Joe Rocket RKT Prime Helmet Test
Joe Rocket has much experience building motorcycle gear, and its line of helmets – built by HJC – reflects how much the company has learned.
The RKT Prime is in JR’s most competitively-priced range of full-face helmets, yet the design features do not suggest an entry-level helmet.
The shell is constructed of an advanced polycarbonate composite in an aerodynamic configuration. The aerodynamics proved effective riding with no windshield; minimal buffeting side-to-side and minimal noise inside the helmet, even though there is no chin curtain.
The comfort liner forms a uniform snug seal around the base of the helmet, which also helps minimize interior wind noise. There was no wind-whistle with the shield fully closed.
Shell ventilation is managed via closable chin bar and crown intake vents, which can be opened even with gloves on, a pair of non-closable exhaust vents on the sides of the chin bar and venturi exhaust at the rear of the crown of the helmet.
The ventilation system works well into the face portion of the helmet, and moderately well to the crown. Riding in sunny weather with temps in the 80s, the helmet didn’t cause much sweating or overheating, despite being matte black.
The standard clear face shield is hard coated, optically correct, provides claimed 95 percent U.V. protection, can be removed and replaced without tools using the patented “RapidFire” shield replacement system and is Pinlock ready.
Multiple shield options are available for the RKT including RST mirrored, high definition amber, smoke, gradient and race shields with tear-off posts. Versatility is increased with optional Dual Lens, Electric Shield and breath guard that make the helmet snowmobile-ready.
The closure system is two-stage with a very secure final closure that forms an effective seal compressing the shield into the eye port gasket. The lowest position of the shield – just before it closes completely – works nicely for that little needed ventilation when riding on a hot day.
The interior comfort liner is Bioceramic Nylex to wick moisture away from and suppress the development of odors over time. Cheek pads and liner are removable and washable.
The retention system is a padded nylon web strap with double D-ring closure and includes a strap end snap to secure the loose end. Impact protection meets or exceeds DOT and Snell Memorial Foundation (M2010) standards. Weight is approximately 3 lb. 12 oz., or approximately 1,700g. That puts the weight about on par with other full-face helmets of composite shell construction. In day-long ride, the RKT Prime was comfy and didn’t cause undue neck fatigue.
Colors available are gloss silver, gloss black, matte black, and dark yellow. Sizes range from XS (53-54 cm) to XXL (63-64 cm). Factory sizing proved to be spot-on for me using the head circumference (in CM) as the basis for size selection and was consistent with other helmets I’ve used. The helmet comes with a three year warranty from date of purchase and a cloth cinch-sack carrying bag.
The Joe Rocket RKT Prime Helmet retails for $169.99 (solids) – $179.99 (graphics). For additional information, visit the Joe Rocket Website.
