HJC Furion 2.0 helmet review
Does the 'semi-aero' HJC Furion 2.0 balance value and performance? We take to the wind tunnel and hit the roads to find out...
![HJC Furion 2.0 helmet](https://www.220triathlon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/hjc-furion-2-side.jpg?w=1080)
More famous for their motorcycle helmets, South Korean brand HJC describes the Furion 2.0 as a semi-aero helmet and that feels about right.
There are more aggressively aerodynamic lids on the market (and in our recent group test), but its drag-reducing abilities held up well in our wind-tunnel tests, while the weight of 216g for a medium puts it into closer to a climbing lid’s mass than the circa-275g aero road helmet competition.
Aerodynamic performance
HJC has been the official helmet supplier to WorldTour team Lotto Soudal since 2018, with HJC’s own laboratory ensuring that wind-tunnel time has gone into the making of the Furion 2.0.
The Furion’s aerodynamic abilities were tested in 220 Triathlon’s independent wind-tunnel analysis of 11 aero road helmets at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor.
Its performance over our baseline Decathlon helmet at a 7.5° yaw angle with the rider on tri-bars were 18.6secs faster over a 40km bike leg at 30km/h, and a large 19.4secs swifter when riding at 40km/h.
The former result places it seventh in the placings, with the latter result seeing it come second out of the 11 helmets tested at a higher speed.
Fit and comfort
HJC’s Selfit retention system had me confused at first and I kept wanting to adjust the cradle myself, but I eventually let the spring-tensioned unit do the job itself and grew to like its mid-ride comfort.
The internal adjustment mechanism is adequate enough, but it wasn’t the easiest to snap back into place after I’d made my sizing adjustment.
The fairly standard straps and buckle sit close to the skin and are easy to adjust.
The cushioning is fairly minimal inside, and I’d ideally want more padding in the forehead area for long-distance triathlon.
Of note is the sizeable gel cushion that sits on the crown of the head and negates the need for padding, while also allowing extra air flow into the helmet.
Safety
![HJC Furion 2 helmet](https://www.220triathlon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/hjc-furion-2-helmet-front.jpg?w=1024)
What you don’t get inside is the Multi-Protectional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which is another reason for the Furion 2.0’s very low weight.
Also missing is any testing from the Virginia Tech institute, which we like to see on all helmets.
HJC does highlight that the helmet has an internal frame integrated into the EPS foam for reinforcement.
The satisfactory ventilation is delivered by the quintet of major forward-facing vents, two air channels on the sides and array of exhaust ports of various sizes at the back.
Weight and conclusion
While evidently not as vented as a climber’s helmet, the Furion 2.0 is one of the lightest aero road helmets around, with my medium-sized test helmet tipping the scales at a lean 216g for a medium.
This makes it easily the lightest in our recent group test and nearer to the 200g of the lightest climbing lids than the 275g mark commonly occupied by aero road helmets.
Add in the fine looks and 13 bold colourways and you have a winning helmet that offers decent ventilation, speed and a lean weight in a stylish package.
See our full list of the best aero road helmets for more top options.
220 Triathlon verdict
No MIPS, but this is a lightweight, fast and comfortable contender for tri. Score: 88%
Pros
- Very lightweight for an aero-focused helmet
- Decent aero performance at 40km/h
Cons
- Cushioning is on the minimal side
- No MIPS
HJC Furion 2.0 specs
Price: | £180 |
Available from: | Saddleback |
Weight: | 216g (medium) |
MIPS? | No |
Vents: | 15 |