In this review, I will be discussing the technical features of the HJC i-70 helmet, including its construction, ventilation system, and visor.
If you stick around until the end, I’ll also be sharing my personal thoughts on what I like and don’t like about the HJC i-70.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best full face motorcycle helmet for you? Let’s find out!
HJC i70
What Customers Think
- Good ventilation
- Love the integrated sun visor
- Fits well, and overall quality is good
Pricing and Availability
The HJC i-70 helmet costs £159.99 for plain colors and £179.99 for more intricate designs, such as the 2021 Illuma paint scheme. Initially released in 2019, the i-70 was about £20 more expensive, but its price drop in the last couple of years has made it even more competitive.
Construction and Weight
The i-70 features a plastic shell, which typically means a heavier full-face helmet. However, it weighs in at 1519 grams for a size medium, which is relatively light for its class. In fact, it’s lighter than some composite fiber-shelled full-face helmets we’ve seen in the last year or so.
Ventilation
The helmet’s ventilation system consists of a single sliding chin vent and two vents on the top. The chin vent is easy to operate, but the top two vents can be a bit trickier to use with gloves on, as they require a fair amount of pressure to slide and can be somewhat fiddly.
The impact liner features channels that allow air to flow from the front of the helmet to the back when the vents are open.
The air then exits through two exhaust vents located beneath a permanently open vent at the rear of the helmet.
After covering around 1200 miles of riding with this helmet, I found the venting to be adequate without being exceptional, but still on par with other helmets in this price range.
Visor
The i-70 features a quick-release visor system that takes only seconds to remove and replace. It lifts and locks using a central tab, which also serves as the release mechanism when pressed on the lower section.
The visor is protected by a Pinlock 70 Max Vision insert a middle-grade option that provides better moisture management than the basic Pinlock 30 insert.
Custom-made for the i-70’s visor, the Max Vision insert covers most of the eye-port, ensuring clear vision without hindrance.
Internal Sun Visor
The helmet also includes an internal sun visor operated by a switch on the lower left rim of the shell.
This location is more convenient than a switch on the top, as it reduces noise and is easier to reach.
However, the sun visor itself does not have an anti-fog coating, which is common for full-face helmets in this price range.
To get an anti-fog sun visor, you would need to spend a bit more on a helmet like Nolan’s N87, which is approximately £30 more expensive than the i-70.
Interior
The i-70’s interior may not be flashy but is effective and comfortable. The fully removable comfort lining can be washed, and there’s room behind each cheek pad for intercom speakers, allowing for communication while riding.
The helmet’s strap fastener features D-rings, which is a departure from the micrometric buckles commonly found on sub-£200 helmets.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for the i-70 are generally positive, with 71% of reviewers awarding it the maximum five stars. However, some reviews mention sizing issues, and it’s worth noting that you may need to go up a size for the best fit, even if you have previously worn HJC helmets.
Performance and Approvals
The i-70 provides decent performance, comfort, and ventilation for its price range. It comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL, with two shell sizes accommodating different head sizes.
The i-70 is ECE 22.05 approved for road use and also holds ACU Gold certification, making it suitable for track days or racing events. However, it’s worth noting that this helmet is primarily designed for road riding.
The UK government’s SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme) scheme tested the i-70 and awarded it a 4 out of 5-star rating for its performance in a series of impact tests. This demonstrates that the helmet meets a high standard within the SHARP scheme.
Features and Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Plastic shell | Lightweight, weighing only 1519 grams for a size medium |
| Quick-release visor | Easy to remove and replace |
| Pinlock 70 Max Vision | Provides better moisture management for clear vision without hindrance |
| Internal sun visor | Convenient switch location on the lower left rim of the shell, reducing noise and making it easier to reach |
| Removable comfort lining | Convenient switch location on the lower left rim of the shell, reducing noise and easier to reach |
| D-ring strap fastener | Provides secure fastening compared to micrometric buckles commonly found on sub-£200 helmets |
| Ventilation system | Sliding chin vent and two vents on the top with channels in the impact liner to allow air to flow from the front to the back |
| ECE 22.05 approved | Suitable for road use and holds ACU Gold certification, making it suitable for track days or racing events |
| 4 out of 5-star rating | High performance in a series of impact tests, demonstrating it meets a high standard within the UK government’s SHARP scheme |
| Affordable price | Fully washable and allows for communication while riding |
Conclusion
The HJC i-70 helmet offers excellent performance for the money, with a price range of £160 to £180.
Its lightweight construction, adequate ventilation, and comfortable interior make it a great option for riders seeking a quality helmet at a competitive price.
Keep in mind that you may need to go up a size for the best fit, and be aware that the internal sun visor lacks an anti-fog coating.
Overall, the i-70 is a solid choice for those in search of a reliable and comfortable helmet without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Is the HJC I70 quiet?
The HJC i70 helmet is generally considered to be a quiet helmet. I found the i70 amazingly quiet, but I was wearing earplugs.
However, noise levels can vary depending on factors such as windscreen use and whether or not earplugs are worn.
How safe is HJC f70?
The HJC F70 helmet has not been tested by Snell, but it has been tested by SHARP, an independent helmet-testing organization in the UK. One of our testers gave the HJC i70 a solid four stars for safety (out of five) in SHARP’s testing.
The HJC F70 has passed both DOC and ECE testing, which is not surprising considering how much thought has gone into the durability and construction of the helmet and its shell2.
What is the difference between HJC I 70 and C 70?
The main difference between the HJC i70 and the C70 lies in the opening system of the screen and the piping system. Both offer sunscreen, a micrometric closure, the same material for the cap, etc.
The i70 features a shell that’s like if you took an egg and cut off a side, while the C70 features a polycarbonate shell with multiple layers to increase its overall safety.
HJC i70
What Customers Think
- Good ventilation
- Love the integrated sun visor
- Fits well, and overall quality is good
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