Icon Airform Review: A Good Entry-Level Helmet?

I am thrilled to share my personal experience with the Icon Airform helmet. As an ardent motorcyclist, this helmet has caught my eye due to its impressive features and affordable price point of approximately $160 to $225. I am eager to share my insights and hope you find them as helpful as mine.

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!

Icon Airform – Aesthetics and Design

The Icon Airform, an entry-level full-face helmet, boasts a sleek and elegant design inspired by the revered Airframe Pro helmet.

While they share similar exterior aesthetics, the helmets significantly differ in their features and performance, which I will delve into later.

Certifications and Weight

The Icon Airform is certified by DOT and ECE 22:05, ensuring that it meets stringent safety standards. Moreover, at a comfortable 3.65 pounds (for the medium size), it strikes a good balance between weight and protection.

Comfort and Fit

The Icon Airform features an intermediate oval head shape, a common fit that accommodates most North American riders.

As someone who measures 58 centimeters around the head, I found the medium size as recommended by the size chart, to be a perfect fit.

The helmet’s interior shape has noticeably evolved over the years, enhancing comfort and fitting precision.

Ventilation

One key difference between the Icon Airform and the Airframe Pro is the ventilation system. While the Airform offers decent ventilation for an entry-level helmet, it does not match the superb ventilation provided by the higher-end Airframe Pro.

The chin area of the Airform has two non-switchable vents that constantly let in air, while the brow vent can be manually adjusted to control airflow. The exhaust vents located at the back assist in dissipating heat.

Shield and Glasses Compatibility

The Icon Airform includes a drop-down inner screen, a handy feature for riders who want the convenience of switching between clear and tinted shields.

Unfortunately, the helmet does not comfortably accommodate glasses, making it a less optimal choice for riders who wear them.

Shell Material and Safety

The helmet’s shell is crafted from injection-molded plastic, a common material for entry-level helmets. While higher-end full face helmets often feature fiberglass or carbon-based shells, this does not mean the safety of the Icon

Airform is compromised. It is considered safe as long as a helmet passes the required impact tests, as the Icon Airform does. However, it’s worth noting that higher-end helmets might manage impact energy slightly better.

Interior

The interior of the Icon Airform is both removable and washable, making maintenance a breeze. The cheek pads are secured with snaps and a large patch of Velcro, ensuring a snug fit.

Meanwhile, the top pad is attached with two snaps at the back and a plastic edge at the front. The overall quality of the interior is excellent, reflecting Icon’s commitment to high-quality products.

Takeaways

Here are the eight key takeaways from my experience with the Icon Airform helmet:

1. Stylish Design: The helmet boasts a sleek design inspired by the Airframe Pro helmet.
2. Certified Safety: It meets DOT and ECE 22:05 safety standards.
3. Comfortable Fit: The intermediate oval shape fits most North American riders comfortably.
4. Ventilation: While decent for an entry-level helmet, the ventilation doesn’t match that of higher-end models.
5. Shield: The drop-down inner screen allows easy switching between clear and tinted views.
6. Glasses Compatibility: The helmet does not comfortably accommodate glasses.
7. Shell Material: The injection-molded plastic shell is standard for entry-level helmets but doesn’t manage impact as well as higher-end materials.
8. Interior: The removable and washable interior makes for easy maintenance.

FAQs

What safety certifications does the Icon Airform helmet have?

The Icon Airform helmet is certified by DOT and ECE 22:05.

Does the Icon Airform helmet accommodate glasses?

No, the Icon Airform helmet does not comfortably accommodate glasses.

What is the fit of the Icon Airform helmet?

The Icon Airform helmet has an intermediate oval shape, comfortably fitting most North American riders.

What material is the Icon Airform helmet made of?

The Icon Airform helmet features an injection-molded plastic shell.

Is the interior of the Icon Airform helmet washable?

Yes, the interior of the Icon Airform helmet is both removable and washable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Icon Airform helmet is a solid choice for riders seeking an affordable, stylish, and safe helmet.

While it doesn’t offer the same level of ventilation or glasses compatibility as some higher-end models, its overall quality, design, and safety certifications make it a worthy consideration for any rider.

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