HJC i100 helmet: the first reversible model approved ECE 22.06

Slowly, helmet manufacturers are moving from the 22.05 standard to the ECE 22.06 standard. This change to the regulations incorporates the consideration of 12 additional impact points, compared to six for regulation 22.05, in order to increase the level of protection in real conditions.

Above all, it is no longer only linear shocks, but also rotational impacts that are taken into account because in the event of an accident, the driver’s head moves. The visor is also subject to impact tests, and it must therefore resist a metal ball sent at 60 m/s at eye level. While manufacturers have until July 2023 to stop production of helmets that comply with Regulation 22.05 (and January 2024 to stop selling them), many brands are starting to present their new models.

This is the case of HJC, which this year presented two helmets: the RPHA 1 and i100. If the first is a typical racing integral, the second has the particularity of being a reversible modular helmet with a chin bar that can be raised to 180°. The process is known, because it was initiated by Roof then popularized by Shark with its Evo series; for the year 2022, the i100 is not only full-face and jet approved, but above all, according to the manufacturer, it is the first reversible helmet approved 22.06 to be offered on the market.

To stand out, the HJC i100 incorporates a good level of equipment with screen demisting, air renewal, sunscreen adjustment, adjustable aero-acoustic deflectors on the chin guard and pre- equipment to receive HJC communication systems.

To facilitate donning and doffing, the i100 incorporates the wearing mode system which authorizes the automatic raising of the screen depending on the opening of the chin guard. When the helmet is closed in full mode, the screen also goes down automatically, and vice versa. When the chin bar is tilted back, deflectors guide the airflow along the latter in order to reduce aerodynamic and acoustic disturbances.

Note that the i100 has an injected polycarbonate shell and that the EPS foams are multi-density. Inside, the foams are of course removable, washable and benefit from an antibacterial treated fabric. Grooves for spectacle wearers are provided. On the ventilation side, the new i100 introduces a new front air intake, while a triple outlet at the back of the helmet is responsible for extracting hot air. New channels at the level of the chin guard are appearing in order to diffuse a flow of air on the sides to contribute to the defogging of the screen. A Pinlock type 120 lens is additionally supplied with the helmet.

Still concerning the screen, the latter is capable of reflecting up to 99% of UV A and B. Finally, as regards the sunscreen, not only is it height adjustable, but it is also possible to adjust the height by 13.5 mm using a wheel so that it does not shear the tip of the nose.

Finally, the HJC i100 is compatible with the Bluetooth SMART HJC 20B and 10 communication systems developed in collaboration with Senna.

Available in sizes XS to 2XL (from 1846 g), the HJC i100 sees its price start at €319 for the plain colors, and climb to €359 for the decorated versions.