NOLAN: A More Advanced Racing Helmet “X-803RS UC”

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Helmets are a concern for motorcyclists.

Have you ever seen a helmet with a logo that says "X-lite" on the forehead? In most cases, this is where the helmet manufacturer's logo will be placed, but there is no such manufacturer as "X-lite". In fact, this "X-lite" is a special title reserved for the flagship models of "a certain manufacturer".

In this article, I will explain about this manufacturer and how X-lite is special, with testimonials from Webike staff who have actually participated in the Tsukuba Road Race Championship.

Who is that helmet manufacturer!

NOLAN, Europe's No. 1 helmet manufacturer

NOLAN was the first company in the world to use innovative features such as air ventilation, ratcheting chinstraps and anti-fogging PINLOCK® seats. NOLAN's well-balanced products in terms of safety, function, design, quality and price are loved by many racing riders and riders in more than 80 countries, including Europe and the United States.

What is the difference between a NOLAN helmet and an X-lite helmet?

Features of helmets with NOLAN notation

The NOLAN® brand is a premium line of models with model numbers beginning with "N." The shells are injection-molded for high mass production, but are made of ultra-strong LEXANTM polycarbonate, which is also used for bulletproof shields for riot police, to ensure high safety performance. Some of the models used by GP riders are labeled "NOLAN", but the contents are from "X-lite".

Features of helmets with X-lite marking.

The X-lite® brand, with model numbers beginning with the letter "X," is a luxury line of helmets that uses the most expensive and high-spec materials such as carbon and aramid fiber to achieve a high level of balance between lightness, strength, and comfort. X-lite is the brand name given to the highest grade of NOLAN helmets.

Summary of the relationship between NOLAN and X-lite

It would be easier to understand if I told you that NOLAN is the normal lineup and X-lite is the premium lineup. If we compare it with TOYOTA, it is like "general lineup with TOYOTA logo" and "luxury lineup with LEXUS logo".

MotoGP-spec aerodynamic performance in your hands

X-803RS ULTRA CARBON

In this article, I would like to compare the newly introduced X-803RS UC, the highest grade model of X-lite, with its predecessor, the X-802RR, the highest grade model. The X-803RS UC is the high-grade model of the latest X-803 series, and features a large spoiler that is not found on the unmarked X-803. The X-802RR is my favorite model, so I'm very interested to see how the new model evolves.

The first thing that catches your eye is the large spoiler. In the past few years, more and more manufacturers have been using aerodynamic parts for helmets, in line with the evolution of aerodynamic parts for motorcycle bodies. This is not only because they are effective but also because they look very good. It is becoming a preferred style not only for racing users but also for many other riders. I am very jealous of the X-802RR because my previous model, the X-802RR, does not have it.

Modern helmets for racers come with a system that allows the helmet to be safely removed by removing the cheek pads and creating a gap while wearing the helmet. Before the development of this system, wearing a helmet remover was the most common way to make a helmet safe in case of a fall. With this equipment, even street riders, who rarely wear helmet removers, will be able to remove their helmets safely.

The X-803RS seems to be the first NOLAN X-lite helmet model to use this feature, as the previous model X-802RR did not have it. Why don't you equip yourself with safety equipment that will be useful not only on the track but also on the streets?

1: Emergency Release
In an emergency, a first-aider can remove the cheek pads by simply pulling the red tape on the cheek pads, a feature that makes it easier to remove the helmet.

2: Racetrack aerodynamic spoiler
Aerodynamic spoiler developed based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research and wind tunnel testing, in collaboration with NOLAN riders from MotoGP and other events. The spoiler can be removed and replaced with a standard spoiler (ASD) using the included special tool.

They're all so cool, it's hard to choose!

Graphic Replica Helmet

Replica helmets with the same graphics as NOLAN contract riders. Many of them are available in limited quantities and are very popular. Some helmets are labeled "NOLAN", but the contents are "X-803RS".

Even non-replicas are cool! More of a luxury line than before?

If you prefer a more subdued design than a graphic replica helmet, this is also a good choice. And compared to the X-802RR model, it's got more of a premium color scheme! It's a great balance between the carbon ground and the not-too-assertive color scheme.

Reviews

AKIRA:
Tako, a writer and rider for Webike Magazine, has actually worn the X-803RS on public roads and tracks, so let's hear what he thinks.

Tako:
I am responsible for all the apparel sold on Webike, as well as helmets and other equipment. I enjoy riding my motorcycle on the track and participating in races, including the Tsukuba Road Race Championship. I also go touring sometimes.

What is the difference from Japanese size?

Akira:
What size did you wear?

Tako:
Normally, I wear size M of SHOEI X-14, but size L was just right for X-803RS.

Feeling different from Japanese helmets?

Akira:
How was it comfortable to wear?

Tako:
I have worn both SHOEI and Arai, but it was a unique feeling of tightness that I cannot say either. There was a feeling that it was supported by the cheek, and I felt a little tight when I wore it because the opening was narrow. I also felt uncomfortable because of the wide chin area, but I got used to it quickly lol.

Akira:
I also felt the opening was too narrow when I first purchased the X-802RR, but I got used to it. The chin area has been updated from the previous model X-802RR and seems to be slightly elongated. The effect seems to be an improvement in static and dynamic comfort.

What is the weight of the carbon helmet you are interested in?

Akira:
You said it is made of carbon, how did you feel the weight?

Tako:
Just because it's carbon doesn't mean it's super light. It was a good balance of not too light and not too heavy, because a little weight is more stable at high speed.

Akira:
The X-803RS without the spoiler is 75g lighter than the previous model X-802RR. Even the X-803RS with spoiler is 25g lighter than the X-802RR, so the overall weight has been reduced significantly.

Is it effective in reducing fatigue on the highway?

Akira:
How was the aerodynamic performance on public roads?

Tako:
I didn't feel any aerodynamic performance on ordinary roads. However, when I got on the highway and the speed range increased, I felt that my head was not shaking. I felt the effect of aerodynamic performance from 80km/h.

Akira:
It seems to help reduce fatigue when driving on highways. So, I'd like to hear your reviews when you actually wore them at Tsukuba Circuit.

Tsukuba Circuit - TC2000- Edition

Braking from high speed, how effective is the helmet?

Akira:
I'm sure you could feel the aerodynamic performance on the track.

Tako:
Yes, it's like a helmet made for racing, isn't it? I stuck my head out of the cowl on the last corner braking in Tsukuba. The helmet never blurred.So it was easy to concentrate on braking and entry.

Akira:
I kept it down on the screen until the very last second, and when I was braking, it came out of the screen with a snap! At that time, if I can " brake" and "prepare for entry" without shaking my head, it will lead to a stable ride.

Extremely important! Race machines check the rear visually!

Akira:
If it has such a big spoiler, won't it take your head when you turn around to check the rear?

Tako:
I was able to check the rear of the machine as usual, which was strange.

Akira:
It's strange. lol
If you can turn around and check the rear at the track, you will be able to visually check on public roads such as highways without any problem.

Works great in the summer! Ventilation!

Akira:
How was the performance of the ventilation?

Tako:
With a large amount of air coming in through the mouth, it will keep you quite cool in the summer.

Akira:
If there is a large amount of wind coming in, it will be comfortable both on public roads and on the track.

Quietness is sacrificed? But the benefits are huge!

Akira:
Is there anything else that caught your attention?

 
I had the impression that the wind noise was louder than the X-14. The wind noise was also louder when the head ventilation was opened. It bothered me even when I was wearing an ear piece (ear plugs), so you may feel it is annoying. It subsided when I closed the ventilation.

Akira
It is true that the X-lite series is not as quiet as other companies. However, I think that the result of prioritizing weight reduction, rectification, and ventilation performance over wind noise led to the sacrifice of quietness.

Thank you very much.

Tako:
Thank you very much.

Review

NOLAN X-802RR, my favorite helmet

I usually use this NOLAN X-802RR helmet.

In writing this article, I got my hands on the NOLAN X-803RS for the first time.
It's a very attractive helmet with a greatly updated look, equipment, and specs. My X-802RR is approaching its "3-year" service life, and as I write this article, I feel the urge to replace it.

Helmets with MotoGP and SBK motifs, as well as replica graphic helmets of NOLAN and X-lite contract riders. There are also other standard models with beautiful carbon fabrics that catch the eye. For your next helmet choice, why don't you try the X-lite "X-803RS" with racer specs in both functionality and graphics?

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