Italian helmet manufacturer AGV provides high-end helmets for MotoGP racers including top-dog Valentino Rossi, but how do they fare in the real world?
To find out, we put their $620 Evolution Ti-Tech model to the test.
To find out, we put their $620 Evolution Ti-Tech model to the test.
Race-Bred Headwear for Civilians
Let's assume you watch MotoGP racing religiously and love everything about the sport; it's the fastest thing on two wheels, so it's only natural that race-developed gear should appeal to sport bike riders, right? In the case of the AGV Evolution Ti-Tech, the transition between racetrack and road use becomes a bit bumpy.
In all fairness, the demands of the track are completely different than the demands of everyday road riding. Comfort and practicality play a much greater role when you're not battling the world's greatest racers, and compromises must be made when designing and marketing products for mainstream use.
In all fairness, the demands of the track are completely different than the demands of everyday road riding. Comfort and practicality play a much greater role when you're not battling the world's greatest racers, and compromises must be made when designing and marketing products for mainstream use.
Exotic Materials, Exotic Price
Ti-Tech gets its name from the titanium used on the air inlets.
© Basem Wasef, Licensed to About.comRetailing at $620, the AGV Evolution Ti-Tech isn't cheap-- even when considering how easy it is to find one for $200 under retail. Boasting what AGV calls SSL ("Super Super Light") Carbon Kevlar Construction, the Ti-Tech doesn't skimp on the fundamentals; it uses lightweight, exotic materials that make it competitive with some of the best helmets in the world.
Lightweight, strong materials like Carbon Kevlar should provide excellent protection from impact, and while we haven't crash-tested this helmet, we suspect it would hold up well to the slings and arrows of motorcycle misfortune.
However, during uneventful, real world use, the Ti-Tech's performance surprised us. For starters, the helmet's fit was so tight that we got a serious case of chipmunk cheeks. We thought that would diminish as the liner broke in, but it literally took several thousand miles of riding to loosen up, and even after that considerable break-in period the liner felt unusually tight around the face.
Lightweight, strong materials like Carbon Kevlar should provide excellent protection from impact, and while we haven't crash-tested this helmet, we suspect it would hold up well to the slings and arrows of motorcycle misfortune.
However, during uneventful, real world use, the Ti-Tech's performance surprised us. For starters, the helmet's fit was so tight that we got a serious case of chipmunk cheeks. We thought that would diminish as the liner broke in, but it literally took several thousand miles of riding to loosen up, and even after that considerable break-in period the liner felt unusually tight around the face.
Sounds as Loud as it Looks
The AGV's performance also disappointed when in motion. We thought there was a 747 buzzing us directly overhead the first time we accelerated to about 50 mph: the aerodynamics of the helmet, it turns out, create a sort of howling sound. Tilt your head a certain angle and the noise goes away, but on a $600+ helmet, we expect better.
Long rides in hot weather revealed that the titanium-tipped inlets allowed some air to flow through the helmet, but we often ended up opening and closing the vents numerous times because they seemed to be shut when, in fact, they were open. The vent at the chin is easy to switch, as long as the fabric curtain surrounding it doesn't get in the way. The noseguard, designed to shield the anti-scratch visor from fogging, tended to come loose-- which was unnerving when riding at speed in traffic. All factors considered, we expected better ventilation from AGV's system which boasts direct air routing to the face.
Long rides in hot weather revealed that the titanium-tipped inlets allowed some air to flow through the helmet, but we often ended up opening and closing the vents numerous times because they seemed to be shut when, in fact, they were open. The vent at the chin is easy to switch, as long as the fabric curtain surrounding it doesn't get in the way. The noseguard, designed to shield the anti-scratch visor from fogging, tended to come loose-- which was unnerving when riding at speed in traffic. All factors considered, we expected better ventilation from AGV's system which boasts direct air routing to the face.
Great Looks, But at What Price?
"Rear exhaust" allows vented air to escape the helmet.
© Basem Wasef, Licensed to About.comWhile zooming through traffic, the Ti-Tech evoked mixed emotions. On one hand, its bold pattern and sleek shape felt lean and mean, perfectly suited to sleek sport bikes and blinding speed. On the other hand, its ergonomics never really grew on us, and its headliner seemed to tug with uneven pressure, forcing us to constantly adjust its position.
Washing the removable liner seems to have softened it a bit, but once again, comfort and noise-related problems like these should not plague helmets at this price point.
While helmets are very individual items that fit some people better than others, our experience with the AGV Evolution Ti-Tech led us to believe that brands like Arai, which offer different shaped helmets for different shaped heads, have a better grasp of how to build a comfortable, functional helmet. However, if you're a die-hard Valentino Rossi fan and prefer form over function, you might just go for broke and spring for AGV's Rossi replica helmet. Yes, it's even pricier, but if you're limited to short rides and are more concerned about how your lid looks than how it feels, that might be the helmet for you.
For photos of the AGV Ti-Tech, check out our photo gallery.
Washing the removable liner seems to have softened it a bit, but once again, comfort and noise-related problems like these should not plague helmets at this price point.
While helmets are very individual items that fit some people better than others, our experience with the AGV Evolution Ti-Tech led us to believe that brands like Arai, which offer different shaped helmets for different shaped heads, have a better grasp of how to build a comfortable, functional helmet. However, if you're a die-hard Valentino Rossi fan and prefer form over function, you might just go for broke and spring for AGV's Rossi replica helmet. Yes, it's even pricier, but if you're limited to short rides and are more concerned about how your lid looks than how it feels, that might be the helmet for you.
For photos of the AGV Ti-Tech, check out our photo gallery.
