Three Pieces of Gear Tested on the Road, for Real
When you ride a lot, you quickly realize that the right gear isn’t a luxury—it determines comfort, safety, and even the enjoyment of every ride. Since last summer, I’ve logged plenty of kilometres with three products provided by Kimpex:
- the LS2 Advant X Carbon helmet;
- the Oxford Products Dakar D2D Air MS jacket;
- the Sidi Sport ARX High WP shoes.
This wasn’t a quick test. Not a parking-lot evaluation. A true long-term experience, in heat, wind, and long days on the road. Here’s an honest review based on real-world use.
LS2 Advant X Carbon Modular Helmet: Lightweight, Stable and Built for Long Rides
A Full Season to Understand Its DNA
I’ve been riding with the LS2 Advant X Carbon since last summer, which allowed me to evaluate it in all kinds of conditions: intense heat, long highway days, crosswinds, secondary roads… in short, real-life motorcycling. And the more kilometres I put on it, the more this modular helmet reveals its personality: versatile, comfortable, and remarkably well balanced.
Featherweight Feel and Reduced Fatigue
My first impression was its weight. For a modular helmet, I found it surprisingly light. After several hours on the road, the difference is significant: less strain on the neck, less fatigue at the end of the day, and less wind resistance when checking blind spots.
Interior Comfort and Natural Fit
The interior is soft, well finished, and conforms to the head without creating pressure points. Even after 300 km to 400 km days, I never felt any discomfort. The padding breathes well and dries quickly.
A Solid and Precise Modular Mechanism
The flip-up chin bar system is one of the most convincing I’ve tested recently. With its smooth operation and firm locking, I never felt any weakness. Even after a full season, the mechanism works like new.
Wide Visibility and Effective Ventilation
The field of vision is outstanding, improving safety in dense traffic. Ventilation is well balanced: enough airflow to stay comfortable without creating internal turbulence.
Noise Control: A Real Strength
At highway speeds, wind noise is impressively well controlled. No deep rumble, no aggressive whistling. For a modular helmet, it’s remarkable.
High-Speed Stability
The carbon construction brings real stability. The helmet remains neutral, doesn’t pull your head backward, and stays steady during lateral checks.
👉 Helmet Verdict
A high-end modular helmet: lightweight, stable, comfortable, and perfectly suited for long-distance riding. After a full season, it stands out as a reliable and versatile companion that I genuinely enjoy wearing.
Oxford Dakar D2D Air MS Jacket: A Breathable and Versatile Summer Option
The Dakar D2D Air MS jacket is clearly designed for hot days, and you feel it from the first kilometres. As soon as the bike starts moving, the air flows efficiently through the jacket, avoiding that humid heat feeling we all know too well in summer. In urban traffic or on secondary roads, ventilation makes a real difference, especially during frequent stops or slowdowns.
The removable Dry2Dry waterproof liner adds welcome versatility. It can be installed or removed quickly, allowing you to adapt to conditions without carrying an extra jacket. Tested in moderate rain and cooler late-day conditions, it performs well. Shoulder and elbow protections are well positioned, discreet, and comfortable—so much so that you forget about them once riding.
👉 Jacket Verdict
A truly ventilated summer jacket, comfortable over long distances and adaptable enough to handle unexpected weather without compromising the riding experience.
Sidi Sport ARX High WP Shoes: Durable, Comfortable and Ready for Full Days
The Sidi Sport ARX High WP shoes pleasantly surprised me from the first rides, especially with their balance between rigidity and comfort. Yes, they are slightly heavier than some more urban motorcycle shoes, but that weight quickly disappears once on the bike. In return, you get a solid, well-supported boot at both the ankle and sole levels.
On the road, they provide excellent control of the controls and a good feel at the shifter. Off the bike, they remain comfortable, even after several hours of walking. The WP membrane does a good job against moisture, whether in rain or on wet surfaces. The soles may feel slightly slippery at first, but after a few rides, grip improves noticeably.
👉 ARX Shoes Verdict
Versatile, durable, and comfortable shoes—ideal for riders who want to cover long distances and walk without needing to change footwear.
Final Verdict
Individually, each of these products meets a specific need. But together, they make complete sense. The helmet, jacket, and boots form a cohesive trio focused on long-term comfort, safety, and versatility. This is gear designed for hours of riding, changing conditions, and piling on kilometres without frustration.
This isn’t flashy, showroom gear. It’s equipment built for riders who actually ride—who live with their gear day after day. After extended use, this is exactly what you want: reliability, comfort, and durability.
Thanks to Kimpex for the trust and for allowing me to test this gear in real conditions over an extended period.
