Summary The Zeus ZS-608 is new for 2009. It's a nicely executed, solid-feeling helmet
with a comfortable liner
that should fit a wide range of head shapes. It includes an internal
rotating sun shade and good ventilation.
Background
The Zeus ZS-608 is another new helmet in the completely
renovated Zeus lineup for 2009. The ZS-608B model shown here is actually a
2010 model and one of
three 608 designs; the ZS-608 does not have an internal sun shade, while the
ZS-608A has a slightly different and more angular rear exhaust vent spoiler.
Otherwise, the helmet is basically the same, but some countries may see only
selected versions of the 608 for sale, for various technical reasons.
Zeus has been going through somewhat of a helmet design renaissance in 2009.
The new ZS-3000 modular was reviewed
on webBikeWorld recently, and the ZS-806 full-face and ZS-210C "retro" helmet
will also be reviewed soon. The company's helmets have always represented
good quality and innovative features at very reasonable prices, and this
strategy continues with their current lineup.
The so-called "Jet" styling of the ZS-608 was considered radical in the
not-too-distant past, but this style has caught on with motorcycle riders around
the world, and it seems to have become the norm for open-face motorcycle
helmets. The ZS-608 styling is very similar to the
GMax GM27S (review)
and the Bell Mag-8
(review).
It used to be that the only open-face designs were "Shorty" or the classic
3/4-length open face helmets, but they now seem...rather old-fashioned, although
they're still popular with cruiser owners.
The ZS-608 is definitely a modern, up-to-date take on the open-face helmet
and it has all the features one would expect in a modern full-face motorcycle
helmet except, of course, the chin bar.
I'll state right up front that I think Zeus has done a remarkable job on this
helmet; it's very comfortable and it's put together with excellent quality,
including the graphics, which are beautifully executed. For some strange
reason, it seems that flip-up and open face helmets don't often get the cool
colors and graphics that the manufacturers add to their full-face helmets, but
Zeus has broken that rule, as was also discussed in the ZS-3000 review.
We have two ZS-608's to compare: the white and black graphic pattern in size
large (on the left in the photo below) and the silver/gray combination on the
right, in size XL.
Zeus does not have a name for these colors, at least that I can determine,
although the silver/gray helmet has the word "THORN" on the rear. Both of
these are very nice color combinations, although I'm partial to the silver/gray,
if only because the muted tones made it easier for me to photograph!
Oh, and one more thing about the ZS-608: the helmet shell is a fiberglass
composite, not polycarbonate. So the shell (which comes in two sizes
across the range of XS to XXL) is higher-tech than many other open-face or "Jet"
styled helmets.
ZS-608 Colors: Metallic Black/FF4 White (L) and Titanium/FF5 Silver (R).
Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality I have "stolen some of my own thunder" on this in the opening section, but
it's worth repeating: the graphics and colors on these two ZS-608 examples are
very nicely executed, and, to paraphrase the webBikeWorld ZS-3000 review, Zeus
has broken the barrier on the issue of graphics and colors on
flip-up, modular and Jet styled helmets.
Indeed, all of the 9 Zeus helmets for 2009 we have in our review cache have
excellent paint and graphics -- a good omen for sure.
The overall quality of the two 608 helmets is also excellent, and the only
minor concern I noted is that the face shield rotating mechanism on either side
of the helmet has just slightly more flexibility than I'd like to see.
This can be noted as the face shield is raised or lowered.
The flexibility can be seen in the ZS-608 video (below) when the user opens
the face shield removal mechanism lock and the metal side plate flexes. At this
point, I have no reason to believe this is a problem though.
Otherwise, everything works as it should, including the top vent, the
internally rotating sun shade and the clear face shield, which feels sturdier
than most other open face helmets.
Zeus even included two small channels on either side to guide the face shield
in place as it is closed and to prevent it from shaking side-to-side in the
wind. The shield is notched at the point where it slides in to the
channels.
The liner used in the ZS-608 is especially nice, covering all of the EPS
inside the helmet shell. The liner is well padded and comfortable and it's
removable. The cheek pads can be removed separately also if necessary.
Score: I rate the Zeus ZS-608 "Outstanding" for paint and overall
quality and comfort. See the ratings descriptions in the
Summary Table at the end of this page.
wBW
Flash Slide Show: Zeus ZS-608B Helmet
Helmet Fit, Comfort and Internal Shape The ZS-608 has what is probably a "textbook" neutral fit that should fit a
majority of owner head shapes. The sizing also seems spot-on, with the
large fitting just as a large should, around 59.0 to 60.0 cm. The XL also
fits to size, about 61.0 to 62.0 cm. Thus, it can be assumed that the
other sizes in the 608 lineup should also fit as expected.
Three different local riders have tried the ZS-608 helmets in both L and XL,
with head shapes ranging from what I guess could be called neutral to round.
All reported that the helmet feels comfortable and they had no problems with
fit.
For more information on head shapes and helmet fit, see the wBW
Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page.
webBikeWorld
Helmet
Internal
Shape Estimator for the Zeus ZS-608A
The ZS-608 liner feels very comfortable and
it has a generous amount of padding, especially compared
to some of the other open-face helmets I've tried
recently, like the
Vemar CKQI (review).
The liner is also very nicely detailed and it even includes some
contrasting red piping. It's a full liner, which covers the EPS foam, and
it gives the 608 a quality look.
Although I'm not sure if Zeus purposely designed the 608 for
eyeglasses, but the liner features channels just above the cheek pads, where the
top of the cheek pad meets the rest of the liner.
The channels allow eyeglass temples to be easily slipped in and
over the ears, making the ZS-608 one of the more comfortable helmets to wear
with sunglasses or eyeglasses. Note that this may vary, depending upon the
rider's head shape and eyeglass type.
Score: I'll give the ZS-608 an "Outstanding"
for this category. It is very comfortable and it has a fit that should
work for many riders.
Zeus ZS-608 helmet liner.
Zeus ZS-608 visor removal mechanism. The "Fiber Composite" label is also
reflective.
Zeus ZS-608 Face Shield and Internal Sun Shade
One of the most amazing features of an open-face helmet is the visibility
provided by the design. After wearing full-face and flip-up helmets for so
long, it's always a revelation to suddenly have unlimited forward visibility.
The face shield on the 608 has excellent coverage; most of my face is
protected, down to just below my mouth. There are no lifting tabs on the
face shield, but it's easy enough to grab. It has 3 detents, or stop
points, as it's raised or lowered, but these are less important on an open-face
helmet than they are on a full-face.
The shield has a firm feel and the channel holders on either side, mentioned
earlier, do a good job at keeping the shield secure when it's lowered.
The quality of the optics are very good, but not excellent. I do notice
a very slight blur in some sections of the face shield, but this pretty much
disappears when riding.
The internal sun shade is operated via a slider on the left-hand side of the
helmet. The slider is easy to operate, although it takes a few tries to
learn where it is. It has two large tabs, making it easy to feel even when
wearing gloves.
Although it is possible to lower the sun shade to an in-between setting, it
is designed as an on/off system, either fully raised or fully lowered.
When it's lowered, it does provide excellent coverage, although the helmet must
be seated correctly on the head.
Sometimes it's too easy for the helmet (any helmet) to be positioned too far
back on the rider's head, so I'm in the habit of pushing the top of the helmet
down to seat correctly. This helps position the sun shade for optimum
coverage on the 608.
Score: I'll give the ZS-608 an "Excellent" for this
category for a solid-feeling face shield and good coverage on the internal sun
shade.
ZS-608 Ventilation and Air Flow As always, not much to say about air flow in an open-face helmet.
It's been stated before: "You'll have air flow whether you want it or not!"
But the large face shield and coverage provided by the ZS-608 have the
potential for heat build-up if it weren't for the top venting system. Some
manufacturers scrimp on venting in their open-face designs, but Zeus gives a
full venting system worthy of some full-face helmets in the 608.
The top vent opens with a small slider; the opening isn't very large, and
it's nearly flush with the surface of the helmet, but the liner has air vent
holes through the EPS in front and rear.
The liner completely covers the
EPS and it has some mesh inserts on either side at the top, so although I don't
feel a direct air stream over my head when riding, it doesn't get hot up top and
the venting system does seem to circulate a decent amount of air.
The exhaust vents are always open, which I think is both correct and helps
avoid unnecessary complexity in the rear. Large vent holes in the EPS
direct the air out the back, and they also must help with the overall
ventilation in the system.
The 608 also has small exhaust vents located at the lower rear part of the
helmet. On most helmets, the exhaust vents in this area are for looks; in
this case, they're the "real thing", backed by large vent passage holes through
the EPS.
Score: I'll rate the ZS-608 as "Excellent" for air flow
and overall ventilation.
Noise Control Well, not much can be said in this regard for an open-face helmet either.
This type of helmet tends to be louder than most full-face helmet designs -- but note I said "most",
which means not all. Some full-face helmets I've tried are so loud you'd
think the manufacturer went out of their way to make it that way.
But the good fit and the seal provided by the deep ear pockets in the ZS-608,
along with the relatively smooth outer shape, help keep things fairly quiet for
an open-face design. The typical wind rushing noise can be heard, but the
low profile vents prevent any of the loud whistling noise that can sometimes
result from pieces of the assembly sticking up into the air flow on other
designs.
Touring riders will, I suspect, very much appreciate the ZS-608's design and
comfort and noise control when riding behind a big fairing. I don't
usually ride my K1100LT in the hot summer weather, and it provides good coverage
and low noise levels to begin with, but the ZS-608 works especially well behind
that big 'screen.
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 and a helmet liner.
We strongly recommend that you hearing protection is
always used when riding. 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: I'll rate the ZS-608 as "Very Good" for overall noise
control.
Helmet Weight This ZS-608 in size large weighs 1416 grams (3 lbs., 2 oz.) and the XL
weighs just a touch more, at 1429 grams (3 lbs., 2-3/8 oz.).
This is heavier than the "retro" open-face designs reviewed on
webBikeWorld, although those mostly have no side coverage below the ear, so it's
a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison.
The 608 has such a good fit that any extra weight isn't noticed
on the road and the outer shell profile seems to help keep buffeting and lift
under control.
For comparison purposes, see the
wBW
Motorcycle Helmet Weights page for a listing of all
of the helmets we've reviewed along with their weight and internal shape.
wBW
Video: Zeus ZS-608 Helmet (in YouTube HD!)
Miscellaneous
All of the Zeus helmets for 2009 sold in North America have a double D-ring
attachment system. The padding under the chin strap of the ZS-608 is plush
and thicker than normal, although the chin strap does seem longer than average.
Zeus said that they offer a one-year warranty on both North American and
European ZS-3000 helmets, and we'll assume that is the same for the ZS-608.
Zeus also says the ZS-608 meets DOT, ECE 22.05 and CNS (Taiwan) helmet
safety standards.
Conclusion
My feeling is that the ZS-608 is one of the nicest "Jet" styled open face
helmets I've tried. It has excellent quality, graphics, comfort and
attention to detail, along with a very reasonable price.
Zeus is still in the process of developing a North American
distribution for the helmets. More information for dealers or customers is available
by contacting Mr. Elvis Mak,
the Zeus representative in the U.S.A. at
elvismak@hotmail.com.
webBikeWorld
Review: Zeus ZS-608A Motorcycle
Helmet
