In my 30-plus years riding motorcycles, I have owned over 300+ motorcycle helmets, including some premium ones like the AGV Pista. If I had to choose one I enjoyed wearing, it would be the AX9. I’ll share why I think so in this AGV AX9 review.
The AGV AX9 is the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn. It keeps my head snug and warm despite me riding my bike in the winter. It fits my head well, and my visor does not fog. AX9 is also good value for money.
In this AGV AX9 review, I’ll share what I like about this helmet, and how I ended up with 5 of them. Ill also share some thoughts about this helmet after riding around them for thousands of miles.
If you are shopping for helmets, I’ll also list some adventure helmets that can be alternatives to the AX9.
About AGV AX9
AGV AX9 Carbon: Buy on
The AGV AX9 is a versatile adventure touring helmet designed to be more ‘road-like’ than its predecessor, the AX8.
The outer shell is made of a combination of carbon, aramid, and fiberglass. The interior is made from DrySpeed quick-drying fabrics, Shalimar fabric, and perforated synthetic leather. These interior linings and pads are removable and washable.
The helmet has an adjustable and removable peak and is larger than the ones on the AX8. It is better designed to reduce the “sail effect” at high speeds and provide better protection from the elements.
The AX9 also has an ultra-wide face shield, giving you a good view of where you are going. The visor is anti-scratch, pinlock-ready, and UV-protective. It also allows micro openings to manage fogging issues.
Safety-wise, the AGV AX9 passes DOT and the more recent ECE 22.06 standards. It also has a Double-D ring fastener for a secure fit.
My Experience With AGV AX9
I first got myself the carbon black AGV AX9 a while ago. I still remember spending time admiring at the beautiful and intricate carbon patterns on the helmet.
When I put on the helmet and went out for a ride, I was so impressed by how it felt against my skin.
I later brought the helmet to Ukraine and wore it while I rode around the country in the winter. It did a spectacular job keeping my head warm despite the bitter cold. I ended up leaving one AX9 helmet with my bike in Ukraine.
Later, during one of my trips to Thailand, I was in an AGV showroom with a closing-down sale. I saw two AX9 helmets on sale, but the white-colored, mono version. I picked up one and went home with it.
I later discovered what an amazing discount I was getting, so I went back and grabbed the other one. One remains in Bangkok, while the other stays with my other bike in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
What’s So Good About The AGV AX9?
At this point, I enjoyed the AGV AX9 so much that I actually have five of them scattered across the globe with my bikes.
Perhaps it’s a little too much, but when you love something, you don’t think twice to have more of them.
Here’s a couple of reasons why I enjoyed the AGV AX9 so much:
Comfortable Fit
I will always remember how the helmet felt against my skin when I first put it on. The materials used for the lining and pads are smooth, and somehow, they managed to give me a plush and soft feel.
I later discovered that the cheek pads use Ritmo fabric, which helps with smoothness and sliding my head in and out of the helmet. The lining uses Shalimar fabric, also known for its smoothness and plush feel.
The foams give me a snug fit without too much pressure. I definitely don’t feel like the foams are squashing my cheeks. The plush and snug fit also gives me a quiet and smooth ride.
One common issue with AGV helmets is the pressure points around the forehead. Many riders have to use their thumbs and knead the inner lining around the forehead to solve this issue.
Not with the AX9. The AGV engineers finally fine-tuned the helmet to suit American heads better this time.
Temperature Control
I have worn the AX9 and gone for rides in all sorts of weather and temperatures, from the freezing Ukrainian winters to the hot and humid tropical Thai and Vietnamese weather.
When riding in the cold Ukrainian winter, I was cold and stiff all over – I couldn’t feel my hands, and my legs struggled to function.
One thing that stayed warm? My head. The AX9 helmet insulated my head against the cold and wind chill very well.
When I ride in the insane traffic of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, the challenge is different. The AX9 has to find a way to ventilate and keep my head cool under the tropical sun.
The helmet did a great job. The intake vents help send air into the helmet, sending out hot air and some moisture. The ventilation also helps to keep my visor from fogging up. This is more noticeable when I take off the chin guard air vent.
Wide Field Vision
Another thing I really like about the AGV AX9 is the wide-field vision. Place this helmet side-by-side with other helmets, and you will notice how big and long the visors are.
You get a 190° side view and 110° top and bottom with the AGV AX9.
With this wide vision, I could see around me much better. I also get to rely on my peripheral vision while riding. I found this helpful when navigating the crazy Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh traffic.
Beautiful Carbon Fiber Pattern
This may be less important in an AGV AX9 review article, but I found the carbon fiber pattern on the helmet intricate and beautiful.
The carbon fiber threads glisten under the helmet’s glossy clear coat, and I remember being mesmerized by the whole thing for a bit.
The detailed, checkerboard-like design made the helmet look alluring and beautiful, giving the helmet an almost art-like feel. It is a perfect blend of art and engineering.
Competitive Pricing
I am actually quite surprised at how comfortable the AGV AX9 is. The comfort level is similar to that of very premium helmets, yet it does not have the price.
In fact, I would say the helmet feels much more comfortable than its more expensive counterparts—think the AGV Pista GP RR or the AGV K6S.
Yet, the AGV AX9 is significantly cheaper than the Pista. The regular, non-carbon fiber AX9 is cheaper than the AGV K6S.
Alternatives Motorcycle Helmets To AGV AX9
The AGV AX9 adventure helmet may be great, but I think it is only fair to mention a couple more helmets similar to it so you can compare.
Klim Krios Pro
Klim Krios Pro: Buy on
RevZilla | Amazon
If you are looking for a premium, carbon fiber adventure helmet, the Klim Krios Pro Carbon would be something to look at aside from the AX9. It is priced similarly to the AX9, with an additional internal sun visor – the AX9 does not have this.
Bell MX9 MIPS
Bell MX-9 Adventure Mips: Buy on
RevZilla | Amazon
The Bell MX9 MIPS should offer up to 60-70% of the experience of the AGV AX9 at a higher discount. More affordable than the AX9, the Bell MX9 also features MIPS technology, which helps to protect against rotational forces during a crash.
AFX FX-41DS
AFX FX-41DS: Buy on
RevZilla | Amazon
The AFX FX-41 is perfect for those new to adventure riding. It is one of the more affordable (yet safe enough) helmets on the market, and the angular lines make it look aggressive. Did I say it is also packed with features? It is good value for money.
Arai XD-5
Arai XD-5: Buy on
RevZilla | CycleGear
The Arai XD-5 is a newer model, replacing its outgoing predecessor, the XD-4. Coming from a brand like Arai, I would say this helmet can compete with the AGV AX9 head-to-head. The issue is pricing. It is more expensive than the AX9 carbon, which may be an issue for some.
Scorpion EXO-AT960
ScorpionEXO AT960: Buy on
RevZilla | Amazon
If you want an adventure helmet that is also modular, you cannot go wrong with the Scorpion EXO-AT960. You can flip up the chin bar with the peak cap on. It is also affordable and has an internal sun visor – something the AGV AX9 does not have.
AGV AX9 Review: A Great Value Proposition
Here you have it—my AGV AX9 review. I think AGV has done an excellent job with this helmet, and I have shown my appreciation of the work not just by giving it a positive review, but also by voting for it with my wallet—I own five AGV AX9s.
If you are keen to check out related articles about AGV helmets, feel free to go to any of the articles below:
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