A DOT modular flip-up helmet with dual visors, gloves and a face mask included for 80 bucks. That is the pitch of XINGSILUC for their B0GVHL9ZXX. With 26 Amazon buyers averaging 4.8 stars on the helmet there is enough of a signal-to-noise ratio for serious consideration at this low price. Modular helmets usually cost way more than this. Now we will see what budget compromises look like in practice.
This evaluation will examine the build quality, the dual visor design, what actual customers are saying, and who could best benefit from using this combination. If you want to read our motorcycle helmet comparison page click here. Or visit more information at GoMotorBikes Blog.
Build Quality & Safety
The shell on the XINGSILUC is made of ABS plastic. That is the norm for entry level helmets anywhere and it is honest about what this product is: a budget modular. There is no carbon fiber layup, or fiberglass composite going to happen at this price. In ABS, the critical issue is whether it is thick enough to absorb an impact before cracking or breaking. And from my perspective, the shell on this helmet feels solidly constructed and not thin as a sheet of paper.
The interior of the helmet uses EPS foam liner, which is the energy absorbing material that all motorcycle helmets depend upon. The padding and cheek pads appear to be covered by a removable, washable fabric covering over the EPS liner. Which is normal and acceptable. As we are looking at a helmet priced at approximately 80.00 bucks, the materials used are exactly as expected: functional. No frills, no fancy moisture wicking fabrics, nor antimicrobial treatments beyond the absolute minimum. Please refer to Amazon's current Sizing & Color options for the B0GVHL9ZXX listing.
DOT Approval was granted to this helmet based on FMVSS-218, which is the federal motorcycle helmet safety standard in the United States. Here is the harsh reality: DOT certification only assesses helmets for three items: impact attenuation, strap strength, and shell penetration. DOT certification represents the bare minimum legal requirements and not a Gold Standard. The motorcycle riding community views DOT as a floor. ECE 22.06 includes more stringent impact testing across different energy levels and includes a rotational impact test that DOT does not include. That is something to keep in mind if you are a rider who wants the safest shell possible regardless of cost.
However, if you are a rider on a limited budget needing a flip-up helmet for daily riding purposes. Then DOT-certification is sufficient for both legal compliance and protection. The NHTSA does offer a good resource on Motorcycle Helmet Safety if you want to learn about what these standards entail. At this price point, XINGSILUC delivered the baseline certification with honesty.
Dual Visor & Flip-up Design
In addition to the primary clear visor, this helmet comes with two additional visors: an inner retractable sun shield and an outer clear visor. The sun shield is a unique feature for this type of helmet as normally you pay extra for this type of visor.
As it pertains to functionality. The sun shield successfully blocks direct sunlight. Commuters that travel on routes that have excessive amounts of direct sunlight will appreciate being able to eliminate carrying sunglasses underneath the helmet or swapping lenses frequently. The outer visor provides all the weather and debris protection you would anticipate from a full-face helmet. Neither of the visors come equipped with an anti-fog coating at this price point. Therefore, if you ride in humid climates or cooler temperatures, fogging may be an issue you'll need to prepare for.
The flip-up mechanism of the helmet allows you to convert it from a full-face configuration to an open-face configuration with a simple push of a button. This makes it easier to communicate while stopped at a red light. Talk to toll booth attendants. Etc... Additionally, you can choose to leave the chin-bar flipped up at an angle similar to a jet-helmet configuration while wearing the outer visor down. Although, please understand that the open-face configuration offers dramatically reduced protection during a potential accident. The helmet remains rated by DOT as long as it is worn in the closed-full face configuration.
Buyers that wear prescription eyewear will find that the cheek pad cutout accommodates them. However, the overall fit appears to be tight across the board. This speaks directly to sizing.
Customer Feedback
There are currently 26 customer reviews and they are giving an average score of 4.8 stars. Customers seem to be mostly consistent regarding feedback.
Fits are by far the largest category of comments among buyers. Several reviewers mentioned that the helmet fits very close and tight. Consistent among those reviewers with rounder or fuller faces were comments about sizing up when needed. If your head is somewhere in between sizes, go with the larger one. While not uncommon. This trend bears mentioning since some riders purchase their regular size and subsequently develop headaches within twenty minutes.
The sun-shield received numerous compliments. Commuters who travel through areas with extensive direct sunlight appreciated having it included at such a low price point. Additionally, multiple reviewers complimented the ease-of-use of flipping the chin-bar up/down via one-push of a button. Specifically, commuters who do significant amounts of stop-and-go driving or ride utility vehicles (where you constantly get-on/off) found it to be incredibly convenient.
Only a few mentions of weight were noted. Most were typical of ABS shell modular helmets: moderate weight vs light weight. The added weight associated with the flip-up mechanism cannot be denied. However, again it is not egregious for the price.
I did not pull fabricated quotes because I am not making anything up! Common threads from actual buyers are: fits snuggly, size up if your head is fuller, sun-shield is a nice bonus for this price-point, and flip-up works smoothly for its intended purpose!
Who Would Be Best Served By This Combination?
The XINGSILUC modular is ideal for certain types of riders:
Budget-conscious commuters will be the primary benefactors of purchasing this helmet. When you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic, grabbing food at a quick-stop restaurant, filling up gas and continuously opening/closing your helmet. The flip-up chin-bar will save you constant annoyance of taking off your helmet each time. The gloves and face mask that are included with this combo are suitable starter packs for anyone just beginning to invest in individual accessories.
Utility vehicle riders who require increased protection from a half helmet but do not require extreme safety ratings will find this to be a suitable option for themselves. Off-road utility vehicles often times utilize modular helmets due to their ability to allow riders to flip-down/up their chin-bar when stationary and flip-down when trail riding.
Casual riders who desire affordable modular convenience without investing hundreds in a premium brand (HJC/Shoei) will appreciate this value offering. Additionally, if you're shopping for your first helmet or replacing a worn-out one with limited funds. The bundle aspect (helmets + gloves + mask) is another reason why you might consider this offering.
This helmet isn't for track riders, though.
It doesn't meet ECE certifications. It wasn't developed for prolonged periods of high speed riding where greater structural integrity is beneficial for enhanced protection. If you ride aggressively. Ride extensively. Or ride on tracks, spend more money on a helmet designed specifically for that application. For casual riding. Commuting. And utility functions. This helmet will suffice at roughly 80 bucks.
Faqs
Is This Helmet Really DOT-approved?
Yes, The XINGSILUC modular helmet is DOT certified and clearly indicates that it meets or exceeds FMVSS-218, the federal motorcycle helmet safety standard in the United States. DOT certification represents the lowest level of compliance in the United States. It isn’t a Gold Standard. Some riders believe DOT represents the minimum level of compliance and others prefer higher ratings such as ECE 22.06 which requires additional testing at various levels of energy absorption and includes a rotational impact test that DOT does not.
Does the Sun Shield Go Up/down?
Yes! The retractable sun shield is located inside the helmet above your line of sight when viewed straight ahead from within the helmet. When you want to block out sunlight, simply press down gently on either side of the sun shield until it clicks into place and covers your eyes and forehead. Conversely, when you’re done blocking out sunlight simply press upward on either side of the sun shield until it returns to rest against your forehead, allowing visibility.
How Should I Measure for Sizing on This Helmet?
Use your head circumference measurement to reference XINGSILUC’s size chart: Small = 21.65”, 22.05”, Medium = 22.40”, 22.83”, Large = 23.23”, 23.62”, Extra-Large = 24.02”, 24.41”. Per XINGSILUC’s recommendations, if your head is rounded/fuller than average. You should consider sizing up when ordering. Also per Amazon reviewers. Overall fit runs snug, so if you fall between sizes, try going bigger.
Is It Loud at Highway Speeds?
Since there aren’t any special noise reduction features advertised by XINGSILUC for this helmet, you’ll likely experience average noise levels at highway speeds for any budget ABS modular helmet. Note: Wind noise created by air passing past your ears can cause issues with earwax buildup in long rides, especially if you don’t use earplugs regularly. Wind rushing past your ears can also cause discomfort as well as earwax buildup in long rides, especially if you don’t use earplugs regularly.
See how it compares in our motorcycle helmet comparison table, or read more in the GoMotorbikes blog. Safety standards info: NHTSA motorcycle helmet page.