The Supertech R10 is a piece of ART. One to record top performances with and to enjoy at the same time. A motorcycle helmet like this is a joy to wear, because when it needs to perform at its best, that’s when it really shines.
Green light? Let’s go.
It should be clear from the start: this is MotoGP stuff, or just about. Speed and protection are merged into the design and the development of the ALPINESTARS Supertech R10, and it lives up to its name. Going through the entire list of specifications will take you as long as a lap around Assen.
The motorcycle helmet shell looks fantastic and consists of several composite layers that are bonded together. Sectioning this shell would show two layers of carbon fibre, glass fibre and aramid and that would only take you to the outer shell. This results in a solid, compact and yet light unit, supported by judiciously placed EPS foam with shock-absorbing properties as an additional buffer. This EPS foam uses the patented A-Head fitting height and angle adjustment system that allows you to adjust to such a degree that it feels completely customised.
The total design protects your collarbone (take a look at the recess) and the chin bar has been specifically developed to be more functional.
That protective function, however, does not stand in the way of anything. The aerodynamic shape of this motorcycle helmet minimises air resistance, which makes sense. But, by linking a complete air management system with the spoiler(s) and air inlets (11 of them!), ALPINESTARS have created a solid and comfortable whole.
The chin ventilation – to be operated separately on the left and right – creates an air stream on the inside of the helmet shell. This prevents your visor from clouding up and disperses humid air thanks to the central slider of the top ventilation, all the while diffusing hot air from your forehead. There are two air outlets below the spoiler.
The race spoiler and winglets reduce air resistance with an additional 4.54% and thanks to the patented release system, specific S-R10 motorcycle helmet types can be fitted with either a ‘Standard’ or an extralong ‘Race’ spoiler. The Lateral Winglets support stability and improve air resistance, not disregarding the effect of the turbulators on the visor. As is to be expected, these effects are most prominent full-throttle, on a racetrack.
The transparent visor can be fitted with a Pinlock 120XLT -100% Max Vision lens. Tear Off Films are an option as well. The way the visor has been fixed keeps it tightly and securely sealed to the motorcycle helmet. The front metal hook keeps the visor solidly closed, even during ultrahigh speeds. There are various alternatives to the standard transparent visor, from Medium Smoke to Photochromic, in order to enjoy maximum comfort under all circumstances.
Equally as important as a decent visor is what you can see through it. The Supertech R10 offers a lateral vision of 220 degrees and 57-degree vertical vision. There are widescreen television sets that offer less. Also notice the lowered Eye Port to the left and right (the dent in the side line behind the breath deflector) to guarantee maximal peripheral vision while riding.
The interior is sturdy, the cheek pads feel solid and the base of this high-quality motorcycle helmet has been specifically designed to allow as little wind in as possible. Evidently, there’s a Double-D ring closure.
Did we cover it all? Heck no. Even after long and careful study of the Supertech R10, we kept discovering new things. This is the pinnacle of motorcycle helmets, so take your time with it and then improve your lap times.
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 and dullness may cause a blinding reflection of street lights and headlights of oncoming traffic. This is even more pronounced during rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as quickly as possible. Planning a longer trip? Don’t forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.