Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet Review 2021

Just like they said: The Shoei Hornet X2 is for Every Road.

Whether you call it – the Shoei Hornet X2 or the Hornet ADV helmet, it doesn’t matter! It is one modern dual sport/adventure-touring motorcycle helmet specially designed to function both on-road and off-road terrains.

The helmet is designed while keeping one thing in mind i.e. Adventure riding has no bounds.

To meet the needs of adventure-touring riders, the company crafted a modern touring helmet that provides the ultimate protection to the rider without compromising on performance.

This is the perfect example of a helmet that is suitable for both off-road and on-road riding. Whether you are looking for an adventure helmet or a dual-sport helmet, the Shoei Hornet X2 is designed to perform on all roads and in all weather conditions. It features the latest technologies like the CNS-2 Shield, V-460 Visor, QR-N Baseplate system, and many others that make it functional and efficient for your journey.

The Hornet X2 is an improved version of the Hornet DS helmet. So, if you own a Sport/Adventure touring motorcycle, then you must take a look at the Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet specifications.

Believe me, whether you are just a normal street motorcyclist or a dual-sport enthusiast, you will love this helmet.

So, check out our latest Shoei X2 Helmet Review.

Shoei Hornet X2 ADV Helmet Review

Shell Design & Protection Level

First, let’s talk about the concept and design of this Shoei helmet. The Shoei Hornet DS helmet was a predecessor of the Hornet X2. It comes in four different shell sizes with an intermediate oval internal shape. This means it will fit most head types. This shape also allows the rider to wear eyeglasses inside the helmet. The Hornet X2 comes with Shoei’s lightest yet strongest shell, but it’s still quite heavy compared to other premium adventure helmets.

An AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi Fiber) shell construction makes it more compact and highly aerodynamic.

A Dual-Layer multi Density EPS Liner provides varying densities of foam in key impact areas for enhanced impact absorption without any compromise in the ventilation system.

Besides that, the Shoei X2 adventure touring helmet also meets the safety standards of Snell 2015 and DOT. Do you know what that means? It means it went through rigorous tests and came out with excellent performance results.

The company spent a lot of time thinking of the concept of the dual-sport helmet and crafted one that can address the common challenges of modern dual-sport riding.

Face Shield & Visibility

The Shoei Hornet ADV helmet is highly admired for its large viewport that offers a wide field of vision that allows riders to achieve better visibility on the road. And the latest CNS-2 Shield is the reason for the wider and larger field of vision in the Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet. Furthermore, it also provides 99% protection from the sun’s UV rays to ensure you have a long, comfortable ride when the sun is at its peak.

The CNS-2 Shield is the reason for the wider and larger field of vision in the Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet.

This CNS-2 Shield has 3D injection-molding, which ensures a distortion-free view throughout the entire field of vision on the road. This is a feature that the predecessor, the Hornet DS helmet, did not have.

It also provides protection from 99% of the sun’s UV rays. This, also, is a feature that was not available in the predecessor of the Hornet ADV helmets.

The Shoei Hornet ADV helmet features a QR-N Base Plate System that comes with a spring-loaded rotating mechanism that ensures a dustproof, windproof and waterproof seal. Furthermore, this base plate system offers a quick and efficient shield removal system that enables removing the shield without removing the visor. So, a 2.24 mm thick face shield, which is also Pinlock-ready and comes equipped with a Pinlock EVO fog-resistant system.

Ventilation System & V-460 Visor

The V-460 Visor is one of the reasons that I wanted this helmet. The V-460 Visor is strategically designed to force the air into the upper intake vent for optimal cooling. This design provides a perfect balance between aerodynamics and visor. The innovative “wedge” shape louvers allow the wind to pass through at high speeds to reduce lifting and drag issues.

If you are doing off-road riding, then it will also provide sunshade and head protection. The ventilation system in the Shoei Hornet X2 is excellent. To cover both off-road and on-road riding characteristics, Shoei used a ventilation system that you usually don’t see in an open mesh type off-road helmet. On the contrary, you will see a street-type system in this helmet with the goggles optional feature, in case you prefer to use goggles instead of a shield.

So, now let’s talk about the ventilation performance of the Shoei Hornet X2 helmet. Shoei’s ventilation system is the perfect example of a balance between airflow and silence. It has 4 intake and 7 exhaust vents. And it is wind-tunnel optimized to maximize the airflow and improve the negative air pressure. The large lower intake vent passes air through a long slot to the face area. On the other hand, the upper vent has a long removable tube that collects air and forces it down to the rider’s face through an opening in the center. This can be controlled by a slider even while wearing gloves. And the air that comes through the holes in the EPS liner travels inside the helmet and is exhausted through the rear to balance the ventilation.

So, in our opinion, Shoei’s Hornet X2 helmet ventilation system is very impressive yet very simple. It suits both Dual Sport and Street riding.

Interior

The interior of the Shoei Hornet X2 helmet is the “3D Max-Dry Interior System II”, which is fully removable, washable, replaceable, and adjustable. It absorbs sweat and keeps you dry and cool for a long period of time. And the 3D cheek pads are available in customizable sizes for better fit and comfort. So, you can enjoy your ride without any moisture and sweat problem for many hours.

What We Learned

Notable Features: Ventilation System and Design

Best Suited For: Normal Street Motorcyclists and Dual-Sport Enthusiasts

Shoei Hornet X2 ADV Video Review

Final Thoughts:

The Shoei Hornet X2 is a fantastic helmet that is suited for all types of rides. Shoei once again focused on the design and the comfort level of the helmet. The value of the helmet can be assessed depending on the comfort level it provides. The Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet has the V-460 Visor that guarantees optimal cooling. Moreover, there are four intake and seven exhaust vents to provide excellent ventilation inside the helmet. Long story short, the ventilation system of the Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet is impressive and will please your needs.

In addition to the ventilation system, the Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet has the Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi Fiber Shell with a Dual-Layer multi Density EPS Liner. It also has a CNS-2 Shield to offer a great vision to the wearer. The interior of the Shoei Hornet X2 helmet is comprised of the 3D Max-Dry Interior System II. Thus, with the comfort fit and proper air supply, the motorcycle rider can go for long rides without worrying about anything, as the Shoei Hornet X2 helmet will curb every need of the biker.

Read Also: Arai XD4 Helmet Review

Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet

Pros: Enhanced impact absorption, Wider and taller field of vision, Goggles optional facility, Comfort Fit

Cons: A little heavy

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