Product Review: HJC CL-16 Full Face Helmet

Everyone needs a motorcycle helmet, but there's no denying that
this can be an expensive proposition when it comes to some of the
top-of-the-line models. While these helmets undoubtedly boast a
number of features that help justify the price, the fact is that
not everyone will be able to spend many hundreds of dollars on a
motorcycle helmet. Fortunately, there are a number of brands out
there that attempt to replicate the quality of the top-tier helmets
at a much lower price.
The [mageProductLink sku="2107.0312" title="HJC CL-16 Full Face
Helmet"]HJC CL-16[/mageProductLink] is one such helmet. This isn't
some cheap knock-off brand - HJC claims that they are
the largest helmet manufacturer in North America, and given the
number of people who choose their helmets, it wouldn't be
surprising. It's easy to see why as well - the CL-16 is an
incredibly well-made helmet that boasts a solid range of features
at a great price.
The top priority on just about every rider's mind when it comes to
motorcycle helmets is safety, and the CL-16 delivers
in that regard. The helmet meets the Snell safety certification,
which is the highest level of safety available in the United
States. What's more is that the helmet delivers this protection
while remaining incredibly light. In fact, the CL-16 is actually
two grams lighter than its predecessor, the CL-14. Many other
companies are actually adding weight to their helmets, saying that
they need to in order to meet the Snell standards. But HJC has
found a way to make a lighter helmet that is also incredibly safe
and protective.
The main area that weight comes into play is the comfort of the
helmet. Nobody wants to ride as if they have a bowling ball
strapped to their head, and that won't be the case with the CL-16.
The overall fit of the helmet is made for people with slightly
round heads, although the helmet is likely to fit a variety of head
types. HJC makes helmets all the way from XS up to XXXL, although
the XXXL size does not meet the Snell standards, but it does
satisfy DOT standards. While some companies use just one shell size
and vary the thickness of the pads inside, it appears that HJC
makes use of multiple shell types in their helmet designs.
The lining is thick, yet comfortable, and is also completely
removable. One area that riders might notice as different from the
top-tier helmets is the vinyl around the bottom of the helmet
opening. This material is clearly of lesser quality than other
helmets on the market, but it won't be a big deal to many
riders.
[caption id="attachment_22805" align="alignleft"
width="300"] The HJC CL-16 helmet comes in a wide
array of colors and styles.[/caption]
That does, however, come into play when it comes to noise. The
bottom lining doesn't keep out sound as well as other models,
leading to a noisier ride. However, enterprising riders can likely
use third-party helmet
accessories to help keep the noise to a minimum, either by
using earplugs or supplementing the lining at the bottom of the
helmet with additional padding.
Ventilation is another area where riders will be compromising a
bit. The rider will likely feel a good bit of air coming in from
underneath the helmet, which should keep things cool in the bottom
half. However, the top vents for the helmet are weak and appear to
turn at right angles, decreasing the amount of air that gets into
the top of the helmet.
Overall, while the HJC CL-16 falls short in a few areas compared to
the top-tier models, it offers enough to look very attractive at
its low price point.