MXA TEAM TESTED: AIROH AVIATOR 2.1 HELMET

WHAT IS IT? The Italian Airoh Aviator 2.1 helmet has been a big hit over in Europe. Now Airoh helmets have hit the U.S market, and they’re looking to make an impact.

WHAT’S IT COST? $569.00.

CONTACT? www.airoh.com or www.speedmob.com.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Airoh Aviator 2.1 helmet.

(1) Construction. The Airoh Aviator 2.1 shell is laced up with multi-axial carbon and kevlar composite fibers. The helmets interior is anatomically designed to contour to the shape of the rider’s head. Airoh’s ventilation system is equipped with two front vents, three chin-guards intakes and two upper air flow vents. The Aviator 2.1 passes both ECE and DOT homologations.

(2) Inner liner. The liner is made with Bulpren technology to ensure maximum levels of air-filtration, ventilation and is an effective protection against impurities. The inner liner is simple to remove and washable. The cheek pads are equipped with Airoh’s emergency tabs on both side for fast removal.

(3) Visor. The Avitor 2.1 visor is adjustable and is held on by three plastic fasteners that are screwed in by hand for easy adjustment. The peak of the visor has a spoiler that features two different lengths. We opted for the shorter one, except in sand and rain. The overall look of the Aviator is edgy, angular, creased and sharp, It is an acquired taste.

(4) Fit. The Airoh Aviator 2.1 is comfortable to wear. The inner liner is soft and supple yet firm, as the helmet stays in place when riding. There is a lower ridge on the bottom rear of the helmet that some of our test riders did not care for. If you are used to a neck brace then you will have no issues, but when your are coming down a hill are or looking far ahead, the rear of the helmet is an irritant. It is not as bad as the restriction of a neck brace but you can still tell it is there. This helmet feels light and is light. Weighing in at 2.3 pounds it is one of the lightest on the market.

(5) Ventilation. This helmet’s ventilation system is top-notch. We had no issues with not getting enough air throughout the helmet. It kept the test riders cool in the most extreme conditions.

(6) Sizing. The sizing of the Airoh Aviator 2.1 is on point. If you are normally a medium then get a medium. This helmet is offered is sizes extra small to extra large along with eight different color schemes.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? MXA had several quibbles. (1) Some of our test riders did not like the rear brim at the bottom of the helmet. (2) We broke or cracked several parts of the helmet just cleaning it. The quality is not evident. (3) In our opinion, the Aviator 2.1 is overpriced for what you get. (4) In a straw poll among MXA test riders, it would not make their top three helmet choices.

MXA RATING

The Airoh Aviator 2.1 hemet is light, comfortable, and has a great ventilation system. But, and maybe it is just us, it doesn’t have the feel of a $569 helmet.