AGV AX-8 EVO Helmet

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Review by Michael Lindsay // photos by Michael Lindsay and Andre Barbosa

Every time I see a new helmet hit the market I think, "How much is your head worth?" I know budget-wise, getting the most expensive helmet isn't always an option. Because of this, we always try to test out as many helmets as possible in varying price ranges. Although the AGV AX-8 EVO has been on the market for a few years, its unique design interested me, and I've been riding in one for a few months.

AGV AX-8 EVO Features:

• Fully removable and washable inside padding in breathable Dry-Lex® with hygienic treatment. The fixed part of the cheek pads is covered in easily washable soft plastic material.
• Three outer shell sizes with SSL (Super Super Light) layering made of carbon, Kevlar®, and fiber glass.
• Adjustable peak system; AGV patented.
• Double-D retention system.
• (IVS) Integrated Ventilation System with a wide channel hollowed directly in the shell for an enhanced air-flow into the helmet and an improved aerodynamic penetration.
• Five front air vents, two lateral air intakes and two rear extractors.
• DOT and ECE 22.05 Certified.
• MSRP $369.99 solid colors, $399.99 graphic designs.

First Impressions:

The first thing that stands out about AGV's AX-8 EVO is its flat, open mouthpiece, chin bar design, and its unique visor. To some, this may seem a bit odd, but I'm personally a fan of this helmet's aggressive look. When deciding which size to ride in, I was informed by AGV that their helmets run fairly large, so they recommended I try a size smaller than I'd normally use. In this case, the AX-8 EVO in a small felt more like a medium in most other helmets I use and not in-between sizes. There are maybe two or three helmets on the market I've tried that I've had to do this with.

The fit itself was quite comfortable, with no pressure points or odd ridges along the shell. The cheek area is a little on the tight side, but I typically prefer this, especially when the cheek pads run past your chin (which the AGV does). This helps push your head back into the shell, preventing it from sliding forward in a faceplant scenario. The AX-8 EVO also has a fairly large goggle area, allowing for even the largest frame goggles. In addition, the shell is a bit wide in this area, so an outrigger style goggle frame works quite well with the AGV.

On the Track:

While on the track, the snug fit of the AX-8 EVO keeps it in place, with no shifting or sliding around on your head. As with most carbon fiber helmets from Europe, the lack of weight is quite noticeable. This helmet comes in at a featherweight two-and-a-half pounds, which is quite noticeable after a long day on the bike.

The venting is the next standout. Outside of the large mouthpiece vent, the AX-8 EVO also has two large intakes located under the visor on the front of the shell. The air traveling through these intake vents is able to reach the top of your head without much resistance. This is because the helmet's liner has numerous openings, allowing the air to easily travel through, instead of fighting to get through the material. In addition, these vents can be opened or closed based on the conditions or your personal preference.

Long-Term Durability:

The most abuse I put the AX-8 EVO through consisted of a couple slide-outs on a hard pack track that resembled concrete. These resulted in a few small scuffs in the clear coat, but no major damage to the graphics or the shell itself. Happily, those mistakes also didn't result in any birdies circling my head, giving me more confidence in the safety aspect of the helmet. The only negative I found durability-wise is actually with the visor. Although I never clipped it in a crash, it can be twisted easily. This is because the points on the visor where it attaches to the shell are very thin and flimsy. Although broken visors are common, I can see it as being a bit more common with this one.

The Last Word:

The AX-8 EVO's unique and aggressive styling may not win over everyone, but in my eyes it's a winner. It offers top-of-the-line ventilation and safety, in a lightweight package that still squeaks in at under $400. This is a plus in a market where it's competing against helmets that are coming in at the mid-$500 and up range. The only two knocks I have against it are its flimsy visor, and a slight lack of graphics to suit my tastes. Normally, I would also take the non-standard sizing as a negative. But AGV admits to this and recommends looking towards a size smaller than what you may normally choose.

Vital MX Rating:

Check out AGV.com for more information on the AX-8 EVO or their other helmet lines.

About the Test Rider:

Michael Lindsay is a born-and-raised moto freak and gearhead from the heart of motocross in Southern California. First swinging a leg over a bike at the age of five, he immediately caught the racing bug, spending nearly every weekend behind a gate…and a lot of time on the couch while injured. While swinging back and forth between moto and the off-road scene, giving him a wide range of experience on the bike. Of course, all of this led to one thing: Lindsay loves working on his bikes almost as much as he loves talking about them. When he’s not in the Vital MX forum or writing his latest product review, you can find him out at the track taking dirt naps, snapping some pictures, or drooling over the latest parts for his bike. With an outspoken personality, gearhead background, and as Vital MX’s guru for product, Michael is here to share his unbiased opinion.