HJC make a massive number of helmets and the CS-12 being one of their low end ranges, despite this it is light and comfortable and very low priced

Economy Protector

Initial Thoughts

Sometimes we have to test cheaper - or low end - should I say, equipment after top of the range stuff and quite often this begins with disappointment, the same was true for the cheap and cheerful CS-12 lid from HJC!

With its thermoplastic shell rather than exotic titanweave carbon kevlar composite space age materials the CS-12 is surprisingly lightweight and solid feeling which is something that HJC have built on over the years and many models they have produced, the vents on both the chin and forehead work perfectly well despite being of a basic construction - the CS-12 is built to suit a budget but does not feel cheap or tacky at the same time.

On the head the ventilation could be a little better and after trying the Shoei Raid 2 with its superbly designed (and sometimes overpowerful) front vents the CS-12 was a touch more claustrophobic than normal and did also relay that with a tendancy to fog up when the temperatures dropped enough to give this away, the side vents helped a little here though.

Construction

Weighing in at 1.5kg's this is actually quite a hefty helmet but the weight does not translate that badly while being used, the thermoplastic shell comes adorned with a multitude of colours and designs that are well produced for the price range of the helmet, they are not as deep and lustrous as others in the HJC range but what can you expect for less than 100 english sheets?

• Standard: Meets or exceeds DOT standard .
• Shell: Ultra lightweight thermoplastic alloy shell.
• Ventilation: Maximum chin-bar ventilation ensures minimum fogging while maximum air intake is achieved with 2 large adjustable venturi side vents and a traditional center chin vent, drawing excess humidity away from the shield.
• Interior: Plush Nylex interior and cheek pads for maximum absorption.
• Others: Breathbox and anti-fog coated shields available for cold and/or wet conditions.