CKX MISSION AMS – A Taste of the Future
I am one of the lucky who had access to a CKX Mission AMS prototypes to test it. This revolutionary trail helmet features an integrated air management system that has been making a lot of noise since its launch on February 26, 2019. In addition to its AMS system, the newest member of the CKX family is equipped with many other features. Even though it is a prototype, I had two days to validate whether the product would meet the expectations it has generated since its launch. It was in Mauricie, the 16th and 17th of March 2019, that I was able to perform the tests of the Mission. I want to mention that the temperature varied from -3 °C to -7 °C, there were winds of 40 to 70 km/h, and I drove both during the day and in the evening over 450 km.
What can we expect for the 2019-20 season of the Mission? The helmet looks good at first sight due to its stylish, neat design and beautiful colors. The removable visor (pallet) is also a part of its nice look. Without it, like any trail helmet, the Mission would lose some of its looks. Fortunately, the pallet has been designed with aerodynamics in mind so that the consumer can drive at high speeds without feeling the pulling effect. I tested with and without; I didn’t notice any difference. Also, the visor is useful; it acts as a sun visor at the beginning and the end of the day. The helmet is very comfortable, lightweight and leaves enough space when the lens is open to bring out the exhaled air, drink and chat comfortably.
Regarding sound insulation, I consider it to be comparable to BRP’s BV2, which is already more than acceptable. The breath deflector made of high-quality rubber is easily removable, comfortable and barely noticeable once in place. When you raise the main visor, it is hitting the sun visor. However, I believe that the use of this element will only be necessary in periods of extreme cold and CKX is already working to solve this problem. For the safety, I would have appreciated seeing the integration of a LED light on the back of the helmet. Moreover, for those who want to get the helmet with an electric visor, note that the wire used is an RCA type. I think this concept should be improved to make way for a magnetized connection system found at BRP on the Oxygen.
The peripheral view obtained is wide and impressive. The model tested did not have an electric lens, which usually reduces this aspect. Even with the pallet in place, it is easy to wipe the lens with a glove with a chamois. There are two ventilation air intakes at the front; one of the lens and the other for the lower face. The mechanical system of the integrated sun visor is ingenious, one of the best in the industry. It is easy to access, works every time and holds the window well even when driving through large bumps.
Moreover, the yellow tint is useful because it highlights the landscape and allows the eye to rest on sunny days. Note that this can be replaced by other shades. You have to try it to appreciate its full value. Since not everything in this world is perfect, I must admit that I felt air entering between the glass and the right front shell of the helmet (sealing joint). I found this strange because the air came only from the right side and not from the left. As it was a prototype, CKX people later told me that during my tests, a wind protection part was missing. Consequently, there is a good chance that this will be corrected. Regarding the air that can infiltrate by the chin, I think CKX did their job because I didn’t detect any problems.
The question is, of course, to know if the famous AMS (Air Management System) principle works. Oh yes, it works, and it works remarkably well! It is even visually perceptible how well the air and moisture exhaust system is doing its job. Indeed, during my tests, I had fun exhaling upwards to try to create fog in the main window. The humid air is immediately and quickly evacuated. After several hours of use, the helmet remains dry and comfortable. It is very nice to have at the end of the day a dry helmet. Many potential buyers of the Mission are concerned about whether the openings of the air exit holes will become blocked with ice. I don’t think it would be likely to happen, because it used to happen on models where the air was evacuated at the front of the helmet. The humidity was immediately refrigerated at the exit by the wind hitting the front of the helmet. For the AMS Mission, the air exits are located at the rear through the two openings provided for this purpose.
What can the Mission’s next consumers expect? In my opinion, the helmet is well designed, and the user will find a stylish and revolutionary product. The CKX Mission is based on comfort, lightness, and performance that combines several practical aspects. I was thrilled by the prototype provided to me, I felt good inside the helmet, and I am personally satisfied to finally see a helmet full of useful features, equipped with a visor that meets certain aerodynamic conditions. This is a new concept and like everything else, it takes time to bring down some paradigms. However, the purchase of a helmet is personal and specific to everyone. Often, a thing can change your decision. The price of a quality helmet is also not negligible and should be taken into consideration. The Mission’s retail price ranges from 549.99 to 849.99. CKX offers a 2-year warranty on the Mission with the option of an additional three years once registered online. Will it seduce you?
For more information, you can go on the CKX website.
