HJC FS-10 Helmet

HJC FS-10 Helmet

First let me say that no matter how much I like this new HJC FS-10 helmet, I can't claim it will suit someone else. Helmets are a very personal thing. Liking a helmet involves features and comfort, comfort being determined largely by fit of helmet, shape of head and maybe a lot of luck. Not all helmets fit me. I have never tried on an Arai helmet that fit me although they obviously fit many people and I assume there are models that would fit me if I knew what to try and could find one. The Shoei RF900 fit me fine but the RF1000 did not. I've been wearing the HJC AC-11 but the AC-12 does not fit me correctly. And so it goes. The FS-10 will not fit everybody but it fits me. What prompted me to get the FS-10, though, was the internal retractable sun shield. I've long wanted this feature as I'm tired of carrying a clear shield alternative and hate stopping to exchange them. Yet, getting caught out in the dark with only a dark shield is certainly a bummer. Sunglasses are too much trouble and eventually hurt my ears. I tried on the Schuberth helmet shortly after it was first imported because of the retractable sun shield but the Schuberth didn't fit me at all (I know it does fit a lot of people). Scorpion recently offered a retractable sun shield but I'm unfamiliar with the brand. I've been wearing HJC AC-11's for some time now and like them a lot so when Davis Service Center in Montrose, CO got the FS-10 in my size I had to try it.

I've now worn the FS-10 for several hundred miles both on pavement and off. It's the best fitting helmet I've ever worn. The retractable sun shield, easily operated with gloves on, is even more useful than I imagined. My long ride was on a mostly cloudy day and I was surprised how much visibility was improved by retracting the dark shield. There was no buffeting. This helmet may be the quietest helmet I've worn. I attribute this quietness partly to how well the ears are cupped. After all, there is a big hole for the head so keeping sound out is mostly a lost cause but I've always wondered why helmet linings didn't function as ear muffs. This helmet works so well for me it's like having a better windshield. I'm sold.

I normally have two helmets; one for paved roads and one for dusty rides. I like this new FS-10 so much I may use it for all rides. After all, the lining can be easily removed and washed.

FS-10 features important to me that I did not have on the AC-11: One-touch, integrated, smoke-tinted SunShield that deploys quickly and easily; Anti-fog Faceshield.

Features important to me that I did have on the AC-11: good fit, excellent venting; removable, washable lining.