New "DS" helmet - Icon Variant

[the_wes]

Icon have just released the "Variant" - a "DS" style helmet (MX inspired, with visor) which they are punting as an "urban assault" helmet - motard and stunt riders, etc

From Hell for Leather:

Icon's satisfying a lot of rider's wishes by creating the Icon Variant, a helmet that combines off-road looks, ventilation and peripheral vision with street refinement. We've been impressed with the progress Icon has shown in quality; this helmet moves them one step closer to competing with established helmet makers with the use of a carbon/dynema/fiberglass composite shell and a moisture wicking liner. Full details covered in the video below. And don't worry, it comes in classy plain colors in addition to the godawful skulls and other macho ephemera.

From Icon:

All World Standard, meets or exceeds the following: DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (EUROPE), SAI AS1698 (AUSTRALIA) & SG (JAPAN) SAFETY AND TESTING STANDARDS. Does not ship with SAI or SG certification stickers unless purchased in that country.
Fiberglass/Dynema /Carbon Fiber Shell
Long oval headform
Wind tunnel tested and refined
Anti-lift visor to reduce glare
Multiple oversized intake and exhaust ports
Molded EPS nose reduces shield fogging
Quick-change fog-free shield
Removable Hydradry moisture wicking liner
Rear spoiler for reduced helmet buffeting
Removable chin curtain
Imported

Video:
ICON - Variant Tech

Available in 3 "designs" and 5 flat colours... here are my favourites of each:

You can see all designs here and all flat colours here

Price wise, on Motorcycle Superstore helmet prices look like this:
Icon Variant: $350 - $390
Shoei Hornet: $437.99 - $461.99
Arai XD3: $512.99 - $629.99

Personally I think it's a very good looking helmet. It seems to have good ventilation across the peak and out the back of the helmet, which Icon claim reduces buffeting significantly. The liner also looks very good - words like "moisture wicking" being thrown around. However they have designed this as a street helmet, not a dual-sport helmet, so time will tell if it's any good on the dirt - e.g. how well do goggles fit with it, can the visor easily be removed, etc. We'll also have to see if we actually get it here, and what the price will be in good 'ol Seffrican Ront.

Your thoughts?

 

[Dr Dirt]

 

[mrhyde]

 

[letsgofishing]

 

[Mr. Python]

 

[mrhyde]

 

[Mr. Python]

 

[cloudgazer]

 

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[Hark3n]

 

[the_wes]

 

[Varadero]

 

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[Tuareg]