Imagine dragons, flames and tribal images. No, I’m not talking about
Dungeons and Dragons, Mr. Dungeon Master but rather HJC’s new RPS-10 Mugello helmet. If you’ve read my other review of HJC’s FS-15 Air then you already know most of the basics surrounding what features HJC incorporates into their helmets. If you haven’t you really should. It’ll tell our world renowned EIC that “You like me. You really really like me!”

For those of you who aren’t familiar with HJC you certainly should be as they’ve been around since 1971. Since that time they’ve been producing high quality helmets at an affordable price. As a matter of fact, from 1992 to the present, HJC is the #1 helmet brand in North America. With consistent growth HJC now offers a wide variety of helmets in the mid to high price range. This is where the RPS-10 comes in.

The RPS-10 is a full face helmet that is chock full of features, such as its light weight shell, patent pending center locking mechanism and an advanced channeling ventilation system. Since Ben Spies is wearing this helmet while competing in MotoGP, you just know that this helmet has gone through a tremendous amount of R&D to withstand the rigors of racing. So much so that if “Elbowz” trusts putting his noggin’ in it so shall I.

HJC understands that with a plethora of helmets to choose from now a days, features and functionality are paramount, which is why the RPS-10 has met both of these requirements straight out of the box. The RPS-10 comes standard with no less than 5 air intake vents, all of them easily adjustable with gloves on. The top vents each have a roller-wheel which allows 5 positions for the vents instead of just open/close. Speaking of air intakes the RPS-10 has what is dubbed as an Advanced Channeling Ventilation System (ACS). HJC explains:

“Full front to back airflow flushes heat and humidity up and out. Countless hours of development and testing conducted inside of our advanced wind tunnel have resulted in absolute smooth air flow both inside and outside. The reward is low wind resistance and maximum ventilation.”

Being the always skeptical person that I am I would’ve scoffed at such a claim but after using the FS-15 and now the RPS-10, the ACS system does indeed work and work extremely well. Hot air doesn’t seem to stay in the helmet when moving and you can definitely feel the air circulating around you if you keep the vents open on a cool day. If you’re in the Northeast then you know what cool is as 2011 is shaping up to be a new ice age. That said, while this system works well just be aware that the front grills on the chin make for a messy cleanup when bugs find their way into them.

The composite shell (total weight: ~3.5 lbs.) utilizes HJC’s advanced Premium Integrated Matrix (PIM) fiberglass that creates a helmet that’s lightweight and feels comfortable. A blend of toughened epoxy twill, structural aerospace grade aramid combined with pre-impregnated fiberglass twill and layers of strong organic fabric are the key ingredients for PIM. While other manufacturers use fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) the PIM system is on a completely different level when it comes to advanced composite shell design. This process provides rigidity, elasticity and weight savings. I’m used to wearing full carbon fiber helmets which are super lightweight so I can confidently say that when donning the RPS-10; it’s not that far behind in the maximum weight category.

As with other helmets in HJC’s product line, the RPS-10 comes standard with the RapidFire™ shield replacement system and the SilverCool Plus™ interior. The former delivers a simple and secure shield ratcheting system that provides ultra-quick, tool-less removal and installation of shields. I switched from the standard clear shield to a dark smoke in less than 10 seconds. It’s that easy – no muss, no fuss. As for the latter, it gives you a soft and odor-free interior with an advanced silver anti-bacterial fabric. Another bonus is that the crown and cheek pads are fully removable and washable as well.

One really useful feature is the innovative center one-touch open/close locking system which is designed for an extremely secure seal. Normally you have a little tab on the side of a shield that you use to open and close it but on the RPS-10 this tab (spring loaded) is in the center. You’ll hear a click when the shield’s fully closed and locked. The beauty of this design is that it’s easily reachable, eliminating any fumbling you might encounter while searching for the tab on other shields. It also prevents any bending or twisting of the shield which is obviously something you want to avoid. The ratcheting mechanism is still on either side however. Note: This new system does take some time to get used to but it’s worth the adjustment period.

The standard shield includes Pinlock® technology for fog inserts and to my surprise you won’t lose those pins and forfeit that functionality if you’re going to change to another shield (i.e. dark/mirror tint). This is a departure from the FS-15 as the non-clear shields did not have these pins.

Sizing is always tricky since we all have different shaped heads but I’d say that the RPS-10 seems to run on the small side. If you are in between sizes, say a medium and large, my suggestion would be to go for the larger size. The sizing chart on HJC’s web site is a good place to start and don’t worry about looking goofy when you’re measuring your head with your Grandmother’s flexible tape measure that she uses for sewing. We’ve all been there and done that so take the time and do it. Plus, maybe good ol’ Grandma might have some fresh baked cookies. Score!

The quality of this helmet with regards to the graphics and clear coat is phenomenal. If you’ve had one of HJC’s models in the lower price range and perhaps haven’t been totally satisfied with it then this is an opportunity for you to check out the RPS-10. The fit-n-finish is superb and easily sets the RPS-10 as the leader in HJC’s product lineup. Competing against the likes of Arai, Shoei and other premium helmet manufacturers is a difficult task but one that HJC has taken head on and is winning.

The one nitpick I have is once again with the breath deflector. It makes for awkward carrying and the 3 snaps that hold it on aren’t very secure. While I like the idea of this component, my hope is that HJC can implement this piece better in the future. For now I’ll ride without it.

Sizes range from XS-XXL and HJC offers plenty of styles to choose from in case you’re not into graphics and are looking for just solid types:

M.S.R.P.

Solid (Black, White, Dark Yellow): $349.99
Metallic (Silver, Anthracite): $359.99
Matte Black: $359.99
Patriot: $399.99
Mugello: $399.99
Ben Spies Replica: $499.99

PROS

• Features galore.
• Numerous styles.
• R&D from pro-racing.

CONS

• Not bargain basement pricing.
• New shield mechanism.

THE VERDICT

So where does that leave us? Well, if you’re looking for a helmet that’s SNELL/DOT approved, has some edge to it and will protect your head in the case of a get-off then the RPS-10 fits the bill.

Visit HJC’s web site for more info: http://www.hjchelmets.com.

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