The Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail has a motorcycle helmet shell made of composite material with fiberglass for one. ‘TCT-Fiberglas Composite’ is what that’s called in technical jargon and with three different helmet shells to contain all helmet sizes, that keeps the scale on the very good side of the spectrum. Just under 1600 grams is not excessive for a complete motorcycle helmet like this one – with visor, sun visor and sun peak.
There’s a lot to be said for that motorcycle helmet shell. Ultra TCT™ is a material developed by Scorpion that has a new structure that apart from being ultralight is also ‘crumpling’. That way, the helmet shell absorbs even more energy during a potential impact, which evidently spares the head inside it. Which should be exactly the point of a motorcycle helmet.
The Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail complies with all the criteria to successfully pass the ECE 22.06 inspection, making it completely compliant with the most recent safety standards.
The general appearance of the Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail is that un-general that there can be no doubt: this motorcycle helmet can be used for on and off-road use. The choice to mount (or not) the sun peak plays with the aerodynamics, that is already up to par. Off-road will give the transparent visor a break, which is no problem at all: the entire Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail can be modulated as you please. You can take off the transparent visor just as easily as fitting a pair of common cross goggles in its place. Thanks to the wide visor opening, you maintain a wide field of peripheral vision in all circumstances, so as to keep a clear view of the surroundings.
The protruding chin piece with its four meshed ventilation openings cannot hide its motocross ambitions if it tried. Then again, the top ventilation – to be opened and closed – would fit any full-face helmet and the aerodynamics in the back wasn’t designed like that by accident, neatly holding the wide strap of those motocross goggles. The purpose of the Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail is categorically double in use, which is even playing it down a little.
There’s just as much going on internally as there is externally. The Airfit system to adjust the cheek pads to size only enhances safety, yet also affects winds, vibrations and possible lift when you’re really twisting the throttle. Comfortable and safe, did we mention those?
The interior was given an ‘emergency system’ or an ‘emergency release system’ that allows for the cheek pads to be removed after a crash – preferably, that never happens – while the helmet stays on. In all other conditions, we’d rather focus on the Kwickwick (generation 3 already) that is antibacterial, temperature-regulating, hygienic, washable and removable.
The integrated sun visor can be operated on the left, near the hinge point. Not finding that lever means you’re better off not getting on a motorbike because something is clearly off. The transparent visor is Pinlock®-ready (Pinlock Max Vision-lens supplied) and UV-resistant, like it should. There’s also a tinted (‘smoked’) version in the box that allows you to discover just how quickly visors are interchanged.
A wide neck rim and a double D-closure fit the Scorpion ADF-9000 Air Trail perfectly.
Cut-outs for glasses, a wind deflector, the option to easily integrate an intercom system and a wind curtain chin; with all those extras and bonuses, its more common features are pushed to the end of this article.
For maintenance of this helmet we recommend S100 helmet and visor cleaner for the outside. For cleaning the interior, without removing it, you can use S100 helmet interior cleaner. New visors have received a water-repellent treatment. This treatment is less effective after some time. Restore the water-repellent effect with Rain-X anti-rain spray.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections from streetlights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a longer trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
