Duchinni D405 helmet review

Tested by: John Milbank RRP: £79.99 More info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk | 0117 977 9200

It’s easiest to say what you don’t get with this budget lid: A quick-release, anti-fog visor. And, ermm… that’s it!

The Duchinni D405 is an EC22.05 approved helmet with ABS shell, quick-release seat-belt style chin-strap, integrated flip-down sun visor, and a removable, washable lining. A vent on the chin and a pair on the top can be opened to control air flow, while there’s an exhaust vent at the rear. People often ask if a lid’s noisy, but I’ve yet to find a helmet that doesn’t require earplugs, and the D405 seems no louder than many other helmets I’ve tried.

There are plenty of anti-fog treatments available – my favourites are Muc-Off’s Premium Anti Fog Treatment and FogTech from www.visorvision.co.uk – so the lack of an anti-mist visor shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It’s worth noting that there’s no way to just crack the visor open a little – the first step is set quite high, revealing an opening too wide for any speed.

The lining it very soft and comfortable, though I did initially find the lid pressed very hard on my forehead, making it really uncomfortable. Often described as ‘a conical-headed freak’ by my colleagues, most of my helmets need a bit of breaking-in. In this case, I found it helped to remove a small piece of foam from the front of the interior, but everybody’s head is different (and you shouldn’t really mess around with the construction), which is why it’s always a good idea to try any helmet on before you buy it.

The D405 offers superb value for money, with far more features than its price tag should allow. Combined with very nice styling, and just a £10 premium if you go for one of the XRR graphic versions, budget conscious riders would be well advised to check it out.

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