The Klim X1 Alpha adventure helmet represents a step up in design and luxury when compared to the still-available but more off-road-oriented Klim Krios Pro. This all-new design is intended for use by riders who do more long-distance, primarily on-road, touring, but it still offers the necessities you want when you venture off-road.
By Keith Dowdle
It features a hand-laid carbon-fiber outer shell, built in three sizes for optimal fit and aerodynamic flow. Available in sizes extra-small through 3XL, the interior protection features a Koroyd and EPS construction, along with two adjustable forehead vents, two adjustable chin vents and four exhaust vents.
The faceshield and peak have an innovative tool-free adjustment and removal system that allows for on-the-fly adjustment of the peak, and the shield is self-calibrating to form a tight seal with the automotive-grade EPDM gasket when closed. The included photochromic and clear shields both maintain Class 1 optical clarity, even when the Pinlock antifog insert is installed (also included). The moisture-wicking premium Brrr Pro Cooling liner features perforated leather trim and is removable for easy cleaning. The X1 Alpha is ready to accept any of the popular comm systems, and it meets ECE 22.06 and DOT standards.
Lowdown | Klim X1 Alpha Helmet
Stand-Out Feature: Incredibly Comfortable
List Price: $849.99
Very Lightweight
Excellent Field of Vision
Best Faceshield and Peak Removal / Adjustment System Ever
D-Ring Closure for Added Security
Ever so slightly heavier than the Krios Pro but still one of the lightest helmets on the market
Rider Analysis | Klim X1 Alpha Helmet
After unboxing the new Klim X1 Alpha, the first thing I did was change out the clear visor for the photochromic version and install the Pinlock. I was immediately impressed with the amount of thought and innovation that went into designing such a clever tool-free system. Removing, replacing, or adjusting the peak and faceshield on this helmet is, hands down, the absolute best and easiest solution I’ve ever seen.
The interior of the helmet is also impressive, featuring luxurious perforated leather trim and an antibacterial lining. Initially, the shape of the shell wasn’t a hit with me, but the engineers at Klim spent an incredible amount of time in the wind tunnel testing this shape to achieve a perfect combination of aerodynamic stability and ventilation, and that work paid off with excellent results in both areas, so I’ll take function over form any day. And I’m learning to love the shape more with each time I wear this helmet.
The fit of the X1 is by far the most comfortable of any of the Klim helmets that I’ve worn, and I’d go so far as to say that it’s every bit as comfortable as the Arai XD-5, which is arguably one of the most comfortable helmets on the market. Additionally, the aerodynamics of the X1 Alpha are noticeably better than those of the Arai and some other premium brands that I’ve tested, plus Klim includes all the extra items noted previously. I’ve spent a total of about 36 hours in the X1 so far, and every time I put it on, I’m reminded just how comfortable it is. The lightweight and aerodynamic design of the X1 Alpha reduces fatigue and keeps you comfortable and alert on long rides.
The peak has a button on top that you push down, allowing for three preset locations. It’s so simple that you can easily adjust it while riding with your gloves on. The shield features a detent/city setting for use in heavy fog conditions, and once set, it remains in place in any position, even at highway speeds. It’s also self-calibrating, and when you close it, you know it’s closed because it has a very solid feel. The X1 is unique in that you can also wear goggles with the shield in place and still breathe through your nose—something that I can’t do with most other ADV helmets. The design quality of the shield and peak alone propels the X1 right to the top of the premium-helmet market.
Ventilation in the X1 is good, and, in addition to the substantial increase in impact protection, the Koroyd, which is a honeycomb-type material, helps with airflow and mitigates heat buildup inside the helmet. The Koroyd is sandwiched between an upper and lower EPS foam layer. The upper layer keeps the shell cooler when exposed to direct sunlight. The photochromic and tinted shields are infrared-insulating and also help reduce heat buildup from direct sunlight. That, along with the fact that the shield stays open when you want it open, keeps air moving through the helmet no matter what speed you’re traveling.
Klim didn’t choose to use a Fidlock strap-closure system on this helmet, and for me, that is a good thing. D-ring strap closures are required on all FIM race-homologated helmets, and I’ll take D-rings every time when given the choice between that and some other form of “convenient” closure system. As a result, this may be my new everyday helmet.
My first impression of the new Klim X1 Alpha wasn’t great when I saw it in pictures—it just didn’t really speak to me from a styling standpoint. So, when I was asked to review it, I didn’t expect to be absolutely blown away by what a great helmet it turned out to be. It is one of the nicest, most comfortable helmets I’ve ever worn, and it’s certainly as good as—if not better than—most other premium-brand helmets on the market today.CN
For more information, visit https://www.klim.com
Click here to read the Klim X1 Alpha Helmet Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Click here for more New Products on Cycle News.
