Klim X1 Alpha - Review and Road-Test (2025)

INTRO

MATERIAL

First up, material. Here, the X1 is judged based on the material the outer shell is made of, and the amount of outer shell sizes its available in. Quick reminder, more outer shell sizes is beneficial, as this’ll make the fitment of the X1 more compact across all available sizes.

The X1 is made of carbon fibre, and parts of the construction process are done by hand to reduce the slightest imperfections. It’s also available in three shell sizes, which is a decent amount and an improvement upon the Krios Pro. So, the carbon helmet earns a solid four stars on its first segment, let’s continue to weight.

WEIGHT

To weigh our helmets, we use a scale that is accurate to the gram. Additionally, all helmets are weighed in a size M without any additional features installed. Carbon Fibre helmets tend to perform very well in this segment, as it’s the lightest material a helmet can be made out of. Let’s see the results.

When we weighed the X1, our scale indicated a weight of 1479 grams. Very lightweight compared to most other adventure helmets, but still heavier than it’s Klim relative, the Krios Pro. It earns four stars on weight, let’s continue to the visor.

VISOR

Up next is the visor of the X1. Here, we use a visor matrix in which a wide range of visor features and characteristics are listed. Naturally, not every single detail about the visor is equally as impactful on your riding experience, which is why they’re weighed based on what riders ask us about the most. Let’s see what it has to offer.

First off, the Klim helmet comes along side a photochromic visor in the box. Which is a type of visor that is able to tint itself based on the amount of light its exposed to. Basically a clear and dark tinted visor in one. Of-course, it’s clear visor is prepared for the best type of pinlock, the 120 XLT Maxvision, which is to be expected in this price range.

Both the Photochromic and the standard clear visor are also equipped with UV400 protection, and infrared shielding which should actually help in keeping the helmet cool. The visor mechanism only allows for three different positions, but it is very sturdy and should be able to resist the wind from blowing it should pretty well.

Furthermore, the visor of the X1 is sealed tight against the shell, which is one of the main ways that manufacturers reduce the noise you experience inside. And for Adventure helmets such as the X1 it also helps to prevent any rain or dirt from getting inside.

Finally, the X1-Alpha follows in the footsteps of the Krios Pro, as it does not have an integrated sun-visor. However, it’s not like you’re completely left at the mercy of the sun as you do get a photochromic visor with the helmet. But you do get the sense that it needs something to set itself apart from the Krios Pro.

However, there are plenty of riders that don’t mind not having a sun-visor, as it does make for a simpler and therefore slightly safer shell design. Ultimately, the X1 Alpha earns four and a half stars for its visor.

NOISE ISOLATION

It’s time to take the X1 out on the road to test what the noise levels are like inside the helmet. To do so, we’ve placed a decibel meter inside the helmet close to our test-riders ear. This device records the sound the same way as he hears it. We take our measurements from long stretches of open high-way, riding an average of 130 km/u. Finally, we run the results through the noise isolation matrix to determine star scores. Here’s how the X1 performed.

On the road, the X1 managed an average measurement of 99 decibels. Which is simply a very solid result for which it earns four stars.

VENTILATION

Alright, while on the road we also tested to what extent the X1 is able to keep your head cool. To measure this, we’ve placed a thermometer inside the X1, constantly keeping track of the inside temperature. At the same time, we measure the outside temperature and compare the two. The smaller the difference, the more stars a helmet earns. First, let’s take a quick look at the ventilation layout of the X1.

It's got two adjustable and waterproof forehead vents, it’s got a vent atop the chin that acts as a direct diffuser for the face shield. Finally, it’s got a standard adjustable vent on the lower part of the chin. In turn, warm air leaves the X1 through the four exhausts on the back.

On the road however, the X1 managed a temperature difference of around plus two degrees Celsius. This is decent, but could’ve definitely been better. It ultimately earns three stars on this part. Let’s continue to comfort.

COMFORT

We’ve ran through a series of performance related tests, but is the X1 comfortable to wear? That’s exactly what we’ll discuss here. It does present a bit of a challenge for us as its hard to translate the comfort of a helmet into concrete numbers, therefore, for this segment only, we’ll be partially relying on our test rider. He has also tested the other helmets on our channel and can make a comfort comparison like no other. Let’s go over the comfort features of the X1 first and see what it has to offer.

First off, the X1 has an intermediate over head-shape much like the Krios Pro. This helmet doesn’t really allow you to adjust the padding, but you can install the inner liners of other sizes. The inner liner itself is fully removable, washable and anti-bacterial.

The cheek and crown pads are made of Klim’s BRRR fabric, which are soft on the skin and feel great to wear. Finally, the X1 is equipped with a chin-curtain made of perforated goat leather, which will go a long way in preventing buffeting and wind from entering the helmet from below.

Our test rider gave the X1 four stars for comfort, and noted that it felt great to wear, and has similar benefits to the Krios Pro. Which are its lightweight and quality padding. However, the X1 could’ve used padding adjustability features.

FEATURES

Alright, let’s see what bells and whistles the X1 is equipped with. We use a features matrix to determine star scores. In this matrix, a wide range of features are listed and weighed based on what riders ask us about the most.

First off, I think a lot of riders will be glad to hear that the X1 is prepared for universal cardo/sena systems and does not have it’s own specific communication system. It’s glasses friendly and the helmet has a great finish. Finally, the peak of the X1 is removeable without any tools, a detail that is very nice to have.

That covers it for the features of the X1-Alpha, is there anything that’s missing compared to its competitors?

Well, just like the Krios Pro, the X1 does not come with an emergency quick release, which is a bit surprising especially at this price range. And like we mentioned earlier, the padding of the X1 is not adjustable. Simply put, the features line-up of the X1 is decent at best, and could’ve used a bit more considering the price-tag. Ultimately, it earns three and a half stars for its features.

CONCLUSION

Alright, let’s close out by giving our final conclusion. For that, we need the results so far so let’s quickly go through them.

The X1 had a solid start earning four stars on material for its carbon shell and 3 shell sizes, it also proved to be lightweight in our weight segment, earning another four stars.

Then, the X1 impressed in the visor segment, earning four and a half stars due to the photochromic visor and pinlock in the box, solid visor mechanism and field of vision.

After visor came our road-test segments, where the X1 impressed in the noise insulation segment, with an average measurement of 99 decibels. However, it struggled on ventilation, where it had a temperature difference of plus two degrees.

Finally, the X1 earned 4 stars on comfort, and three and a half stars on features due to its easily adjustable peak, speaker pockets and glasses friendly inner liner.

All in all, the X1-Alpha earned an average of around 3.9 stars, for which you pay 34 euros per star. Objectively speaking, the X1-Alpha is a solid adventure helmet, and is very capable of challenging the Arai Tour-X5’s and the Schuberth E2’s of this corner of the market.

Subjectively though, it does feel like the X1-Alpha had more potential and is missing something new and innovative to help justify the pricepoint and to set it apart from the Krios Pro.

That covers it for the brand new Klim X1-Alpha. As always, we’re curious to know what your first impressions of this helmet are, be sure to share your thoughts.