HJC RPHA 71 Carbon Helmet Review

Last updated:June 2, 2025

Review Summary

If you’re looking for the main takeaways from this review, here is my summary of the RPHA 71 Carbon:

• The HJC RPHA 71 Carbon retails for $634.99 USD
• The helmet sports a beautiful black carbon fiber weave wrap that perfectly showcases its shell composition
• The helmet is lightweight, yet heavy when compared to other similar carbon fiber models
• Every component of the helmet feels premium and is made out of high-quality materials
• The RPHA 71 Carbon is the best-fitting, most comfortable helmet I’ve worn to date
• Sizing is standard with 6 sizes (XS-2XL) across 4 shell sizes 
• Durable EVO Carbon fiber construction, but only approved to DOT standards
• Extremely wide FOV with a high-quality visor track system with at least 10 definitive visor positions
• The included dark smoke drop-down sun shield has 3 track positions and covers the entire FOV, leaving only a small area exposed
• Pinlock 120 DKS468 is included in your purchase
• The two oversized vents and two rear exhausts work overtime to provide exceptional front-to-back airflow
• The ventilation system can be adjusted to better suit your needs
• Preventative measures to control noise work adequately, but still allow for a bit of wind and road noise 
• The RPHA 71 Carbon allows for seamless integration with Sena 11B, 21B, and 50B Bluetooth systems
• The helmet provides riders with a more-than-fair value at its current price point, with the most coming from its invaluable comfort level 

RPHA 71 Carbon – Comfort is Paramount

2025 is shaping up to be the year of carbon fiber helmets for me, and I’m not complaining one bit. When you get the chance to review a helmet from one of the biggest names in the industry, you clear your schedule and get to work.

This was my first HJC helmet, and admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect. With so much positive HJC coverage across webBikeWorld, I needed to find out what I was missing out on, and the answer was oh so much.

This year, we’ve partnered up with our friends over at Helmet House to bring you an extensive list of gear reviews that are sure to excite. HJC is a major line for them, and I wanted to make sure I did this helmet justice by testing it in-depth and thoroughly. Without further delay, read on for my findings below! 

First Impressions

There’s nothing better than that new helmet smell. 

The RPHA 71 Carbon arrived in a premium-looking box with tons of packaging, foam, and cardboard structures to ensure it doesn’t get damaged in transport. I appreciated that, as I’ve had to deal with compromised helmets in the past due to courier negligence and mishandling.

Immediately, I noticed the massive chin and top-of-head vent that looks capable of producing insane amounts of airflow. Upon opening the visor, you can feel the high-quality multi-step ratchet system that is strong enough to hold the visor in whatever position you like. 

Overall, the helmet felt well-made and high-quality. I was eager to test out the huge vents and see if they were as powerful as they looked.

We Love a Carbon Fiber Shell

There’s nothing quite like slipping on a carbon fiber helmet and immediately benefiting from its lightweight shell. For those of you who have ridden in entry-level helmets before, you know exactly what I’m talking about (stiff neck, anyone?). However, when compared to other carbon fiber helmets within its price range, the RPHA 71 Carbon is on the heavier side.

Aside from being lightweight, I’m sure you’re well-versed in carbon fiber’s safety capabilities, such as its superior impact dispersion and high elasticity. They’re regarded as some of the strongest and safest helmets available.

To emphasize its inner makings, HJC gave the RPHA 71 a beautiful carbon fiber wrap on the outside. The glossy black finish paired with the carbon fiber weave is bound to turn heads and is a real treat to look at. In addition, it can be effortlessly styled with any gear in your closet! 

As I previously mentioned, everything about this helmet feels premium. I haven’t found a single component about this lid that feels cheap. From the vent sliding mechanism to the aerodynamic fins on the upper rear, this helmet is well-made and built to last.

Design & Build Rating – 95%

I’ve genuinely struggled to find something about the RPHA 71’s design and build that I didn’t like. In fear of sounding like a broken record, everything feels premium and extremely high-quality. The overall design is simple, with a beautiful carbon fiber weave wrap and typical branding on the brow and rear. However, the oversized vents and aerodynamic fins differentiate this helmet from other full-face helmets on the market, with a hint of a bulky look.

Fun fact, I had 3 compliments on my helmet the first time I rode in it. If that doesn’t speak for the design of the lid, I don’t know what will!

The only thing working against the design RPHA 71, and this is nitpicking at its finest, is the placement of the face shield release button. I found it to be too close to the lifting tab of the shield, making it difficult to differentiate with a gloved hand. Admittedly, the placement is better than the button on the EXO-Eclipse I recently reviewed.

If only considering the design and build of this helmet, the RPHA 71 would have earned a spot on our Best Carbon Fiber Motorcycle Helmets list.

Size, Fit & Comfort

I know you’ve heard me say this before, but I promise you that I’m telling the truth when I say that the RPHA 71 Carbon is the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn.

I don’t know if it’s the overall fit of the helmet, the firm pressure of the cheek pads, the moisture-wicking fabric, the lightweight shell, or all of the above, but I am not exaggerating when I say this helmet is an absolute pleasure to wear.

It fits me like a glove, with close to zero movement in all directions, yet at the same time does not feel overly tight and has zero pressure points. I could wear this helmet for hours and not grow tired of it. In my opinion, the fit alone is this helmet’s best-selling feature.

The sizing is standard, with a medium fitting me perfectly (as if that wasn’t already clear). I would recommend ordering your typical size, but always consult the size guide before ordering. This lid is available in 6 different sizes, from XS to 2XL, across 4 outer shell sizes.

What does that mean? You’re more likely to experience the same euphoria I had while riding in it. You may think that 4 shell sizes aren’t a big deal, as most manufacturers have 3, but by having a more compact outer shell, the helmet can better protect your head, feel less bulky, and eliminate that bobblehead feeling we are all familiar with.

Size, Fit & Comfort Rating – 100%

Without a doubt, the RPHA 71 Carbon receives a perfect score for size, fit, and comfort. It’s hard for me to put into words how much I enjoyed riding in this helmet, and how much of a difference the comfort of this helmet made to my overall experience. 

Simply put, it felt like this helmet was custom-fit to my head, which was an invaluable riding experience.

How Safe is it?

The RPHA 71 Carbon is made out of a premium integrated matrix of EVO carbon fiber. It is said to deliver superior performance with enhanced shock resistance and maximum protection. Yet, the helmet is only DOT-approved. I’m not disputing that this helmet is very durable and effective, but HJC hasn’t done the legwork to prove that claim.

You could make the argument that because this helmet is classified as a touring model, there isn’t a need to meet further certifications. I’d counter that argument with the fact that RPHA (Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced) helmets are HJC’s top-shelf, high-performance models, and are geared toward riders who prioritize performance, safety, and advanced features. As such, it only makes sense to see further safety certifications. 

Some of their cheaper models, such as the i10, are Snell M2020 certified, with some high-end models reaching both FIM and ECE standards. It leaves me confused, and quite frankly let down, that the HJC team didn’t go the extra step.

Of course, this information is available online from HJC retailers, such as Helmet House, so it’s not as if HJC is trying to hide the fact that the helmet is only DOT-approved. For a recreational rider, you may choose to overlook this detail if you’re only on your bike for leisure rides or commuting. For sport riders, you may want to take a look at our Best Full Face Motorcycle Helmets for 2025 list for certified options

Protection – 75%

At webBikeWorld, we hold carbon fiber helmets to a higher degree because of their advanced protective capabilities and lightweight shells. It’s these exact characteristics that warrant the higher price point of the helmet itself. In my opinion, as riders, we should encourage and challenge helmet manufacturers to meet certifications for not only our safety but every other rider’s safety as well.

Please correct me if I am wrong! If HJC is currently in the process of having it tested to meet further safety certifications, I’m willing to revisit this review and edit my work to reflect that.

Thoughtful Features to Enhance Your Ride

HJC did a great job of incorporating features into the RPHA 71 Carbon the work to enhance your overall riding experience. These features can be divided into 4 sub-categories: Vision, Ventilation, Noise Control, and Convenience.

Vision – 95%

This helmet really excelled in terms of overall vision and its supporting features. It sports an extremely wide FOV, immersing you in your ride with next to zero visual impairment. For the purpose of the review, I was sent a dark smoke visor, but this would typically not be included and is sold separately.

The lid is equipped with a dark smoke drop-down sun shield, which, much like the Scorpion EXO-Eclipse, covers my entire FOV, leaving next to no room for visual distortion between the tinted and untinted environment. This is all thanks to HJC’s dynamic multi-step sliding mechanism that allowed me to extend/extract the shield to the exact position I wanted.

Aside from the sunshield, the main visor track may be one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of riding with. The advanced ratchet system will hold the visor securely in virtually any position. I counted 10 definitive positions, including my favorite barely open at the bottom.

As mentioned previously, my only issue with this helmet’s visor system is the release button, which is located directly next to the lifting lip. With a gloved hand, I sometimes found it difficult to differentiate the two. 

Ventilation – 90%

Hot air is no challenge for the RPHA 71 Carbon. The lid is outfitted with two massive vents: one on the chin and one on the top. While riding, you can feel the powerful front-to-back airflow thanks to the 2 oversized intakes and 2 rear exhausts. 

The ventilation system can be adjusted from full blast, restricted, or closed depending on your needs. I loved having the ability to adjust as needed to help combat road noise, drag, and changing temperatures. 

Noise Control – 70%

Several systems are in place with the RPHA 71 Carbon to combat road noise. First, the overall shape and design of the helmet are streamlined to minimize wind noise. Furthermore, the front edge spoiler helps to slice through the wind, further preventing noise and air turbulence.

After testing, I found that the helmet’s noise control capabilities were better on paper than they were in real-world situations. I didn’t find the helmet to be quieter than other cheaper models I’ve worn, such as Scorpion’s Covert FX. 

Most notably, the top vent makes a loud whistling noise at medium to high speeds. This can be very distracting and off-putting, even for riders like myself who aren’t too picky about noise control.

Convenience – 90%

Comfort is paramount with the RPHA 71 Carbon, and what better way to enhance the riding experience than with convenience features? One of the most notable would be that the helmet is SMART HJC Ready.

What does this mean? The RPHA 71 Carbon allows for full integration of the Sena 11B, 21B, and 50B Bluetooth systems. It has set cut-outs and pockets for a seamless installation. Of course, the helmet can still accept other systems, however, they’ll need to be installed externally.

Another huge plus for me is the emergency-release cheek pads. I’ve mentioned it before in previous reviews, but I think all helmets should have this feature. The quick-release pads could be the difference between life and death in a critical situation.

For my scoring, I’ve factored in all the helmet features, including the ones I’ve covered above. These include but are not limited to the included Pinlock, the helmet front edge spoiler that combats turbulence and lift, the chin curtain, the breath deflector, and the drop-down sunshield.

Value for Money – 80%

Here is where things get interesting! With a price point just below the mid-600s, the RPHA 71 Carbon is not a small investment. Of course, we’ve seen helmets priced well above the $1000 range from other name brands, such as Arai and AGV, but they are an entirely different beast.

To determine how the RPHA 71 Carbon stacks up in terms of value for money, it’s important to consider its target market. As we discussed, this helmet probably isn’t for sport riders due to its lack of safety certifications. Could you get on the track with DOT alone? Possibly. It’s all dependent on the organization.

So, who would see the most benefit from this lid? Daily and/or leisure riders who want a high-performance, comfortable, and lightweight carbon fiber lid. Yes, cheaper options exist, but I’d be willing to bet they can’t compete in the comfort department.

Even though a second face shield is not included, you will get a Pinlock and dark smoke sunshield with your purchase. This offers immense value as these components are often sold separately from other manufacturers.

Overall, I believe the RPHA 71 Carbon is a great helmet that offers more than fair value to the rider. I wouldn’t classify it as exceptional, but I certainly wouldn’t call it overpriced either. I believe that no matter the rider, you will be more than satisfied with your purchase.

Final Verdict

Riding in the RPHA 71 Carbon was an absolute pleasure, and I’m saddened that I need to move on to the next review. Key components of the helmet, such as the wide FOV, powerful ventilation, and Sena integration, were stand-out features for me.

Within the Carbon Fiber motorcycle helmet market, the RPHA 71 Carbon can be considered a mid-range helmet because it falls within the $500-$750 price range. Using our Best of List for 2025, you can see that every helmet on that list is at least DOT & ECE approved, including the cheaper options.

Even still, I consider this helmet a great choice and a strong contender for the price point. It’s a touring helmet that’s designed to provide all-day comfort and performance, which is exactly what it does.

As I’ve said throughout this review, with the RPHA 71 Carbon helmet, comfort is paramount, and if you’re looking for the ultimate pleasure helmet, this may be the best helmet for you!

Pros

• Extremely comfortable for all-day riding performance
• Wide FOV, Pinlock 120, and drop-down sun shield allow for an immersive riding experience
• Powerful front-to-back airflow that can be adjusted to meet changing weather conditions
• SMART HJC Ready for seamless Sena integration
• EVO carbon fiber construction with advanced aerodynamics and front spoiler effectively combats turbulence and helmet lift
• Emergency release cheek pads 
• 4 shell sizes across 6 helmet sizes

Cons

• Only DOT-certified
• Noise control is average at best
• Only 1 face shield is included in your purchase
• The face shield release button can be difficult to operate with a gloved hand

Where to Buy

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