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Review | Nishua NFX-3 Evo Carbon

Affordable and well-specified flip-front helmet plays for premium style points with its fancy carbon finish

Dan Trent

Words by: Dan Trent

Published on 23 January 2025 | 0 min read

  • What is it: Flip-front full-face helmet
  • Protection level: ECE 22.06
  • Price: £292.30rrp, actual price varies according to exchange rates
While the perception remains that flip-front helmets can never quite offer the same protection as conventional full-face lids the latest ones like this Nishua NFX-3 Evo Carbon are fully compliant with the latest safety standards, and their flexibility in off-bike situations can be a big plus.
More on this shortly but first the question of whether you’re willing to take a punt on what presents as a value brand for such a safety critical piece of kit. Accepted wisdom says helmets are one place you don’t skimp, but the fact an equivalent Shoei or Schuberth meeting the same ECE 22.06 safety standards could cost twice as much as this fully carbon-shelled Nishua makes it seriously tempting.
Sold through German kit giant Louis Moto, the NFX-3 Evo Carbon also impresses out of the box with the glossy finish to its lacquered carbon and alignment of the weave, the quality of the fixtures and fittings and the overall fit, our size L example measuring up well against our default Large Shoei. A Pinlock is also included in the box and is an easy fit to the large visor with its distinctive lowered front section.
Helmet fit, is of course, a personal thing but the Nishua suited us, the brushed fabric padding around the neck and on the chin guard creating an effective seal against cold air and wind noise. Weight comparisons can be tricky given some manufacturers game the system by only quoting figures for the smallest in the range but the Nishua’s quoted 1,690g is on a par with the 1,700g for an equivalently sized Shoe Neotec 3, the placebo effect of the exposed carbon making it seem lighter in your hands.
The ratchet strap is quick and easy to use, the quick release for the chin guard meaning you can quickly raise it when needed, sparing the faff of removing helmet, earplugs and the rest every time you stop for fuel or just chat with your pillion or riding buddies. You won’t want to ride with it in this format but with the guard in place many people wouldn’t clock that it’s a flip-front.
On the road we appreciated the comfort and insulation, though we found the ‘raised cheekbones’ shape of the chin guard and visor intruded on peripheral vision when doing those all-important shoulder checks. The visor also sticks up a long way if you raise it independently of the chin guard, so watch those low doorways and while the flip down tinted secondary visor is welcome it did touch the bridge of our nose. We didn’t get to try the Nishua with the comms systems many of the target audience of touring riders and commuters may use for keeping in touch with pillions, riding buddies or infotainment but will report back when we’ve had chance to do so. All-in-all an impressively finished piece of kit with a sense of quality sufficient to mitigate against the inevitable brand snobbery.

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