On my way home from work recently, I was surprised to find a box from Kimpex Canada with a CKX Atlas Carbon helmet inside.
When I unpacked the helmet, I was amazed by the color. Brown and black. Or rather “Rust Mat”, as CKX calls it. I confess it took me a few days of looking at it to get used to it. It’s just that these aren’t colors you often see on helmets. All the more so as, in terms of visibility, I always recommend light colors. Especially if you’re going to be riding in the woods.
Comfortable to wear
Handling it, I quickly realize that the helmet is light and has a nice finish.
When I slip my head into the helmet, I have to adjust it each time to find the right position, without pressure points. This is very personal and directly related to the shape of my head. However, I don’t have to make this kind of adjustment with the other helmets I own. Once in position, the CKX is comfortable. I did, however, have a slightly longer adaptation period than usual with the Atlas. I was also anticipating long periods with the helmet on my head. Because the first few times I wore it, I wasn’t totally comfortable. To help me out, I wore it while working at the computer in the office… On my first outing with the CKX Atlas, my fears disappeared and the helmet proved to be very comfortable and was quickly forgotten. Except when I’m wearing cycling glasses. Indeed, when I ride with the visor open, I like to have some visual protection. So with such glasses, I feel pressure on my temples with the Atlas.
The helmet is effective when it comes to noise. I tested several bikes with different ergonomics, and the CKX Atlas proved pleasantly quiet even on the highway at high speed. No vibration from the paddle, and above all, no noise generated by the paddle despite all the possible paddle configurations. Good work from CKX.
The chinstrap uses the ProClip system rather than conventional D-buckles. Another important aspect is that the CKX Atlas offers protection that exceeds ECE 22.06 and DOT specifications.
Versatility, the key to the CKX Atlas
CKX sells its Atlas with a focus on versatility. The visor can be adjusted to six different positions, and can be removed without tools. The same applies to the visor, which can be removed for use with glasses. The chinstrap is also configurable. A small cover over the air intake is removable. Several features that, along with the versatility of adventure bikes, can accommodate all situations encountered on motorcycle trips.
The pallet, six configurations
The CKX pallet can be configured in six different ways. Two positions, high or low. It’s also possible to adjust the length – short, medium and long – thanks to an extendable part of the pallet. This is an interesting concept, allowing the pallet to be positioned to suit the elements, such as sun, rain or wind.
The pallet is also easy to remove without the need for tools. Two push-buttons are used to remove it. Once removed, you can also remove the visor if desired.
The photochromic visor
The big news for the Atlas in 2024 is the availability of a photochromic visor. This means that the visor is tinted in response to ultraviolet rays. The more UV, the darker. Conversely, the less UV, the lighter the visor. A minor drawback with the latter: when it’s in the open position, part of the visor is under the pallet and not fully exposed to ultraviolet rays. As a result, the visor is only partially tinted. As a result, when the visor is lowered, there’s a direct demarcation between tinted and untinted in the field of vision. It takes two to three minutes for the visor to regain uniformity. Personally, I prefer a small tinted half-visor that acts as a sun visor, rather than a photochromic visor.
The visor is not adjustable in several positions. The choice is between open or closed. There is no possibility of leaving it in between. If you do, be aware that it will close or open completely at the first gust of wind.
The CKX Atlas visor also features the Pinlock system. This allows the use of an anti-fog lens that is placed over the visor.
There are three small grips on the CKX Atlas visor for easy handling. Very practical, depending on which hand is free, to open or close it. However, the mechanism that holds the visor in the closed position is very rigid. Locking the visor or unlocking it to open it is not easy. To lock it, I have to press down hard with my index finger and lift the chin strap with my thumb to make sure it’s securely closed. To open it, I have to pull up hard enough that when it opens, the helmet is no longer in the right position on my head and I have to replace it. Not easy when you’re on the move…
As already mentioned, the visor can be removed. With this removed, and the pallet in place, the Atlas falls into motocross helmet configuration.
It was in this configuration that I really appreciated the helmet. Even though I was using it with goggles from brands other than CKX, I really liked it. Note that CKX‘s 210o goggles are designed for this purpose.
Adjustable air intake
By far the most appreciated feature of the Atlas helmet is the removable chin strap cover. This allows normal air intake in the closed position. In the open position, it allows unrestricted breathing when physical exertion is required. The small cover can even be completely removed if required. For this function alone, the Atlas helmet is well worth a look for fans of technical sections.
Efficiency
The Atlas helmet from Canadian brand CKX is highly functional and will meet many needs. Retailing at $715 for the model delivered to me, the whole package proves justifiable, in my opinion.
The more I wear it, the more I appreciate it. I must admit, however, that when I first put the Atlas on my head, I had some doubts about its comfort. Since I had the chance to get used to it before using it on a motorcycle, I can now tell you that it’s a helmet that deserves to be used. Quiet, light, configurable and very well ventilated.
One important thing to note is that all the helmet’s removable parts are available for replacement in the event of breakage.
Verdict
The concept of configuration for an adventure helmet is not new. Although converting from an adventure helmet to a road helmet without tools remains the Atlas’ main strength. For other brands, however, a coin is often all that’s needed to switch from one configuration to another. Knowing also that the configuration is often changed before setting off, depending on the type of ride you’re going to do, changing configuration with or without tools remains a question of needs. Few people I know stop at the roadside to reconfigure their helmet.
Having a helmet that does everything quite well is certainly an advantage. A financial advantage, I’d say. Especially compared to the communication systems we use. Because having three headsets means having three microphones and three speaker systems. A versatile headset requires only one.
Highlights :
- Configurable chin strap ventilation
- Lightweight headset
Areas for improvement :
- Visor does not lock in multiple or closed positions.
- Photochromatic visor does not tint uniformly.
