Quick kit tests
X-lite X-803 Ultra Carbon £399.99
www.motogear.co.uk THE WINNER OF RIDE’S most recent sports helmet test, picking up a Best Buy triangle, was X-lite’s X-802RR. This is that lid’s successor. X-lite claims the X-803 is a “pure racing helmet, designed for maximum performance on the track” but that’s selling it short. I’ve mostly been commuting in it and it’s performed brilliantly. There’s no reason I couldn’t use it for far longer trips and touring too.
There are two versions. The regular X-803, with a carbon-composite shell, costs £359.99 in white or £459.99 for Melandri/davies/camier/petrucci race replicas. Then there’s the lid I’ve been using, the X-803 Ultra Carbon, with a full carbon shell saving 50g. It’s £399.99 in plain carbon, £469.99 for patterns, or a salty £519.99 with a Motogp or WSB logo.
It is exceptionally light. The sticker on this Large claims 1290g, but our scales reveal 1342g with the included Pinlock insert fitted. That’s still far lighter than any of the 11 helmets in our 2016 test.
Upgrades from the X-802 include a larger chin area, new emergency-release cheek pads and a new (if dubiously useful on the road) adjustable spoiler. There are two easily operated and effective vents on top, plus forehead and chin vents. The lining is soft and plush and, like the lid as a whole, has a tangible, tactile air of impressive quality. The visor-release system is quick and easy to use, though the visor doesn’t open quite as far as I’d like.
The X-803UC comes in three shell sizes and has a five-year warranty. It’s not cheap but it’s impressive value compared with other sporty rangetoppers: lighter and more affordable than Arai or Shoei’s flagships; similar money to a Shark Race-r Pro and not much more than an HJC. I’m impressed.