The Scorpion Exo-1000 helmet is packed full of quality and innovation and is a very good helmet as a result
Innovative lid design
Initial Thoughts
The Scorpion Exo 1000 model sent for this review was the “Spring Black Chameleon” graphic design which is mainly black, white and silver with iridescent purple butterflies. The design is very eye catching when riding and the quality of the graphics and paint is very good. I was really impressed with the overall build quality of the Exo 1000, and very excited to try the huge number of features which were immediately apparent as soon as helmet was unpacked. The attention to detail is brilliant, even the chin curtain which covers the “Air Pump” and button to deflate has directions for the emergency services to deflate the cheek pads before trying to remove the helmet which is great for rider safety.
As far as a small sized helmet goes this Scorpion model is rather snug. I have a small head in most brands and the first time I put it on I wondered if I should have gone up a size or if in fact I could get it off! The booklet which comes with the helmet does advise it may be a good idea to go a size larger in order to get the best out of the “Air Pump” system but as the lining broke in after a little wear it did loosen off a little and became a very comfy helmet.
Construction
This is Scorpions top of the range helmet and their first to come with their unique “Helmet Air Pump” system. I was quite excited about the task of finding out what this feature would add to overall comfort and safety. The air pump system consists of 2 air bladders which are situated in the cheek pads. These are inflated by pumping a button on the inside of the chin of the helmet in a similar way to the way old Reebok pump trainers inflated in the 80's. You deflate the pads by pressing a small button next to the pump.
I found with my face shape I only was able to inflate them a little when riding and they may have contributed to how little the helmet moved when travelling at high speeds or in blustery conditions, which was great but even without them pumped up I felt the helmet was snug and secure. I believe the Exo-1000 would suit most face shapes but would fit a slightly more oval face shape better as you would get better use from the “Air Pump” system. I found it a little tight round my cheeks.
The Scorpion Exo 1000 is pretty weighty compared to others I have worn, I made sure I tested it on fairly long rides and haven't had any neck ache as it seems to be well balanced and the weight was bound to be increased due to the incorporation of all the extra features.
Quality wise the liner and vents are very good, although the “KwickWick” breathable liner is not as soft as on other helmets I have worn and almost feels slightly scratchy on first wear. I did find it helped my face avoid getting too sweaty or warm when riding. It fastens with a double D fastening.
There are vents galore on the Exo1000, they feel extremely solid and its easily possible to snap them open and closed with ease with your gloves on, the Exo1000 features an intake vent at the chin and 2 exhaust vents and the only niggle I found with them is that due to the extra padding from the “Air Pump” system and the chin curtain very little air has the chance to reach your face directly from below. The chin vent however does an excellent job of keeping the visor clear.
The Exo 1000 also has a large vent at the forehead. This vent lets the most air in but also causes an audible whistling noise when fully open so can make the helmet seem quite noisy, especially when travelling over 60mph. Noise of course is subjective and I personally always wear earplugs when riding so to most this may not be an issue. There are also 2 more intake vents, one either side of the top of the head which look the business but didn't seem to function well as I was unable to feel much air from these. Finally there are also 2 exhaust vents at the back of the helmet and a rear intake/spoiler which is designed to create a vacuum and reduce lift, and I certainly didn't notice any lift.
Another neat feature of the Scorpion Exo 1000 is the internal retractable sun visor, which I think is a brilliant idea. It is moved into position with the flick of a switch on the left side of the visor. This does the job well, protecting your eyes and is easy to move into position when riding. I did find occasionally when doing over 60 the visor when retracted would wobble very slightly into view – only by a few millimetres and it may just have been this example. It was easy to sort out though just by flicking it down and up again.
Visor clarity is excellent on this helmet, and the anti fog system works extremely well so to date I have had no fog to contend with at all. The specially moulded visor has a locking system so you can lock the visor into position although this is not the easiest thing to do with your gloves on and really I didn't feel was necessary as the visor never lifted during the review even once. The visor uses the Scorpion speed shift visor release system which is a round dial at the left side of the visor. It is as advertised quick to release but not the easiest thing to replace and I shan't be removing it again in a hurry unless it actually needs replacing.
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