Alpinestars took a shot at dominating the top tier of motorcycle racing helmets when it launched the Supertech R10 in 2023. It wasn't a colossal victory, with some riders taking issue with the build quality, although the product's safety and stacked feature sheet never came under fire. Now, the brand is taking aim at the mid-tier road/racing helmet niche with its latest Supertech R7 (S-R7).
The latest Alpinestars lid is less racy than its more expensive sibling and is intended to be a better option for road riders who also do track days, as opposed to the S-R10, which is a far more dedicated race helmet that meets FIM safety standards. The S-R7 is homologated for both ECE 22.06 and DOT, but not FIM, which is important to note if you're considering racing at a high level. But what the S-R7 loses at the highest-end of racing protection, it should make up for in day-to-day usability.
Rotational safety is becoming one of the most-talked-about aspects of helmet safety, and many feel that even the ECE 22.06 isn't demanding enough. Alpinestars touts that the S-R7 exceeds the ECE 22.06 peak rotational acceleration standard by 76%.
It's constructed from a multi-composite shell pre-preg epoxy resin. Its layers consist of carbon, aramid fiber, and fiberglass, which are intended to give a good balance of strength and protection, while keeping weight down. A size M (medium) S-R7 Helmet weighs just 1,390 grams / 3.06 pounds, which is around 150 grams less than the S-R10. There are three shell sizes—XS-MD, LG, XL-2XL—and four EPS sizes.
Like the S-R10, the S-R7 has an integrated road spoiler and lateral winglets devised using wind tunnel testing to reduce turbulence and drag, but the spoilers are less aggressive and more suited to fast road riding. The streamlined aerodynamic design includes collarbone recesses on each side, fitted with two PLASMA inserts designed to offer shock absorption and reduce the risk of injuries during a slide. Keeping you cool while you ride are 10 ventilation ports—six intake ports and four exhaust ports.
One of the rare features on the S-R7 is its field of view, which is one of the largest on the market. Riders will have a 220-degree view laterally and a 57-degree view vertically, and this is made possible by Alpinestars' A-Head fitment system. The system consists of a micro-adjustable pad linked to the inner EPS liner that enables an ultra-specific setup for head depth and tilt. Basically, you can make the helmet better-suited to giving you good vision while riding on the road and sitting upright, or while riding on track and cantered forward on the motorcycle.
The lid comes with an optical Class 1 face shield and a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog lens. Like the S-R10, this model features a tool-less quick-release system for quickly swapping visors. The linings are removable, washable, and anti-microbial. This model is equipped with a quick-release emergency release system (ERS) fitted as standard, which is to be expected for any helmet intended for track use.
With an MSRP of $679.95, how do you think the S-R7 stacks up against the competition? The Arai Regent-X is one of the most established names at this price point, the Shoei RF-1400 is well-liked as a quieter, yet sporty option, and the AGV K6S has the S-R7 well beaten on price.
