The ScorpionEXO XT9000 is the company’s newest entry into the midline adventure motorcycle helmet class, boasting a 3K carbon fiber shell and inflatable cheek pads, among other notable features.
The helmet’s interior feels simultaneously rugged and breathable, with a soft KwickWick III moisture-wicking liner and removable crown, cheek pads, and neck roll, all of which are washable. Its novel “Airfit” cheek pads can be inflated via a large red air pump button and deflated via a release valve, all located on the interior of the chinbar. The result is a truly individual fit that is quick and easy to adjust, even with gloves on. A removable neoprene skirt is also included to effectively block wind from blowing up into the chin area for more comfortable cold weather riding and reduced wind noise.
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Built into the shell are 50mm speaker pockets if you want to install a Bluetooth comm system. Two thin bright red “emergency” straps on the underside of the neck roll release the cheek pads when pulled, reducing neck strain during helmet removal in the event of a crash.
The XT9000’s exterior is handsomely styled in the ADV tradition, with a TCT-Ultra 3K carbon fiber shell wrapped around a multilayered, multidensity EPS liner. The clearcoat-over-carbon finish on our test model was glossy and smooth, complementing the excellent overall fit and finish. Two Maxvision faceshields are included (clear and dark tint), both of which are shatter-resistant, anti-fog and anti-scratch coated, and 95% UVA+B blocking. For off-road riding, the shield is designed to accommodate most goggles while in the “up” position, negating the need to remove the shield entirely. Pinlock anti-fog film is included also. The shield sealed well when closed, with no air or water leakage detected. The helmet’s peak is easily removable via three thumbscrews for a street-style look.
Out on the road, the XT9000 was delightfully functional, starting with its superb ventilation. Up front, the peak directs air into two intake vents on the top of the helmet, each of which has a beefy closed/open switch which is easily actuated with gloved hands. The chinbar has four small open ports and one larger central main port which can be opened or closed as required. On the inside of the chinbar, there is another switch to open or close the chin vents, which aim toward the inside of the face shield to combat fogging. Internal air is dispelled through two wide spoilers on the rear of the helmet.
Another useful feature of this helmet is its wide, airy field of vision (Scorpion claims a 190-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical field of vision). Finally, its light weight (only 3.1 lb for our size Large test model) is less tiring on long rides than heavier comparable lids.
The ScorpionEXO XT9000 adventure motorcycle helmet meets both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 certifications. Sizes are available from XS to 3XL, and MSRP starts at $499.95.
I have considered this line of helmets in the past, but that last photo makes me wonder if the chin bar on this helmet has gotten too low to be of use in protecting one’s man-dibble.