Gracshaw Helmet review.

During the introduction of Gracshaw helmet last year, we the media were really surprised that it is entirely made in Malaysia. The design, quality and build of the range of Gracshaw helmets available then were impressively good. It is also SIRIM tested and approved for safety compliance.

The helmet that was given to me is Gracshaw’s latest model, the Geomax Asean. The mostly yellow, red, and grey graphics on the helmet also comprise the word Asean with the Ten Asean nations’ flags surrounding the diameter of the helmet.

This slightly over 1.5 Kg half or open face helmet comes with dual visors. External is clear by default but you can change to a smoke, or colored visor. Removing the visor is easy with just the pull of the levers on both sides of the helmet, but you need to fully open or lift the visor up in order to reach the levers.

The inner visor is dark and extremely useful for a bright sunny day ride. You can pull down the visor by pushing backwards the mechanism that is located on the left side of the helmet. I however find the visor a bit too short. I need to shift the helmet down each time in order to have the visor fully cover my viewing range without too much bright light distraction. If the inner dark visor is long, it can easily be adjusted by lifting it higher, but then this is short so I cannot do anything about it other than pushing the helmet downwards.  

This Geomax Asean model comes with four ventilation for air flow. One at the front, two at the top (left and right) and one at the rear. I did not feel any effect of air flowing in or out at low-speed riding. At higher speed, in the range of 120Km/h and above, the air flow seems to be working, or is the air coming from the front below the visor? Afterall this is an open face helmet. This will need a more technical testing with proper equipment and tool. In a tropical country like Malaysia, the more ventilation a helmet has the better it will be, provided it does not compromise on the tensile strength of the helmet.

The inner cushion or padding is firm but comfortable. The padding is one of the important element of a helmet for when a helmet takes a hit, the head inside it keeps going until something stops it. The liner, made of EPS (expanded polystyrene), often in several different densities sandwiched together, slows that movement by deforming and absorbing the impact energy. That is why all helmets have a lifespan and it is good to check with the manufacturer how long the helmet you are buying can last or recommended usage period. Even without any major hit or dropping of your helmet, it is wise to change your helmet once the “usable” period is over.

The Geomax Asean fits nicely with my multifocal glasses on and with this new normal, even with a face mask on. Just make sure the front / outer visor is down else the wind may blow your mask up your face and cover your vision. The chinstrap padding is a little thin and causes some discomfort if strapped tight. But the strap and double D buckle is of good quality. Easy to strap on and button up. The aerodynamic design of my Geomax Asean is surprisingly good. No “head shaking” during high-speed ride. I was impressed.

As for helmet communication, the helmet came with a ConvoyTalk by Twiins (courtesy of Gracshaw). A wireless communication device engineered in Europe with Spain technology that works as long as there is data / internet on your phone. It has unlimited devices that you can connect to, like in a convoy when everyone has this ConvoyTalk. It is also not limited by distance, as long as there is data available on your phone. The audio, both communication and playing of music were too soft / low to be heard clearly. Perhaps if it is on a full-face helmet it would be better. I understand that most headset comes with an optimum volume cut off to protect the wearer ears from damage, but it would be great for motorcycle head-sets to come without the cut off so that the rider is able to adjust the volume higher if wind or surrounding noise makes it hard to hear.

I really like my first open face helmet and the price is affordable. Would not mind getting the other model with the graphic that caught my eyes during the launch. Gracshaw also produces full face, off-road, retro, and touring helmets. For more information, you can check out their web page https://www.gracshaw.com/