The Nexx X.WST3 is "loaded with features and a great experience when riding"

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I’m a long-time fan of Nexx motorcycle helmets, having used them on-and-off since 2016. The X.WST3 is the Portuguese manufacturer’s latest street style helmet and boasts multiple features including drop-down sun visor, quick-release cheek pads, built-in intercom and action camera integration. Available in premium carbon and plain composite finishes also, the Fluence sports a bold graphic pattern and colours.

How comfortable is the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet?

This is the third helmet manufacturer since the introduction of ECE 22.06 where I’ve had to go up to a medium, having always previously been a small. The shell is slightly on the large side (there are three shell sizes covering eight helmet sizes). The lining is made from an anti-allergy, anti-sweat, fully removable and washable X.Mart fabric that is smooth and shiny to the touch. It is among the most comfortable helmets I’ve tested, easily usable for a full day ride and even in high summer it never felt overly hot or sweaty. That’s also thanks to the six excellent intake vents (chin, cheeks, forehead, head plus two exhaust vents) promoting great airflow. There are no pressure points at all, and while 1675g isn’t exactly light, it’s comparable to other, similarly-specced helmets on the market.

Is the visor of the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet any good?

The X.WST3 comes with a clear visor as standard in the UK, plus a dark integrated drop-down sun visor operated by a switch on the left side of the top of the head. Each design comes with a spare visor in the box, with the grey/yellow MT design I have including a red iridescent item. The visor has a generous aperture providing a wide field of view, and a multi-click ratchet opening so it can easily stay open for extra airflow on the move. The drop-down sun visor gives full coverage with no disruption to your eyeline or distraction in your peripheral vision, although as with all drop visors it is prone to misting up. The main visor comes with a Pinlock supplied and once installed provides mist-free vision in all weathers and temperatures. I don’t love the visor change mechanism – it’s a little on the fiddly side but it does pull the visor nice and tight to the shell.

Does the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet have good ventilation?

There are six front vents on the X.WST3; a large vent on the chin bar (with a chunky switch/dust cover), a central forehead vent, two eyebrow vents and two on the top of the head. Two exhaust vents allow the hot air to escape. All of the vents work well and you can feel the air flowing through them. The vents on the top of the shell can be a little awkard to move as they sit quite flush to the shell and move out to the sides rather than straight backwards.

Is the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet quiet and comfortable?

I always ride with earplugs and found the Nexx to be comfortably quiet, although I prefer it with the optional chin curtain (included) fitted. Buffeting is minimal, helped by the EPS liner’s new rubber trim which aims to dampen vibrations from turbulence at high speed. Riding with all the vents open in hot weather you’ll notice the increase in decibels, but not uncomfortably so. I often find with helmets designed to take an intercom that without one installed, the lack of padding around the ears (where the speakers would be) can lead to increased noise but it’s not especially noticeable with the X.WST3.

How does the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet look?

The Fluence features a bold graphic design and certainly stands out! In the grey/yellow there’s a strong, construction vibe which I like (certainly more than the lairy blue/red version!). The shell shape is unapologetically streetfighter; aggressive angles meet aerodynamic lines. Looks are subjective of course, but while I’d usually go for something a bit more subtle the X.WST is a smart looking lid.

Is the Scorpion ADF-9000 helmet good quality?

Everything about the Nexx feels quality. There’s nothing loose or flappy. Lining is secure without gaps, vents operate well and there’s a sturdy tightness to the whole unit. That said, the chin vent has a ‘winter dust cover’ which also acts as the switch and it’s fallen out twice – once on the move when I luckily caught it. The chin strap is also annoyingly long which can make threading it through the double D-rings tricky, especially in cold weather with numb fingers, neck tubes and high-collard adventure style jackets.

Is the Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet good value for money?

The X.WST3 is laden with features making it attractive for a multi-composite street style helmet. With a Pinlock, sun visor, spare visor, action camera and intercom integration built in, great ventilation, all day comfort, F.R.S fast release safety system, the competitive £359.99 RRP makes it an appealing, quality helmet.

Nexx X.WST3 FLUENCE helmet – the bottom line

Loaded with features and a great experience when riding, the Nexx is competitively-priced. The bold styling and aggressive appearance might not be to everyone’s taste, but this form has function and barring a couple of very minor niggles over the chin vent and strap length the whole unit functions exactly as it should. With the added plus of having no animal products in its construction, the vegan-friendly X.WST3 is a top-quality alternative to more familiar brands.

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