PRODUCT WE RATE: ONE INDUSTRIES X-297

A product the Transmoto team has tried and tested and would recommend to a mate.

WHAT IS IT?

The X-297 is a brand-new helmet from in iconic moto brand, One Industries, who is back on the scene after a decade on the sidelines. According to One Industries, the X-297 helmet was in development for three years to ensure it took full advantage of the latest ground-breaking technology from MIPS. It’s designed and priced as a mid-level helmet, but comes with a level of protection and features usually associated with higher price-points lids. For example: the composite fibreglass shell, ‘MIPS Evolve Core’ technology, quick-release cheek pads, breakaway plastic visor screws, and padded carry bag; all married with top-notch finish, fit, comfort and ventilation. By the way, “X-297” is a (somewhat obscure) reference to One Industries’origin story, as 1997 was when the brand was founded.

So, after using and abusing the One Industries X-297 helmet for almost a year now, here’s what we can tell you about it…

WHY WE RATE IT

PROS…

• Fit & Comfort: Available in two different shell sizes (XSmall/Small and Medium/Large/XLarge), the X-297 gives itself a good chance of the right fit for a variety of head sizes and shapes. And that level of fit is aided by the comfort liner, which is more generously padded than most off-road helmets (in any price range!). Accessory cheek pads and liners (with plus- and minus-size thicknesses) are also available to further customise the fit. Combined with the fact it’s lightweight (1280g for a Medium), well balanced and comes with excellent ventilation, this is a super-comfortable helmet to wear for long stints.

• Protection: With most sub-$500 helmets,you expect some compromise with protection. Not so with the X-297, which uses a top-shelf composite fibreglass shell (manufactured using a pre-preg process to keep weight down) and the latest ‘MIPS Evolve Core’ low-friction layer technology to mitigate rotational forces. We also like how the EPS liner extends right around the interior of the chin-piece, which is easily removed (via three small Phillips-head screws) so you can properly clean it; plus the fact there are cut-outs at the bottom of the shell to reduce the risk of collarbone injuries in a crash. All of which means the X-297 fully complies with the latest DOT and super-stringent ECE 22-06 helmet standards.

• Airflow: The X-297 goes to great lengths to maximise ventilation. With a total of five air intake vents at the front (the mouthguard grill plus four others), six on top of shell, and four at rear to exhaust hot air – all of which have cool-looking black plastic grills – there’s significantly more-than-average airflow to your noggin’. And that’s really noticeable on those hot days in the saddle.

• Internal Liner: With its uncomplicated design (no tabs, just four plastic clip-studs), the ultra-soft, moisture-wicking liner is simple and easy to remove and reinstall (as are the cheek pads). Plus, this anti-microbial/bacterial liner (which is dipped, not just surface-sprayed) genuinely works. Aside from drying quickly, it doesn’t get crusty or rancid smelling, even after repeated use.

• Goggle Fitment: Thanks to a generous-sized eyeport, even the biggest goggles are easily accommodated. We also like the textured eyeport surround and the ridgelines built into the shell – both of which make sure your goggle strap is correctly positioned and stays put!

• Accessories: Unlike most helmets in its price range, the X-297 comes with a padded dust bag to keep your helmet in good nick when not being used. It also comes with four replacement visor screws and washers. And aside from guarding against roost, the rubber nose-guard does a good job of deflecting your breath on those cold, wet rides to prevent your goggle lens from fogging up.

• Aesthetics: With all its design elements – its clean, sharp, angled lines; it’s boxy (rather than rounded) shell shape; the streamlined junction of its visor and shell; and the abundance of nifty inlaid ventilation ports – the X-297 immediately strikes you as a cool-looking helmet with a modern, new-school silhouette. Which you’d kind of expect from One Industries, a SoCal-based brand with a reputation for having its finger on the sport’s pulse.

• Quality of Finish: Admittedly, most reputable helmet brands do a good job of ensuring a high quality of finish these days. But the X-297 is particularly well finished. And the closer you look, the more you notice the attention to detail. Everywhere! Visually, it could easily pass for a helmet with twice its price tag.

CONS…

• Visor: In keeping with the X-297’s protective theme, the visor is malleable when twisted (to absorb energy) and it’s designed to breakaway in a bigger impact. That said, the visor has zero adjustability and comes fixed in a very high position that screams fashion over functionality. Yep, that’s likely to be an issue for trail and adventure riders for whom visors are a practical shield against sun glare, not an accessory to carry stickers. Trail and adv riders will, however, like the fact this helmet comes with speaker pockets and removeable padded spacers.

• Cheek Pad Durability: The material that joins the L-shaped cheek pads has an exposed foam backing, making it vulnerable to damage if you don’t treat it with care when it’s removed to clean. If you wring the cheek pads out too vigorously after handwashing (or lob them in the washing machine frequently), that foam tends to tear. Treat it with care (much like you need to do with road bike inner liners), and it’ll be fine.

• Colour Options: The X-297 comes in 12 different colours, but only five of those will be available in Oz (across two different graphics). Having said that, the colours the Aussie distributors chose are, in our view, the best of the bunch.

There’s no doubt that the X-297 punches well above its weight. Its fit, finish, protection, comfort, ventilation and weight are all on a level you’d only expect from more expensive helmets. But most importantly, this One Industries lid brings several safety features and materials into an affordable mid-price package, and ensures it complies with the latest DOT and ECE 22-06 standards. And, in our opinion, those attributes collectively make it one of the best value-for-money sub-$500 off-road helmets on the market.

PRICE: $469