Date reviewed: January 2021 | Tested by: Bennetts Rewards member Megan Wimpress | RRP: £199.99 | cabergcares.co.uk
The Caberg Horus is a relatively affordable flip-front helmet with a particularly deep visor intended to improve the rider’s field of view. We gave one to Bennetts Rewards member Megan Wimpress, who’s worn it for just under 1,000 miles so far on her 1998 Honda Hornet 600, riding on everything from B-roads to motorways…
For and against
- Outstanding field of view
- Comfortable
- Love the convenience of a flip-front
- Noiser than a full-face, but that’s to be expected
- Some doubt over durability of lining clips
Outer shell
The Caberg Horus keeps its cost down partly thanks to being made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic polymer), and is available in white, matt black or matt blue for an RRP of £199.99, though I have seen it in the UK for £160. I have one of the graphics options, which are listed at £234.99 but can be picked up for around £190.
That’s really good value for a flip-front, though the ABS construction does leave it feeling a little plasticky compared to higher-end (and higher-priced) lids.
It’s great to see that it’s a dual-homologated helmet – the ‘P/J’ label means it can safely be worn with the chin section up or down while riding as it’s passed the testing to allow it to do so. This generally comes down to whether or not the chin section will stay up securely on its own, and the Horus has a lock on the left side near the pivot point. To be honest, I rarely think to flick it across as it tends to stay up on its own anyway.
The main latch for releasing the chin bar is located on the front at the bottom – it’s very large, which makes it really easy to find and use, even in thick winter gloves.
Weight
Compared to my (much more expensive) full-face Shoei GT-Air, the Caberg feels a little heavier in the hand, but like all helmets, once on it really doesn’t feel heavy at all. If anything, it’s a shade lighter than the market-leading Shoei Neotec II flip-front.
Ventilation
The Caberg offers cool comfort even on a hot summer’s day, thanks to a wide front vent on the chin guard and one large adjustable intake on top, which has a smooth mechanism that makes it easy to choose how much air you want to let in. The helmet also has two always-open rear air exhaust ports allowing hot air to flow out.
Visor
Compared to my GT-Air, I can see so much more out of the Caberg Horus’ visor thanks to its deep design. I really like this as it feels less hemmed-in than some lids, and on upright-bikes you may well appreciate being able to see more of your tank / sat-nav without having to tilt your head.
A mid-range Pinlock MaxVision 70 anti-fog insert is supplied, which does a good job of preventing misting, while the visor itself is extremely easy to remove thanks to a pull-tab release mechanism.
The top of the visor has an excellent seal preventing any rain from running past it onto the inside, while the integrated drop-down sunshield has proven really useful during the low sun of winter mornings that can make it so hard to see. The lever on the left to operate the sunshield is easy to operate even with thick gloves on.
Lining
The lining is fully removable for cleaning, though it is a little fiddly to reinsert. I also noticed that, while they hadn’t fully broken, some of the tabs were deformed through taking the liner out and putting it back in, which doesn’t inspire me with too much confidence if it was taken out regularly. I won’t be doing it that much so it hasn’t worried me.
I find the breathable fabric of the liner to be really comfortable, especially in warmer weather – it’s nothing exceptional, but given the price of the helmet I’m happy with it.
The Horus is compatible with Caberg’s intercom, but I’ve got my own fitted and it went in really easy, especially thanks to the speaker cutaways and the channels for the wires. An excellent design.
Fastening
The micrometric quick-release buckle means you only need to set the strap length once, then it can be slid across the ratchets for a perfect fit every time, even with gloves on.
Fit
Fit is of course very subjective, but I found the Caberg Horus to be true to size – I’m typically an XS, and this is perfectly snug on my head with no pressure points or tight spots. I’ve had quite a few lids over the years, and I’d say this is one of the most comfortable.
While I don’t usually wear specs, I’ve tried this lid with a pair of glasses and they fit fine, resting comfortably on my nose and not feeling pressed against the sides of my head.
Noise
I found the Horus to be noisier then my Shoei GT-Air, but given that’s a multi composite lid at three times the price, and any flip-front has large shut-lines running up either side, that’s no surprise. And besides, no lid is wearable safely without earplugs, and this is far from uncomfortable when you’re wearing them. Just know that it won’t be as quiet as you might be used to if this is your first flip-front.
For more information on why earplugs are vital with any helmet, and advice on which are the best, click here.
Caberg Horus helmet review: Verdict
The Caberg Horus modular flip-front helmet is extremely good value for money. The chin bar, visor, sun-shield and vents are all easy to use, and I’ve really appreciated the extra field of view I get from this visor.
If you’re interested in a flip-front and all the benefits they offer like not having to take them off at a filling station, getting a fresh breeze while riding or being able to just pop them open to chat with your mates / ask directions, I’d definitely recommend you give this lid a look, particularly if you’re on a budget.
