Scorpion EXO-400 Review

[Joey_Dude]

I got a new helmet, a Scorpion EXO-400 from newenough.com.

Specifically, I have the Octane model: Scorpion EXO-400 Octane Motorcycle Helmet :: New Enough, LTD



From using it for over two weeks now I have to conclude it is a really nice helmet for the money. My only gripe is that it really needs to come with the Aero Skirt, a $8 item as illustrated below:



(You can also get this product from newenough.com at Scorpion Aero Skirt For EXO-400, EXO-700 and EXO-1000 Helmets :: New Enough, LTD)

The reason why it needs that is because without it the constant wind flowing into the helmet from under the chin really dries my eyes out. When I went on my first long ride with this helmet my eyes were watering nonstop and I had to make an emergency stop at a store to get visine.

But after I bought the Aero Skirt the eye drying problems disappeared.

One thing I'm impressed with this helmet is that the vents actually work. I know that sounds funny but I have a Z1R helmet and the vents don't work. I can't tell if the vents are open or not and it gets pretty darn hot in georgia for that! They work so well that when I drove in the rain I started feeling drops on my head and had to close the vents.

The visor changing mechanism takes a little getting used to. Main reason is they did such a good job making it easy to change while wearing the helmet is that it's near impossible to replace the visors while NOT wearing the helmet. Because of this I've learned to change the visor when I'm wearing the helmet and sometimes it's a little tricky because I can't see where the visor is going.

I know that there are some better helmets out there but they cost more than $170 and because of that I'd have to give this helmet a 9 out of 10. I would have given it a 10 out of 10 if it included the Aero Skirt.

[PUSkunk]

I've got that same helmet, and I totally agree with the chin skirt comment. It might just be a combo of VFR's aerodynamics and that helmet, but it directs air right at your mouth area, and if you're not wearing the breath deflector, at your eyes. Chin skirt makes it a great year round helmet.

[VsVFR]

Thanks for the review! That is a great looking helmet and you just can't beat new enough!!!

I was going to buy one of those from new enough, but opted for a HJC instead. And it looks like I'm in the same boat with needing an addition to my chin bar. HJC's have the velcro on the bottom of the chin bar for a skirt, but none of the dealers list one for my helmet. So I may just buy one for a comparable model and make it work. I've also been contemplating making one on my own. I've even contemplated buying the one for the Scorpions. Think it would work?


Later
Vs

[Joey_Dude]

Originally Posted by VsVFR

I've also been contemplating making one on my own. I've even contemplated buying the one for the Scorpions. Think it would work?

The Scorpion EXO Aero Skirt doesn't use velcro and is a pretty simple device that you just shove in the helmet. If you want to see if that'll work on your HJC helmet first see if you can shove a 3x5 card or a thin piece of plastic in the chin area. Some helmets completely glue the liner to the helmet and you won't be able to use the Aero Skirt if that it is the case. Otherwise if you can shove in your test object at least 2 inches I would give the Aero Skirt a shot. It's only 8 bucks plus shipping so if it doesn't work you could always return it.

[Scubalong]

Originally Posted by Joey_Dude

I got a new helmet, a Scorpion EXO-400 from newenough.com.

Specifically, I have the Octane model: Scorpion EXO-400 Octane Motorcycle Helmet :: New Enough, LTD



From using it for over two weeks now I have to conclude it is a really nice helmet for the money. My only gripe is that it really needs to come with the Aero Skirt, a $8 item as illustrated below:



(You can also get this product from newenough.com at Scorpion Aero Skirt For EXO-400, EXO-700 and EXO-1000 Helmets :: New Enough, LTD)

The reason why it needs that is because without it the constant wind flowing into the helmet from under the chin really dries my eyes out. When I went on my first long ride with this helmet my eyes were watering nonstop and I had to make an emergency stop at a store to get visine.

But after I bought the Aero Skirt the eye drying problems disappeared.

One thing I'm impressed with this helmet is that the vents actually work. I know that sounds funny but I have a Z1R helmet and the vents don't work. I can't tell if the vents are open or not and it gets pretty darn hot in georgia for that! They work so well that when I drove in the rain I started feeling drops on my head and had to close the vents.

The visor changing mechanism takes a little getting used to. Main reason is they did such a good job making it easy to change while wearing the helmet is that it's near impossible to replace the visors while NOT wearing the helmet. Because of this I've learned to change the visor when I'm wearing the helmet and sometimes it's a little tricky because I can't see where the visor is going.

I know that there are some better helmets out there but they cost more than $170 and because of that I'd have to give this helmet a 9 out of 10. I would have given it a 10 out of 10 if it included the Aero Skirt.

Good write up,

[VsVFR]

Joey I didn't realize that the skirt didn't use velcro. Thanks for that info. I'll give your example a try and if it works I'll probably be ordering one from NE. If it doesn't work, I guess I'm back to the drawing board. Thanks.

[Mephit Blue]

I've got the middle sibling of the group, the exo-700 and found it to be a good value as well. I think the main difference between the 400 and the 700 is that the 700 weighs a little less and has a bit more venting.

The one thing that really impresses me about the helmet is that the shield does not fog. You will get some condensation at the bottom if it is really cold, but no fogging.

The only negative I have is that the helmet is noisier than the Shoei-800 I had before. It isn't too bad with earplugs in, but the difference is enough to be noticeable.

All in all a quality product for a really good price.

[azpnshr]

Very good write up and dead on......true, there are quieter/better helmets but you'll pay out the #@$ for it. For the price range, Scorpion is very reasonable and still a good product. As mentioned, the visors don't fog up; I've added the skirt, tinted visor and swapped out the Lg cheek pads with XL, making a perfect fit. I use a 400 model, and the boys/wife use the 700 models....we're happy with the helmets.

[ontargetnow]

I bought a exo 700 and the large fit me perfectly. I tried on an exo 400 and the xtra large fit me perfectly. (different shell materials) . You can get an exo 400 in radium solid for $99.99 delivered from www.sportbiketrackgear.com . I'm ordering one in medium for my as yet unnamed passengers for future use. I think I'll also order the skirt and a mirror shield at the same time. Ride safe, Dave

[DANIMAL]

good write up. I have been wanting to ty Exo's helmets. maybe I will now.
I roll with a Shoei X-eleven. very light and great air vents but mucho dinero.
Still if you got a hundred dollar head, buy a hundred dollar helmet. I could not resist saying that. still a good write up thanks.

[wrestler]

Joey, I guess when we were at the Vortex I didn't tell you I have a Scorpion EXO. Mine is black and red. I agree fully with all you said. The guy who sold it to me told me all that. I am glad I saved by almost Shoie money.