HJC IS17 helmet review

HJC IS-17 £139.99 | www.oxprod.com | 01993 862300 | Tested by John Milbank

I’m blown away by this helmet. A polycarbonate shell, ACU approved lid, it scores the maximum five stars in the government’s Sharp helmet approval scheme.

Weighing 1502g (a little over the claimed 1450g), it has a removable, moisture-wicking odour-free and anti-bacterial lining which really works: My HJC IS17 still smells fresh after hot summer rides.

A supplied Pinlock 100% Max Vision insert sits inside a recess in the quick-release visor, making this a truly no-fog lid in any weather, without any distortion around the edges. The visor is quick and easy to remove for cleaning, and equally simple to replace, staying secure once fitted, and sealing well against the shell.

A particularly neat feature is the visor’s ratchet system – five settings make it easy to position, but the bottom ones leaves just a small crack around the base of the seal for great ventilation, whilst still fully protecting your face. Push it fully down with the centre button and it locks firmly in place, unlocking automatically as soon as you open it. A piece of design genius that also features on the higher-end HJC RPHA10.

The IS17 includes a drop-down dark visor, operated by a sprung slider on the upper rear, and quickly released with a button on the top. There are three positions to the shade, with the final stage requiring the button to be pressed as the slider is pushed. Position two gave great coverage, though I did find my nose just touched it when I dropped into a racing tuck.

The strap is a double-D fastener, which I prefer on my helmets to get a perfect fit every time, and the HJC is good and snug, while still comfortable with glasses. There’s little room for intercom speakers, so do check your system if you intend to use one. Noise levels are fine, though as with all lids I’ve worn, you still need to wear earplugs.

My only criticism is that the HJC sticker on the front is easily chipped, which slightly spoils an otherwise brilliant package. Lorenzo replicas cost £180, while graphics are £150, but even this plain white has a wonderful pearlescent finish. Thoroughly recommended.