the ebay seller bikesecurity4u. Buying helmet online has its risk as the user isn’t able to try it for fit and comfort. A helmet fits differently on different person because head size and shape differ people to people. Luckily for me, the reviewer on webBikeWorld Rick K has a big and round head which is similar to mine. Hence, based on the webBikeWorld review and this review http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14643 (you will need to view the attached photos under Google Image as the photos can’t be view in the forum) I settle on a medium size one. My current Nolan N102 and Arai Astro J are both size large and are rated as suitable for people with round shape head.

 

 

Buying Experience

 

The helmet was shipped out the next day after I made my payment via PayPal and a tracking number was provided by the seller.

 

I used Royalmail online package tracking service and this website http://www.track-trace.com/post (click on “Track with Options” and select Singapore from Country) to trace the whereabouts of my helmet while it’s being shipped to Singapore. It took a total of 12 days before Singpost finally delivered it to my house under registered mail.

 

The ebay seller was responsive to my enquiries and prompt with its delivery. The helmet came in its original box with a black plastic sheet wrapped and taped over it for waterproofing. Inside, the helmet in a Caberg helmet bag was wrapped half-heartedly in a single sheet of bubble wrap. Luckily with the kind of “protection” offered by the packing, the helmet reached me unscathed.

 

The Helmet

 

As webBikeWorld already provide a comprehensive review of the helmet, I will focus mainly on the fit and feel of the helmet which is crucial for buyers looking to purchase it online.

 

Weight & Aerodynamic

HyperX felt remarkably light when I took it out of the box as compared to my old Nolan N102. It felt balance on my head when I test ride with it for 15mins under normal Singapore road riding speed (50~60km/hr). I can’t review on the aerodynamic of the helmet until I test it under speed of at least 140km/hr. At this speed, my Arai Astro J started jerking (I actually felt slightly dizzy after riding with my Arai at this speed) and the visor will flip up from fully close position while my Nolan N102 feels perfectly fine. Updates: I have tried riding at speed in excess of 140km/hr a couple of times and (1) the helmet doesn't jerk around like the arai did (2) I can feel the top of the helmet being pull back slightly under the strong airflow (my Nolan did not have this problem). Potentially putting a strain on rider's neck for long distant riding.

 

Sun Visor

There is a metallic looking strip at the sides of the sun visor open/close mechanism (see below) which makes it look really cool. The open/close mechanism is located at the top of the helmet and operation is easy during riding. The sun visor can be open/close to any position as there isn’t any mechanical pre-fix stop position. The sun visor when fully close will provide full protection from the sunlight. In fact, the nose cut-out at the bottom of the sun visor nearly touches my nose. This is in contrast to the Nolan N43 modular helmet in which some users had feedback http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-241643.html that they were distracted by sunlight that filters in from under the sun visor even when the sun visor was fully closed.

 

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/new3.jpg

 

Clear Visor

The clear visor has a small tab protruding out from the side at the bottom of the visor. Opening and closing of the clear visor with the tab feels easy for me. It has 5 stop positions, from fully open to fully close. The 4th position (nearly close) is useful when it’s raining. In this position, the bottom of the visor is still below the top opening of the mouth guard, thus allowing a little wind to come in for ventilation. I have not tried it yet under raining condition so I can’t be sure that it will work as mentioned above.

 

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/new4.jpg

 

Mouth Guard

The plastic clip at the side of the mouth guard that lock into the helmet for that full-face helmet look, looks and feels rather flimsy. But the helmet does meet the ECE 22.05 safety standard under full-face helmet category, so I guess it should work under emergency situation. Two red catch located on the helmet near the side padding releases the mouth guard when they are lifted up. Although Caberg advertised that releasing only the right side of the mouth guard will allow for the helmet to be put on easily, I personally still find it a little difficult to put on the helmet in this mode. Maybe I need time to get use to it. Another reason could be due to the size of the helmet that I purchased (look under Size & Fit to see why).

 

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/new1.jpg

 

Size & Fit

I was rather apprehensive when I purchased size medium for my HyperX as my current 3 helmet (including 1 half helmet) are all size large. Also, I have a round head and webBikeWorld had classified it under “Slightly Narrow” for helmet shape. But I decided to take a calculated risk after doing my research online (look under Background to see why). If you are unsure, I would recommend that you follow your current helmet size to be safe.

 

Without the mouth guard on, the helmet is easy to put on with my spectacle on. I have so far ridden on my bike with this helmet (without mouth guard) for about 15mins and it feels tight and comfy without any unpleasant pressure point anywhere. However, I will need to test it under longer riding time to be sure of its comfort level.

 

When I put on the helmet with the mouth guard on, I can feel slightly more pressure at the side of my face/head. As this is a new helmet, this is expected. But it is also because with the mouth guard taken off, the helmet is able to expand slightly outward at the side. When the mouth guard is attached, I noticed that the sideway expansion of the helmet is restricted by the mouth guard. Updates: Closing the Clear Visor fully w/o the mouthguard attached similarly causes the helmet to close up at the sides (I felt the side padding pressing very tightly against my cheek and ears, but I didn't felt any pain). I will probably use the helmet without the mouth guard initially to allow the interior cushion to adapt to the shape of my head first. Then when it fits better, I will use it with the mouth guard on. Updates: I noticed that there's a small reddish mark on my right forehead after riding with the helmet indicating pressure point there, but i'm pretty sure i didn't felt any pain there so far.

 

Look

The helmet still looks a bit large on me (I am 1.62m tall) but it’s a big improvement over the Nolan N102. From the front with the mouth guard attached, my face has more exposure (see the sample photos attached below) as compared to a normal full-face helmet. Aesthetically I find it not as pleasant as a normal full-face helmet. But it does provide excellent front and side vision.

 

No the person inside the photo isn’t me.

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/imagesCA58I3Y1.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/imagesCAPCQ3GE.jpg

 

Others

The cover of the compartment for the wireless communication system has a spring catch to release it. This makes it easier to remove the cover and also prevent the cover from popping out as with my Nolan N102, which frequently pop open slightly at one corner (very irritating whenever I spotted it when putting on my helmet, although the cover hasn’t drop out yet).

 

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/new2.jpg

 

Trivial

The full name of the helmet listed on the booklet that comes with the helmet is Caberg Sintesi Jet HyperX, although a search online always show up as Caberg HyperX.

 

 

Photo

 

Front View (side by side comparison with Nolan N102 & Arai Astro J). HyperX has a similar wide front profile as the Nolan N102. Comparatively, the Arai Astro J looks slimmer. Height of the HyperX is also lower compared to the Nolan N102.

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/DSC00038.jpg

 

Side View (side by side comparison with Nolan N102 & Arai Astro J). HyperX has a shorter side profile compared to the Nolan N102.

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/DSC00041.jpg

 

Top View (side by side comparison with Nolan N102 & Arai Astro J)

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/DSC00043.jpg

 

Front View

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/DSC00045.jpg

 

Side View

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/sotong1977/DSC00047.jpg

Edited July 26, 2011 by sportster1200
updates

[tomdickharry]

is caberg this brand good??

[Lexanez]

Great review! Hmm, my head shape is a little elongated, wonder how's the fit as I always wear XL.

 

Hmm, how much did you pay for this baby? I'm looking for a replacement flip-up for my HJC as well.

[G450X]

Bot the helmet at Regina in Aug end 2011.....only managed to used it on 3rd and 4th Sept for my ride to Cherating...

 

Result :

 

In comparison to my N43, it is so much lighter and with the mouth clip fitted it felt safer than without it.....then at Cherating, without the mouth clip off we rode around like a open face.....The air flow was good and I am very please with the helmet.....can't remember how much I actually paid for it but above 250 (don't quote me hor)

 

Good Helmet I would say after using mostly Nolan and Shoei all this while...

[Lexanez]

Alright! Now I'm in a dilemma between this, Konda and Zeus ZS-3000...sigh, too hard to choose already.

[sportster1200]

Bot the helmet at Regina in Aug end 2011.....only managed to used it on 3rd and 4th Sept for my ride to Cherating...

 

Result :

 

In comparison to my N43, it is so much lighter and with the mouth clip fitted it felt safer than without it.....then at Cherating, without the mouth clip off we rode around like a open face.....The air flow was good and I am very please with the helmet.....can't remember how much I actually paid for it but above 250 (don't quote me hor)

 

Good Helmet I would say after using mostly Nolan and Shoei all this while...

 

wah u bought it so cheap. i didn't knew it was available locally so i bought it online from ebay for about $350 (incl shipping from UK).

[echris108]

i think ah boy selling at 230-240 now

[thornray]

Regina quoted $250 initially but later down to $230-240 after I decided to buy one. Comes in black, white n gunmetal.

 

Size S fits well to my head size of 56cm.

[thornray]

Regina quoted $250 initially but later down to $230-240 after I decided to buy one. Comes in black, white n gunmetal.

 

Size S fits well to my head size of 56cm.