So, I’ve been meaning to get a new helmet for a while now, and I kept seeing the HJC C10 pop up. It’s supposed to be their new entry-level full-face helmet, replacing the old CS-15, which I heard was pretty decent for the price. I finally got my hands on one, and I thought, “Why not see if the American version is any different from the European one?”
First things first, I ordered both versions online. They arrived a few days apart, which was a bit of a hassle, but no big deal. My first impression when I unboxed them was that they looked nearly identical. Same sleek design, same visor mechanism. I compared the sizes, and they seemed to be about the same, though HJC claims the C10 has a wider aperture than the old CS-15, 10mm wider, I think.
Then I dug a little deeper into the specs. Both are made with that advanced polycarbonate shell that HJC is known for. I noticed that the European version is certified with the ECE 22.06 standard, which is supposed to be a step up in safety from the older standard. The American version, on the other hand, meets DOT standards, of course. So, there’s that difference right there, a clear difference in certification standards.
I tried both helmets on. They both felt pretty comfortable. I mean, HJC has been making helmets since, like, 1971, so they know a thing or two about comfort. Seriously, this brand has almost 50 years in the helmet game! I even read somewhere that they have a factory in North Korea, can you believe that? Since 2008!
I wore each helmet around the house for a bit, just to get a feel for them. I swapped out the visors, checked the ventilation, the usual stuff. I also compared the weight of each, and they seemed roughly the same, maybe a slight difference that’s hardly noticeable.
Here’s what I found out:
- Looks: Pretty much the same.
- Comfort: Both are comfy, no real difference there.
- Safety Standards: This is where they differ. European version has ECE 22.06, American version has DOT.
- Visor: They seemed the same to me, the wider aperture is probably not something you notice right away, also some people asked me what is the difference between i 70 and c 70? I think the difference between the opening system and the piping system.
- Price: Both are priced about the same, so that’s a plus.
Honestly, I was surprised that there weren’t more obvious differences. Besides the safety certification, they’re practically the same helmet. HJC did a good job of keeping the quality consistent across markets. So, I guess it really comes down to where you live and what certification you need or prefer. If you’re in Europe, go for the ECE 22.06. If you’re in the US, the DOT version is what you’ll find. They are both great helmets, I must say I am impressed with the new C10, and it will be a great replacement for the old CS-15! At least, that’s my two cents on the HJC C10. Hope this helps someone out there!
