When Grant Sammut from Ron Angel Wholesale called to say the new Italian-made X-Lite 802RR Ultra Carbon helmet was in stock, he claimed people had fainted after simply laying eyes on it, such is its beauty.

When mine arrived just in time for the recent BMW launch in Tasmania, I did actually feel a bit lightheaded when I opened the box and removed the black beauty, but that could also be because of its super light weight. The hand-laid carbon-fibre shell with its high-gloss finish and striking fluoro yellow highlights is undoubtedly eye-catching.

I wore the Ultra Carbon for two full days of riding and it was as comfortable as a broken-in helmet. Thankfully the X-Lite comes standard with a Pinlock-ready visor and Pinlock insert because the weather was pretty crappy at times in Tassie.

I’m still discovering the many features of this lid, so look for my full test review in an upcoming issue. In the meantime, I’m off to stare at it for a bit longer.

X-Lite 802RR Ultra Carbon helmet

RRP from $749.95

Sizes: XSM–XXL

Ron Angel Wholesale (03) 9464 3366 ronangel.com.au

By Chris Dobie