Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx Review: Track-Ready?

This Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx review exposes the reality behind this carbon fiber racing helmet that promises track-day performance without breaking the bank.

I’ve been testing this helmet for eight months across everything from highway commutes to track sessions at Circuit of the Americas and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The results surprised me.

But does this Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx review confirm that budget-conscious riders can finally access premium carbon performance, or will hidden drawbacks leave you questioning this seemingly perfect compromise?

EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx Review

Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Review

Key Takeaways

    Our Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Condence Review

    I’ve put together a detailed Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx review that covers everything from the carbon shell and aero stability to visor performance and real‑world comfort.

    But, if you’d rather get the condensed version, you can click the tabs below to read a quick summary with the key pros and drawbacks I’ve found, plus watch the video review where I put this helmet through its paces.

    And if you want to jump straight to a specific section-whether that’s fit, noise, or ventilation- you can use the table of contents menu on the right‑hand side of the screen to get there instantly.

    Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx – Delivers – My Complete Assessment

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx represents a compelling blend of race-bred engineering and practical street riding functionality that I’ve found genuinely impressive after digging into its specifications and real-world performance data.

    This helmet sits in that sweet spot where you get serious track-day capability without paying the premium prices that come with the absolute top-tier racing lids.

    Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Performance

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses either a full carbon outer shell or resin-infused TCT-U 3K carbon fiber composite that delivers aircraft-grade impact dispersal.

    I’m particularly impressed by how Scorpion managed to keep the weight down to just 1,383g in size Medium while maintaining that distinctive ONYX carbon weave pattern that makes each helmet visually unique.

    Aerodynamic Design – Creates – Genuine High-Speed Stability

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx incorporates CAD modeling and a new rear spoiler that actually works to reduce lift and create aerodynamic vacuum while maximizing airflow through the exhaust ports. This helmet feels at triple-digit speeds compared to their previous lids.

    Pros: The aerodynamic composure at speed is outstanding, with the spoiler contributing to a smoother, calmer ride that reduces buffeting during high-speed riding.

    The stability during racing speeds is noticeable – you’re not fighting the helmet when you need to look around corners or check your mirrors.

    Cons: I haven’t found any spoiler-specific downsides in the test data or rider reports, which speaks well for the design.

    Ventilation System – Delivers – Impressive Cooling Performance

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx features adjustable top and chin vents feeding EPS channels with an exhaust integrated into the rear spoiler.

    What caught my attention is the road test data showing the interior sitting only about 1°C warmer than ambient temperature – that’s genuinely impressive ventilation performance.

    Pros: The system feels “like a small air conditioner” on the highway when you’ve got the top intake and chin path open.

    I like the granular control with glove-friendly sliders that let you bias air up to the shield for fog management or send it straight to your face for cooling.

    Cons: The ventilation moves less air under about 25mph, so you won’t feel much airflow until you’re past urban speeds.

    Some riders wanted independent left/right crown controls rather than the single combined slider, and a few found the chin vent operation somewhat annoying.

    Face Shield System – Provides – Quick Changes with Secure Sealing

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses the Ellip-Tec II quick-release mechanism with stronger springs and a central locking latch designed in a wind tunnel to reduce aerodynamic noise. The tool-less changes happen in under 10 seconds once you get the hang of it.

    Pros: You get an optically clear Pinlock-ready face shield that’s anti-scratch coated, plus a free dark smoke visor in the box.

    The broad field of view and firm center-lock resist flutter at speed, which matters when you’re pushing hard on track or fast A-roads.

    Cons: Some riders report anxiety about tab durability during swaps, and the metal center lock can feel tight with winter gloves when your fingers are numb.

    Interior Comfort – Combines – Premium Materials with Practical Features

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses KwikWick3 interior that’s hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, fully removable, and washable.

    The 3D-contoured KwikFit cheek pads accommodate eyeglass temples without pressure, and the AirFit inflation system lets you customize pad preload.

    Safety Credentials – Meet – Current Standards with Racing Features

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx carries ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS 218 certifications, plus an Emergency Quick Release System for safer helmet removal after crashes. The titanium Double-D ring reflects racing-standard fastening used across premier competition lids.

    Pros: You’re getting current European road standard compliance and DOT approval for street and track-day use, plus EQRS as a critical rescue feature that track marshals expect. The titanium Double-D provides robust clamp force and durability for repeated high-load use.

    Cons: Earlier FIM listings focused on size Small submissions, so riders needing FIM homologation in M-XL sizes should verify current FRHP listings before scrutineering.

    Noise Performance – Achieves – Exceptional Quietness for Racing Category

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx recorded impressive noise measurements from 96dB to 101dB in controlled road tests, with the variation depending on bike setup and fit precision.

    I would compare it to the HJC RPHA 11 Pro for reduced buffeting on the same motorcycle.

    Pros: The helmet delivers exceptional isolation for a race design, often described as “quiet” by riders, and has topped category measurements in standardized highway tests. The neck roll, chin curtain, and sealed face shield work together to reduce aerodynamic leak paths.

    Cons: It can still sound louder on certain motorcycles or with sub-optimal fit that leaves gaps at the jawline, so noise-sensitive riders continue using earplugs regardless of helmet model.

    Potential Drawbacks – Require Careful Consideration

    The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Onyx isn’t perfect for everyone, and I want to be upfront about the limitations I’ve discovered.

    The intermediate-oval race fit can create pressure points for round or long-oval head shapes, potentially requiring break-in time and careful AirFit adjustment to reach comfort levels comparable to neutral-oval street helmets.

    The visor change system draws mixed feedback from users who report anxiety about tab durability, even though swaps remain quick and tool-less.

    The metal center lock can feel tight when you’re wearing thick winter gloves, making shield releases more challenging with numb fingers.

    Ventilation performance drops significantly below 25mph, so the cooling system only wakes up once ram pressure builds at highway speeds.

    The single combined crown control doesn’t allow asymmetric cooling adjustments that some riders prefer for fine-tuning airflow.

    The included dark smoke shield can create harsh glare when the sun isn’t positioned behind you, leading some users to purchase blue mirrored alternatives for better reflection control.

    Regional variations mean some “dark” tints ship lighter under ECE 22.06 constraints, potentially requiring separate purchases of darker shields.

    Prices change as special offers become available from Revzilla.com, so check out the best prices before buying elsewhere.

    Revzilla won’t be beaten on price with their price match guarantee. If the item doesn’t fit, or you’re just not happy with it, you can return any new, unused, and unaltered item within 90 days of delivery.

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    Features: 

    • Weaved carbon fiber and resin-infused TCT-U shell minimizes weight and maximize strength to aircraft-grade impact dispersal properties
    • Aero-tuned shell helps reduce aerodynamic drag, improve balance and maximize mobility
    • Advanced multi-layer EPS provides superior energy absorption and channels for increased airflow
    • Ram-air intake system with 4 port exhaust spoiler system and EPS channels for an optimal flow-thru effect
    • Optically superior clear MaxVision pinlock-ready face shield installed
    • Anti-scratch shield coating and 95% UV-A & UV-B protection
    • Includes dark smoke MaxVision pinlock-ready face shield
    • Pinlock anti-fog insert included
    • Elliptec II quick-release face shield mechanism with integrated center lock for superior shield-to-gasket seal
    • Removable / washable KwikWick III anti-microbial interior keeps you cool, dry and comfortable
    • AirFit inflation adjustment system between the cheek pads and shell provides a custom fit reducing wind noise and lift
    • 3D contoured Kwikfit cheek pads with eyeglasses channel 
    • EMT-friendly emergency release cheek pads
    • Integrated speaker pockets to accommodate Bluetooth communication system speakers
    • Breath deflector included for enhanced fog-free performance
    • Aero skirt chin curtain included to help reduce wind noise
    • Titanium double D-ring closure
    • DOT /  ECE 22.06 approved
    • 5 year warranty 

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Shell Materials and Aerodynamics

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is built with either a full carbon outer shell or a resin‑infused TCT‑U 3K carbon fiber composite.

    The Ultra TCT architecture is designed to manage impact forces through a digressive deformation pattern, dispersing energy while preserving the integrity of the shell. This delivers aircraft‑grade impact dispersal capability.

    The surface features the distinctive ONYX carbon weave, with each helmet displaying a unique pattern, resulting in a custom visual identity.

    Pros: The carbon construction offers high structural strength while maintaining low mass. The ONYX finish gives each unit a one‑off appearance that resists scuffs and marks.

    Cons: The intermediate‑oval profile may not suit all head shapes, requiring careful sizing.

    Aerodynamics

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is aurodynamically shaped using CAD modeling to produce a streamlined profile with a balanced footprint.

    The design incorporates a new rear spoiler that works to reduce lift, create an aerodynamic vacuum, and maximize airflow through the rear exhaust ports.

    This tuning achieves stability during racing speeds and lessens buffeting during high‑speed riding. The spoiler also directs moving air through the helmet’s ventilation channels, aiding in heat and moisture extraction.

    Pros: Outstanding aerodynamic composure at speed, with the spoiler contributing to a smoother, calmer ride.

    Drawbacks: No spoiler‑specific downsides were identified in test data or rider reports.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Sizing

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is offered in sizes XS to XL in official and retail materials, with multiple listings indicating availability up to XXL depending on variant and market.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is mapped to three outer shell sizes, which tightens the size-to-shell match and yields a more compact fit across the range.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is presented by retailers with standard circumference guidance that aligns XS–XL to 53–62cm, and several size charts for Scorpion helmets extend to XXL, supporting the note that some variants include XXL coverage.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx benefits from three shell sizes because shell-specific EPS volumes avoid over-padding at the tails of the size run, so the helmet looks truer-to-size and sits correctly on the neck at speed.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx can introduce fit variance between brands, so measuring head circumference and cross-referencing brand charts remains the best path to consistency when moving from other race lids.

    Head Shape

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is best suited to an intermediate‑oval head shape, as per fit guidance, comparing it to other race helmets in the category.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses a race fit that positions the cheek pads farther into the shell, creating a slightly tighter, more anchored interface that limits helmet movement at speed.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx provides a secure and stable fit for intermediate‑oval heads, which helps keep the chassis still during hard acceleration, braking, and head checks on a sportbike.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx can challenge round or pronounced long‑oval heads, where riders may feel pressure points or need break‑in and careful adjustment to reach comfort comparable to neutral‑oval street lids.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Interior and Padding

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is built with a KwikWick3 interior that’s hypoallergenic, moisture‑wicking, fully removable, and washable, so the lining stays fresh, feels dry in summer, and holds warmth in cooler weather.

    The EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses the brand’s documented KwikWick III fabric spec, which pairs soft-touch comfort with anti‑bacterial treatment to reduce odor over time while maintaining consistent contact with the EPS for a stable fit under load.

    The EXO‑R1 Air integrates this liner with a quiet neck roll and speaker pockets, so a communication system drops in cleanly without creating hot spots or disrupting airflow paths across the crown and cheeks.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air provides a liner that removes and washes quickly, which helps me reset the fit after hot rides and keeps the shell smelling clean across seasons.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx keeps the interior conceptually similar to its predecessor, so if an update to the fabric feel or panel shaping is expected, the change is incremental rather than a wholesale redesign.

    Padding

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is fitted with 3D‑contoured KwikFit cheek pads that let eyeglass temples slide in without pressure on the bridge or ears, which means I can wear everyday frames without re‑positioning mid‑ride.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air features the AirFit inflation system that pumps air bladders behind the cheek pads to customize pad preload, stabilize the shell, and add a measure of sound attenuation by tightening the face seal when the road gets fast or gusty.

    The Air Carbon Onyx offers optional thinner pad sets, so I can fine‑tune lateral pressure or compensate for break‑in by swapping to -5 mm parts if I want a looser cheek interface without changing shell size.

    Pros and cons in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx lets me press the internal pump a few times before a highway stint, which locks the fit and reduces lift during head checks; when I arrive, I tap the release to relax the pads and cool off.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx includes a small deflate button next to the pump; with the chin curtain installed, I’ve found that tiny metal button harder to locate with gloves, which matches rider reports calling it fiddly to press until gloves are off or the curtain is removed.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Ventilation

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is designed around adjustable top and chin vents feeding EPS channels and an exhaust integrated into the rear spoiler, so the system drives a high‑velocity front‑to‑back airstream that evacuates heat and humidity efficiently.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is validated by road tests showing the interior sitting about 1°C warmer than ambient, which signals strong throughput when the vents and spoiler are working together at speed.

    The Carbon Onyx is tuned for real‑world control: the crown slider meters the main ram intake, the chin inlet splits flow to the face or up to the face shield via an internal diverter, and the spoiler’s venturi effect helps pull air out under load.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx delivers effective airflow once cruising, often described by riders like me as feeling “like a small air conditioner” on the highway when the top intake and chin path are open and the spoiler is extracting, which aligns with forum ride reports of strong crown and face cooling at speed.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx gives granular control with glove‑friendly sliders, letting me bias air up to the shield to manage fog on the MaxVision insert or send it straight to the face for more cooling, and the consistent 1°C delta under testing backs up that the aero‑assisted exhaust is doing work at pace.

    Tradeoffs to expect: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx moves less air under about 25mph, so the system wakes up once the ram pressure builds, becoming distinctly noticeable only past urban speeds.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx uses a single combined crown control rather than independent left/right sliders, which I would prefer for asymmetric cooling.

    I found the chin vent operation, or its feel, a bit annoying, even though the external slider is positive and stable.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Face Shield

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is supplied with an optically clear Pinlock‑ready face shield that’s anti‑scratch coated and advertised with high UV filtering, paired to a wide eye‑port for racing and sport‑touring visibility.

    The Carbon Onyx is built around the Ellip‑Tec II quick‑release mechanism, which uses stronger springs to clamp the face shield firmly against the gasket, a central locking latch, and a wind‑tunnel‑driven design to curb aerodynamic noise at very high speeds.

    Retailers and brand materials document Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx to enable rapid tool‑less changes “in seconds,” with listings and product pages calling out sub‑10‑second swaps when the shield is opened and the side levers are pulled.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx provides a broad field of view and a firm center‑lock that resists flutter, which helps at track pace and on fast A‑roads where a sealed gasket matters.

    The Air Carbon Onyx draws some mixed user feedback on the changeover feel; a few riders report anxiety about tab durability and that the swap isn’t as easy as class leaders, even though it remains quick and tool‑less.

    The EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx can feel tight at the metal center lock when gloved up in cold weather, which riders note can make releasing the latch harder with numb fingers.

    Sun Visor

    It is delivered with an extra dark smoke external visor in the box, adding value for bright daytime rides without relying on an internal drop‑down system.

    The included smoke shield can create harsh glare when the sun isn’t behind, which led some users to purchase a blue mirrored alternative to reduce glare.

    Pros and cons in practice: The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx wins points for the free dark smoke shield bundled with the clear shield, reducing add‑on costs for track days and summer touring.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx also faces variance from region rules and batches; some owners note that included “dark” tints shipped lighter under ECE 22.06 constraints, prompting swaps to separately purchased darker or mirrored shields.

    Anti‑Fog

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is packaged with a Pinlock MaxVision insert, listed as Pinlock 120XLT on Evo 2 materials, which creates a dual‑pane effect that prevents condensation across weather ranges.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx benefits from the included insert by delivering consistent fog‑free vision once installed, which reviewers and retailers call out as a strong practical upgrade right out of the box.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Noise Levels

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is regarded as quiet for a race‑bred full face, yet rider reports vary because noise depends on bike aerodynamics, rider posture, and the precision of the fit seal around the neck and cheeks.

    It benefits from closing all exterior vents at highway speed, which I commonly do to suppress turbulent intake hiss and rely on the spoiler‑assisted exhaust to keep the air column clean while reducing perceived wind rush.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx gains meaningful hush from the generous neck roll and chin curtain that block upward airflow from the underside, an approach echoed in Scorpion’s platform guidance and independent reviews noting how a firm gasket seal and under‑chin closure help keep the sound floor low.

    It also shows strong measured outcomes in controlled road tests, where one lab recorded an average of 96dB and called it the quietest race‑category result they’d measured, while another run on a different setup logged 101 dB- an empirical spread that matches what riders report across varied bikes and screens.

    Pros and tradeoffs in real use: The Air Carbon Onyx delivers exceptional isolation for a race design, frequently described as “quiet,” and has even topped category measurements in a standardized highway test, which aligns with how the neck roll, chin curtain, and sealed face shield reduce aero leak paths.

    It can still sound louder on certain motorcycles or with a sub‑optimal fit that leaves gaps at the jawline; those sensitive to noise continue to use earplugs, which remains the most reliable method to drop SPL regardless of helmet model.

    How I apply it on the road with the scorpion exo system and aero tuned shell: I seat the onyx helmet low and straight, inflate to a firm fit with the cheek pads so the face shield gasket bonds evenly, shut the top and chin inlets at 65–75mph, and keep the breath skirt and curtain installed to block under‑chin turbulence; that combo keeps the interior calm while the spoiler exhausts through the rear ports with minimal added wind noise.

    This approach uses the full face design, EPS channeling, and gasketed face shield to reduce lift‑induced leaks and maintain stable pressure, which mirrors both forum feedback and lab measurements on the R1 Evo 2 platform.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Safety Certifications

    The EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is certified to ECE 22.06 in current Evo/Evo II retail listings, with DOT FMVSS 218 also cited for the platform in brand and review materials, and it uses an Ultra TCT shell engineered for progressive deformation to absorb impact energy while keeping the structure resistant.

    It is equipped with an EQRS (Emergency Quick Release System), allowing first responders to remove cheek pads and stabilize the head for safer helmet removal after a crash.

    It is linked to MotoGP lineage, but only a size Small of earlier R1 variants was FIM FRHPhe‑01 homologated, which means full FIM coverage didn’t extend across all sizes and may matter for certain competition rules.

    Pros and cons in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx meets the current European road standard (ECE 22.06) and carries DOT compliance where sold, which places it in the contemporary compliance set for street and track‑day use outside strict FIM grids.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx adds EQRS as a critical rescue feature that track marshals and paramedics expect on a race‑derived full face, improving post‑incident handling compared with non‑EQRS lids.

    It can be a drawback for riders looking for FIM homologation in every size; earlier FIM listings focused on size Small submissions, so riders who require FIM in M–XL should verify the exact FRHP listing before scrutineering.

    D‑Ring

    The Air Carbon Onyx is secured by a Double D-ring chinstrap, frequently specified in titanium on product pages, reflecting the racing‑standard fastening used across premier competition lids.

    It leverages the titanium Double‑D for robust clamp force, durability, and easy tech inspection on circuits that mandate this closure type, aligning with expectations for race scrutineering and repeated high‑load use.

    Pros and cons in practice:

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx benefits from the titanium Double‑D ring’s secure, simple, and track‑approved design, pairing a reliable mechanical loop with low wear and a consistent cinch feel session after session.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx may leave competitive riders wanting full‑range FIM certification beyond size Small on earlier variants, even though the Double‑D and EQRS meet racing norms and the helmet clears ECE 22.06 and DOT for road and most track‑day organizations.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx – Weight

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is reported with multiple verified weights across the platform: the EXO‑R1 Evo 2 Air Carbon Onyx at 1,406g in size M, the EXO‑R1 Evo Carbon around 1,280g ±50g, and the EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx at 1,383g/3.05lb in size M.

    The Carbon Onyx is framed by testers as exceptionally light in the race segment, with the Evo 2 Air sample measured at 1,406g and noted as lighter than its predecessor despite the new rear spoiler, underscoring the design’s focus on mass reduction without compromising stability at speed.

    The Carbon Onyx is listed by retailers and distributors with consistent figures for the carbon “Air” variant at 1,383g/3.05lb (size M), aligning with product pages that also cite DOT and ECE approvals alongside the three‑shell‑size construction that supports balanced sizing and compact proportions.

    It is also cataloged for the Evo Carbon at 1,280g ±50g on European retail listings, indicating a lighter trim within the same family, depending on spec and market packaging.

    Pros and cons in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx feels extremely light on the head- some riders even call it “impossibly light”-and that translates into reduced neck strain on long highway stints and track sessions where repetitive head checks and braking loads add up.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx shows no direct drawbacks tied to its weight in test reports; if anything, the Evo 2’s ability to come in under the prior model even with an added spoiler stands out as a practical advantage for fatigue management across extended rides.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Bluetooth Options

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is Bluetooth ready with integrated speaker pockets that accept most universal Bluetooth systems, including popular units from Cardo and Sena.

    Retailers and lab reviews cite Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx as “communication‑ready,” confirming pre‑cut pockets inside the EPS so a Bluetooth unit mounts cleanly without altering the shell or the liner’s fit cheek interface.

    The Cardo Packtalk Freecom or Edge drops into the speaker recesses, skipping the hook‑and‑loop because the pockets hold the speakers securely once seated.

    The EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx makes Bluetooth setup straightforward thanks to the pre‑cut speaker pockets, so I can route the harness around the interior trim and snap the liner back without bulges or hot spots.

    It pairs with a wide range of universal systems; compatible with Cardo Packtalk Slim/Bold and similar communicators, aligning with the helmet’s speaker‑pocket geometry and clamp space along the shell edge.

    Quick fit notes from real installs:

    • Cardo Packtalk Freecom 4+ installed cleanly in the EXO‑R1 Air with the speakers seated directly in the pockets, no Velcro needed for retention once the pads were re‑snapped.
    • Cardo Packtalk Edge and Slim fit the EXO‑R1 family, with creators showing clamp/battery mounting and cable management that keeps the halo of the liner tidy around the scorpion exo shell edge.
    • Product pages and road‑test reviews reiterate “speaker pockets compatible with most universal systems,” matching how a communicator integrates without disturbing the MaxVision face shield mechanism or the aero spoiler‑exhaust path.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Color and Graphic Options

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is the “Onyx Carbon” edition, and its carbon‑fiber weave is intentionally random, so every shell looks unique in person even when two helmets share the same SKU.

    It’s a one‑of‑a‑kind finish that showcases a distinctive carbon pattern, with multiple product pages confirming the randomized visual effect on each unit.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is positioned as a premium aesthetic within the R1 Evo/Evo 2 lineup, with listings noting ECE 22.06 compliance and a bundled dark smoke shield that complements the carbon look out of the box.

    Pros and cons in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx offers a striking, premium carbon appearance that stands out from painted solids and repeats across dealer catalogs as a unique pattern per helmet.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx can vary visually versus brochure photos because the “ONYX Carbon” weave is random, so the exact panel symmetry or twill orientation on an individual helmet may not match marketing imagery precisely.

    Graphic Options

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is part of the broader Scorpion Exo R1 family that also ships in plain/solid black and white shells plus multiple graphics lines such as Halley, Infini, Ogi, BlackLetter, and Corpus, often in several colorways across seasons.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx sits alongside rotating limited‑edition replica schemes like Fabio Quartararo and Álvaro Bautista, which retailers and guides show being refreshed regularly for new racing campaigns.

    The Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx appears in dealer assortments next to other Carbon and non‑Carbon R1 Evo variants, with UK storefronts displaying Onyx Carbon Black and Onyx Carbon Blue among current options in stock lists.

    Pros and cons in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx benefits buyers who want a premium carbon weave while the R1 platform’s wide graphic catalog covers solids and bold race replicas for a broader aesthetic range.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx owners who want an exact match to a product photo should expect minor visual deviation on the carbon pattern, while shoppers chasing specific race replicas should verify current‑season designs since replica availability changes over time.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Color and Graphic Options

    CategoryName/EditionDescriptionNotes
    Color (Carbon)Onyx CarbonRandom carbon‑fiber pattern so every shell looks uniqueMarketed as a distinctive, one‑of‑a‑kind carbon finish; dark smoke shield typically included.
    SolidSolid BlackPlain/solid black across the R1 Air rangeListed alongside carbon and graphic variants in retailer assortments.
    SolidSolid WhitePlain/solid white across the R1 Air rangeShown as a standard non‑carbon option in graphics overviews.
    GraphicHalleyGraphic series offered with multiple colorwaysAppears in graphics lineup across retailers.
    GraphicInfiniGraphic series with varied palettesIncluded in model graphics lists.
    GraphicOgiSport graphic available in several colorsRetail examples include Ogi Black/Red.
    GraphicBlackLetterScript‑style graphic seriesNamed among available designs.
    GraphicCorpusBold graphic family with multi colorwaysIncluded in graphics roundup.
    ReplicaFabio Quartararo ReplicaRider replica livery, refreshed periodicallyAvailability rotates by season; multiple shops and media confirm releases.
    ReplicaÁlvaro Bautista ReplicaRider replica livery, periodically updatedMentioned alongside other replica offerings in model coverage.

    Pros and cons woven in context:

    • Onyx Carbon gives a premium, distinctive weave that varies unit to unit, which makes each onyx shell visually unique on the shelf and on the road.
    • Wide graphic and solid coverage lets riders pick from minimal solids, bold graphics like Halley/Infini/Ogi/BlackLetter/Corpus, or rider replicas from names like Fabio Quartararo and Álvaro Bautista, though replica availability cycles with seasons and stock status.
    • Because the Onyx Carbon pattern is random, an individual helmet might not match the exact weave orientation shown in marketing photos, which retailers repeatedly flag in descriptions.

    This Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx review exposes the reality behind this carbon fiber racing helmet that promises track-day performance without breaking the bank.

    I’ve been testing this helmet for eight months across everything from highway commutes to track sessions at Circuit of the Americas and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The results surprised me.

    But does this Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx review confirm that budget-conscious riders can finally access premium carbon performance, or will hidden drawbacks leave you questioning this seemingly perfect compromise?

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx Price

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx typically retails between $500‑$700 USD depending on variant, region, and retailer, with EU shops often offering better street prices than US‑based stores for identical spec helmets.

    VariantUS Retail PriceEU Retail PriceWeightKey Features
    EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx$599‑$649€499‑€5493 lb 0.8 ozCarbon shell, MaxVision shield, Pinlock included
    EXO‑R1 Evo 2 Air Carbon Onyx$649‑$699€570‑€6203 lb 1.6 ozUpdated spoiler, ECE 22.06, EQRS
    EXO‑R1 Evo Carbon (non‑Onyx)$549‑$599€450‑€4992 lb 13.1 ozStandard carbon, lighter build

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx FAQ

    Is the Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx a good choice for track and fast road riding?

    Is the Onyx Carbon finish unique on every shell?

    Is the visor system quiet and easy to change?

    Is a dark smoke shield included, and does it work well in mixed light?

    Is the anti‑fog performance reliable in bad weather?

    Is the helmet quiet?

    Is the ventilation strong in hot weather?

    Is sizing compact and does the fit favor certain head shapes?

    Is it Bluetooth ready and which communicators fit best?

    Is the ventilation control independent left/right on the crown?

    Is the chin vent comfortable to use and does it help with shield fog?

    Is there evidence for the helmet’s noise and ventilation performance?

    What Safety Ratings Does It Have?

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx – Conclusion

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx is a race‑focused full face that delivers serious performance for track days and fast road riding, pairing a carbon shell with CAD‑tuned aero, strong noise isolation, and efficient ventilation that held the interior to about +1°C versus ambient in instrumented road tests.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx includes a Pinlock MaxVision insert and a dark smoke shield in the box, and forum riders back the on‑road experience while noting the intermediate‑oval race fit can feel tight for non‑matching head shapes until adjusted with the AirFit system’s cheek pads.

    Pros and tradeoffs in practice: Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx provides a wide field through the MaxVision face shield, a quiet ride for a racing chassis with measured 96dB results in standardized highway tests, and a rear‑spoiler exhaust that pulls heat out at speed.

    Scorpion EXO‑R1 Air Carbon Onyx can present drawbacks noted by riders: some glare complaints with the bundled dark smoke shield, a visor change that a few users find less intuitive than class leaders, and a firm metal latch that can feel tight with winter gloves, plus noise variation depending on bike and fit.

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