The Fly Racing Formula Carbon motorcycle helmet.

Above all, a motorcycle helmet should provide protection, not only against a potential crash but also from wind, rain and flying objects (bugs and rocks, not UFOs). But a helmet also needs to be comfortable so that it doesn?t become a distraction or cause fatigue. Fly Racing?s Formula Carbon helmet gets high marks on both counts.

Inside the helmet?s ultra-lightweight 12K carbon fiber shell is the Adaptive Impact System (AIS), which Fly Racing describes as a ?high-performance ecosystem of structural designs and energy mitigating materials.? AIS includes the Conehead dual-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner, which uses an array of inverted cones to manage or absorb impact force more efficiently, with six critical zones designed to deliver a progressive response to low-speed and high-speed impacts. Strategic areas have additional EPS to provide more protection. Between the Conehead liner and the rider?s head are Impact Energy Cells made of RHEON, a cutting-edge viscoelastic material, that maximize absorption of low-speed linear and rotational impacts, reducing forces transmitted to the brain. A chin bar filled with EPP (expanded polypropylene) and a clavicle shell relief zone filled with EPS and EPP help reduce injuries to the face and collarbone.
My size-medium Formula Carbon helmet weighs 47.4 ounces, which is just under three pounds ? one of the lightest helmets I?ve worn. Its moisture-wicking, antimicrobial...