‘The peak of adventure readiness’
Tested by Richard Newland for one month
Blimey, this new AX9 feels light. It’s not often that I pick up a carbon fibre helmet and think there’s any noticeable difference, but AGV must have injected their new ECE 22.06 adventure helmet with helium. On my kitchen scales it weighs in at 1492g, and that’s for an XL/62, with the Pinlock fitted.
And the positives don’t stop there. I’ve interrogated every part of the newly updated AX9 (identical looking ECE 22.05 versions are widely discounted online – so check what you’re buying) and can’t find a single area where it feels shoddy, cheap, or suffers from poor design. It’s compact, boasts no extraneous features, and the highest setting on the peak (it can sit high, low, or be removed entirely) takes it entirely out of your eyeline, meaning gnarly ascents/descents won’t result in neck gymnastics to see where you’re going.
With it in the lower position, it’s a perfect sun-visor for road use, meaning you can get away with a clear visor even on sunny days. To adjust, simply pop off the screw covers and twiddle the front screw to loosen and adjust the peak, then retighten.
With the (plastic, not carbon) peak fully raised there’s an intrusive ‘hum’ on the road, which stops the moment you touch a hand to the peak, but with it in the lowest position, it’s almost completely quiet. The stability, lack of head-yanking turbulence, and airflow management is otherwise excellent.
The four-position (plus ‘vent’) visor comes with a MaxVision Pinlock, which works brilliantly, and is shaped to fit the whole viewing aperture. The screw-mounts are metal for the visor and peak, which should help with longevity over plastic offerings.
Venting is decent, without being overly generous. The chin vent is huge, and you can remove both the front grille, and the rear one inside to deliver three stages of airflow. Front and rear curtains simply clip in, and can also be opened and closed independently in situ.
The liner is gorgeously plush and comfortable, and the internal shape fits my head like it was moulded for me. It’s removable and washable, and the interior is prepped for the addition of comms. The padded chin strap fastens via a traditional D-ring (the best!), and features a strap-restraining popper, too.
Quality Value www.agv.com
PROS & CONS
+ Light, well-spec’d and designed, fabulous comfort and fit, styling – Brow vents are hard to reach/feel on the move with gloved hands