Airoh Reverse-Flip Helmet
From £270 // Tested by: Mau Spencer // www.bikeittrade.com
I’ve always been a fan of flip-up helmets, especially the ‘two-inone’ type where the front part flips right over to convert into an open face that’s not only comfortable, but also meets modern dual homologation requirements. So having tried many different makes over the years, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the latest Airoh Reverse-Flip version.
It comes with an impressive range of features including Airoh’s own ‘ACVS’ ventilation system comprising of vents in the chin-guard and on the helmet’s top which flow through to air extractors at the rear. An increased field of vision is also provided by what Airoh terms its ‘extra-wide’ visor, which can be removed easily via a tool-less quick release system.
The one thing I really wanted to try out was just how well the reverse-flip system worked, because on other helmets it was sometimes a frustrating task trying to locate the switching mechanism and operate it while wearing gloves. On the Airoh, there’s a simple thumb-operated centre chin switch – just push it and the front flicks smoothly over; then once that’s done, there’s a simple one-click switch on the left side of the helmet which locks it into the open face position; to revert to a full face, just unclick the switch and flip it forward – job done. Of all the different flip system helmets I’ve tried in recent years, this one has got to be up there with the best.
Donning the helmet, it fastens-up easily via its micrometric retention system and in use out on the road it felt comfortable and functional with a minimum of wind noise. So if you’re in the market for a flip-type helmet, why not check this one out.