Nexx XR1R

Nexx XR1R Helmet Review
by Rick K. for webBikeWorld.com

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Summary:  The new Nexx XR1R is definitely different, with a unique shape, very light weight and outstanding outward vision through the large eye port.  The internal shape is also adjustable by using the included pads, which allow a semi-custom fit for different head shapes!

More wBW Nexx Helmet Reviews:  Nexx XR1R Carbon  |  Nexx X30 Flip-Up  |  Nexx X60 Jet  |  Nexx XR1R Full-Face

Background
Nexx has quickly built a reputation for building unique motorcycle helmets with an emphasis on design, construction and style.  This was demonstrated in our recent reviews of the Nexx X30 "Maxi-Jet" and the Nexx X60 "Jet" styled helmets.

The Nexx XR1R is the company's first full-face helmet, and although they could have taken the easy way out by cribbing an existing design, Nexx has instead delivered a helmet that has both an unique style and some very interesting features.

These include ultra-light weight, excellent ventilation, probably the best field of view out the eye port of any motorcycle helmet we've reviewed -- and a unique padding system that allows owners to customize the internal shape.

Nexx beta-tested the XR1R with track day riders to get feedback and advice, and it shows.  The XR1R eliminates some of the usual parts and complexity found on most helmets, which helped to reduce the weight, but after wearing the helmet for several weeks we think the tradeoff is well worth it.  So let's take a closer look...

Nexx XR1R Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality
The Nexx XR1R is available in a colorful array of solid colors and the palette very much suits the design and style of this helmet. 

The "Amarelo Sol" ("Yellow Del Sol" in North America) and the "Verde Lime" ("Green Lime", unfortunately not available in North America) are shown in these photos, and the XR1R is available in several other vibrant colors, along with a few shades of gray.

The finish on both of the helmets shown here is outstanding, with perfectly applied paint and a polished finish.  There's not a speck of dust, orange peel or anything else showing on the surface of either helmet except deliciously saturated color. 

I'm particularly fond of the Verde Lime, which is different and also very visible.  The Yellow Del Sol and the available "Electric Orange" are other good choices that can help make their owner more visible in traffic.

When I first handled the XR1R, I was a little taken aback by its simplicity, but it didn't take long to understand the design concept. 

Sometimes simpler is better -- especially if it enhances performance.  The moving parts on the XR1R seem very basic, functional and straightforward.  But everything works just as it should and it all fits together perfectly.

The liner also has been installed without fault and the gaskets and even the padding inside the chin bar all fit together with no problems.

I'll be getting into the details of the unique liner, the vents and the huge eye port in the following sections, but overall I can say that the XR1R is different enough in its approach to these features that I wasn't sure how it would all work until the first time I rode with the helmet, which convinced me that the XR1R is more than the sum of its parts.

Score:  I'll give the Nexx XR1R an "Outstanding" rating for overall quality, paint, graphics and and overall fit and finish -- and to Nexx for its unique take on helmet design.  See the ratings descriptions in the summary table at the end of this page.

Size XL Nexx XR1R Amarelo Sol on the left and the size L Verde Lime on the right.

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Nexx XR1R Helmet Fit, Comfort and Internal Shape
The XR1R has an internal shape that feels similar to the Shoei RF-1100 we reviewed recently.  Some helmets have a very obvious internal shape, but the XR1R could probably be called neutral, with a very slight narrow top and sides but which should fit the vast majority of head shapes.

The exciting news is that the shape is adjustable by the owner.  Nexx includes an "Ergo Padding System" with each helmet.  The package includes 5 shaped foam padding sections that can be used to custom-tailor the internal fit of the helmet by placing the pads on the EPS helmet shell under the liner.

Here's a photo of the Ergo Padding System kit:

The Ergo Padding System allows a custom-tailored internal fit.

The dark charcoal-colored pads are 2 mm thick and the lighter gray pads are 4 mm thick.  The oval-shaped pad can be fitted to the top of the helmet, while the rectangular pads can be fitted to the sides of the helmet and the pads shown in the top of the photo can be placed in the rear.

Although the "out of the box" shape in the size large fits me without adjustment, we experimented with the pads on the XL yellow helmet, which has a larger shell size.  We found that it's best to try the pads first before removing the protective paper on the back that covers the sticky tape on the back. 

It's surprising at how much of a difference just 2 mm can make; the internal shape of the helmet can be adjusted and we also combined the two thicknesses to make an even more dramatic difference.

I'm not sure why Nexx didn't start with a more rounded internal shape, then the pads could perhaps be used to bring the fit to a narrower shape on either side, but there may be a reason.  The system works well and it makes you wonder why other helmet manufacturers haven't tried something like this before. 

Although the cheek pads and liner are removable, as far as I can tell, Nexx does not offer optional cheek pad thicknesses for the XR1R.

The liner has another little trick: each ear pocket is covered with a separate piece of padded liner, which helps reduce noise while it covers the depth of the pocket itself. 

The folding ear pocket covers are held with hook-and-loop and can be easily removed to install speakers, if desired.  So this is another nice touch that seems like common sense but unfortunately isn't common practice with other helmets!

One minor drawback is that when the folding ear pocket covers installed (as they are from the factory), the sides of the helmet feel flat, which means a tight fit to work my wire-framed eyeglasses inside the size large.  Otherwise, the liner is comfortable, although I do think it's slightly on the thin side in the size large, which admittedly is about 1/2 size too small for me, according to the Nexx size charts. 

The XR1R is available in two shell sizes.  The smaller shell size covers XS, S, M and L and the larger shell covers the XL, XXL and XXXL sizes.  The size XL yellow helmet, which uses the larger shell size, does feel bigger and slightly heavier but the tradeoff is that it has lots of extra room inside, especially behind the chin bar.

Nexx says the size L fits a 59-60 cm head, and we agree.  The XL is listed as fitting a 61-62 cm head; agreed there also, so the Nexx sizing for the XR1R apparently is right on the mark. 

My head is about 60.5, but I find the size large to be more comfortable with a closer fit, although there's only just enough room in back of the chin bar for my chin.

For more information on choosing and fitting a motorcycle helmet, please see the wBW Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page, which also includes a discussion on head shapes.

Score:  I'll give the Nexx XR1R an "Outstanding" rating for fit exactly to size, the adjustability factor and ear pocket covers and for the liner comfort.

The chin vent on the Nexx XR1R flows a lot of air.

XR1R Ventilation
The XR1R has a large chin vent that flows air up along the back of the face shield through the small breath guard at the top of the chin bar. 

This provides an above-average amount of ventilation, boosted by the air that flows in through the narrow boomerang-shaped black plastic covered vents on either side of the chin bar, which direct the air through holes in the chin bar to mesh-covered vents on either side of the rider's face.

The helmet has a small chin curtain which blocks some of the air that would naturally flow up from under the helmet.  This improves the air flow through the chin vent and the side vents. 

The size large is at the top of the size range for the smaller helmet shell, so the chin bar is close to my mouth, and at slower speeds there isn't quite enough air flow, so it can start to get stuffy.  But this changes once the bike starts to move.

The top vents match the boomerang shape, with the black plastic acting as a scoop to direct air through a hole at the bottom of the "V".  Each vent has a simple three-position lever that can be snapped to one side to allow the air to flow through.

The top vents aren't quite as effective as the chin vent system, probably because the full-coverage liner blocks some of the air from directly flowing on to the rider's head.  But the XR1R still flows a slightly above average amount of air with reasonable noise levels.

The chin vent is a good standard design and the top vents are basic and simple to save weight, but they work.

The rear exhaust vents on top and bottom are permanently open, which is fine with me and the system seems to do a good job at keeping the air moving inside the helmet.

Score:  The XR1R gets an "Excellent" rating from me for better than average ventilation with a simple and easy-to-operate venting system.

XR1R Face Shield
The most noticeable feature of the face shield on the XR1R is the attachment system on the side, which looks very basic.  A simple plastic framework holds the Lexan face shield in place and the Lexan has four detent holes machined into the sides that hold the shield open.

Three aluminum screws are used to fasten it together, so this is not a quick-release system, but the tradeoff again is a reduction in complexity and weight.  Since I don't change face shields very often, it's not really an issue for me.

We measured the Lexan shield at exactly 2 mm thick.  It has a black lifting tab at the left-hand side, which also acts as a face shield lock.  When the shield is closed, a firm press on the tab snaps it into a receiver on the eye port, effectively "locking" the face shield in place to prevent it from lifting at high speeds.

The face shield has a small amount of flex when it's lifted or lowered, which possibly could have been avoided if the lifting tab were located in the center.

There's enough friction -- at least so far, when the helmet is new -- to hold the face shield slightly open for defogging.  But the chin vent system does such a good job at flowing air on to the back of the face shield that this problem is mostly eliminated once the bike is in motion.  However, the face shield does tend towards fogging at slower speeds, but it's uncoated, so it should be a good candidate for some of the owner-applied anti-fog coatings we've reviewed.

XR1R Eye Port and Visibility
The eye port on the XR1R is huge, with about the best outward visibility of any full-face helmet we've reviewed.  Both sides of the helmet and the top part of the eye port are out of my line of sight when I'm wearing the helmet.

The bottom lip of the eye port is just inside my vision, but it's low enough to allow me to see the top half of the Marlin thermometer (review) attached to the GT1000's handlebar, without moving my head.  The very wide side-to-side peripheral vision is a real safety factor and, I think, makes a big difference when riding.

In fact, the outward vision is so good and the face shield is so wide/tall that it became necessary to add a strip of dark film across the top, as described in our article on making an "El Cheapo" sun shade.  A lot of light comes into the XR1R when riding in the daytime with the sun overhead!

I must note, however, that the excellent visibility is most apparent when I'm wearing the size large, which is the largest head size used in the smaller shell size. 

The size XL helmet uses the larger shell size, which diminishes the outward vision slightly for me because it then becomes the smallest head size for the larger shell.  But the outward vision is still better than average in  this case.

If three shell sizes had been used across the size range, the effect probably would be the same across all internal sizes, but manufacturing and homologating that many shell sizes for a small company like Nexx probably would be cost-prohibitive, so it's understandable.

Score:  I'll give the XR1R a "Very Good" rating for the face shield, clarity and operation and an "Outstanding" for outward visibility and the shield lock.

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Nexx XR1R Helmet Weight
Here's more good news: the size large XR1R is one of the lightest helmets we've ever reviewed, out of 128 helmets as of this date. 

In fact, it's the lightest neutral shaped helmet by far at only 1382 grams (3 lbs., 3/4 oz).  Only the Akuma Phantom MRF, made completely from carbon fiber, is lighter -- and that by only 15 grams, which is a measly 0.52 oz.

So the basic design of the fitments and reduction in weight with the "Tri-Composite" shell really do work and it's quite a revelation to wear a helmet this light, especially after wearing other helmets -- mostly flip-ups -- at the portly end of the scale.

The larger shell size for the XL does add some weight, and the yellow XL helmet weighs in at a still-respectable 1588 grams (3 lbs., 8.0 oz.).

Just for comparison, the heaviest full-face helmet we've reviewed so far is the Scorpion EXO-1000 (review) (size XL), at 1821 grams, or 4 lbs. 0-1/4 oz.  That's about exactly 1 lb. heavier than the XR1R -- a huge difference when it comes to motorcycle helmets.

With just 1382 grams on my head, the XR1R feels like it's almost not there.  The helmet has good aerodynamics but I do notice just a touch of push when my head turns from side to side at speed, probably due to the somewhat angular shape of the helmet.

For more information on helmet weights and a chart comparing all of the helmet weights of every helmet we've reviewed, see the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Weights page. 

Score:  The XR1R gets an "Outstanding" rating for very low weight and good balance.

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Noise Levels
The top vents are quieter than you might expect and overall noise levels are about average in the XR1R, especially considering the amount of air the helmet flows, which is better than average.

Often a simple top vent "scoop" system can create a whistling noise or wind rushing noise, but the system on the XR1R somehow just doesn't seem as loud as it should be.

The only real source of noise is at the lower rear portion of the helmet, but this is only an issue when I'm wearing certain types of jackets with higher or taller collar.  The noise is gone when wearing the size XL or jackets with short collar.

Note that our helmet evaluations are normally a combined effort of several riders over time, on different types of motorcycles with and without windscreens.  We always wear correctly fitted, high quality earplugs (even when evaluating motorcycle intercom systems) and (usually) a helmet liner.  We strongly recommend that you always use hearing protection when riding a motorcycle.  See the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs. 

Note also that noise levels will most likely differ from rider to rider.  Noise levels are caused by many factors, including the rider's head shape and the how well the helmet fits; the type of motorcycle and windscreen; the individual rider's noise level tolerance; and even prevailing winds and the type of clothing that is being worn.  For more information on helmet noise, visit the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.

Score:  The XR1R gets a a "Very Good" rating for noise control.

Miscellaneous
The chin strap on the XR1R is longer than average; as a result, the D-ring buckle is offset slightly more than normal when the strap is tight.  There's a snap to hold the extra (long) piece of strap in place. 

The padded "ears" of the chin strap are very generous and well-padded, with a small square of hook-and-loop to hold them together, forming a single section of padding between the chin strap and my neck -- a nice feature.

The XR1R meets ECE and DOT helmet safety standards.  Nexx USA also has a relatively liberal exchange and return policy.

Photo courtesy Nexx Helmets.

Conclusion
The Nexx XR1R is different and it's rather refreshing to go "back to basics" and discover that less can be more and more (e.g., the Scorpion EXO-1000) isn't always better. 

The XR1R is very light weight, has excellent ventilation, outstanding outward visibility and the unique semi-custom owner fit system, along with the ear pocket noise reducers.  And don't forget the comfy chin strap. 

That's a lot of positives, although they do come at a price -- the XR1R isn't inexpensive, but light weight in a motorcycle helmet usually does come at a premium, and it doesn't get much lighter than this.

More wBW Nexx Helmet Reviews:  Nexx XR1R Carbon  |  Nexx X30 Flip-Up  |  Nexx X60 Jet  |  Nexx XR1R Full-Face

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►Reader Comments and Owner Feedback

From "D" (4/10):  "I wear glasses and love my Nolan N102 flip-up (review), but it is a tad on the heavy side compared to the full face helmets (3 lbs. 14 oz. using my handy AWS hand held digital scale). 

My Nolan is an XL, but that size was too small with the full face helmets.  So, I went with a XXL with the Nexx XR1R. 

I weighed it right out of the box and in the showroom.  It came in at exactly 3 lbs. 7 oz.  Surprising to me because I weighed an HJC Carbon XL with the same scale in the same showroom within minutes and the Carbon came in at the exact same weight (the Nexx is Carbon, Kevlar, and fiberglass).

Shaving 7 ounces of weight was nice when compared to my Nolan.  Noticeable walking around the showroom (and, later riding on the bike).  Although, I must say, the Nolan will always be in my stable because the weight distribution is so good and because the convenience of the flip up can't be beat. 

When turning my head the Nexx feels noticeably lighter, the quality of the construction is impeccable, and the noise level superior (nicer, thicker cushioning around the cheeks and ears) and incredible venting.

I bought the helmet on the spot and rode 30 miles back home with it.  My glasses are somewhat of a trick to get around my ears which is a function of two things: (1) my glasses have curved ear stems which must be wiggled over my ears.  Solution, my next glasses will have straight stems. (2) the cushioning is plush, which makes it more difficult to wiggle the glasses in.  However, the cushioning helps reduce the noise, so I wouldn't change that.  Better to spring for new glasses (time for a new prescription anyway).

Last, the venting is superb.  I never, NEVER lock by shield down because I like the air.  However, the Nexx has such incredible venting, I locked it down and enjoyed it greatly.  No fogging which usually occurs on my glasses.  Not a bit.  So, I must say, I love my Nolan, but Oh You Nexx!  I will keep both at hand for my riding.  The Nolan for short jaunts, the Nexx for long ones.

BTW, I want to commend you guys for your work.  I have learned to read and rely on your reviews and comments because they are thorough, no nonsense, and not commercial (i.e., you're not trying to sell me something 24/7-so refreshing in this world).  I really like the fact that you always tell us when something is a company blurb and not your own.  Good, common sense, communicating, something that so many of us have forgotten how to do."

From "R" (4/10):  "I LOVE THIS HELMET!!!!  It took me 9 years to find a replacement for my Arai, who also discontinued my model, the Quantum 2.  I have tried every helmet on the market and NOTHING could compare to my Arai until now.

The NEXX XR1R is light, comfortable and my gosh the visibility is like I'm wearing an open-face.  The USA rep, Nerijus Puida, was awesome to work with as well.  I'm sure Arai, Shoei and HJC are worried about this brand, if not, they will be."

From "O" (11/09):  "I'd like to say I've found my next helmet, but I'll have to find it for a great deal less than $419.  I don't think I can convince myself it's twice as good as a Scorpion EXO-700.  That yellow is a real good match for my bike, though.  And you make it sound better than my Shoei X-11."

From "A.R." (11/09):  "Would rain and cold air be able to work its into the helmet thru the always open exhaust vents?  I live in the pacific Northwest with a lot of rain and cool days.  I appreciate your feedback."

Editor's Reply:  I don't think it would more than any other helmet; there are many helmets with non-closing front and rear vents, and the presence of a vent doesn't necessarily mean it will be watertight.

No helmets I know of are completely watertight, and most are not even close to being watertight, due to all the openings for vents, exhausts, face shield, etc.  But I think the Nexx exhaust vents are probably better than most in this regard, because they are hidden under the black covers seen in the photos in our review.