As usual, No Fear didn't skimp on style.
Nearly everyone knows the helmet is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment a motorcycle rider owns. No matter how good a rider is on a bike, it can never be predicted when a crash might occur. With that in mind, we put No Fear's new Optimal Helmet to the test.
The moisture-wicking Coolmax liner inside the helmet absorbs sweat almost as quickly as it permeates from the skin, which is a definite bonus. The liner is removable and washable so you don't have to stick your melon in a stale, sweaty helmet everyday, which is also nice. The chinbar that protects the rider's mug is slightly large for narrower faces but it does provide good protection, especially from "all of the cheater four-stroke roost that was thrown" at our primary tester.
As usual, No Fear didn't skimp on style. The Optimal has three great color combinations to choose from. All come complete with custom metal-flake graphics, 3-D stickers and a detailed chrome vent opening for the mouth. The fully adjustable visor is attached by aluminum screws and includes rubber washers to protect the graphics.
The Optimal feels heavy upon initial examination. With a polycarbonate shell you might expect it to be light, but it tips the scale at 3.55 pounds. This is .75 pounds heavier than the M2R Revelation X Helmet - comparable in price - which weighs 2.8 pounds. The M2R can be bought for $149.95 at the
MotorcycleUSA.com Superstore. The
HJC AX-X2 Static, which sells for $179.95, also has a lighter weight of 3.25 pounds. Although the weight difference doesn't sound detrimental, after a day long ride, the extra load is noticeable.
Despite the slightly heavy weight, the No Fear Optimal Helmet is well-worth the $159.95. It has a great ventilation system and is comfortable. The Optimal's complete list of features, including both Snell and DOT certification, make it worth every penny.
