Tested by: John
Miles Used: 300
Price: 499.99
Contact: hjchelmet.com
Style: 17/20
Price: 17/20
Durability: 19/20
Street cred: 20/20
Performance: 19/20
Choosing a helmet is a lot like picking a stripper for a lap dance. While some may see the featherweight red head as the ideal candidate, others may want the brunette with some meat on her bones; it all comes down to personal preference. I've been told I have a head the size of a globe so finding a lid that fits comfortably is no easy task. Thankfully the HJC RPS-10 was just the right ticket to ride. The race inspired design is all business and free of any contraptions, scoops or gizmos. Ventilation is plentiful with a single chin and twin top mounted inlets that are easily operated with gloved hands while going down the road. The inside of the helmet is so smooth it feels like it's been lined with the skins of baby seals.
A simple design keeps wind noise down and registers about midway on the loudness scale. Shield replacement is a snap and also includes pin lock mounts to quickly add anti-fog inserts inside the shield.
Styling varies from solids, graphics and a Ben Spies replica (I chose the replica, which adds $150 to the price over a basic solid). My only regret with the RPS-10 is that I probably should have saved the extra money on the Spies graphic and used it for a few lap dances.