Overview Abstract
When you’re searching for the primary takeaways from this evaluation, right here is my abstract on the Voss 989 Moto-V
- The Voss 989 Moto-V retails for 239.99 USD
- The 989 Moto-V is Voss’s top-of-the-line full-face helmet with extra premium options over the 988 Moto-1
- DOT FMVSS 218 licensed
- Spectacular array of colours and design choices accessible
- The Voss 989 Moto-V is made out of a light-weight, high-strength polycarbonate shell
- The 989 Moto-V is an intermediate oval head form with 6 totally different sizes (XS-XXL). On the time of writing, it’s accessible in 11 totally different colours/designs.
- The 989 Moto-V has a slender profile and might not be appropriate for riders with a rounder face
- The cheek pads are very dense and might apply lots of strain on the TMJ relying in your facial construction
- Very snug helmet to put on with distinctive aerodynamics to stop wind turbulence and helmet raise
- The helmet has a really vast FOV for an immersive and unobstructed driving expertise
- Absolutely adjustable consumption vents on the chin and high of the top, in addition to an adjustable rear exhaust, present glorious airflow.
- The 989 Moto-V has a number of options akin to an inside drop-down solar visor, speaker-ready pockets, a quick-release face defend mechanism, a moisture-wicking liner, and extra
- Arduous-to-beat worth contemplating this helmet is priced below $300
Not Your Typical Entry-Degree Helmet
As a reviewer, there are two issues I’m all the time looking out for:
- Progressive and distinctive merchandise
- Helmets
I like helmets. Name me a hoarder, however as a gear reviewer, I can not get sufficient of them. Apart from being essentially the most important, helmets are all the time filled with neat options and are attention-grabbing to evaluation time and time once more.
Despite the fact that I journey a cruiser, I’ll solely journey in a full-face helmet. Security is primary, and with modern-day know-how, there’s actually no purpose to not put on a full-face helmet, however to every their very own!
To start out off the 2024 driving season, I reached out to Voss for a possible collaboration. To my delight, they agreed and despatched me a pattern of their 989 Moto-V Full Face helmet within the good White Rei wrap.
On the time of writing, the Moto-V is their most costly line of helmets (however not for lengthy… trace, trace). It narrowly beats out the Moto-1 line by $20 (extras not included). It’s at present provided in 9 totally different colorways/designs, with quite a few add-ons accessible, however extra on that later!
Lengthy story quick – the 989 Moto-V just isn’t your typical entry-level helmet and also you’re going to need to discover out why. Proceed studying for extra!
989 Moto-V First Impressions
To be trustworthy, I’m unsure what I used to be anticipating, nevertheless it definitely wasn’t what I had obtained.
My preliminary impression of the 989 Moto-V was extraordinarily optimistic. I used to be impressed with how detailed the helmet wrap seemed, how mild the helmet was, and what number of options had been included in a helmet that worth level suggests it’s entry-level.
What’s significantly good about this helmet is that the Pinlock 70 lens comes included! Maybe I’ve simply been driving in overpriced helmets up till now? Both method, The 989 Moto-V had captivated my curiosity and I used to be excited to journey in it.
Who’s Voss?
After almost 7 years from their final evaluation on webBikeWorld, we’ve partnered up with Voss to evaluation not 1, however 2 of their helmets this yr.
Voss is a model originating out of the Pacific Northwest with the objective of bringing riders price-point worth. They’re identified for his or her feature-packed helmets at a aggressive worth level, all of the whereas delivering on security, consolation, and sturdiness.
Their line of helmets contains full-face, dual-sport, ¾ helmets, modular helmets, half helmets, and motocross helmets. Every design is claimed to be impressed by the panorama wherein they originate that ensures nothing however uniqueness.
989 Moto-V vs. 988 Moto-1
As I beforehand talked about, the 989 Moto-V is Voss’s most costly line of helmets on the time of writing. After that’s the 988 Moto-1 line which is roughly $20 cheaper earlier than contemplating any equipment or add-ons.
Whereas the vast majority of the performance of those two helmets is identical, there are a couple of distinct variations between the 2 by way of form and efficiency options.
For starters, the 989 has a extra aggressive form to cut back wind turbulence. Due to this, it matches barely narrower within the face than the 988, making it a more sensible choice for riders with a skinnier face. It additionally ships with a Pinlock 70 insert, whereas the 988 doesn’t.
Voss considers the 988 to be their non-premium full-face mannequin, with a barely smaller shell, much less dense consolation padding, and doesn’t embody a Pinlock 70 in your buy.
Construct, High quality & Design
First issues first, can we take a second to understand the design choices accessible on the 989 Moto-V?
I like that they’ve launched some actually spectacular, vibrant, and encapturing designs for riders who don’t thoughts a little bit of coloration, whereas nonetheless sustaining a good steadiness of traditional, muted choices for many who desire to be incognito.
For this evaluation, Ashley at Voss despatched me the White Rei. Initially, I had requested for a matte black or matte white because it higher suited my fashion. However, after a couple of rides and looking out again on the images I took, I’m glad she ignored my request!
The helmet wrap is actually distinctive and a head-turner. It could look a bit misplaced on a Harley, but when somebody’s taking the time to research it and make judgments, meaning they’ve seen me, know the place I’m on the street, and thus it’s accomplished its job.
I took a knife to the helmet, as a result of why not, proper? The blade sliced via the wrap (clearly), however what occurred subsequent is what impressed me; an entire lot of nothing!
I anticipated the wrap to start to peel on the edges of the lower, and slowly debond from the shell, however completely nothing occurred. This was an enormous win in my books, because the knife I used was meant to simulate a rock that’s ever-so-commonly shot from beneath a automobile tire on the road.
Beneath the graphic wrap is a high-strength polycarbonate shell to guard your noggin. Helmets made out of this thermoplastic are typically mild, very versatile, and shatter-resistant. Whereas I can’t converse for the affect energy of the helmet (knock on wooden I haven’t needed to check that half!), I can attest that this helmet may be very mild.
As per the producer, the helmet weighs roughly 1650 grams. On my scale, it got here in just below 1850 grams, nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that I’ve the Cardo Packtalk Neo put in on the helmet.
Out of curiosity, I weighed my Scorpion Covert FX as properly. Whereas the producer claims it solely weighs 1348 grams, I obtained a studying of 1732 grams with the very same Cardo unit put in. Just a few meals for thought!
When it comes to high quality, I’ve zero issues. Not like my Ruroc testing, the helmet carried out because it ought to the complete time. When you recall, my Ruroc items had quite a few points akin to damaged liner inserts, damaged built-in speaker retailers, shifting foam, and so on. With the 989 Moto-V, I expertise nothing however clean driving!
Construct, High quality & Design Ranking – 90%
I’m giving the 989 Moto-V an virtually good rating for the construct, high quality, and design of this helmet. Am I simply impressed? Maybe. Name it what you’ll, however I’m unable to give you any criticism for this class.
The one purpose that I’m not giving this helmet an ideal rating is that I personally favor carbon fiber shells as a consequence of their excessive light-weight and unmatched security properties. When you desire carbon fiber helmets as properly, you’ll want to try our Greatest Carbon Fiber Helmets record of 2024.
In any other case, you’ll want to flood Voss’s inbox with requests for a carbon fiber mannequin! I do know that I certain as hell will likely be.
Measurement, Match & Consolation
The 989 Moto-V is offered in 6 totally different sizes starting from X-Small to 2XL.
I discovered the match of the 989 Moto-V to be fairly commonplace. I requested for my typical medium and it match me almost completely. Not like the ATLAS 4.0 Avenue, the Voss dimension chart was correct to how their helmets match.
The helmet match snugly, with the neck roll and cheek pads making use of light strain in all the proper locations, however at instances that strain was too robust. In the direction of the top of every journey, I might start to note my jaw getting sore and starting to ache. Whereas I wouldn’t take into account myself to have a spherical face, I consider the 989 Moto-V is just too slender for me and as such was placing strain on my TMJ.
The 989 Moto-V matches an Intermediate Oval head form. No surprises there as that’s the most typical head form. When you’re not sure about what’ll greatest fit your needs, you’ll want to reference our Helmet Shopping for Information right here.
Snug, Even in Excessive Warmth
Apart from the eventual jawache, the 989 Moto-V was extraordinarily snug to put on. I attribute a big portion of the consolation of this helmet to its aerodynamic form, in addition to it’s air flow.
After driving within the Ruroc ATLAS 4.0 Avenue, the 989 Moto-V had a refreshing really feel to it. The aerodynamics of this helmet are far superior, and I skilled far much less wind turbulence. This didn’t come as a lot of a shock to me as simply trying on the helmet I may inform it had a lot much less of a bobble-head form to it.
One other issue working in its favor was how mild it was. I touched on this briefly earlier, however the light-weight shell made a noticeable distinction by way of consolation. I’m excited to see if they’ll come out with a mannequin even lighter. Maybe in carbon fiber?
Final, however definitely not least, the highly effective mixture of air flow and moisture-wicking consolation liner was greater than welcome. I spent a couple of days throughout this evaluation driving in temperatures properly above 100, and if it wasn’t for that god-sent airflow, I’d have been actually dying.
Measurement, Match & Consolation Ranking – 80%
General, the Voss 989 Moto-V is getting a strong rating from me in regard to the dimensions, match and luxury of the helmet! My solely concern with it’s the ache that I expertise in my jaw after driving in it for a chronic interval.
Whereas Voss admits that the 989 Moto-V has a narrower form to it than the 988 line, this wasn’t abundantly clear to me till I had requested them for the primary variations between the 2. Nonetheless, I’d like to see any choice to buy thinner, or much less dense, cheek pads to assist fight this problem.
Safety – 75%
Arguably a very powerful issue in relation to helmets is the safety score. In any case, it’s the only real purpose you’re carrying one within the first place.
Many alternative certifications exist to substantiate that helmets meet outlined security requirements. To move, the helmet should move a collection of checks. Relying on the certification, the checks will change into kind of intensive.
As a client, you’ll be able to reference every commonplace to find out the protection issue of the helmet. Requirements embody, however usually are not restricted to:
I’ve included hyperlinks to extra info on every commonplace in your reference.
On the planet of bike helmets, DOT is the minimal for a helmet to be street-legal, with ECE and Snell certifications being the sought-after security requirements. Sadly, the 989 Moto-V solely meets DOT FMVSS 218 requirements.
Don’t get me flawed – this doesn’t imply the helmet just isn’t secure. In reality, the 989 meets the ECE 22.05 commonplace, however Voss selected to take away that label from their web site/helmets because of the commonplace being old-fashioned, in addition to different labeling necessities (as per Voss).
For a greater safety score, I’d like to see Voss obtain certification for the brand new ECE 22.06 commonplace and present that their helmets are able to defending our noggins and performing to the next diploma of security!
To discover extra full-face helmets, you’ll want to try our Greatest Full-Face Helmet record for 2024.
Visibility & Air flow
Right here is the place the 989 Moto-V actually shines! Visibility and air flow are two of this helmet’s strongest attributes, with not an entire lot to complain about!
Visibility
For starters, the eye-port is pretty giant and supplies a large, unobstructed view. Trying straight forward, I can solely simply see the highest of the chin bar in my peripheral imaginative and prescient. Impressively, I’m unable to see the edges of the eye-port until I flip my eyes in that route.
Like I had beforehand talked about, a Pinlock 70 Anti-Log Lens is included with every buy of the 989 Moto-V. That is virtually important for any full-face helmet to stop fogging, and I like that it’s included contemplating the aggressive worth level. Nonetheless, it needs to be famous that solely a transparent face defend is included in your buy.
The wide-vision spring-loaded face defend has a number of opening positions permitting you to regulate airflow in via the eye-port. The positions are stiff and the face defend didn’t waver, even at excessive speeds. On these 100+ days of getting the face defend open, only a hair was rattling close to important.
One other optimistic characteristic of the visibility of this helmet was the interior visor system. I’ll contact extra on this characteristic later, however I’ll admit it was a primary for me and positively a shock on an entry-level lid.
Air flow
Air flow might be the very first thing I make be aware of when testing out a brand new helmet. There’s nothing worse than feeling such as you’re suffocating in a scorching, uncomfortable helmet. With the Voss 989 Moto-V, this was not a priority for me.
On the chin bar is a large triangular-shaped chin vent that follows the aerodynamic curvature of the helmet. It carried out exceptionally at capturing air and forcing it into the helmet, with the choice of closing it on a cooler day. Not like typical chin vents that blow immediately onto you, Voss opted to have this vent redirected up into the face defend.
At low speeds, the redirected air didn’t stream into the helmet robust sufficient for me to bodily really feel it on my face. Then again, at excessive speeds, a definitive wave of air bounced off the defend and throughout my whole face.
On the highest of the helmet are two consumption vents that convey cool air throughout the highest of your head and down the again of your neck. Very like the chin vent, these consumption vents had been able to being closed as properly.
On the again of the helmet was one thing I hadn’t come throughout earlier than in my earlier opinions. The rear exhaust had the choice of being closed! Earlier than this helmet, I had solely seen rear exhaust ports that had been open always. This was neat as I may virtually totally lower off the airflow into the helmet at any given time by toggling the consumption vents and the exhaust!
Sadly, in relation to air flow, not all the things was optimistic. My first concern was with the opening of the consumption vents. I virtually instantly seen that the vents didn’t have a mesh liner or different kind of obstruction to stop particles from coming into them
The considered a bug coming into the vent and changing into trapped inside my helmet whereas I used to be driving was not a nice one. Maybe that’s a nightmare distinctive to me because of the a number of wasps I’ve had get trapped within the collar of my jacket, adopted by a stinging frenzy at 60+ mph.
Secondly, I discovered the consumption vents on the highest of the helmet to be its fundamental supply of noise. As one would count on, wind noise was elevated when the vents had been open. That in itself just isn’t a difficulty. The issue at hand has to do with the general aerodynamics of the vent.
In sure positions, the consumption vents create a whistling noise. It was simple to recreate this noise in an upright place, versus barely tucked behind my fairing. Whereas I used to be in a position to handle it, different bikes/driving positions could not.
Visibility & Air flow Ranking – 85%
As I’ve mentioned, visibility and air flow are the 989 Moto-V’s strongest factors!
Despite the fact that the face defend launch mechanism was tough to function, as soon as I had modified out the clear visor for the darkish, I used to be totally impressed! The included Pinlock 70 was a pleasant addition and the massive unobstructed view eliminated the claustrophobic issue of a full-face helmet.
The drop-down solar visor was a primary for me and positively one thing I’ll be searching for in future purchases. As somebody who doesn’t journey in glasses/sun shades, it was nice having the extra tinted lens for shiny, sunny days.
When it comes to air flow, the complaints I made beforehand are trivial. I’m not a giant stickler in relation to street noise. I’m driving a motorbike, not driving an SUV. If I used to be afraid of a little bit of street noise, I shouldn’t be driving anyway. Apart from – it’s best to all the time journey in earplugs, so it is a moot level!
As for the vent openings, a easy inside mesh liner is all that’s required to stop particles from coming into. Whereas it’s extremely unlikely for one thing to enter such a small hole, it’s attainable! For my part, the peace of thoughts from having these vents closed can be well worth the small worth for a liner, ought to Voss determine to hold that price ahead.
Options – 85%
Now for the enjoyable bit!
The 989 Moto-V has a stunning variety of options constructed into it. Whereas it’s Voss’s top-of-the-line helmet on the time of writing, it’s priced as an entry-level lid. To incorporate a few of these options below $300 is sort of unprecedented, and positively one thing to think about when weighing a number of choices.
For starters, let’s focus on the drop-down visor I discussed earlier. On a scorching scorching summer time day, having the ability to open your face defend but nonetheless defend your eyes is invaluable. Even when it’s solely whereas stopped, the drop-down visor was an enormous plus.
On the facet of the helmet is a slider that operates the visor. Sadly, it’s on the identical facet of the helmet that my Cardo Packtalk Neo wanted to be put in on. This made it tough to entry at instances, but in addition handy as all the things was in a single place.
The attention shade itself presents UV380 safety and may be eliminated or changed in seconds with out the usage of instruments. A phrase of recommendation, make sure the slider is totally engaged in both place in any other case you’ll sacrifice some rigidity of the mechanism.
The second characteristic I used to be tremendous eager on was the chin strap because it sported a quick-release ratchet. Whereas I’ve seen it available in the market earlier than, this was my first time utilizing one. To be trustworthy, I most well-liked it over the Fidlock closure on my ATLAS 4.0 Carbon.
To me, the ratchet felt safer than the magnet mechanism on the Fidlock. Fortunately sufficient, I didn’t have to regulate the strap in any respect. It match me completely proper out of the field! It’s 2024 and I’m accomplished with D-Ring closures. This ratchet system is my new choice!
Apart from these two most notable options, the 989 Moto-V is outfitted with a couple of extra options which are changing into commonplace available in the market. This contains however just isn’t restricted to, a DryTech detachable moisture-wicking liner, Bluetooth-ready pockets for communication audio system, a quick-release visor system, and extra face shields (at an added price).
Worth for Cash – 90%
The options of this helmet had been a significant contributing issue for me when figuring out how a lot worth this helmet supplies the consumer. As I’ve mentioned many instances already on this evaluation, we’re speaking a few helmet on the entry-level worth level.
There have been a number of instances I forgot about that in this evaluation, and I believe that speaks volumes in itself.
Priced at $239.99, the Voss 989 Moto-V is an absolute discount. Options such because the drop-down visor and ratchet quick-release strap ought to have this helmet properly above the $300 mark. Throw in a Pinlock 70 insert and also you’re questioning whether or not or not you’ve simply dedicated a theft.
There’s just one factor stopping me from giving this helmet an ideal rating for worth; solely together with a transparent face defend in every buy. Maybe it’s simply me, however I’d far relatively see the next buy worth on the helmet itself than attempt to justify spending an extra $30-$50 on a second face defend.
If Voss had been to boost the acquisition worth, however embody two shields, I believe their buyer base would nonetheless really feel like they’re receiving immense worth for a aggressive worth.
That method, the helmet will nonetheless price lower than $300 and also you don’t danger shedding a sale over sticker shock from a $44.99 smoked defend that just about each producer contains in every buy!
Closing Verdict
The 989 Moto-V needs to be a critical contender for anybody available in the market for a full-face helmet. With mesmerizing designs, high-quality elements, and quite a few considerate options, you’re going to be hard-pressed to discover a higher helmet below $300.
Whereas the lid does have a couple of drawbacks, such because the noisy high consumption vents, dense cheek pads, and lack of security certifications, it’s nonetheless an distinctive helmet. In any case, if each helmet was good, there’d be no want for us to evaluation them!
When you’ve made it this far, I’ll depart you with one little bit of unique recommendation – keep posted to webBikeWorld and the Voss web site. A model new, carbon-fiber mannequin is quickly to drop and we’re going to be bringing you all the main points of it!
