GMAX GM68S Helmet Review: Now Available in black!

[Rogue]

Before I begin, I highly recommend you read the professional review of the GMAX G68S done by WebBike World, where it was named Helmet of the Year.  Here is the link to that review:  http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/gmax/gm68s/

I think that those who got interested in this helmet, including myelf, are really wondering....is it possible for a low cost helmet to perform as well as a high end helmet?  Well, that answer will vary from one person to the next since each has their own criteria of how good a helmet should be.  For me, if the GMAX could match the performance of my Shoei RF1000, that makes it a very good helmet considering my Shoei cost over $300 and the GMAX cost a mere $100!  Anything else that came after that would be icing on the cake.  

I just recently put 200 miles on my own GMAX 68S helmet today.  Here is my review.



My G68S arrived on my doorstep in a box with the helmet inside wrapped in a nice helmet bag along with a clear shield AND a smoke shield wrapped in its own matching shield bag.  Altogether the package cost me $107 shipped to my door via the Motorcycle Superstore.

Fit and Finish:
The 68S' graphics are pretty simple, with only a few colors and simple design.  I chose the Crusader graphics in Titanium Silver.  The paint is good with no overspray and the clearcoat is evenly applied with a nice shine to it.  The sliding levers that control the forehead vents and chinbar vent door are made out of plastic and they slide open and close with good feel and precision.  They do feel and look thin and slightly more flimsy than those on my Shoei RF1000.  Both shields are very clear with no distortion whatsoever.  The shield mechanism is easy to detach and re-attach using two hands, and it has multiple detents ranging from just slightly open to fully open.  The interior is also of good quality but it does not match the fully covered & plush interior of my Shoei.  Overall, the fit and finish is well beyond adequate for a helmet of this price range.

Helmet Fit:
I am probably one of those people Shoei designed their RF series of helmets for as I have never met an Shoei RF helmet I didn't fit perfectly into.  Having said this, the GMAX 68S fits my head just about as good as my RF1000.  In fact, the 68S feels more comfortable around my ears because there is no padding in that area, leaving my ears unobstructed with no pressure points to cause pain later.  This also makes it very easy to put on my glasses since my earlobes are not being squeezed against my head.  The sizing is about the same as the Shoei and the head measurements is exactly what the GMAX website says it is.  

Weight:
The G68S is made out of ordinary materials with no fancy carbon fiber or titanium portions.  It also has lots of vent openings, as well as that gimmicky rear LED "tail lights".  Yet, the helmet manages to be lightweight.  In fact, it is only slightly heavier than my RF1000, which is an industry leader in being one of the lightest full face helmets out there.  Suffice it to say, the 68S is a light weight helmet considering its materials and structure.

Ventilation:
Is it possible to get too much ventilation from a full face helmet?  Yes it is!  The 68S proves that it is also possible to have excellent ventilation from an inexpensive helmet.  Maybe too much!  With all the vents open, the 68S flows air like no other helmet I have ever had.  Better than my Shoei RF1000.  I can feel cool air flowing along the top of my head as well as around the chin area.  This is a huge plus since most helmets that promise good ventilation RARELY deliver, yet the GMAX does it almost too easily.  However, there is a constant flow of air around the chinbar no matter if I have the main chin ventilation door open or closed.  I believe this door only controls air flowing to the shield.  The 68S has two mesh covered openings on each side of the chin and it vents directly into the chin area of the helmet.  These vents cannot be closed.  This is a downside because this constant flow of air, although it is calm and refreshing, is too much in cold weather riding.  The top vents can be closed.

Look at all those vent openings!


Aerodynamics:
GMAX does not make any claims about the 68S' aerodynamics yet it is one of the most aerodynamic helmets I have owned.  The Shoei RF1000 is extremely efficient at moving air around it and it is a benchmark in this regard.  Yet the 68S feels just as aerodynamic.  It exhibits zero lift even at indicated speeds of 110 mph!  It also does not "whip" my head when I turn to look left or right even at high speed.

Noise Control:
Again, the Shoei RF1000 is THE benchmark for quietness thanks to its smooth aero shape.  The GMAX 68S is not far behind.  Even with the absence of ear padding, a thick neckroll, and all that air venting through it, the 68S manages to remain fairly quiet.  There is no high nor low frequency noises or booming even at very high speeds.  It does have a constant but sumbdued wind rushing sound at speed but it is far from being obtrusive.  Other than that, it is fairly quiet.

Overall:
I am thoroughly amazed at how good the GMAX 68S is.  I will admit that the exterior finish and interior plushness is not at the same level as my Shoei RF1000.  But its fit and performance equals and/or exceeds that of my $200+ more expensive Shoei!  In terms of weight, ventilation, aerodynamics, noise suppression, the GMAX G68S is able to run with the best.  How is that possible at this price point?  How is this possible without any fancy materials?  I do not know the answer to this.  All I know is, the 68S is one hell of a helmet bargain today!  

[TBone]

Thanks for the write up! I ordered one based on the webbikeworld review, figuring I almost can't lose for $100.  

Now I feel pretty good about the decision!

[ksann]

Nice review Rogue, but we want to know about buffeting @ 170mph, so get back out there, 'in the name of science  ', and retest it!



Overall, the interior, does it feel like it will last, or will it wear quickly like some car interiors?




ken

[Tyrroneous]

Nice review Rogue.  Whats your take on the rear led's?  Is it all gimmick or do they actually increase rear visibility to some extent?

[Rogue]

LOL!  Ken, what are we going to do with your speed addiction?  

The interior is made of coolmax and it's removable for cleaning.  I really have no clue how long it will last.  I guess I'll find out.  But for $100, it shouldn't be an issue.  I'd say, replace the helmet after two seasons.  

The rear LED light is mostly a gimmick but I can think of situations in which it increase your visibility from behind.  I think the fast blinking would be very useful in foggy conditions.  The always on would also be very useful at night when all people will see is your single tailight and your reflectors.  Now they will also see your helmet.  So it has some use that may improve safety while riding.  But with or without the LED, the helmet's performance stands head and shoulders above many other helmets costing hundreds more.  It's not just me saying it.  Many others who have tried the helmet agree.  Read the comments on the Webbike World site and see for yourself.

[ol Rocket]

Ken's comment was my only concern.  I have a friend who bought a GMax and the materials were shot after two 6 month riding periods (we live on the east side of the state).  But it's a nice looking helmet.

I'm afraid I wouldn't pull the trigger.  I like things that are heavy, costly and extravagant.  It's just me.

[00NBVFR]

I read the WebBike world review along with the comments left by readers here and on the WebBikeWorld site.  Someone refers to the following : "Before giving a helmet its final rating, you should always check to see whether the helmet has EPS below the ear, around the jaw and at the chin. The GMAX does not.  This is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed.  Most helmets in the GMAX price range do have EPS in these areas, something that does make a helmet safer."


Does anyone know what EPS is and what safety issue he would be referring too?  

[ksann]

Does anyone know what EPS is and what safety issue he would be referring too?  

EPS = Expanded Poly Styrene = Styrofoam (a trademark name here in the US).

Basically, the outer shell stops intrusion (something poking through) and spreads the impact load over a large area, and the Styrofoam slows down your head semi-gently (well, it is relative). That is basically how a helmet works.


ken

[Grubnik]

Beat me to it...  

[00NBVFR]

EPS = Expanded Poly Styrene = Styrofoam (a trademark name here in the US).

Basically, the outer shell stops intrusion (something poking through) and spreads the impact load over a large area, and the Styrofoam slows down your head semi-gently (well, it is relative). That is basically how a helmet works.


ken

Thanks! :-)  

[mikeyman]

I read the same review and comment on webbikeworld. I figured, for 107 bucks, what the heck. It arrives at my office tomorrow (but I am home with the flu) so I will look for the EPS below the ear line and let you all know.

Gimmick or not, having a light on your melon at night is bound to improve visibility. ANYTHING that gets a cage's attention in a positive, non-dazzling way is a good thing.

[TBone]

I got my GMAX helmet yesterday and had a chance to take it for a couple rides. Fit and finish are definitely better than you could reasonably expect for the price, and the ventilation is outstanding. As far as the chin vents go, my helmet came with two plugs to stop the flow of air. ( they were in the bag with the dark smoke LED cover) Not the most elegant solution, IMO. With so many vent covers already designed in, what's 2 more? The plugs can be very easily lost and then you're stuck with no way to control the airflow on your face.

Aside from that one very minor complaint, I am REALLY impressed with this helmet. It fits and looks great, it's light and aerodynamic, and it only cost $107 shipped! I'm almost tempted to buy a couple more in different colors for some variety!  

[Rogue]

Thanks for the tip about the plugs.  You will definitely need that in winter.  That's how good the venting is.

It boggles my mind though how they could make this helmet perform as well as it does for this price.  They make it seem almost easy.  I mean, why do more expensive helmets not vent as well, be as lightweight, quiet, simple, and aerodynamic?  Oh well.  

[ksann]

Why no solid colors?


What is up with that?





ken

[TBone]

Simple. wild graphics make you faster!  

[Rogue]

I agree Ken.  That kind of irritated me a bit.

But what's wrong with the Crusader symbol?  You're not Muslim are you?  

[ksann]

I agree Ken.  That kind of irritated me a bit.

But what's wrong with the Crusader symbol?  You're not Muslim are you?  

Not quite.


And that is the less bothersome of the choices, but i just prefer a solid color.





ken
(-does not choose a helmet based on religion, race, creed, or speed)

[JoBu]

Hey Rogue...

Great write-up.  I, too, read the review on WBB and was hoping someone would back-up their claims.  Seems like you are in agreement with them.  Just one question for you...what kind of bike were you riding when you tested it?  Noise levels vary for me depending on whether I'm on a full-faired bike or a naked and some helmets tend to work better on one design more than the other in terms of noise levels.  I am very interested in picking one up for a summer helmet as it gets simply brutal down here in FL and your take on the venting really sold me.  Thanks again for taking the time out to write this review as well as comparing it to what is probably my favorite helmet (RF-1000).  

Cheers,

Joe

[Fav]

Motorcyclesuperstore.com is where I got mine. I too am impressed with the Gmax. Being the owner of an Arai Corsair and Shark RSR2 helmet......the cheap G68 is worthy imo.

I didn't see the stealth black on their site but found it on this one..... Solid Matte black for safety  

http://store.dsrpowersports.com/20gmsohe.html

[Rogue]

Hey Rogue...

Just one question for you...what kind of bike were you riding when you tested it?  Noise levels vary for me depending on whether I'm on a full-faired bike or a naked and some helmets tend to work better on one design more than the other in terms of noise levels.  Joe

The bike I have ridden the GMAX GM68S is on a Buell Firebolt.  I did fit the Firebolt with a Zero Gravity ST screen (higher).

Just came back from another 250 miler with the GMAX.  Really impressed with this thing once again.  With hearing protection on, all I hear (besides the engine) is the subdued rushing of wind.  This is at 80-90 mph.  No lifting, no buffeting, no extraneous noises that annoy.  I also noticed how clear the shield is.  I agree with Webbike World:  the GM68S' shield quality is very, very good.  It's like you are looking through nothing at all!  Amazing.

I do have to add a warning though:

Those of you who intend to use this helmet in cold weather beware.  The GM68S has two openings up front in the chinbar that are ALWAYS OPEN.  At temps below 65 it can get mighty cold around your face!  Make sure you get the "plugs" for these openings for winter use.  Mine did NOT come with these plugs and on cold mornings I wish I had them so I can shut off the airflow.  I will have to contact Motorcycle Superstore or GMAX direct to get these plugs

But if you live in Florida, you will love the ventilation!  I know I will love this thing during the SoCal summer months.