Perhaps once perceived as the brand geared for streetfighters and stunters, Icon, the Portland, Oregon-based riding apparel manufacturer, has steadily broadened its product offerings and image. While Icon apparel lines focus on sportbikes, cruisers, and the fast growing retro and ADV segments, its head is in the helmet arena with an evolving line of street helmets, the latest of which is the all-new Airframe Pro. The Airframe Pro family includes helmets with fiberglass composite shells; these models, available in a variety of 11 solid and graphic options, are priced from $375 to $440. The flagship models, however, are a pair of $600 carbon-fiber helmets—the solid black Ghost Carbon and the Halo Carbon scheme tested here. 
Aside from the materials used in the handcrafted shell, all Airframe Pros share a common feature set. Four unique shell sizes are used across an eight-size range spanning 2XS-3XL. The five-piece moisture-wicking Hydradry liner is removable, and Icon offers Looser Fit and Tighter Fit liner sets ($45) that allow the possibility of 27 tailored fitment combinations within each shell size. My normal fitment, medium, was a bit tight in the cheek pads but easily addressed. The quick-release face shield system lives up to its Rapid-Release name. With the Airframe Pro, it’s easy to swap the shield for one of the many tinted offerings. The Carbon models include a Dark Smoke TracShield with posts for tear-offs. The shield seals tight with no whistling leaks detected at speed. 
A signature feature of the Airframe Pro is what Icon calls a Sculpted Neckroll. The carved out area is designed to reduce jacket/suit interference when riding in a full-tuck position. With nine intake vents feeding air through channels molded into the EPS liner (that feed five exhaust vents at the rear of the shell), the Airframe Pro keeps your head cool. And when the weather is cold, the adjustable brow and chin vents do a good job of sealing out the chill when closed. Having worn the Icon Airframe Pro on the track and the street, I am impressed with the strides Icon has made in quality, fit, and function. While there are more premium helmets to be had, you do get what you pay for, and the Airframe Pro delivers the goods at its price range.
| UPS | DOWNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Icon www.rideicon.com PRICE: $600 |
|
|
Gadget Reviews: mamaktalk.com
Car Reviews: automoview.com
Entertainment News: 38now.com
Today's Promotions: freepromotoday.com
