Shoei X12 review

[Brendon]

Got the Martyr: https://www.shoei.com.au/store.php?c...on=show_detail

I've had the TZR, XR1000, and X11 *note to self: rubber side on ground, and helmet side in air*
Very happy with all the helmets, especially in that despite some heavy knocks they kept brain inside skull and still functioning (arguably). By far my favorite was the X11, and although theres a few reviews around of the X12, none seemed to answer my questions about comparative noise, weight, fit between other models. So I bought one anyhow.

Noise:
In hindsight, the TZR was quite noisy, though quiet compared to the RJays thing before it. The XR1000 much quieter in general, but had an annoying whistling sound at around 75-90's which needed a bead of silicone just above visor to solve. The X11, being a track helmet, was a quite a bit noisier. But without the annoying whistle.

I'd rate the X12 somewhere between the XR1000 and X11. But although noisier than the XR1000, in a way its a preferable noise. I'm speculating that the aerodynamics are much better, as wind noise is much more consistent. When tilting or turning head slightly, the sound does not wildly fluctuate, so its easier for the brain to tune the frequency out. Both road noise and wind noise seem to have dropped in frequency (more woosh than hiss) possibly due to the increase weight. For those that like hearing traffic, then this is still very clear. This applies up to about $1.40/$1.50, after which earplugs will be needed.

If you are happy with the X11, then you'll love this one.

Comfort:
There are now 5 shell sizes which will help many get a great fit. I'm still large, so unchanged. As with all helmets, it was initially quiet tight, though no uneven pressure in any spot. After about a good day of riding the moulding had compressed a bit and its now a perfect fit. YMMV, as Shoei's have always been a good container for the shape of my nut.

Haven't yet had a 40+ degree day to try it out, but out in the sun stuck in traffic at 34 odd caused a little sweat, the internal padding certainly does its job disipating it though (better than the previous helmets). Whilst moving at legal speeds, airflow is barely noticable, but neither is any heat. I'm used to feeling a breeze flowing up from chin over face, so it might take a while getting used to. Will update when the temp hits 40 again. I'm wondering if the rear auto-open vents not being closable will cause brain freeze in winter though?

There an extra 150g of weight compared to the X11. Definately not noticable at any speed. Perhaps this is a benefit of the improved aero profile causing it to be more stable overall?. Even rapid direction changes caused no strain on neck. I did notice that at $2.00+ it was more difficult to turn head quickly. You probably shouldn't make rapid head movement at this speed anyhow, and if you need to, you're probably not thinking far enough ahead.

Visibility:
Not much to say apart from absolutely fucking awesome. I can't imagine anything short of a skull cap helmet could compare with this. Unfortunately all of my existing visors won't work with the new CW-1 system, so these will be coming cheap to a forsale thread soon.

Safety:
Not comprehensively tested by myself. I don't plan on doing that for a while. But it complies with the new Snell 2010, and even more stringent EU standards (marketed over there as X-Spirit II). I'd imagine it would do an effective job of keeping the brain intact. Removable cheekpads will also help the ambo's/hospital remove the helmet if it goes pearshaped (not sure whether they'd be aware of the existence, but they're marked red)

(Mine doesn't have an AS sticker on it, so its obviously unsafe for use on our roads)

Overall:
The pricing is ridiculous locally. How can they justify a $1300 price tag for something that I brought in for $770? Even $770 was borderline, considering an X11 would have landed for $500, and I'll need new tinted/mirror visors, so it'll be >$1000 all up.

All said and done though, the visibility gain is the sole factor which would make me buy it again.

[shan]

Hows the visor change out- as good as the X1100 ????
Nice write up by the way

[Brendon]

You mean the new XR1100? thats the same system as the X12 (tis the road version).
But yeah, same sorta arrangement as all the previous models

btw, as with all helmets, I'd still recommend trying one on locally before you buy. A friend of mine tried one at helmet house and didn't see much improvement in vision, guess it depends on the location of eyes/shape of head.

Especially important to try on if you are anything but large size, as the new shell sizes might change which you need.