KBC Super-X Spitfire Helmet, TGT Racing Suspension Handlebar - Dirt Bike Gear Tested

KBC Super-X Spitfire Helmet
As I was afforded the opportunity to be an honorary member of DR's Husaberg team at this year's 24 Hours of Glen Helen, I took advantage of the saddle time to test the KBC Super-X Spitfire helmet.

Aesthetically, this KBC is a winner. Bold and creative without being gaudy, the lid has the looks of a custom paint job, with smooth, flowing lines that transitioned from various color schemes into an integrated painted visor. It looks sharp.

Of course, no matter how good a helmet looks, fit and visibility are of primary concern. My casaba is in between a medium and large, and this test model was a large. The fit was snug, and over the course of five-plus hours protecting my dome, I never had any issues with it feeling too tight or sliding around. One thing I was very pleased with was the wide face area, which provided ample room for my Roll Offs-equipped goggles. The field of vision was top-notch and proved its worth in the hours of night riding. The Super-X has a slide-out visor extension, tinted to provide added protection from glare. When I slid it out, I heard a slight rattle that I thought would drive me nuts during the race; however, it was not really noticeable once I got into the groove of riding. If it truly bothers you, it can be easily removed. Since race conditions were cloudy to rainy, the glare protection couldn't be fully evaluated, though I do feel the extension did assist in limiting the amount of rain hitting my goggles. Although cleanup can be an issue with other models, with the Spitfire it was simple, as the liner was easily removed, washed and replaced.

When I think top-of-the-line helmets, the KBC brand doesn't usually stand out. However, after using this lid I have to reconsider. At $189.95, the cost is less than other helmets that would catch my eye (I would have thought the price to be higher). This is a big step up for KBC in aesthetic appeal, and I found it to match any of the helmets I have ever worn in fit, vision and quality. $500-plus or $189.95-think about it.