I decided it was time to buy a couple of new helmets as my two trusty old ZOX Spectra R's I purchased back in 2006 were coming up on the mandatory retirement age. They've given me great, trouble free service in over 45,000 miles of riding over the last five years but I felt like it was time. I looked at quite a few different helmets including the ARAI's and HJCs as these were my favorites. I especially liked the Ben Spies Replica by HJC but it was very pricey as were all the ARAIs. I also liked the ARAI Monster Energy Replica but at over $800 retail I decided to just say no.
As it turns out, I went back to the ZOX line and bought two more of the Spectra R models in size XL as I know these are a perfect fit for my head and I couldn't find anything that I liked better than the ZOX Speed Freak graphics. Added bonus this is ZOX's flagship model, fully certified to Snell M2005 and because it's going out of production, the internet pricing is unbelievable for a helmet of this quality. This time I went with a matte black/indigo blue/silver and white and a matte black/dark red/silver/white for colors.
As I said, I looked at a lot of different helmets and didn't find anything lighter or of equal quality until I got into the $500 to $600 price range. Even then, I found that quality, fit and finish and the ZOX visor ratcheting mechanism to be superior, quiet and with a quality feel lacking even on the high end models of some other brands. I can also tell you that after 45,000 miles, my original face shields are still on my old Spectra's and still sporting crystal clear optics even after much cleaning abuse with paper towels at roadside gas stations.
Construction of the Spectra shell is first rate, Kevlar/Fibreglass composite blend and the shell finish has proven to be very durable. Both of my old helmets are still looking like new with only a few scratches here and there. I think the graphics are bold and eye catching and like nothing else on the road, your mileage may vary. Of course, the shell meets the DOT/Snell M2005 standard so protection of your precious skull is not an issue. Weight is 3 lbs 12 ounces, not as light as the Ben Spies Replica by HJC but for the price difference I won't quibble.
There are generous vents all over the helmet and airflow control is also excellent. In very cold weather I do get some fogging at traffic lights but popping the shield open slightly usually clears it quickly. The faceshield fits tightly to the faceport rubber seals for a leak free fit.
The interior is by Cool Max and is very comfortable and quiet. I have some pretty loud exhaust systems on my bikes and the engine noise fades to a purr. After five years, the interior on both my old Spectras had compressed the foam quite a bit as is usual with older helmets and was no longer the tight fit I like and more airflow noise got in. These new ones are simply awesome and based on my past experience, will stay that way for years to come. BTW, ZOX and their distributors offer a complete line of inexpensive replacement parts including complete interior rebuild kits for $32. Price of a new windshield including the ratchet mechanism and new screws is $17...a bargain. Mine are the originals, the ratchets still work smoothly and the optics are scratch free. This is some durable stuff.
Okay now niggles and gripes as nothing is perfect. Removing and re-installing the faceshield is a trying experience the first few times. I found that I needed to take my faceshield off twice a year, once in the spring to install the optional dark smoke shield and then in the fall to put the clear one back on. It wasn't too bad but there is a technique you have to learn. Upside is this is one of the best ratchet systems out there and has a quality feel lacking even in the high end ARAIS I tested.
Another gripe,the chin stap doesn't have a button snap on the end so it either dangles and flaps or you have to tuck it in under the strap next to the D-ring. Not a big deal but a minor annoyance, I think you can buy those at a fabric store for about 59 cents. That's about it other than the fact that I get a lot of questions like, "What is a ZOX?" Probably the best helmet value dollar for dollar on the market but not tht many folks know about them. They chose not to have huge advertising budgets and sponsor mega high dollar racers like ARAI, Shoei, AGV etc. do, so other than Canadian Superbike Champion Clint McBain, you probably won't see too many ZOX helmets on the front cover of Cycle World. If you're the type that finds value in things based only on the high price you paid and the bragging rights it infers, this helmet is probably not for you. It's excellent but not expensive.
Sadly, ZOX has decided to abandon competing with the high end market and focus their product line on less expensive helmets. I have seen a few of these and while very nice at their price point, none of them have the look and quality feel of the Spectra R.
I took a few shots of my new Black/Blue Spectra R. Unfortunately, the camera quality and lighting do not bring out how beautiful the color of this helmet is. It is a deep indigo, approaching a violet. I was literally blown away when I first opened the box, I expected good things but this exceeded my expectations. I just came from my local Honda dealer where I compared it to his high end $500+ specials. Not impressed...I'll keep my Spectra.
* Last updated by: Kruz on 5/2/2011 @ 9:09 AM *
