Reevu Rear-View Modular Helmet FSX1 : Rider Review

[BockinBboy]

I have been tracking these helmets by Reevu for a long time.  I really liked the 'idea' the first time I heard of them, but I was weary of how well it could be executed.  Reevu came out with a full face helmet years and years ago, and there were mixed reviews, and opinions...and they seemed to have disappeared for a few years.  They came back recently (maybe 2 years ago?) with an updated version of the full face helmet (RV-MSX1) that included adjustability of the viewer's mirror angles.  My future father-in-law purchase that one, and really loved it.  Then, it was soon followed by their modular version (RV-FSX1).  I purchased the FSX1 recently and figured I'd post up my experience so far.



Sorry for the single pic, but its all I have at the moment... more to come though.

Overall Initial Outlook. The helmet has a quality construction, and is an excellent helmet regardless of the rear-view system.  At a glance, the helmet has unique lines.  This is mainly due to the rear-view system.  I personally like the outline and general appearance, and not just because I own it. One caveat here, the slightly raised profile will affect how it fits in a topcase, so if you are really tight with a regular full face, you may run into problems... My topcase does still hold the FSX1 and my fiance's current HJC full face helmets okay.

Interior.  It has a high quality interior, that really wicks moisture well, and it is very soft and comfortable.  The interior is fully removable and washable.  It has a very nice, removable thermal neck roll.  There are 'cut-outs' for more comfortability at your ears, and aid in adding speakers. It has a chin curtain, which stretches easily and does its job well.  I don't believe the curtain is removable, but I also haven't looked at that part closely.  The chin strap is a quick ratchet type system, which is an excellent design for gloves on or off and quick in/out.  It is very comfortable over the previous D-link systems I have had before. Only caveat on the chin strap is that many helmet locking systems are designed for D-links, so keep that in mind.

Visor.  It is pretty large in comparison to my previous helmets (both were HJCs, one full face and one modular).  The visor is interchangeable with their options of mirrored and smoke.  However, the latching system for the visor isn't the easiest I have seen... I think this is an area which could be improved upon greatly in future versions with something sturdier/easier, but it does work as intended.  The visor is pinlock ready, for those who are fans of that system.  The visor has three open positions, that hold well at speed.

Modular. The flip-up chin bar has locking metal pins, that look and feel really strong.  The opening mechanism is a switch on the front which you pull down then lift up.  It takes a little bit to get used to, but it is not difficult to operate with gloves. 

Venting.  It is adequate, but is lacking compared to other helmets in its price point.  This is mainly due to the rear-view system, but the openings are a little larger than many I have seen... so there is definately an attempt at good ventilation.  There are rear exhaust ports at the corners of the mirrored rear window that I can actually feel working at higher speeds, but none of that will make lines through your hair as some of the better ventilated helmets do.  I always ride with the visor open at the first position anyway (I need airflow to my face for some reason), even in the very cold (30F), so venting isn't a deal breaker for me on most any helmet anyway.

Noise.  It is 'louder' than my HJC full face, but is quieter than my HJC modular.  It seems there is some noise from the top corners of the visor that may be my own user error when messing with the visor interchanging setup, so I'll have to look into that.  But otherwise, it seems any other noise comes from below the chin/jaw area, in which case would depend on the wearer how much that affects them personally.  Opening or closing vents doesn't change any noise while riding.

Weight.  It is about 1500g.  The weight seems mostly center, but a little toward the front.  I suspect due to the modular mechanisms.  This is lighter than both of my previous HJC helmets... and if you search around, 1500g is pretty light for a modular in general, and this has the rear view system.  I still can't find for 100% certainty if this FSX1 modular is truly lighter than the full-face MSX1, but side by side comparison of my future father-in-laws MSX1 supports this claim.

REAR-VIEW SYSTEM.  What you guys really want to hear about I'm sure... To set your minds at ease, the mirror system is almost entirely polycarbon materials, and there is no actual glass that would cut you in crash situation... It has an adjustable viewing mirror centered above the eyebrows.  You can move this mirror up and down, and adjust the angle so it can fit different users and riding styles (heavy forward lean, or standard up positions for example).  You do have to adjust your head angle to see different distances behind you, but this is a minimal movement once you begin muscle memory of those positions. The viewing mirror takes up as much of your full view as a rear view mirror does in your car (it is obviously physically smaller, but the ratio is the same is what I mean).   
The view is NOT crystal clear like a glass mirror, it is polycarbon material like I mentioned... it is highly reflective, and acts like one though.  It takes some time to interpret what you are looking at when you first begin using it.  But each time I wear it, the image gets clearer and clearer and my brain can really see what its reflecting in a quick glance.  Its hard to describe until you've seen it, and have experienced the change yourself while learning it.  I'd say it would take a few riding hours to really learn it, and begin using it to its fullest.  So the obvious caveat here is to practice with it before you try using the rear view system on open roads (like what you should do when learning to ride, practice in a parking lot!). You don't want it to be a distraction, and therefore defeating its purpose.
The window on the rear is mirrored.  This helps ward off unwanted light reflection in your eyes (like sun or headlights)... This does darken the image a little, but its like a light pair of sunglasses.  Reevu does offer a clear rear window, if the lightly darkened image is a problem... but the mirrored rear window comes stock.

Bottom Line.  I really like this helmet.  It is an upgrade to both of my previous helmets in nearly all categories, and has an added safety feature of the rear-view which works well. There are a few things to nitpick, and there are some are tradeoffs with the rear-view system.  None of these things outweigh the added features or overall impression.  It has the features and quality of helmets in $300 range maybe +/- some $$, but has the added rear-view function.

I wanted to add an additional note about the rear-view system... just kind of another angle I personally relate it to i guess.
The Rear-view system is like when I bought my jumping stilts... On the videos, they looked like so much fun, easy and effortless to use... I was intially dissapointed with how hard it was to do anything in the stilts.  I really took a big gulp and thought I may have wasted my money, but I gave it the time it deserved.  My body just needed to adapt and get used to the new exercise, weight, feel, etc... Within a 10mins I could walk without aid, within a week I could run, within two weeks I could really jump, within 1 month I could do a frontflip, withing 3 months I was competing with pros...
Now using this helmet wasn't quite as extreme as my jumping stilts, but the general initial expectation, perceptions, and learning concept... very similar.























- Bboy

[Kiwingenuity]

Thanks for the review BBBoy - I had seen these a while back and wondered how well the rear view system would work.  I have faith now that I should look at buying one of these when I replace my helmet, hopefully the stealerships get some in over the next 6 months.

In terms of noise - I think this is an issue with most flip style helmets.  I know my Shark helmet has a lot more noise than my old HJC - I traced the source on mine to the tiny gap between the visor and lip that it seats against. I suspect its going to be the same with the Reevu - for some reason there is a lot less rubber around the base of the visor.

Be interested to know if there are any other issues over time

Thanks 

[Slack]

That looks really nice.  But I don't know if I can go away from a built in sun visor now that I've used a helmet with one.  I can't stand wearing sun glasses under a helmet and I often ride into the night:  No longer having to carry a clear face shield with me and not having to stop at dusk and change face shields has become really nice.  I'd be going a step backwards with this helmet in that regard.  I wish I could have both.

you missed a great opportunity to name this thread "Reevu Rearview Review" 
Almost a catch 22 Major Major Major Major

[Janx101]

  Good Job Chap!  .. its always great to see someone 'take the plunge' on a new system and provide good info afterwards!

on the rearview thing... was watching a tv thing other day about eyes and brain, how they work and interpret information... its a really sneaky thing! ... your brain apparently 'fills in' a lot of the whole picture based on learned previously (and ok sometimes its only a few seconds previously) images ... the eyes only really focus and take in that focus over a relatively small area... this is fine because humankind is still surviving well despite only really 'seeing' a small amount clearly .. (phew eh!) .. so looking into the small mirror and seeing fuzzily at first and then clearly with great detail is the brain learning the new thing and a vital survival reaction! .. i'm taking nothing away from the effectiveness of the mirror system .. just commenting on the benefits of it that our brain adapts to so damn quickly!! awesome!!!!!!!

you missed a great opportunity to name this thread "Reevu Rearview Review" 
Almost a catch 22 Major Major Major Major

oooh you're a sharp one!! bahahahahhaha  funny as!!

[BockinBboy]

Haha, I thought about naming it that, but its been done on nearly every review I've seen of them lol.  Though it probably would grab attention with such a 'deep' word play.

- Bboy

[weedahoe]

See if you like this helmet any better?

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/06/19/livemap-is-an-android-powered-motorcycle-helmet-with-hud-4g-lte-gps-and-an-indiegogo-campaign/

[yamahonkawazuki]

you missed a great opportunity to name this thread "Reevu Rearview Review" 
Almost a catch 22 Major Major Major Major

He CAN retitle his thread via edit

[BockinBboy]

Added more pics to the OP.

- Bboy

[Snake2715]

Just saw this helmet on tech toys 360 on the velocity channel. Didn't catch when that episode originally aired however.

[Gorilla]

thanks for the review!

[BockinBboy]

Thread Revival!

Bombsquad made an excellent point in one of his recent threads regarding additional safety from rear end collisions - which prove to have the highest rate of fatalities of any motorcycle accidents.  Which, most unfortunately, adidasguy has reminded us all of this 

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=67181.0

I wanted to give a long term update on my Reevu helmet, which has this particular type of accident prevention at its forefront.

At nearly a year later, and approximately 6.5k miles with this helmet... overall I have no major complaints, and really only one minor one to mention. 

Regarding the visor and rearview system:  They do not like polarized sunglasses.  Which I think for visors this is a common inconvenience for most of them out there.  With polarized sunglasses, view through the visor gets rainbows in certain lighting, or the tarred repaired cracks in the road have an oily like glare specifically.  Now really the rearview system has the same effect as the visor - but its a little more pronounced due to the many curves involved in 'retrieving' an image from behind you... and if you add this effect of polarized sunglasses and the inherent darkness they are supposed to provide, along with the slightly darkened, mirror window it views through... you have an image that is much harder to make out. You can still see vehicles behind you, but good luck telling whether its and SUV or a compact car unless you are at a stop light.  The simple remedy is to just not use polarized sunglasses obviously... this is just harder to swallow when you have your favourite pair of Oakleys sitting on the sidelines for the very purpose they were intended for =/

Looking through the front visor with the occasional rainbow really isn't a deal breaker for polarized sunglasses, but I think through the mirror rear view it might be.  So the two fixes for this are simply - don't wear polarized sunglasses (just use regular lenses), or purchase the clear rear visor and use whatever lenses you like.

Now, that is the only complaint I can think of for this helmet - which is actually an issue for most helmets with a visor anyway, but I thought it was important to note how it also inhibits the rear-view system.

As far as holding up, and expectations, etc... All parameters met or exceeded those previously held, which I had outlined above.  One thing I did note early on and it still continues to surprise me, was that despite being white, it seems much easier to keep clean than my previous helmets (which were HJC).  Yeah the bugs show up after nearly every ride because its white, but they just seem to wipe off, and at most I'll use a bit of water.

- Bboy

[bombsquad83]

Surprisingly, I've never seen these helmets before.  It's an interesting concept.  Can you speak a little to how you personally use the rearview system?  By that I mean, what situations and how is it an advantage over the regular rearview mirrors?  Cost vs. Perceived benefit?

[yamahonkawazuki]

Surprisingly, I've never seen these helmets before.  It's an interesting concept.  Can you speak a little to how you personally use the rearview system?  By that I mean, what situations and how is it an advantage over the regular rearview mirrors?  Cost vs. Perceived benefit?

was curious about this as well

[Watcher]

Personally my side-mirrors are set wide enough and angled back enough that I can see a car behind me if it is slightly flanking me, or if I shift my shoulders a little I can see directly behind me, so I never really felt blind in the rear.

However, I can see this being very useful at low speed when using the bars to maneuver and thus not having a stable mirror angle, and when stopped and sitting up where a glance in the mirror will show you the ground.
But then again a convex mirror helps a lot with that as well.


I never knew these helmets existed.  I had always considered possibly getting an automotive back-up camera and display and rigging that to the bars just above the clamps, but never really felt a strong need for a direct rear view appliance.  Even in my truck I use the side mirrors a lot more often than I do the center rear-view, however I do have personal experiences where the rear-view has alerted me to a crisis and allowed me to avoid an accident so I can see the gold in having them.

[BockinBboy]

Its great that you asked this.  I find myself using it all the time.  I realized this just last week how much I use it.  I wore my old helmet to the store because I had been messing with my Bluetooth setup in the Reevu and needed to get there and get back.  I noticed I wanted to glance at it every time I slow down, at stops, at speed when I'm going to change lanes.  I still head check, but I glance at it several moments before I head check, just as I do in my cage... and I use the rear view mirror in my truck constantly because its such an open view (in a truck) vs the mirrors. 

Not having it was like it would be if you took the rear view mirror out of your car.  You only think its in the way till you go to use it and its not there.  I'm always using it to keep tabs on what's around me without having to take my attention off the road ahead.  The angle and movement I have trained myself to use it like this probably looks odd to another rider as I scan around me lol.... The image does not vibrate at any speed like a set of bike mirrors, so you always have a consistent view - fairly easy to see an additional benefit there.

Watcher, I agree the GS500F mirrors are really not the worst culprits of shoulder view, but you can see the situations where it does have its advantage still, and most bikes don't have as good of a view as the GS500F which I think is taken for granted by many F owners... however, this does relate to my next thought -

I'd say the cost of the rear view system adds around $100 to the helmet if you were to compare it to other lids with similar quality and features.  A set of capable mirrors and extenders to see as close to everything you can see with the helmet would cost you that much, and even those are affected at speed ... And, this goes with you on any bike you choose to ride.



- Bboy

[steezin_and_wheezin]

Fantastic review!! Remember these showing up a while back, and one just popped up on my local craigslist. With the cheapo bar end mirrors on my naked gsF its a pain in the ass to see what's behind me. Was considering getting one of these and this reevu rearview review(cracked me up slack) pushed me over the limit. I'll be looking to pick one up for my next brain bucket.

Can we can a side by side shot of it and a regular helmet? I always wondering how much taller it stood with the mirror setup

[BockinBboy]

Yeah, that's great idea... putting a reminder in my phone right now to snap a shot of my previous HJC CL14 (I think) and the Reevu FSX1 side by side.  I don't have my old HJC modular anymore which might make a better comparison shot, but it should give a good idea of the difference you see.

- Bboy

[BockinBboy]

Here we go. Keep in mind this Reevu is modular so chin bar is inherently larger than a full face to begin with. Both are mediums though from different brands


HJC CL-14 on left and Reevu FSX1 on right

- Bboy