Caberg XTrace: the full-face enduro helmet with quick-change qualities [REVIEW]

Caberg XTrace – The moment of choosing a helmet is always characterized by a certain sacredness. You don't choose a mere garment, any accessory, but it is something much more profound and solemn. Those who are motorcyclists understand well what we are talking about. From here comes all our satisfaction in receiving the Caberg XTrace, an enduro full-face helmet that combines the aggressive style of a cross helmet with the comfort of a travel helmet, which we used for many kilometers during our road tests. It is offered in the sober single-color matt black and white versions, or in the more eye-catching versions Spark, with a matt black base and anthracite/silver graphics or with a glossy white base and fluorescent yellow/anthracite graphics.

Technical characteristics of the Caberg XTrace

The cap is in LG CHEM HI-IMPACT ABS, made in two different sizes (small shell for sizes XS to L, large shell for sizes XL and XXL), obviously with ECE-22.05 approval. To ensure maximum vision in all light conditions, theXTrace is equipped with the system DVT (Double Visor Tech), with the internal sun visor easily maneuverable via an external lever, as well as removable. The external transparent visor, however, is scratch-resistant and designed to install the Pinlock lens. They complete the equipment Stop-Wind lower and internal nose guard, both removable. The closure buckle is micrometric while the internal parts, made of breathable material, are completely removable and washable. In designing this helmet, the Bergamo company also paid close attention to ventilation, which is guaranteed by three large adjustable vents, one in the chin area and two in the upper part of the shell. The picture is completed by a rear opening, which dissipates hot and stale air.

But the feature that makes this helmet truly special is its ability to turn. From the "complete" configuration, with the off-road peak and the transparent visor, it is in fact possible to switch to a helmet appearance for asphalt use by removing the peak. This results in an integral with a decidedly more street look, which can therefore be used with naked/sports motorbikes. Furthermore, this transformation operation does not leave unsightly empty spaces in the areas previously occupied by the peak, which would ruin the appearance of this stylish XTrace. For serious off-roaders, however, the other possibility of transformation consists in removing the transparent visor (as well as the internal sun visor) keeping only the peak. This gives it a deliberately more spartan appearance, like a true dirt bike helmet, making it possible to use cross goggles. Even in this case, the transformation occurs without leaving any trace. All these operations take a few seconds and, above all, they do not require the use of screwdrivers or other tools, just use the appropriate hooks and you're done.

Our impressions of the Caberg Xtrace

As a rule, a new helmet requires a certain amount of time before it can be perceived as truly comfortable. L'XTrace, however, surprised us with a pleasant sensation of comfort right from the first use, thanks to the well-shaped and soft internal padding, which immediately adapts to the shape of the wearer's head and face. This is accompanied by good soundproofing from wind vortices and engine noise. But the aspect in which this helmet really seems to excel concerns the functioning of the ventilation system described above, which completely eliminates the risk of dangerous fogging of the visor. Many of our road tests took place on mountain routes, in areas with very high humidity, and during the tiring off-road sections, the high amount of sweating and labored breathing made the internal visor fogging up almost inevitable. Yet, with theXtrace we never had the slightest hint of fogging, certainly thanks to the front air intake, which directs the air right onto the internal surface of the visor, thus avoiding the formation of condensation.