If you’re looking for a high-quality helmet that offers both style and functionality, the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Helmet is an excellent option.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Helmet, its features, and why it’s a top choice for riders. If you stick around until the end, you will see exactly what I think about this helmet.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best flip-up motorcycle helmet for you? Let’s find out!
HJC RPHA 90S Carbon
What Customers Think
- Very Quite Helmet
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- Good Helmet For Oblong Heads
HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Features
Shell Construction & Sizing
This is a modular helmet, which means the chin bar helmet flips up for when you’re stopped, walking around, or want to get some more air, but riding with the chin bar is not recommended.
Despite this, the helmet is certified as P/J, which means it can be used in both positions on the road.
This helmet was brought on the market to compete with modular helmets like the AGV Sportmodular, Shoei Neotec 2, Nolan N100 5 Plus, Schuberth C4 Pro, and the Shark Evo ES.
The RPHA 90S Carbon is made of the premium integrated matrix, or PIM Plus Carbon, which is a carbon and fiberglass composite with a very high carbon content compared to the RPHA 90S’ PIM Plus shell, which is a carbon and fiberglass composite.
These materials are used across HJC’s RPHA and RPHA Carbon lines. Despite being made with premium materials, the helmet is lightweight, weighing in at about 1520 grams in the size M, or 3 lbs, 6 oz, which is about 30 grams lighter than its non-carbon predecessor.
One of the great features of the RPHA 90S is that it comes in three shell sizes, which improves the helmet’s safety and sizing, providing a more proportional fit.
Ventilation
For ventilation, the helmet has a large adjustable vent on the chinbar, an even larger vent in the brow, and adjustable vents out the back to let the hot air out.
Face Shield
The visor on the RPHA 90S Carbon is an anti-fog pinlock prepared with an anti-fog pinlock visor in the box.
The face shield and drop-down sun visor are anti-scratch and anti-UV, and the visor will give you a good field of vision, which is important for modular-touring helmets.
It will also lock with the red latch at the front of the helmet, so all you need to do is push back and up, and it will open.
This is a great safety feature as it will prevent the visor from opening unexpectedly.
For summer days, you’ve also got the integrated sun visor in the 90s operated by a slide on the bottom of the helmet.
This has been improved to provide wider and better coverage when it’s in position.
In addition, HJC has made it simple to remove the visor thanks to their RapidFire lever system.
To remove the visor, all you need to do is lift it into the open position, pull on both levers on either side of the helmet, and the visor will lift out.
To put it back in again, it’s the same process but in reverse, and you simply snap the visor back in again.
The lining of the RPHA 90S is HJC’s multi-cool liner with a polygiene treatment.
The liner is removable, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, washable, and has a glasses groove.
Noise Levels
Unfortunately, the previous RPHA 90 didn’t do a great job on noise isolation when we road-tested it with 102 dB. Hopefully, the RPHA 90S will do better.
To test this, we sent our rider out on the road with a decibel meter and recorded the noise levels inside the helmet at various speeds and wind conditions.
The results were impressive, with the RPHA 90S performing much better than its predecessor.
Even though it isn’t the quietest motorcycle helmet, at 60 km/h, the noise level was around 87dB, which is quite good for a modular helmet.
The noise levels increased at higher speeds, but they were still within a reasonable range, and our rider didn’t experience any discomfort.
The RPHA 90S also comes with speaker pockets, which are a nice addition.
So if you want to install a communication system or listen to music while riding, you can easily do so without compromising the comfort or safety of the helmet.
Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Modular design | Allows the chin bar to flip up for added convenience and airflow, while still being certified for use in both positions. |
| Premium integrated matrix carbon | Made from high-quality carbon and fiberglass composite materials that are lightweight and durable. |
| Three shell sizes | Provides a better fit and improved safety with a more proportional size for riders of different head sizes. |
| Large adjustable vents | Offers excellent ventilation to keep riders cool and comfortable in various riding conditions. |
| Anti-fog pinlock visor | Provides a clear and unobstructed field of vision, even in humid conditions, and comes with an anti-fog pinlock visor. |
| Anti-scratch and anti-UV visor | Protects against scratches and harmful UV rays to ensure a clear view at all times. |
| Red latch lock | Securely locks the face shield in place, preventing it from opening unexpectedly while riding. |
| Integrated sun visor | Provides additional sun protection and is easily operated by a slide on the bottom of the helmet. |
| RapidFire lever system | Makes it easy to remove and replace the visor for cleaning or customization. |
| Multi-Cool liner with polygiene | Removable, washable, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial liner with a glasses groove for added comfort and hygiene. |
| Low noise levels | Significantly quieter than its predecessor, with a reasonable noise level at higher speeds, and speaker pockets included. |
My Likes and Dislikes
I think the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Helmet is a good helmet, even though it’s a bit pricey. But you get what you pay for.
The helmet is lightweight, not too loud, and has an awesome Bluetooth setup.
The only downside is that replacement shields are difficult to find. However, I’m sure that’ll change soon and be like other HJC helmets.
I followed the sizing chart, and the fit is perfect. The finish is excellent, and it’s very quiet compared to my previous helmet. It’s also much lighter.
I have owned more expensive and less expensive helmets before, but this one ticks every box.
It’s a great price, has good airflow, the lock on the visor and chin bar feels solid, it’s not very loud, and it just feels good on long trips.
I know there are other helmets out there that are lighter, cheaper, quieter, or from bigger-name brands, but they may not hit all the categories like the RPHA 90S Carbon does.
So far, I am really enjoying this helmet. It’s my first modular helmet, and I love being able to flip the whole face up.
It’s also very comfortable and quiet. I haven’t installed the intercom yet, so we’ll see how that goes, but it’s off to a great start.
The helmet fits me well, and I’m happy that it doesn’t give me a headache like my previous helmets.
It could be a little more oblong, but it’s still much better than anything I’ve had before.
I have a weirdly shaped head, so finding a comfortable helmet has been a challenge until now.
FAQ
What is the shell construction of the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon helmet?
The shell construction of the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon helmet features Advanced PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) construction, which is made of carbon fiber and carbon-glass hybrid fabric for enhanced shock resistance.
Does the helmet have an anti-fog system?
Yes, the helmet has an integrated Pinlock anti-fog system with a Pinlock insert included for ultimate anti-fog protection.
Is the helmet easy to open and close with gloves on?
Yes, the helmet features an innovative, center, one-touch open/close locking system for the chinbar and face shield designed to open with either hand, even with gloves on.
Can I use my Bluetooth communicator with the helmet?
Yes, the helmet is Bluetooth-ready and accepts SMART HJC 10B or 20B Bluetooth communicators.
Does the helmet meet safety standards?
Yes, the helmet meets or exceeds DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards.
Is the helmet eyeglass friendly?
Yes, the helmet has an eyeglass-friendly EPS design.
Does the helmet come with a sun visor?
Yes, the helmet has an integrated SunShield (HJ-V9) that is anti-fog, anti-scratch, and smoke-tinted and deploys quickly and easily.
What is the warranty on the helmet?
The warranty on the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon helmet is five years from the date of purchase, covering any defects in materials or workmanship.
In Conclusion
The HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Helmet is an excellent choice for riders who are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and functional modular helmet.
It has a solid build quality, good airflow, and an advanced Bluetooth setup. Although it comes at a higher price point, its features and benefits justify the cost.
While there are some minor downsides, like difficulty in finding replacement shields, they are outweighed by the overall quality and performance of the helmet.
Overall, the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon Helmet is a great investment for riders who value safety, comfort, and functionality.
HJC RPHA 90S Carbon
What Customers Think
- Very Quite Helmet
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- Good Helmet For Oblong Heads
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