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AFX FX-41 DS VS. Icon Variant

Jampad

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Location
Pottsboro
First Name
Jamie
Last Name
Russell
Debating between two helmets: AFX FX-41 DS and the Icon Variant.

Obviously, the Icon is a more expensive helmet but just curious if anyone has had each of these and can give some insight if the Icon is a $200 better helmet. I read lots of good stuff about the AFX FX-41 and would like some advice from others who have worn these helmets. Thanks for any advice you can share!
 
I bought a FX 39 DS and really like it. Seems good quality and feel. I would buy a AFX again.
 
Thanks Montejay... I have read good things about AFX-39.. Revzilla touts it as unquestionably the best sub $200 dual sport helmet. The Icon cost about twice as much and I'm just curious if the helmet stands out in quality and comfort that much..

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It's plenty comfortable to me, good padding. If I can fault it at all, I would say its a little loud and catches too much wind. I would buy another.
 
I have the FX-41 and have enjoyed it. Fit is good on my intermediate oval head. I wear without the visor as it is a sail! It is also loud at highway speeds but I wear earplugs and that doesn't bother me.
 
Yeah... if you're planning to ride down the highway, or for any extended period of time > 60mph, you'll have to remove the peak from the FX-41. It catches the wind like a sail. The helmet is also extremely loud, but it flows a LOT of air past your head, which is good in the summertime. For the price, it's hard to beat since it has a flip down visor. Like GRNDLB said, remove the peak and wear earplugs.
 
Thanks for the input! Based on the things I have read here and in many reviews, I just purchased the Icon Variant.... I really do much more highway riding and it seems the Variant will be superior to the AFX in that environment... Should get the helmet next week and try to give a little review after I try it out...

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I'll be interested in your review; I'm looking for a new helmet too. Have already returned one.
 
Had my first decent length ride this morning with my new Icon Variant helmet..... I recently joined in on the FM road game on the forum and ride about hour out and back to capture my first road..... Beautiful morning for a ride! Anyway, back to the helmet..... I can sum up the Variant in one sentence... It rocks! Now, to be fair, the only comparison I have is to several helmets I have owned in the $125 to $150 price range.... This helmet was more than twice as much as those.... It was a little windy out this morning and the first thing I noticed is the pull on the visor, even in crosswinds is drastically less than on other helmets I have had.. The next biggie is the sound level.. Much more muted sound than the other helmets I have had.... Also, the fit is superb... Feels much higher quality all around... So, really happy with the purchase so far and I don't think that will change anytime soon... I highly recommend this helmet...

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I had a icon alliance years ago and now use a HJC........ I can't wait to get back into an icon.

I am really looking forward to a solid review of the variant as that's what I am looking at. But 90% of my riding is done at freeway speeds an I worry about drag on the visor.
 
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I will be honest.... The drag, of course, is there but not even close to other helmets I have had.... seems to be engineered well...

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This is interesting, I've been really considering the AFX 41 it's good to see some good reviews. Has anyone tried installing a Bluetooth com system in the AFX helmet?
 
I bought a FX 39 DS and really like it. Seems good quality and feel. I would buy a AFX again.

X2 on the AFX39 (I wear one personally and for work). I would definitely buy AFX again. The 41 is on my "possible next helmet" list.
 
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Guys, I'm sure the AFX-41 is a good helmet but I was talking about the Icon Variant...

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This is interesting, I've been really considering the AFX 41 it's good to see some good reviews. Has anyone tried installing a Bluetooth com system in the AFX helmet?

I have done this. It installs fine with a little modification. It isn't very usable though. The helmet really is loud. It is my primary helmet for riding local but I always wear ear plugs. If I want to listen to music I just turn it up as loud as it will go with the ear plugs still in.

If you don't mind the noise it's a good helmet.
 
Jamie,
do you know what shape head you have and/or what shape head the Variant is made for?

gina
 
Hmmmm.. that is a good question. I'm really not sure but the fit is superb.... Check the review out on revzilla.com. .... they give a good review of each helmet they sell and it should say what shape... :)

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