Have you heard of Ruroc helmets? I hadn’t until I received an email asking me if I’d like to test and review one of theirs. After a quick browser search, I checked them out on the web. I must say that their moto helmets looked quite futuristic to me. From my perspective, they look like what you would get when you mix a Predator helmet with the one that the Mandalorian might wear. So, if you like your helmet to have a distinctive and futuristic look, you might want to check out Ruroc’s lids.
In addition to their flashy styling, Ruroc has developed a proprietary Bluetooth capability called the Shockwave (available at extra cost). It fits seamlessly into their helmets and offers riders wireless connectivity to their smartphone and GPS. Ruroc also offers a Shockwave Mesh system, which they claim is the result of a partnership with Bluetooth and Mesh Moto Intercom maker Cardo. Ruroc says their Shockwave Mesh system uses Cardo’s DMC (Dynamic Mesh Communications):
Next-level connectivity, powered by Cardo.
Using Cardo’s leading DMC (Dynamic Mesh Communications) technology, ride more connected than ever. With group rides of up to 15 riders at a range of up to 1.2km (0.7 mile)! Riding into the wilderness? Fear not, Cardo DMC isn’t reliant on cellular signal or WiFi, so hit the road and share the journey with your squad!
Since the Ruroc EOX has a futuristic design and a built-in mesh communication system, I thought it would be interesting to test and review both. Considering I am already a Cardo Packtalk Edge user, it would be good to see how well Ruroc’s helmet and communication system stacked up against my Edge mounted to a Shoei Hornet 2 helmet.
Ruroc EOX
With a test of both an EOX helmet and a Shockwave Mesh communication system in mind, I decided to test and review both. Ruroc helmets are available in sizes XS (extra small) through XL (extra large so I checked Ruroc’s sizing guide to see which size I should ask for. According to Ruroc’s sizing chart, I needed a size small. That seemed somewhat unusual since I wear a size medium in an Arai and Shoei, and they seem pretty snug when I first wear them. Still, I thought that Ruroc would know best, so I ordered a size small.
The EOX Ignis arrives
When the box with the helmet arrived, I opened it to find it did not include the Shockwave Mesh module. So, for the time being, testing and reviewing both the helmet and Shockwave was out. Still, I could try out the helmet to see what I thought about its fit. Or could I?
Unfortunately, the size small helmet was way too small. I couldn’t physically get it over the sides of my head. I gave it to my wife Kim, who is much smaller than me, and she couldn’t get it on either. So, it would seem a test and review of both the helmet and the Shockwave module would have to wait until we could source a larger helmet from Ruroc. I’ll have more on sizing later in this article.
What’s in the EOX Box?
Once the EOX arrived, I found the helmet and its accessories to be packaged nicely (if not compactly) inside the single all-black box. But it’s what’s inside that counts, so I dove in to see what Ruroc includes with their new helmets. And they include a lot. Inside the box was:
- Ruroc EOX Ignis (orange) helmet with a clear Pinlock-ready visor installed in its own poly fabric protective drawstring bag
- Second dark smoke visor in its own poly fabric protective drawstring bag
- Anti-fog Pinlock insert that can be used with both visors
- Set of slimmer cheek pads to adjust the helmet’s interior comfort if desired
- A pair of soft plugs – apparently to fill in the ear hole space if desired
All in all, that’s a pretty complete set of goodies at no additional cost to go with your newly purchased helmet.
There are a lot of items packed into a single Ruroc box.
EOX Construction
The EOX is reportedly made with a Quad-Matrix carbon composite shell, which is reinforced with Kevlar, nylon, and fiberglass. Inside, you will find a Rheon polymer integrated headliner. If you haven’t heard of Rheon, it’s a soft, flexible material that acts like a layer of memory foam between your head and your helmet. Rheon says the material protects your brain by shearing and strengthening on impacts, providing impact protection from both linear and rotational impacts. They go on to say that the material is light, airy, and comfortable for everyday riding.
Engineering for the EOX is performed in the UK, but assembly of the helmet is in a factory in China. The EOX is available in 3 shell sizes and with 2 cheek pad options which Ruroc says is “Comfortably our best fit ever.”
Safety
Most importantly, the EOX meets the new ECE 22.06 (which now measures rotational forces) and current DOT requirements. The helmet also features two bright red and appropriately labeled red grab straps at the base of the check pads to help first responders remove your helmet if required.
The EOX’s eye port offers a claimed 215-degree field of view. I’m not sure how they made that measurement, but if that is true, the EOX’s field of view is quite wide for a full-face helmet. Comparing my Shoei Hornet 2 to the EOX, I can say that it looks like the EOX’s eye port is wider.
EOX Finish
While I couldn’t wear the EOX, I was able to check out the helmet’s finish and features. And my first impression of the Ruroc EOX helmet is quite good. As I have already said, the EOX helmet is quite futuristic-looking, and the helmet’s finish reflects its futuristic designs. The orange color was even and smooth, and the decals under the helmet’s clear coat were understated, but they provided nice detail. In the area below the orange paint, the helmet’s glossy “lightweight carbon fiber matrix” shone through.
Comfort and Convenience
I can’t comment on the EOX’s comfort since I was not able to get it on my head. But there are some convenience items that are notable. First, the EOX’s visor can be removed without any tools. It’s a matter of opening the visor to its maximum, pulling the exposed lever down and lifting and pulling the visor forward. Replacing the visor is a similar action and is also quite easy. Ruroc did a nice job with this visor system.
The EOX’s visor removal and replacement does not require any tools. Photo: Mike Botan
To help keep you cool, the EOX is equipped with a claimed “…6 high flow vents and channeled EPS for perfect climate control.” Unfortunately, since I couldn’t get the EOX onto my head, I can’t comment on how well it flows air.
One thing that many of us may forget about is a helmet weight and its impact on our riding pleasure and endurance. The EOX weighed in at a significantly light (for a full face helmet) weight of approximately 2 pounds 14 ounces. By way of comparison, my Shoei Hornet 2 weighs in at about 4 pounds. That’s a significant difference in weight which could be quite impactful.
Although the helmet’s inner liners feature an anti-microbial treatment, after wearing your helmet in the hot summer, you’ll likely want to wash the helmet’s inner liner and cheek pads. And the good news is that they are removable and washable.
Magnetic Chin Strap
The EOX’s chin strap is a new design (at least to me) which uses magnets to align the buckle with the two chin straps. It makes attaching and releasing the chin strap very easy. It literally snaps itself in place and detaches with a single pull of the small red grab strap. At first, attaching it was a bit fiddly, but once I got used to how to use it, attaching or detaching the snap was a piece of cake. I have never seen or used a strap with Ruroc’s design before, so I can’t comment how well the helmet will stay attached in the event of a crash.
The magnetic chin strap clasp is easy to use once you get used to it. Detaching is done by simply pulling on the red tab. Photo: Mike Botan
Sizing
If my experience is anything to go by, don’t believe Ruroc’s sizing chart. If you wear another brand of helmet, consider going up at least one size, perhaps even two sizes. Better still, if you have access to a Ruroc dealer, try one on before you buy. The thinner cheek pads may help, but it may be easier to try one one before making your purchase.
Graphics / Colors and Pricing
The EOX is available in a wide variety of colors and graphics, fourteen to be precise. Prices range from $459 for the Ghost (white) and Core (black), to $639 for helmets with flashy colors and graphics.
Test and Review
Ruroc has sent me another helmet to test in a size Large. Hopefully it will fit and the Shockwave module will be available to test and review. We’ll keep you updated.
