Even if you never lap a racetrack, there are advantages to wearing a racing-designed helmet on the street like this Scorpion EXO R1 Air full-face model. For starters, at 54 ounces in a size large, this helmet is anywhere from 2-10 ounces lighter than the popular street full-facers on our shelves, so if helmet weight is an issue for you the R1 Air is worth a look. Scorpion says its multi-layered Ultra-TCT shell combines fiberglass, aramid and poly-resin fibers that minimize weight while maximizing strength and impact dispersal. Looks pretty cool in the neon-red Corpus model, too.

The EXO R1 also earns the ?Air? designation for its aero-tuned shell shape, which Scorpion says helps reduce aerodynamic drag and improve balance. I found the fit to be slightly more snug than usual for a large, but still comfortable, and the R1 Air includes Scorpion?s AirFit cheek pad inflation system to snug the cheek pads around and under your jaw to customize the fit and prevent helmet lift at high speeds. A small bulb in the chinbar lets you pump up air bladders under the cheek pads to the desired level, and there?s a button to release the air before you take the helmet off. Thinner cheek pads are available as well, and they all have an EMT-friendly emergency release system that is obvious from the underside and works well.
Inside, the R1 Air?s multi-layer EPS liner has channels for increased airflow, and the ?aero-tuned? ventilation system uses two air intakes in front and a 3-port e...