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Nexx X-R3R sportsbike/track motorcycle helmet review.
The X.R3R is a full-on sportsbike/track helmet made by composite fiber helmet maestros, Nexx.
There’s a couple of different versions available. One with a composite fiber shell (fiberglass, aramid & carbon) and the other with a full carbon fiber shell. This X-Pro carbon XR3R is – as you’d expect – a good deal lighter (and pricier!) than the composite helmet, and it’s also been FIM certified for circuit racing – or at least size S has been at the time of writing (each size has to be separately certified by the FIM).
So, what’s the Nexx X.R3R about?
Well, according to Nexx, it’s a track helmet designed for sportsbike riders. They reckon they’ve gone crazy with the aerodynamics (i’m paraphrasing here!) to keep it weight-neutral and stable at speed and also to help reduce noise.
They also say it’s lighter than the competition, has optimized ventilation to offer all the cooling you’re gonna need on the track; and that the shield’s super wide – with 225 degrees horizontal vision and 85 degrees vertical.
It comes with that break-off rear spoiler in the box (but not fitted) and a clear Pinlock-ready shield (but the actual Pinlock insert’s extra – boo). Here’s a run down of the X.R3R’s main features:
- Sportsbike/Track full face helmet
- Two versions: carbon and composite fiber
- Carbon helmet is FIM certified
- Both are DOT & ECE 22.06 certified
- EQRS cheek pads
- Double D ring fastener
- Pinlock ready shield
- Class one optically correct shield
- Medium oval fitment
- 3 Shell sizes
- Fitment XS-XXL
- Expect to pay:
- $599 Composite fiber
- $750-$850 X-Pro Carbon
Looking to buy a Nexx X.R3R?
Please click below to visit the Nexx X.R3R helmets pages at Amazon and one of our recommended stores. And if you buy from either store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
Overall/Summary
The Nexx X.R3R’s a great looking helmet and looking at the full carbon FIM certified helmet; it’s actually pretty good value.
OK, Nexx hasn’t quite got the pedigree of some other brands in making proven track helmets. And a few owners have reported quality issues (see build quality section below). And while the carbon version is lightweight, the composite fiber version’s a bit on the weighty side.
Having said that, there’s quite a bit going for the XR3R. That large shield system’s fully featured being both Pinlock- and tear-off ready. And owners say it’s both comfortable and very well vented, which are both key for long days on the track.
And there’s some nice touches in there including speaker pockets (still not that common in racing helmets) and magnetic strap end – along with some essentials such as EQRS cheek pads and large rear spoiler for stability (and pose).
And if you’re after proven safety levels, the FIM certification of the carbon fiber helmet along with latest ECE 22.06 certification on both carbon and composite helmets is a big thumbs up (though we’d like to see a SHARP or Snell rating too).
Overall though, this third generation of Nexx’s XR helmet looks to be an accomplished if left-of-field alternative to the regular bunch of track helmets.
Safety
(more about helmet safety)
All versions of the Nexx X.R3R will be DOT and have the latest ECE 22.06 certification – click the link to find out what exactly what testing that means they’ve passed.
In addition, the full carbon helmet has passed FIM testing/certification – or at least size S has. I’m not sure which pro racer wears a Nexx lid but I’m guessing it’s only one rider and they’re a size S because Nexx aren’t really known for their MotoGP or SBK riders and that’s the only size that’s been certified.
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Other than that, the XR3R hasn’t been independently tested by either Snell or SHARP in the UK. No Nexx track helmets have ever been tested by Snell; but a few have been tested by SHARP in the past including the XR1R that scored 3 stars (out of 5), and the XR2 that also scored 3 stars (composite helmets were tested in both cases).
They’re both reasonably average results – and across all five SHARP tested Nexx helmets over the years, their average star rating is 3.2 out of 5. So maybe that’ll point to the X.R3R scoring something similar if SHARP was to test it?
Having said that, the X.R3R is created in three shell sizes (which is good for fit, comfort and safety) and it has a super wide shield for great all round vision – important whether on track or road.
That shield’s Pinlock ready too which is good – though the actual insert’s extra. That’s a bit annoying on a helmet the price of the XR3R because many riders are gonna need that Pinlock to stop their shields fogging.
One thing worth noting on the safety front is that there appears to be a collarbone friendly base. Nexx don’t mention it as a feature on their blurb, but the way the bottom edge of the helmet raises up is usually so it doesn’t break your collarbone if you have an impact.
Overall then, with that FIM certification and extra light weight, the carbon fiber helmet should offer excellent protection. But the jury’s out on the composite fiber XR3R – it should be pretty good because it’s ECE certified but beyond that it’s difficult to say.
Helmet Noise
(more about helmet noise)
Nexx say they’ve aimed to keep noise levels down with the X.R3R – which is relatively unusual as most racing helmets tend to be noisy.
They reckon aero has been designed to stop the airflow catching on the helmet and causing noise. They’ve even added vortex generators to the chin to reduce drag and noise, and that double shield seal’s there to stop noise getting in as well as wind and rain.
Having said all that, noise does get into the XR3R by all accounts. I guess with all those generous vent holes (see below) it was bound to, whatever they do with the aero. It’s probably about average for a sportsbike helmet; so best to push in a decent pair of earplugs and you should be fine.
Ventilation
(more about helmet ventilation)
Nexx look like they’ve really gone to town with the ventilation on the X.R3R.
There’s a dual chin vent in the chin bar, with the top section operated externally and channeling air onto the back of the shield for demisting. The bottom section is opened/closed inside the chin bar and lets plenty of air get to the face and mouth.
Above the shield, there are four vents taking air through the shell and around the head in venilation channels within the polystyrene. That’s a lot of vents – just a shame they’re operated by tiny switches which can be tricky to find in gloves.
The good news is that Nexx X.R3R owners reckon the vents do flow a ton of air, so if you’re road riding in sunny weather or getting a workout on the track, there’s plenty of cooling available.
Shield
(more about shields)
Nexx say they’ve done a lot of work on the shield system for the X.R3R.
There’s a double gasket seal around the shield for improved rain/wind sealing, and the shield base plate is designed to pull the shield back towards it for a tigher fit. Nexx also says the shield base plate is anti-vibration – though they don’t say why the’ve felt the need to do that because as far as I’m aware very few riders (like none, ever) complain of shield vibration. Still there it is, it’s got one.
A couple of useful links…
– Expensive/Exclusive helmets reviewed –
– Motorcycle helmets with integrated bluetooth –
One thing that is very definitely good and worth having is the width and depth of the shield to give great peripheral and vertical vision – that’s very important whether on track or road. Nexx quotes 225 degrees horizontal and 85 degrees vertical which I know is just numbers but for context the new AGV Tourmodular says it has a wide shield but has only 190 degrees of horizontal vision.
Like most track helmets, there’s a dual locking system on the shield – close it fully and the shield snaps closed but for added security, you can also slide a plastic tab across to lock it fully and make sure it doesn’t pop open unexpectedly mid corner after an aggressive block pass. Or on your way to Walmart.
The shield works on a ratchet and has a single opening tab to the left – not ideal if you ever want to open your shield with your left hand but most of us cope.
The shield is tear-off ready and it’s class one optically correct for a distortion-free view. And if you like an iridium or photochromic shield on your helmet, there’s four different iridium shields available as well as a transitions shield – though that’s a pretty fruity $150!
Oh, and if you buy the full carbon helmet, there’s a smoke visor included in the box along with the clear.
Comfort and Sizing
(more about comfort and sizing)
By all accounts the X.R3R is a medium oval fitment with a nod towards a slightly more rounded/neutral fit.
It’s made in three shell sizes with the smallest shell for sizes XXS-XS, middle shell covering S-M and largest shell L-XXL.
Inside the helmet there’s a hypoallergenic and moisture wicking comfort liner (Nexx calls it X.Mart dry fabric) that also has quick-release cheekpads (see EQRS) as well as an adjustable velcro strap to tailor the fitment a little – either raise it up or lower it on the head. And if you find the fit not quite right, Nexx sells an Ergo Padding Kit to replace some of the foam and tailor the fit a little more.
As you’d expect, the composite fiber X.R3R is heavier than the carbon fiber helmet. Nexx says the X-Pro carbon fiber lid weighs around 3lbs (1.35Kg) with the composite helmet 8oz heavier at around 3.6lbs (1.65Kg) – though we’ve heard from owners who reckon the largest shell size can weigh considerably more than that, getting on for 4lbs (1.8Kg) which is far from light weight!
Still, go for a carbon X.R3R and it’s light enough to qualify in our lightest helmets pages.
And if you’re happy to order online, reports are that the Nexx X.R3R fits broadly true to size, so order the correct size according to our fitting guide and you should be sorted.
Overall then, owners reckon it’s a comfortable helmet and most perceive their helmet as lightweight too.
Looks & Graphics
It’s all subjective of course, but the X.R3R is a modern looking sportsbike helmet. It looks very much part of the Nexx family of helmets and its aero, with that large rear spoiler, is very much in vogue with the latest generation of track helmets.
If you’re interested in the composite fiber X.R3R, there’s a plain matt black and ghost helmet along with a gloss white helmet available as well as the Zorga, Precision, Hagibis and Izo graphics.
X-Pro Carbon helmet is available in a range of designs, most with various color highlights against the carbon weave.
As always, to check them out, please click the links below which should take you straight to each store’s Nexx X-R3R helmets page.
Best places to buy a Nexx X.R3R crash helmet?
Please click below to visit the Nexx X.R3R helmets pages at Amazon and one of our recommended stores. And if you buy from either store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
Nexx X.R3R Video
A 15m look around the white/red Nexx X/R3R carbon helmet.
Other stuff – fasteners, bluetooth, build quality, warranty.
Fasteners
As mentioned, the X.R3R – along with all track helmets – has a double-d ring fastener. They’re good, secure fasteners, if a bit fiddly. One thing to note with the X.R3R though is that the end of the fastener has a magnet to stop if flapping around, unlike the snap that most helmets have. Very handy that.
Bluetooth Headsets & Speakers
Quite a few track helmets aren’t really suitable for speakers – and quite a few don’t actually add speaker pockets inside – so if you’re looking to fit a headset into your sportsbike helmet, it’s useful that the X.R3R does. So far, we’ve only heard from one rider who said that their Cardo speakers fitted in there OK.
Build Quality
Overall build quality seems to be pretty good with high quality materials and finishes. There were occasional early reports of quality niggles though – both loose vents and paint coming off. Hopefully those QA issues should’ve been fixed now the helmet’s been out a while; but if you do order one, have a good look over it to ensure you’re happy with everything before you wear it. And order from a store who’ll give refunds without a quibble (like our recommended retailers do).
Warranty
Nexx helmets come with a pretty standard 2 year warranty covering manufacturing and material defects.
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Good Alternatives to the Nexx X.R3R?
If you’re after a top quality sportsbike or track helmet, one of our current top dogs is the Shoei X-Fourteen. That’s a Snell/SHARP 5 star rated racing helmet used by some of the world’s top racers including Marc Marquez.
The Bell Star range also offer a choice of three helmets that are Snell certified and offers a choice of great sportsbike helmets to suit a range of budgets.
There’s also the LS2 Thunder which is LS2’s latest FIM racing helmet. It has a carbon/aramid shell, an optically correct shield and included Pinlock for around the same price as the Nexx.
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Looking to buy a Nexx X.R3R?
Please click below to visit the Nexx X.R3R helmets pages at Amazon and one of our recommended stores. And if you buy from either store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
