As a rider, you understand the internal monologue that happens before every gear purchase. It’s a delicate calculation of risk, budget, comfort, and style. Nowhere is this calculation more critical than when choosing a helmet. It is, without exaggeration, the single most important piece of equipment you will ever own. My journey for a new lid began after my trusted old helmet was nearing its retirement age. I was looking for a replacement that wouldn’t force me to choose between advanced features and an affordable price. I wanted the convenience of a drop-down sun visor for those unpredictable lighting changes on a long ride, the peace of mind of DOT certification, and a design that looked sharp without screaming for attention. The problem is, this combination often pushes you into a price bracket that can make your wallet ache. Settling for a cheap, featureless helmet feels like a compromise on safety, while the top-shelf options can cost as much as a down payment on a new bike. This is the chasm that the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet aims to bridge.
- PRACTICAL DESIGN - Hax motorcycle helmet meets DOT safety standards. The aerodynamic design helps reduce wind resistance and minimize wind noise. Multiple vents can quickly replace the stuffy air....
- PERFECT COMFORT - Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet is an upgraded liner with hypoallergenic design, which is extremely comfortable and has good impact resistance and provide better fit. The internal...
What to Consider Before Buying a Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
A motorcycle helmet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for your survival and comfort on the road. Its primary function is to protect your brain from catastrophic injury in the event of an impact, absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy that would otherwise be transferred directly to your skull. Beyond this life-saving role, a quality helmet enhances the riding experience by reducing wind noise, protecting your face and eyes from debris, rain, and insects, and providing a stable, comfortable environment that allows you to focus on the road ahead. In a world of variables, your helmet is your most reliable constant.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily realities of commuting or the joys of weekend touring. This includes new riders seeking a feature-packed first helmet without a massive initial investment, seasoned motorcyclists looking for a dependable secondary helmet, or any rider who values pragmatic features like integrated sun visors and Bluetooth readiness. It’s for the rider who understands that proven safety and practical design are more important than a prestigious brand name. Conversely, this helmet might not be the top choice for professional track racers who require higher-level certifications like SNELL or FIM, or for riders who prioritize ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction above all else. For those seeking maximum convenience, a modular helmet might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Shape: A helmet’s protective capability is compromised if it doesn’t fit correctly. It should be snug all around, with no pressure points, and shouldn’t move or rotate on your head when you shake it. The HAX Obsidian is listed with an Oval shape, which fits the majority of riders. Always measure your head circumference and consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart before purchasing.
- Safety & Features: The bare minimum certification to look for in the US is DOT (Department of Transportation). This ensures it has met rigorous standards for impact absorption and penetration resistance. Features like a dual-visor system, Pinlock readiness for anti-fog capabilities, and a secure closure system (like the quick-release strap on the Obsidian) add layers of safety and convenience.
- Materials & Durability: Most helmets in this category use a thermoplastic shell, like the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) blend found in the HAX Obsidian. These materials offer an excellent balance of impact resistance and cost-effectiveness. The inner EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam liner is the real hero, as it’s designed to crush and absorb impact energy. Remember that any helmet involved in a significant crash should be replaced immediately.
- Comfort & Maintenance: Long rides demand a comfortable helmet. Look for features like a removable, washable, and hypoallergenic liner to keep the interior fresh. An effective ventilation system is crucial for managing heat, especially in warmer climates. Features like glasses-friendly grooves and pre-molded speaker pockets are significant quality-of-life improvements.
Keeping these factors in mind, the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet stands out in several areas, particularly in its blend of safety credentials and rider-centric features. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.
While the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION - Ride, skate, or roll safely! Our adult bike helmets are lightweight yet durable, with a fully formed ABS shell and shock-absorbing EPS foam to effectively absorb impact energy...
- Made for Every Kind of Rider: Kids, teen, and adult helmet for biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, inline skating, longboard, hoverboard, scooter, skating and other outdoor sports
- ADULT BIKE HELMET: Designed for fitness and recreational rides, this sporty bicycle helmet fits riders ages 14+ with head circumferences from 58 - 62 cm. Wherever the road leads, you’re covered.
Unboxing the HAX Obsidian: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet from its box, the first thing that struck me was the finish. The Matte Black Gold colorway has a premium, almost stealthy appearance that photos don’t fully capture. It feels substantial in hand, with a reassuring weight of around 2.06 kg (about 4.5 lbs) that speaks to its solid construction without feeling overly burdensome. The matte finish felt smooth and looked far more expensive than its price tag suggests. Included in the box were a thick, soft cloth storage bag and two different replacement tail fins—a nice touch for customization. The overall shape is aggressive and aerodynamic, clearly inspired by high-end racing helmets, giving it a very modern and stylish silhouette. The padding inside felt plush and surprisingly soft, confirming the “silky” description I’d seen from other users. The quick-release chin strap mechanism clicked into place with a satisfying certainty. My initial impression was one of surprise; this helmet presented a level of quality and thoughtful design that I would typically associate with a much higher price point.
Key Benefits
- Proven real-world impact protection confirmed by numerous user crash testimonials
- Excellent value, offering premium features at a budget-friendly price
- Comfortable, high-quality hypoallergenic liner that is glasses-friendly
- Integrated Bluetooth speaker pockets and dual-visor system for convenience
- Aggressive, modern styling that looks more expensive than it is
Potential Drawbacks
- Ships with a tinted primary visor only; a clear visor for night riding is a separate purchase
- Some user reports of minor quality control issues like finish blemishes or missing accessory parts
Putting the HAX Obsidian Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis
A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true worth is only revealed on the open road and, in the worst-case scenario, during an impact. We put the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet through its paces, evaluating everything from its life-saving potential to its daily usability and comfort over long distances. What we found was a helmet that consistently punches far above its weight class, delivering on its promises where it matters most.
Uncompromising Safety: Real-World Crash Protection
Let’s address the most important question first: will this helmet protect you? While we conduct our tests in controlled environments, the most powerful evidence often comes from uncontrolled, real-world incidents. The user feedback for the HAX Obsidian is filled with harrowing, yet ultimately reassuring, stories of survival. We read numerous accounts from riders who credited this exact helmet with saving their life. One rider described hitting the ground at around 30 mph and walking away, stating the helmet “will keep your egg from getting scrambled.” Another detailed a much more severe crash at 47-52 mph, resulting in a slide, and they survived with no concussion. Perhaps the most dramatic account came from a rider whose husband was forced off a rural highway at 75-80 mph; the helmet was destroyed, but he avoided serious brain injury.
These aren’t just anecdotes; they are testimonials to the helmet’s core design. The foundation of this protection is its DOT certification, meaning it has passed stringent tests for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. The shell, a robust blend of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC), is engineered to distribute the force of an impact across a wider surface area. Beneath that, the crucial multi-density EPS foam liner compresses and deforms to absorb the energy before it can reach your head. Hearing from a rider who left a “large watermelon sized dent” in a truck with their head after a 15 mph collision and walked away is a stark reminder of the forces involved and the incredible importance of this internal structure. While no one wants to “test” a helmet this way, knowing that it has performed so admirably for others provides a level of confidence that is simply priceless.
All-Day Comfort and Rider-Focused Features
Protection is paramount, but if a helmet is uncomfortable, you won’t want to wear it. HAX clearly invested significant effort into the interior of the Obsidian. The first time I put it on, the fit was snug, just as a new helmet should be. One user perfectly described it as fitting “snug as a bug.” After a few hours of riding, the plush padding began to conform to the contours of my face, creating a custom-fit feel. The hypoallergenic liner is exceptionally soft against the skin, almost silky as another rider noted, preventing irritation on longer journeys. As a glasses wearer, I was particularly interested in its “eye glasses friendly” claim. The grooves in the padding worked well, allowing my glasses to slide on easily without pressing the arms painfully into my temples—a common issue with many helmets. The quick-latch release on the chin strap is another fantastic quality-of-life feature, making it incredibly easy to secure and release the helmet, even with gloves on.
Furthermore, the integration of modern technology was seamless. My Cardo communication system installed in minutes. The pre-molded speaker pockets are perfectly placed and deep enough to accommodate the speakers without them pressing against my ears—a detail some much more expensive helmets get wrong. This Bluetooth-ready design is a huge plus, saving riders the hassle of cutting into the liner. When you combine the plush interior, thoughtful ergonomics, and easy tech integration, the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet proves to be a helmet you can comfortably live with day in and day out.
Aerodynamics, Noise, and Visibility on the Road
Out on the highway, the helmet’s aerodynamic design becomes apparent. It cut through the air cleanly, with minimal buffeting or lift, even when turning my head for shoulder checks at speed. This stability reduces neck fatigue significantly over a long ride. We found it to be impressively quiet for a helmet in this price range. As one user noted, his old helmet had “way more wind noise,” and the HAX Obsidian provided good noise dampening, filtering the harsh wind rush while still allowing important sounds like traffic and engine noise to come through. The ventilation system, with its three main vents, provides a noticeable airflow, especially when in a more forward, aggressive riding position. It effectively cycles out hot, stuffy air, keeping my head cool during city riding.
The dual-visor system is the standout feature in this category. The internal, drop-down sun visor is a game-changer. It operates smoothly via a slider on the side of the helmet, allowing for instant tinting when riding into the sun and quick retraction when entering a tunnel or shaded area. It’s dark enough to be effective in bright daylight. However, this brings us to the helmet’s most significant and frequently mentioned drawback: the main external shield it ships with is tinted. While fantastic for daytime riding, it is not suitable for night. This means purchasing a separate clear visor is a near-necessity for anyone who rides after dusk, adding to the overall cost. On the plus side, the main visor is Pinlock Ready (compatible with PINLOCK 30 and DKS166 inserts), a premium feature that allows you to add an anti-fog lens, ensuring crystal clear vision in cold or rainy weather. The exceptional functionality of the visor system is a huge pro, only slightly marred by the out-of-the-box configuration. For riders who want this level of performance, you can find the HAX Obsidian and its accessory visors available online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring rider forums and reviews, a clear consensus emerges: the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet offers an incredible, and in some cases life-saving, value. The most compelling comments are, without a doubt, the numerous crash testimonials. Riders repeatedly and emphatically state, “This helmet saved my life.” This sentiment far outweighs any minor complaints and speaks volumes about the product’s core integrity. One user summed it up perfectly after a hard crash at over 45 mph, saying, “I felt the hard fall and take note, my head was fully protected by the helmet with the great padding. Buying another one as a replacement.”
Positive feedback also consistently praises the comfort of the “legit” lining, the surprisingly effective noise reduction, and the high-end aesthetics. Many riders express surprise that a helmet that “looks really really nice in person” isn’t more expensive.
On the critical side, the most common complaint is the decision to ship the helmet with a tinted visor as standard, forcing an additional purchase for a clear one. A few users also reported isolated quality control issues, such as one who received a helmet with a color fade blemish after a few months, and another whose helmet arrived missing the decorative “rear golden arch.” While these appear to be infrequent exceptions, they highlight a potential trade-off for the helmet’s accessible price point.
How the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet Compares to Alternatives
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the HAX Obsidian to three notable alternatives in the market, each catering to slightly different rider needs.
1. BELL MX-9 MIPS Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
- Motocross Hero: The MX-9 Mips packs all these features into one helmet, delivering exceptional value and pro-caliber performance.
- Mips: (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to help reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.
The BELL MX-9 MIPS represents a different philosophy from a legendary brand. Its primary focus is off-road and dirt riding, evident in its prominent peak visor and wide eye-port designed for goggles. The key differentiator here is the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, which is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during an angled impact—a feature not present in the HAX Obsidian. While the BELL offers superior specialized protection for its intended use, the HAX Obsidian is a better all-around choice for street bike riders due to its integrated dual-visor system, superior aerodynamics for high speeds, and integrated speaker pockets for touring comfort.
2. 1Storm Modular Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
- Advanced Modular/Flip up and Dual Lens Design (inner smoked lens/outer clear shield);
- Ultra light weight durable aerodynamic thermoplastic alloy shell;
The 1Storm helmet competes directly with the HAX on price and features like a dual visor, but its main appeal is its modular, or “flip-up,” design. This allows the rider to raise the entire chin bar, offering the convenience of an open-face helmet for talking, drinking, or getting fresh air while stopped without removing the helmet. This versatility is a major draw for some commuters and tourers. However, the trade-off is typically a slightly heavier weight and a more complex shell structure that some purists argue is less structurally sound than a solid, one-piece full-face helmet like the HAX Obsidian. The choice comes down to prioritizing absolute structural integrity versus situational convenience.
3. Favoto Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visor
- Certified Safety: Favoto motorcycle helmet is DOT-Certified and rigorously tested to meet FMVSS 219 standards. Engineered with a high-strength ABS shell and multi-density EPS foam, it...
- Dual Visors with Anti-Fog Film: Equipped with a quick-release mechanism, you can easily remove and replace the clear visor with the tinted visor for day/night adaptability. The anti-fog...
The Favoto helmet is perhaps the most direct competitor to the HAX Obsidian. It is a DOT-approved, full-face helmet with a dual-visor system, targeting the same value-conscious street rider. A significant advantage for the Favoto is that it includes an anti-fog film with the purchase, addressing a key issue that requires a separate purchase for the HAX (a Pinlock insert). However, the HAX Obsidian counters with a more aggressive and arguably more premium aesthetic, a wealth of user testimonials vouching for its crash performance, and thoughtful details like the included interchangeable tail fins. The decision between these two may come down to aesthetics and whether you prefer the out-of-the-box anti-fog solution of the Favoto or the proven protective reputation of the HAX.
Our Final Verdict on the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet is a standout product that delivers a remarkable combination of safety, style, and features for its price. Its greatest strength is the overwhelming evidence of its real-world protective capabilities, offering a level of peace of mind that is hard to quantify but invaluable to any rider. It successfully integrates premium features like a drop-down sun visor, a plush and comfortable interior, and seamless Bluetooth integration into an affordable package.
The primary drawback is the logistical annoyance of having to purchase a clear visor separately for night riding. While occasional quality control issues have been reported, they seem to be the exception rather than the rule. We wholeheartedly recommend this helmet to new riders, daily commuters, and any experienced motorcyclist looking for a high-value helmet that doesn’t compromise on the core tenets of protection and comfort. It proves that you don’t need to empty your bank account to keep your head safe.
If you’ve decided the HAX Obsidian Full Face Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet is the right fit for your ride, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API