A lightweight adventure helmet that gets the details right

A Portuguese helmet manufacturer with its own production facilities

NEXX is a Portuguese helmet manufacturer founded in 2001. Since then, the company has grown into an international brand, with helmets sold in 65 countries.

NEXX manufactures its helmets at its own factory in Amoreira, Portugal, allowing the company to experiment with materials, aerodynamics and new solutions. By bringing development and production together under one roof, NEXX maintains control over the entire process, from design and material selection to the finished helmet.

The X.RALLY has been developed for riders who want to switch between tarmac, gravel and more demanding off-road terrain. The X-PRO Carbon version features a carbon fibre shell, extensive ventilation and several options for adapting the helmet to different riding conditions.

A weight difference you can feel

What stands out most to me about the X.RALLY is the combination of low weight and comfort. According to the manufacturer, the helmet weighs approximately 1,350 grams, but it is when I am actually wearing it that I appreciate just how light it feels.

Despite having many of the features you would expect from a modern adventure helmet, it feels remarkably manageable and comfortable. It fits comfortably on my head, and I have enjoyed wearing it on tarmac, gravel and forest tracks.

Of course, helmet fit is very individual. In my case, I needed to go up a size compared with what I would normally wear. My advice is therefore to try the helmet on properly before buying.

And I have to admit, I think it looks really good too.

A visor that does the work for you

Alongside the low weight, the photochromic visor is without doubt what I appreciate most about this helmet.

I am quite sensitive to light and have often worn sunglasses under my helmet. The problem is that the arms sometimes press against my head and rub around my ears.

I have also used helmets with drop-down sun visors, but I have occasionally found them either too dark or too light, depending on the conditions. With the photochromic visor, I no longer have that problem

The visor adjusts its tint according to the light, and it works brilliantly, not only in bright sunshine but also when the light is more subdued yet still bright enough to make you squint.

Another advantage is the generous field of vision. The large visor opening provides a wide, unobstructed view, something I appreciate both on the road and when riding along narrower gravel roads and forest tracks.

Good airflow when temperatures rise

Ventilation is another positive feature.

I have tested the helmet in fairly warm conditions, and opening the vents provided a pleasant flow of air through the helmet.

In terms of noise levels, I would say it is fairly average. Compared with other helmets I have used, it is neither particularly quiet nor noticeably noisy. Nothing really stands out in either direction. However, compared with my current helmet, I do not experience the same wind noise and rushing sounds, which is a welcome relief.

A helmet you can adapt to your riding

Another interesting feature of the X.RALLY is its versatility. For mixed riding on tarmac and gravel, it can be used with both the peak and visor fitted, while the peak can also be removed for road riding. Those who prefer can remove the visor and use motocross goggles instead.

The helmet also comes with several components that allow you to adjust its ventilation and configuration. These include a removable nose guard, additional air intakes around the cheek pads, chin ventilation for winter use and an extra ventilation opening at the rear.

I initially tried a different GoPro mount, but this positioned the camera at an angle that resulted in considerably more footage of the ground than of my surroundings. With the mount supplied by NEXX, I was able to position the camera further forward and achieve a much better filming angle.

Installation involves replacing part of the chin ventilation with the camera mount. It is a simple procedure: you loosen a screw, fit the ventilation plate and camera mount, then tighten the same screw again.

The helmet is also designed to accommodate universal intercom systems, with space for speakers around the ears and provision for installing communication equipment. However, this is not something I have tested myself.

Thoughtful construction

In addition to keeping the weight down, NEXX has paid considerable attention to the helmet’s construction. Among its features is an anti-vibration system incorporated into the impact-absorbing EPS material, which, according to the manufacturer, is designed to reduce vibrations caused by air turbulence, particularly at higher speeds.

The helmet also features X-Foam, impact-absorbing protection along the lower edge and chin area. According to NEXX, these components are designed to absorb energy in the event of a collision.

These are interesting technical features to be aware of, although their protective performance is not something I can assess through ordinary road testing.

An adventure helmet that impresses

After using the NEXX X.RALLY on tarmac, gravel and forest tracks, it is above all the combination of low weight and comfort that I appreciate.

But if I had to choose just one feature that makes the biggest difference to me, it would be the photochromic visor. Not having to wear sunglasses or manually adjust the amount of light coming through makes riding easier and more comfortable.

Ventilation works well, the field of vision is generous, and the included camera mounts are a thoughtful addition for anyone wanting to film their riding. The ability to adapt the helmet for different types of use is another advantage.

There is, however, one thing I would particularly recommend: make sure you try the helmet on before deciding which size to buy.

Overall, the NEXX X.RALLY X-PRO Carbon is a helmet I really enjoy wearing. Its low weight, comfort and, above all, its visor make it stand out.