With roots in the skiing and snowboarding worlds, 20-year-old Ruroc has been in the motorcycle helmet space since 2017. Based in Gloucester, UK, about 35 miles northeast of Bristol, Ruroc builds high-tech EOX helmets at its dedicated Chinese manufacturing plant using a proprietary Quad-Matrix carbon-fiber/Kevlar/nylon/fiberglass outer shell from Italy. London-based Rheon Labs’ impact-absorption system is integrated into the EPS liner for additional protection. The result is a helmet that meets DOT, ECE 22.06, and Sharp 4* safety standards. Even with all that, there’s much more to talk about regarding the Ruroc EOX helmet.
In addition to the safety features, the Ruroc EOX helmet comes semi-prewired for the Cardo-sourced Shockwave Mesh intercom system. We installed the Shockwave Mesh system in under half an hour thanks to pockets for the Harman Kardon speakers, installed Velcro for the microphone, and some built-in wiring. There’s an installation and operation video that walks you through the process. As the speakers and microphone are plug-and-play, they work perfectly with the helmet.
The control unit snaps into a left slot on the EOX helmet, while the battery snaps into a receptacle on the right. Two batteries are included, so you can swap them on long rides, though one battery handled an all-day ride in our testing. The Shockwave Mesh paired instantly with a Cardo Packtalk Pro mesh unit—no drama here.
Although the button pattern takes some time to get used to, the sound of the Shockwave Mesh system through the speakers and the microphone is outstanding. It’s a fantastic system, and priced right at $429. As a Packtalk Edge will set you back $400, the ease of installation is well worth the $29 difference, as is the second battery.
As a bonus, should a battery wear out, a replacement is $39. That’s far superior to having to disassemble a Cardo unit should you want to take on the challenge of battery replacement.
If you don’t need mesh, a Shockwave Bluetooth communications system is available. It’s appropriate for a solo rider, or when you only speak to a passenger. Priced at $219, the Bluetooth version is just over half the price of the Mesh system.
Befitting the rest of its premium features, the Ruroc EOX helmet has a nice interior. Rather than being ultra-plush, the scalloped comfort padding allows for a high level of airflow through the two forehead vents.
When it’s cold or hot, you can absolutely feel the generous amount of air moving across your scalp at virtually any riding speed. The two vents are closable in tandem via a switch between them that is easily manipulated, even with winter gloves on. With the vent open or closed, the Ruroc EOX was nicely quiet, though your head shape can heavily influence that.
The lightweight carbon fiber design is well-balanced on the head and aerodynamically sound, even when glancing over your shoulder at extra-legal highway speeds. I rode the Ruroc EOX with and without the Shockwave Mesh system, and felt no difference—a testament to good design practices and the balance of the head unit and the battery placement.
The Ruroc EOX with the Shockwave Mesh system installed weighs 3 pounds, 8.6 ounces. For comparison, an Arai Contour-X with a Cardo Packtalk Edge installed weighs 3 pounds, 11.5 ounces.
The Ruroc EOX does have a quirky chinstrap system. Rather than use a traditional double D-ring or ratchet system, Ruroc uses the Fidlock system from Germany. It uses a single metal D-ring that slips over a hook and is held in place by a magnet. The system requires an initial adjustment of the strap through a plastic D-ring, though that’s a one-time job. Until you get used to it, getting the magnet in place can be a challenge. I can do it with my gloves on, and I cannot thread a double D-ring with gloves on, which is a plus.
Initially, you’ll think there’s no way the strap is attached, though a pull on the strap confirms that it’s not going anywhere. Releasing the chin strap is easy—just pull on a tab, and the D-ring disengages with no effort. While there’s a learning curve, you’ll likely grow to appreciate the advantages of the Fidlock system.
Clear and dark smoke faceshields are included with the Ruroc EOX, along with a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog insert. Both faceshields are distortion-free, and the tinted faceshield was usable on a rainy day. There are three detents between fully open and closed, including a handy slightly open position for in-town riding. Movement between the positions is smooth and sure.
The EOX with the Ace Cafe graphic looks especially slick with the smoke faceshield, though I’m going to ask Ruroc to send me the gold faceshield. Ruroc offers nine different faceshields, including clear. It is easy to swap them—no tools needed. Ruroc has a video, in case you need shield-changing instructions.
Speaking of looking good, one of the attractions of the Ruroc EOX is its wide range of graphics. I showed up at a new model launch wearing the EOX with the Ace Cafe graphic, and the group of hard-to-impress journalists were wowed. If you’re a fan of Iron Maiden, there are two EOX helmets with band-branded graphics available. Otherwise, Ruroc offers 20 solids and graphics to choose from, with prices ranging from $499 to $640. The Ruroc website, checked at the time of publication, shows various discounts; MSRPs are provided here.
Often, when you go with a helmet brand that relies on wild graphics for sales, you’re either going to pay more, get a cheap helmet, or have fewer safety certifications. In the case of the Ruroc EOX, the helmet offers premium pricing for its upscale features, three safety certifications, and the ability to integrate Cardo-based intercom hardware seamlessly. Add Ruroc to the list of top-notch helmet companies.
Action photography by Kelly Callan and Simon Cudby
Ruroc EOX Fast Facts
