webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Helmet of the Year

OGK FF-5 (Tie)
In general, 2008 was a year of incremental improvements for motorcycle helmets.

But it was also a year in which many inexpensive and high-quality helmets became available.  The competition is fierce, and motorcyclists are the recipients, with improved helmet quality and features that until recently couldn't be bought at 5 times the price. 

The OGK FF-5 is everything a full-face helmet should be, with eye-popping, ultra-high quality graphics; superior air flow with good noise control; plush comfort; and light weight.  And don't forget snob appeal.  This one's a no-brainer. 

Tough luck if you missed out on the limited editions, like the Akiyoshi FF-5 shown here!

HJC FS-15 (Tie)
Congratulations to HJC also for refusing to give up on carbon fiber and for improving the breed. 

The FS-15 Carbon is a real beauty, with outstanding build quality, light weight, excellent comfort and ventilation, all while meeting both DOT and Snell safety standards. 

Ten years ago, carbon fiber motorcycle helmets were the stuff of dreams, and now you can buy one from a major manufacturer for less than $500.00.

Runner-Up: Vemar VTXE
It's great to see Vemar back in the North American market, and the VTXE is a delightfully different helmet that really deserves a look.  If it weren't for the FF-5, the VTXE would have tied for Helmet of the Year.

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Helmet of the Year Under $250.00 (Visitor's Choice)

Xpeed XF-705
Not too long ago, serious motorcyclists would walk right by a sub-$250.00 helmet with nary a glance.

But 2008 taught us that inexpensive doesn't have to mean cheap.  There are some phenomenal helmets out there for less than $250.00 -- heck, for less than $150.00 for that matter!

The Xpeed X-705 was a real surprise and "the definition of a bargain" as we stated in our review.  A good deal at its list price of $169.99, it's a steal here at the Motorcycle Superstore (our affiliate) for 80 bucks. 

We were also surprised at how many emails we received suggesting the XF-705 as Helmet of the Year, so here you go.  Better act soon, this much for this little is too good to be true!

Honorable Mention:  Scorpion EXO-700 Neon
Scorpion took an oldie-but-goodie and shocked the helmet establishment by painting it in high-viz lime yellow. 

We've been pushing high visibility motorcycling for years, and Scorpion threw down the gauntlet.  Make sure this concept catches on -- buy one today!

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Flip-up Motorcycle Helmet of the Year

Schuberth C3
No contest here folks.  And you thought we didn't like flip-ups?

The C3 is super comfortable, beautifully made and ultra-quiet.  Quieter, in fact, than any other helmet -- full face or otherwise -- that we've reviewed.

The downside?  It's expensive at £450 ($650.00 before shipping), but it flat-out beats every other flip-up helmet available -- and most full-face lids too.  Thanks Schuberth; we knew you could do it!

Runner-Up:  Vemar Jiano
Surprised?  So are we...  But in a world of flimsy flip-ups that feel fallaciously fragile, the Jiano is solid as a rock. 

The more time we spend with it, the more we like it.  Vemar has soul and it shows in their products.

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Apparel of the Year

REV'IT! Sirocco Jacket (Tie)
Revi't! is on a roll (as usual), and 2008 was a banner year.  The Sirocco has to be one of the most versatile motorcycle jackets available, with true 3-season comfort.

Most 3/4-length jackets fail miserably in summer heat, but not the Sirocco, which provides excellent protection with class-leading ventilation. 

No other 3/4-length jacket even comes close to the versatility of the Sirocco.

REV'IT Infinity One-Piece Suit (Tie)
Three years in the making, but the wait was worth it for what has to be the single most exciting piece of motorcycle gear we've seen in a long time. 

The other guys will be playing catch-up for some time, because you're not going to duplicate the technology in this suit overnight.

You want a waterproof, windproof, comfortable one-piece suit with world-class armor and features, loaded with the latest and greatest technology money can buy? 

There's only one choice, and you're looking at it.

Runner-Up: REV'IT! Cayenne Pro Jacket
Yep, they did it one more time.  I told you it was a banner year for Rev'it!

The Cayenne was and is the 3/4-length, 4-season jacket to beat.  When you're planning for your next 'round-the-world adventure tour, or you want the best winter protection you can buy, the decision has just been made.  (Nominated by HBC)

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Gloves of the Year

Roadgear CarbonMaxx Summer Gloves
Roadgear does it yet again with their leather CarbonMaxx gloves. 

Sure, there's a few things we'd change if we could, but these are the gloves to have when the temperature soars.  Will 2009 bring us the perfect summer motorcycle gloves?  Stay tuned...

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Tool of the Year

GearRatchet Vortex Socket System
The tool set to have in your tank bag! 

It may be difficult to locate one of these gems, but it's worth the effort. 

This one has saved our bacon more than once this year, and if the kit wasn't so small, it wouldn't have been on board when it was needed.

Works great in the garage, too!  (Nominated by Mad Dog)

webBikeWorld.com 2008 Motorcycle Accessory of the Year

Acebikes Steadystand
Acebikes wowed us with the original Steadystand, probably the most useful and most used accessory in the garage.

But they didn't stop there: they went and developed the Steadystand Multi, with super-easy adjustments for just about any size tire, from classic to cruiser  -- front or rear! 

Anything that makes life easier is a good thing, and the Steadystand has plenty of goodness.

webBikeWorld.com Special Mention:  Most Improved Product of 2008

Shark Evoline North American Version (ECE Version Review)
The North American version of the unique Shark Evoline arrived a couple of weeks ago and we haven't quite finished our evaluation yet, but what a difference a continent makes!

We weren't too thrilled with the European version of the Evoline we reviewed in August of 2008.  Maybe it was one of the first off the assembly line, or perhaps we ended up with a ringer.  But the DOT FMVSS 218 version is everything the ECE version wasn't.  Or isn't.

This one fits beautifully, it has one of the most impressive surface finishes we've ever seen on a motorcycle helmet, and it works like a charm.  It's quiet, too!  Review coming soon, but in the meantime, since we've been riding with this one for the last few weeks, we're giving it this special 2008 mention for the Most Improved Product of 2008.