RUST magazine: RUST#40

LATEST GEAR
Stuff
SHOEI VFX WR / EVO
RRP: £549.99 / $719.00
Contact: www.shoeiassured.co.uk
Of our million pieces of off-road gear there are but a few
parts that I really do care about, where I always look out
for the best product (or at least trustable) – but that’s the
case with helmets and boots. With helmets there are seemingly
hundreds of brands vying for our attention and indeed some of
these brands have beautiful, light and tempting models. But I
seek safety and function ahead of form.
So I wouldn’t say that this Shoei VFX-WR looks the most
modern helmet but it is still a beautiful, good looking design
and the colourways of this Zinger TC-10 model are striking. So
while there are flashier helmets I’m still super-happy with the
VFX. In fact this is my second Shoei VFX and I think given the
performance of my first one, and this, I will keep using Shoei.
It’s not the lightest helmet but I prefer to have something solid
protecting my head. Given the security of the high-end Multi-
Ply Matrix AIM+ shell constriction, the MEDS system (like MIPS,
this is about reducing the effects of rotational acceleration
energy in a crash), and the comfort of the 3D Max-Dry interior
system, I’m happy to accept a small weight penalty.
And this tech works – I have been riding with this helmet
on tours for more than eight hours a day and the fact is that
whenever I stop I don’t feel the need to take off the helmet
because it’s so comfortable, breathable and well ventilated.
When trail riding is your job as well as your joy, performance
like this is much valued. The quality also means I won’t be
having to replace the helmet too soon.
Looking inside the helmet and in taking out the padding
(which is easy to do and easy to clean) you’ll notice how careful
and precise are the assemblies, right down to the stitching, so
I know – as before with my old VFX which lasted four years
of constant use – that this attention to detail definitely gives a
longer life to the helmet.
The VFX-WR is a higher-priced helmet, but the protection I
don’t doubt to be top-notch and the durability means it’s not so
expensive once you factor in its extended working life. In short
it’s a great helmet, and one I implicitly trust.
Pedro Matos
54
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