The New AGV AX-8 Dual Helmet - AGV's Adventure Helmet
The new AGV AX-8 Dual combines the comfort of a street helmet with the lightweight functionality of an off-road helmet, crossover helmets like the new AGV AX-8 Dual are intended as a one-helmet solution for adventure riders. Can one helmet really do it all? On a recent dual-sport adventure in rural northeast Thailand was the perfect opportunity to find out.The AGV AX-8 Dual is based on AGV's excellent AX-8 motocross helmet, the AX-8 Dual comes configured for street use with a removable faceshield, modified visor peak and additional ventilation. The DOT/ECE-certified shell, made from a mix of carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass, is remarkably light. Our size medium sample weighed just 1.39 kilogram, about 225 gram lighter than most of its competition. Added top venting and a variable chin vent (interchangeable with the AX-8's fixed-open option) provide excellent airflow, even at low speeds off-road. Coolmax/Dry-Comfort interior padding is removable and washable – a must for dirt duty.
On-road performance is only okay. The new floating visor has been redesigned to reduce sail effect, but it still buffets above 100km/h – especially when you look to the side or come too close to a passing vehicle's wake of rough air. Removing the visor (AGV calls this street fighter-style) helps somewhat, but this looks silly. And even with the visor removed, the AGV AX-8 Dual is significantly louder than a conventional street helmet. Off-road functionality, using goggles instead of the faceshield, is better. The screw-off shield isn't quick or convenient to change, however, and the hinge mechanism remains exposed to collect dirt and snag the goggle strap. A screw-on hinge cover of some sort would be nice.
The versatile AGV AX-8 Dual was fine for our multi-day, multi-surface rural northeast Thailand adventure, but trips like that not happen often. For the other 95-percent of our riding, most of us would opt for a comfortable street helmet on the street and a purpose built off-road helmet in the dirt.
