Following the forced retirement of the Scorpion ADX-1 after a crash into a sand dune last year, local Scorpion EXO distributor Darbi Accessories sent me the new ADX-2 to try and see how the where the fully redesigned helmet shines and where, just maybe, the older version might have been better...
Disclaimer: Darbi Accessories supplied this Scorpion EXO ADX-2 helmet for review purposes. No money changed hands in either direction, though I was allowed to choose the colour scheme it came in.
I've been a slow convert to modular helmets. The idea of any potential weakness in a helmet has never sat well with me. But the Scorpion ADX series of helmets has helped change my mind in some respects. I still think a regular helmet is the safer option, especially if you're doing track work, but the modular helmet splits the difference between safety and convenience.
With pricing starting at $499 for solid white or black, with the graphics options priced from a further $100 more, the ADX-2 offers a tremendous amount of versatility for its price point.
The Pros
It was immediately clear that the new ADX-2 is a more comfortable helmet than its predecessor. With the ADX-1, I could never put the helmet on with the chin bar down and it always felt a tad on the tight side despite being my usual size Large. The ADX-2 on the other hand feels like a more premium lid in comparison, and yes, I can put it on with the chin bar closed. The padding too feels more plush, so it's noticeably more comfortable sitting on my head than the old ADX-1.
Like the ADX-1, the ADX-2 features a drop-down sun visor and removable peak for that "adventure" look. They're added features that give this helmet a perfect all-round vibe and you could use it as your only helmet regardless of what motorcycle discipline you're into.
Unlike the ADX-1, I've spent a lot of my time with the ADX-2 with the peak removed, and really enjoyed the large eyeport on the helmet.
For the ADX-2, Scorpion revised the controls of the helmet into a much more intuitive system in line with market standards.
Up the front, the chin bar vent now features not only the usual front-facing slider for ease of use but there is also one on the inside the chin bar that allows you to completely close it off to airflow regardless of how the front slider is positioned. It's a handy feature if you happen to be a moto-vlogger with a microphone sitting in front of your mouth.
The Cons
If there is one major con for the ADX-2, it is the helmet's weight. Weighing in at 1750 grams (+ or - 50g) it is a full 200 grams heavier than the ADX-1 and I could immediately feel it. While it is something I have gotten used to, during those first few rides with it I could feel the fatigue in my neck and shoulders from that extra weight at the end of my rides. This wasn't helped by my strapping an extra 200g of DJI Osmo Action camera and associated kit to the front of it.
Weather sealing is the other area where the ADX-2 doesn't seem to be as good as the ADX-1, particularly around the visor. In heavy rain – the stuff that's no run to ride in – I've found water getting around the seals between the visor and the helmet shell, resulting in water trickling down the inside. I've tried to see if I can adjust this out but it doesn't seem to be possible. So far I've only noticed it with the helmet in "street mode" so it will be interesting to see if it does it with the peak fitted.
The Overall Experience
So what is the ADX-2 like to actually use as an everyday helmet? Honestly, it has been quite nice and it quickly rose up the ranks as the go-to helmet of my collection.
The Kwickwick lining is very comfortable and unlike the ADX-1, it doesn't feel like the ADX-2 is trying to squeeze my head like a pimple. The linings are easy to pull out and remove for cleaning purposes, and so far with a couple of thorough cleans, the linings have retained their shape quite well.
Being factory-prepared to take Scorpion's EXO-COM intercom unit means it has cutouts for speakers already built in, so it was easy to fit my Cardo Packtalk Edge to the helmet. A massive plus in my eyes is the fact that it has been designed with intercoms in mind so has additional space to hide away the associated cables - that then translates to extra comfort and better access to the cables should you need to troubleshoot your intercom.
Another big improvement in ease of use is the relocation of the drop-down sun visor mechanism, which is now located in the industry standard location on the bottom left-hand side of the helmet. One thing that regularly annoyed me with my old ADX-1 was the location of this mechanism on the top left of the shell, which always had me searching for it. Moving the location was a great move by Scorpion.
The Conclusion
While it is a definite step ahead of its predecessor in comfort, ergonomics and styling, the ADX-2 does come with its drawbacks - namely that hefty 1750g weight.
Once you get used to the weight, it is far from a bad helmet. Not only do you have all the features you expect in a modern helmet, including a drop-down sun visor and good ventilation, but you also have the benefits of a modular helmet.
So do I actually like wearing the ADX-2? Absolutely! It is the most comfortable helmet currently on my shelf. Add in the versatility of not only being able to open the front up for face-to-face conversations or photography and the removable peak for "road mode" and "adventure mode" and it has become my go-to helmet for 2023.