Biker Info Site Reviews, Industry News & Other Useful Info

e-Tint’s New MX-8 & AX-9 Visor Insert

e-Tint’s New MX-8 Visor Insert, is the answer I have been waiting for? Ok, I have wanted something similar to e-Tint for a quite a while, but it has just not been available… until now. After some hesitation, I jumped off and bought one. My immediate impression after installing the e-Tint MX-8 (manual switch) Visor Insert follows.

• Installs on the inside of your existing face shield.
• Easy to install with great alignment template.
• Easy operation
• But, will it get dark enough for me? The visor was ever so slightly tinted in "Off" mode and when tested out-of-the-box I had my doubts. Decided to “wait and see.”
• I like being able to recharge from any USB port or phone charger if it has USB port or the charger of my G4 Scala.

Nice – no need to lug around an extra charger.

So, two days after my late evening visor installations, I “test" the e-Tint /Shoei combination. First, I put the helmet on in brightest part of the day. With my helmet on, slowly I lower the face shield and realize by peering through the uncovered edges around the e-Tint insert just how "clear" the shield actually is compared to what I thought was a slight tint on the e-Tint MX-8 insert in its off position. Now I am feeling better about my purchase but still not certain.

The helmet’s shield was lowered and the insert turned it on. Ok, not as much difference as I thought between “On & Off” but... OK. Just does not seem as dark as my "dark" sunglasses. So, let's test that theory.

With my dark sunglasses on, I survey the area. Then I take them off and lower the shield with the e-Tint already turned-on. What?? It looks about the same as my dark glasses. Let's try this again. Ok... to my surprise it is about the same.

While the difference between the ON & OFF positions e-Tint insert may not be as dramatic as I was expecting or as I thought necessary, it is enough difference when you consider the insert is somewhat tinted even in the OFF mode. My best description is “Off” tint is a very light smoke that worked well even at sundown. Think “transitional glasses,” they never quite get total to a “clear” state and neither does the AX-9 or the MX-8 e-Tint inserts.

On e-Tint’s MX-8 visor insert, the power cord from the insert to the outboard control switch is a 32 gauge wire. It’s an extremely small wire. The Shoei’s shield shuts on the wire without any noticeable problem, but my helmet’s seal is soft which helps. I tried e-Tints control wire under my HJC Sy-MAX shield and it worked well there also. Also, did not notice any increase in wind noise. Of course, the AX-9 does not have a wire. It is all self-contained.

While I did not test the e-Tint AX-9, e-Tint’s automatic version, but understand the AX-9 has operates both in auto and manual modes. Additionally, the light activation sensitivity can be adjusted if you don’t like the default setting.

Ok, at the end of the day – I like it.

While not perfect, it is perfect enough for me and will not be giving it back. If you insist I find at least one negative, that would be it is highly unlikely it can be moved from one helmet to another. But, then again if I were to buy another helmet, it will have a built in visor.

Scorpion EXO-900 “Transformer” Helmet

Disclaimer: I love modular helmets. I truly appreciate a company making any product multi-purpose because it means more options for me when I ride with less packing. That  being said, here are a few quick thoughts about Scorpion’s EXO-900 “Transformer” helmet.

First, let’s quickly run through some of the more unique features of the Scorpion EXO-900 helmet that give it its Transformer name. The EXO 900 can change from a flip-up, full-face motorcycle helmet to a three-quarters helmet with a few quick button presses and a visor addition. The EXO 900 helmet also has a flip-down internal sun visor and inflatable cheek pads.

The EXO-900 fits like the regular full-face Scorpion helmets. The inflatable cheek pads on this transformer work in the same way that the old Reebok Pumps basketball shoes from the early 90’s used to using an air pump/release system located discreetly on the neck roll pad. This certainly helps for riders such as me who have to order different size cheek pads with every helmet purchase. The overall construction and design of the helmet, like most Scorpion helmets, is outstanding.

The main attraction though is the ability to convert from a flip-up full-face to a three-quarters helmet in a matter of minutes. Flipping up the chin bar and shield reveals two d-ring style sliders on both sides of the helmet. Pulling these down releases the chin bar and allows you to attach the visor to complete the three-quarters look. The system Scorpion designed works seamlessly with my only complaint being that you have to carry whatever extra piece you’re not using at the time – but, admittedly, that’s a relatively minor gripe. My only other nit-pick is that, while the internal sun visor works well, it could be a bit darker and extend a bit lower. Again, it’s a minor complaint when looking at the helmet as a whole.

So what’s the bottom line? The Scorpion EXO-900 “Transformer” is a well priced helmet that lives up to its “transformer” name. Its build quality and feel is excellent and allows you to easily overlook the minor issues I discussed above.

Shark Evoline Series II Helmet Review

 

Before every road trip I go on, I’m left with a dilemma – do I take my full or open face helmet? Well, thanks to Shark, I won’t have to even think about it again. The company has developed the Evoline Series 2, the most versatile motorcycle helmet available, by far.

Prior to this, my only exposure to the Evoline was seeing it at a show a little over a year ago. Now that I’ve had some hands-on time with Shark’s updated and improved Evoline Series 2, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on it.

Besides the 2-in-1 aspect of the helmet, the other feature that sold me on the helmet was the internally rotating sun visor with UV400 protection. Sunglasses are always a pain to wear with a helmet, both literally and figuratively. Thankfully, the drop-down sun visor is large enough to make sunglasses unnecessary. Apparently the size of the visor was an issue with the first series, so Shark made it larger in the Series 2 and it works well.

Other upgrades include improving the helmet’s seals to make it more water-resistant and an improved liner. I’m not normally one who focuses on things like the liner in a helmet, but I have to say that the Evoline Series 2 has one of the nicest liners that have ever protected my noggin. Flawless.

The rest of the components live up to the quality of the main features. Everything on it seems to move smoothly and feel solid. I remember having some trouble playing with the Series 1 face shield and rotating visor but that was not an issue with the Series 2. The components involved when changing from full to open face move easily and lock in precisely.

Shark has made a quality product here and I’m impressed. This helmet is a definite recommendation.