Winex V5 Helmet
Every year that I
have attended the races at Laguna Seca, I have found myself searching
through all the vendor display tents turning over all the rocks looking
for where the good deals may be hiding. The past has always been good
to me - I'd previously found some high quality leather racing suits for
around five hundred bucks. This year my mission was for a backup helmet.
I found that bargain inside the Winex helmet canopy.
The first things that
caught my eye were the price and the design. The helmet has a unique and
stylish design that catches the eye. Upon first glance you will notice
the aerodynamic styling and shiny two-tone clear-coated graphics. It features
a lightweight shell that is Snell 2000 and DOT approved. It also has two
large air/ventilation intakes to keep your head cool.
I decided to put the
helmet to the test by taking it to a race day at Moroso Motorsports Park.
One of the nicer things about this helmet was the fact that the chinstrap
had a button that helped keep it secure and from flapping around the neck
area. The overall feel of the helmet was very good and the interior was
comfortable, but unfortunately, not removable. There seemed to be a lot
of wind noise in at high speeds but wearing earplugs at the track will
aid that. I feel they should install a safety clip or at least a slightly
open vent position for when cruising in traffic or standing on pit road.
It also had a removable
visor, which I feel needed to have a different set-up for quick-change
convenience. The V5 still has the vintage Philips screwdriver release
method that really took too much time and effort, especially when they
have smoke, and mirror lenses available too.
The price
offered to me was a Laguna "sale" special, but the normal MSRP
is still a price that's hard to beat. It can be found at most retailers
for about $179.95. That's a pretty good bang for your buck compared to
most other helmet options.
My inside
sources inform me that Winex helmets will be coming out with a brand new
helmet quite soon. All of my concerns have been addressed, including a
new shell, a quick release visor system requiring no tools and a new interior
with removable liner.
All these features
will draw them closer within the top of the current helmet industry and
that model is expected some time later this year, so keep an eye open
for it.
You can check out
their current models and designs at the Winex website: Winexhelmets.com.
AlexF
