Last week we finally received the brand new modular helmet "A.S.R." of Italian brand DMD. A.S.R. stands for All Season Riding and that is exactly what this helmet is all about. The A.S.R. has a full visor and an inner sun visor and can be converted from a full face helmet into an open face helmet in just a few seconds. That makes it suited for all weather conditions and year-round riding. Even better, it has the ECE homologation both as a full face and as an open face helmet.
DMD A.S.R - Visual appearance
If you look at the A.S.R. from the front, the first thing you notice is the large visor and the narrow chin part made of matt black carbon fiber. On the forhead region there are three round air intakes with about 10mm diameter and inserted wire mesh. Two rounded and discreet lines run from the front o the upper back of the helmet, which adds a dynamic look. In side view, the round visor hinge made of matt black carbon is a striking design element. Eight steel screws are arranged in a circle and form a nice colour contrast to the carbon fiber. The contrasting colour of the chin part emphasizes the shape of the A.S.R.'s shell and makes the helmet so recognisable as a modular helmet. The chin part is always made from matt black carbon and blends in well with the helmet colours on offer. The A.S.R. comes in two helmet shell sizes, XS-M and L-XL.
DMD A.S.R - Comfort
The EPS shell of the A.S.R. is equipped with quite a few channels and grooves that suggest good ventilation. The removable and washable lining is made of very soft foam, which adapts well to the head and its light and airy design enhances the presumption of good ventilation of the helmet.
DMD A.S.R - Operation
The special feature of the A.S.R. is, of course, the possibility to use it as a full face and as an open face helmet, with both types having the ECE homologation. The conversion can be accomplished in a few seconds by operating two sliding buttons on the chin part (see photo) and the carbon chin part can be easily stowed and transported due to its compact and lightweight design. This way conversions on the side of the road are quickly done.
The operation of the sun visor is done by a slider at the helmet's bottom edge on the left hand side. It works reliably, but the visor's movement is quite sudden.
The main visor has a handle on the right and left, allowing for easy operation with both hands. It is infinitely adjustable and holds any position. If you want to close it completely, it locks firmly. The main visor can be easily removed with a small Allen key with the corresponding screw being marked with a small icon. We could not figure out how the visor mechanism can be covered after removing the visor, so that the helmet looks right as an open face helmet without main visor. We suspect that the use of A.S.R. not really intended in this configuration.
DMD A.S.R - Conclusion
The DMD A.S.R. lives up to its name and embodies a versatile helmet that can be used in any weather and throughout the year. The large visor offers a generous field of vision, which allows a good all-round visibility and thanks to the sun visor, you can quickly react to changing light conditions while riding. The attachment and removal of the chin part is very simple and accomplished within seconds. Thanks to the comprehensive ECE homologation, the A.S.R. can be used throughout Europe as a full face helmet and as an open face helmet.
