HJC C10 - Epik Gold

The HJC C10 is an excellent entry level full face helmet.

It's certified to the new ECE 22.06 standard. This means it should be safer than helmets rated to the old ECE 22.05 standard, which are now being phased out.

It costs just over £80 for the matte black version. At the time of writing this review, it is currently only one of two ECE 22.06 helmets available for under £100. In my opinion, if you are buying a new helmet in 2023, you might as well get an ECE 22.06 rated one, now that they are available.

This is my initial review of the helmet, after going on a few rides wearing it.

Positives:

- Well constructed and "feels" more expensive than it is.

- It fits nicely and true to size (fit is subjective though, and people have different head shapes. Always try a helmet on first).

- Big, wide eyeport and visor gives great visibility on the road and when checking over your shoulder.

- Simple but robust ratchet fastening to secure it to your head.

- It's really quick and easy to remove the visor.

- The visor can ratchet through several different open positions. It can be left slightly cracked open to help with fogging up.

- It even comes with a gold sticker on the back, which apparently means you can use it on a racetrack.

Negatives:

- The visor is a bit stiff to open and close.

- The lining isn't fully removable, only the chin covering and cheek pads can be removed. The lining/cheek pads aren't anything fancy, but they also aren't uncomfortable.

- The included helmet "bag" is pathetic.

- No pinlock insert included, but the visor is prepared to accept one.

- It has three ventilation ports, but I'm not really sure how effective they are.

- It's slightly on the heavier side, but I don't think this is a problem. I did notice a bit of pain at the back of my neck when riding, but that could just be my poor posture...!

- No drop down sun visor.

Note: I haven't tried it in the rain.

To summarise:

If you need a new helmet on a budget, or just want a spare/pillion helmet, you could do far worse than the HJC C10.

Remember, the safest helmet is the one that fits you properly!

Previous helmet was an HJC CS-3, in which I wore a Large, and this helmet duplicates that great fit in a Large as well. It far exceeds the CS-3 in safety ratings, though. I am in the US and the ECE rated C10 is not available from US suppliers, so a big thumbs up to SportBikeShop for shipping to America. They allowed me to get a safe helmet at a reasonable cost. The helmet is quieter than my CS-3 and the visor seals much better. Includes a chin curtain, a nice added feature. Chin vent does good job of keeping visor clear, but don't feel much else from it, though this is consistent with any helmet I have had... Also don't feel much going on though top vents, though if I turn just right I can feel that they are open. I don't ride behind a windscreen, so those aren't deal breakers. Overall a comfortable and safe helmet at a fantastic price for the features.

Great helmet,

Fits well, well made and safe.

The helmet looks cool and I get comments about how it looks and goes well with my KTM.

I think the liking is comfy but takes a few wears to break in properly. Visor is great but a Pinlock is my next purchase as it does steam and fog at traffic lights.if you crack the visor open by a little notch it reduces fogging and the vent by the face is really good. All vents are very easy to operate on the fly.

Purchased for other half, perfect fit, looks really good. Solid mid range on price, all good.

A very comfy, very safe, and stylish helmet for an unbelievable price. Comes with the gold badge, again a great package offering unbeatable value, we love it.

Head is safe. Huge gap in front presumably for radio assemblies. Only a small draft comes in when riding, probably from the top vents. I find myself riding with the visor up one click to prevent fogging but it's not super bad about it actually. Probably doesn't do it at all when it's more than 4C outside haha. Personally I find the cheek padding pushes my cheeks in too much and I've managed to bite the inside of my cheek after my first ride with it, but that's a personal fit issue. It's otherwise very steady and true to size overall. Like having a hi-vis helmet with a bit of patterning that doesn't reduce the hi-vis aspect.