Choosing the right adventure helmet is just as crucial as picking the right tires for your motorcycle. In this article, I share my experience with the Scorpion XT9000 Carbon, a premium helmet designed for adventure motorcycle enthusiasts. We’ll explore in detail the helmet’s advantages and areas for improvement, and wrap up with a final verdict on whom this helmet is best suited for.
Advantages of the Scorpion XT9000 Carbon Helmet
1. Lightweight and comfortable
The main advantage of the Scorpion XT9000 Carbon is its lightweight construction, made possible by its carbon fibre shell. At only 1,580 g, it ranks among the lightest adventure helmets, while still offering generous and comfortable interior padding. I’ve tried slightly lighter models before, but often at the expense of comfort. The Scorpion strikes a good balance between weight and comfort.
2. Removable peak
Another notable feature: the removable peak. It can be detached without tools using a half-turn clip system—a real timesaver for those switching between on-road and off-road riding.
The helmet comes with two visors, one clear and one tinted, included in the purchase kit. The visor removal system is intuitive and quick, making it easy to adapt to lighting conditions. Plus, the visor lift/lower mechanism is precise and gives a true impression of quality.
3. Adjustable comfort with AIRFIT system
Another appreciated feature: an integrated pump (AIRFIT) in the chin bar inflates cheek pads for a custom fit. This helps eliminate minor looseness or simply improves helmet stability—a clever system rarely seen on other models.
4. Sound and turbulence control
The Scorpion XT9000 Carbon is relatively quiet, even at high speeds. While not completely soundproof, it does a good job of reducing turbulence, thanks in part to a fabric skirt at the base of the helmet that seals the neck area and blocks unwanted drafts.
5. Communication system ready
Lastly, the helmet includes dedicated speaker pockets, making it much easier to install a communication system without having to modify or compress the padding.
Ventilation, Fit, and Helmet Limitations
The main area for improvement with the Scorpion XT9000 Carbon is its ventilation. Although it comes with a Pinlock system designed to prevent fogging, I didn’t have a chance to test it during my review.
Ineffective Ventilation in Extreme Heat
I tested this helmet in a range of conditions—from 46 °C during a trip to Tunisia to temperatures near 0 °C. In hot weather, the top air vent proved ineffective. Whether open or closed, I noticed no difference in airflow! The top of my head constantly felt hot. And at the front, the small chin vent only produced a light stream of air, which was far from adequate for the extreme heat I experienced.
Fogging in Cold Weather
In cold weather, the problem is reversed: fog forms on the visor. Without the Pinlock installed, I had to ride with the visor partially open at all times. I even added a stopper to prevent it from closing completely. That way, I could maintain airflow for clear visibility at low speeds. This highlights a lack of performance in the helmet’s ventilation in both temperature extremes.
Limited Compatibility With External Communication Systems
Another area for improvement is the integration of communication systems. While the helmet has built-in speaker pockets, installing an external module (like Cardo or Sena) is problematic from an aerodynamic standpoint. The external unit creates turbulence, especially at high speeds.
This isn’t a problem unique to this helmet, but some competing models are starting to offer integrated communication systems. That said, it raises questions about the reliability and performance of these built-in options compared to proven systems like Cardo or Sena. Something to test in the future…
Final Verdict: Comfort, Weight, and Ideal User
Overall comfort and fit
One important note is on sizing. I typically wear medium helmets across brands, including Scorpion. However, I was surprised by the fit of the XT9000 Carbon.
Even with the cheek pump system, the helmet felt too loose on my head. This caused increasing discomfort, especially at higher speeds, where the helmet tended to lift slightly from my face.
This was a new experience for me with Scorpion’s medium-sized helmets, so pay close attention to fit, which seems more generous on this model.
Best suited for adventure riders
The Scorpion XT9000 Carbon is an excellent choice for motorcyclists looking for a lightweight, streamlined, and efficient helmet without a bunch of add-ons. Thanks to its carbon construction, it’s ideal for long-distance comfort, particularly in adventure mode.
However, keep in mind that this model lacks an internal drop-down sun visor and modular features like a flip-up chin bar. It’s best suited for those who don’t need these features or prefer to avoid them to save weight.
On the other hand, those seeking more tech-loaded helmets (modularity, internal sun visors, and connectivity) should consider other models in the Scorpion lineup that offer these options—at the cost of increased weight.
For example, a key benefit of modular helmets is the ability to lift the chin bar. This makes it easier to talk when stopped or eat and drink quickly without fully removing the helmet. It’s also a major advantage for riders using a CamelBak, allowing them to easily hydrate mid-ride by accessing the tube without stopping.
Highlights of the Scorpion XT9000 Carbon adventure helmet
- Lightweight (1,580 g) thanks to carbon fibre construction, perfect for long rides (verified on scale)
- Excellent interior comfort with generous padding and adjustable cheek fit via air pump system
- High-quality finish: precise visor mechanism, tool-free removable peak, two visors included (clear and tinted)
- Relatively quiet with good wind protection at the bottom of the helmet
- Built-in speaker pockets make it easy to install an external communication system
Downsides of the helmet
- Poor ventilation, in both hot and cold weather—little difference between open and closed vent positions
- Generous sizing: try before you buy, especially if you have a narrow head.
- Poor aerodynamic compatibility with external communication systems. Ideally, integrated systems should be used, though their performance still needs to be evaluated
Scorpion XT9000 Carbon Helmet Technical Specifications
- 3K carbon fibre TCT-Ultra shell for superior strength and impact dispersion
- Aerodynamic shape optimized by CAD
- Advanced multi-layer EPS for superior energy absorption
- Strategically placed EPS channels to increase airflow
- U.S. DOT and ECE 22.06 safety certified (more extensive testing than the previous 22.05 standard)
- Aero-Tuned ventilation system with adjustable/resealable front vent and two resealable top vents connected to dual rear exhausts
- Chin vent cover can be removed without tools for increased airflow to the face
- AIRFIT Inflation system allows for a custom fit of cheek pads to reduce wind noise and buffeting
- Removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick III liner absorbs moisture and odour
- 3D-sculpted KwikFit cheek pads accommodate most eyeglasses
- Optically clear MaxVision Pinlock-ready face shield, scratch-resistant, with 95% UVA/UVB protection
- Tinted MaxVision 100% Pinlock face shield and Pinlock 120 anti-fog insert included
- Wide eyeport for better peripheral and downward visibility
- Central locking mechanism for secure sealing across the eyeport
- Adjustable chin vent directs airflow to the inner surface of the face shield to reduce fog
- Tool-free system for quick swapping between goggles and tinted or mirrored shields
- Impact-resistant Exolon peak visor with hidden plastic tools on each side for visor screw removal
- Action camera mounting plate included for a flat mounting surface (kit includes air intake plate and screws only)
- Com-Ready speaker pockets
- Emergency release tabs
- Integrated reflective material at rear exhausts for increased night visibility
- Breath deflectors and aero skirt (chin curtain) reduce wind noise
- Titanium double D-rings to prevent corrosion
