was planning out a trip from coast to coast and, having time to spare, wanted to do it without touching a freeway. I figured I could turn the 3,000-mile trip into at least 6,000 miles of twisty roads for me and my ride. The route had me going over high mountains and through long stretches of desert and I knew I’d need the right gear as much as the right bike.
     So I chose to outfit myself in Icon for this trip. Icon Motorsports is a top shelf street riding brand specializing in helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, and armor. Founded in 2002 by avid riders Kurt Walter and Phil Davy, the American-based design group is located in Portland, Oregon. I already knew the products were good so I went with Icon’s new Airframe helmet specifically in the Seventh Seal graphic and the matching ARC jacket with Seventh Seal graphics on it. The helmet retails for $300 and comes in sizes XS through 3XL, the jacket retails for $360 and comes in sizes M through 2XL.
     The why is the big question and the answer is simple once you know the details of the Icon Airframe. You see, most helmets do a good job as far as safety is concerned, so I wanted one that was tops in safety, but also comfort and temperature control. After all, 6,000 miles is a long time to wear a helmet, especially across long desert stretches. Icon designed this helmet to be cool when you need to be cool.
“The closest thing to air conditioning for your head” is not only a tag line in this case; it truly speaks to the primary criteria put in place from the onset of the design process. Developing a truly functional ventilation system within a helmet speaks to Icon’s continued drive to identify and resolve everyday issues encountered by riders as they relate to safety equipment. Although ventilation was a primary criterion it was not the only item on the list when it came to planning. The Airframe helmet also includes new and exciting features that relate to face shield functionality, comfort and fit, weight, and styling.
     So here’s what sold me:
     Ventilation: One of the most exciting features of the Airframe is the exhaust ports used in the Airframe’s Supervent System. Icon’s goal was to make ventilation that actually works on your helmet. The front 20mm intake holes ram air directly into the helmet while 35mm rear holes exhaust warm air at high and low speeds. With the simple flip of a switch you can access instant head cooling gratification.
     Face Shield Functionality: Proshield Precision Optic Shields provide you with a clear undistorted line of sight, tool-less shield change, and side plates for more graphic real estate so you can actually see the country you’re riding through. But Icon also knows their riders are fast, and thus require a face shield that will stay in place regardless of speed. That’s why each Proshield is equipped with Icon’s Prolock system. Icon’s Prolock system utilizes a metal pin lock to ensure your shield stays put, period. Icon Proshields are also offered in a variety of tinted styles that meet or exceed Vehicle Safety Commission Regulations (VESC-8). I knew I’d need at least two, plus a clear one for night riding.
     Comfort/Fit: Riders come in all shapes and sizes, so naturally helmets should too. Comfort and Fit not only reduce fatigue but also play a key role in the effectiveness of a helmet in the event of an impact. Because the Airframe was designed with 3 shell sizes and 4 EPS sizes it is available in size XXS thru XXXL. As if this vast size range wasn’t enough the Airframe’s cheek pads and liners are interchangeable and available in different sizes. So I knew I’d be able to have a nearly perfect fit.
     Weight: Weight depends on helmet size of course but as an example Icon’s medium helmet weighs in at 1650g/3.6lbs–which is no more and no less than needed to exceed Snell/DOT standards without compromising the new features that Icon felt should be in every rider’s helmet. The light weight would be welcome at the end of 8-10 hours crossing the Rocky Mountains.
     Styling: Last but not least, is aesthetics. Let’s face it, when researching a new helmet prior to purchase consumers definitely consider the way it looks. Icon’s industrial designers spent countless hours refining the styling and when they were done their graphics team took over with a vengeance. Thanks to both design disciplines I have a choice of 22 colorways, ranging from solids to the insane illustrations Icon is known for. I went with the Seventh Seal Graphic because I planned to cross seven states so it was a good sign. But I’m going to get more when I get back; I may even collect them all!
     It’s time to suit up and hit the road. I know I’ll be comfortable so I can relax and enjoy another epic ride. I’ve got a buddy back east who works as a rep for Parts Unlimited, maybe I’ll stop by and tell him how great I think their products are. And if I need it for the ride back, I’ll visit one of his dealers and get more Icon gear. They’re like me; it’s all about the street…