Nexx X.WED3

Introduction

What sets ADV helmets apart from other helmets, and which underlies their concept, is versatility. By design, they are the Swiss Army Knives of the helmet world, aiming to cover all bases. Versatility is at the core of their design philosophy, aiming to blend the characteristics of dirt bike helmets with the on-road comfort of a street/touring lid.

Similar to motocross helmets, they’re designed with a larger eye port so they can be worn with goggles. Together with the intake and exhaust vents, their elongated chin bar greatly improves airflow and makes it easier to breathe while exerting physical effort when trail riding up on the pegs. And similar to MX helmets, they have an adjustable peak to deflect roost, mud, and block the sun.

Combined with these typical ‘off-road helmet features’, the pull-down/flip-up visor or face shield turns ADV helmets into hybrids that cover both on- and off-road applications. They’ve become the standard helmet for ADV riding, as their versatility facilitates transitioning between up-on-the-pegs trail riding and high-speed street cruising.

As I had been very satisfied with the performance of my Nexx X.WRL Atika rally helmet on long-distance off-road adventures in previous years, I had fairly high expectations of the Nexx X.WED3 adventure helmet. And it hasn’t let me down. In fact, it has exceeded my expectations. Here are three key features that stood out to me, and why this helmet has become my everyday-use helmet for both on and off-road adventures:

1. Peak Performance Without the Peak Problems: Adventure helmet peaks are notorious for catching wind, especially at highway speeds, turning your head into a sail flapping in the wind. The X.WED3’s peak? It’s like it’s not even there. Seriously. No head-wobbling, no neck strain, just smooth, stable riding, even at speed.
2. Comfort That Defies Category: The X.WED3 offers plush, all-day comfort. ADV helmets often prioritize off-road features over long-haul touring comfort. The X.WED3 breaks this mold. It’s incredibly comfortable, snug without pressure points, and provides the best ventilation system I’ve ever experienced in an ADV helmet, making it a joy to wear for hours on end in hot weather.
3. Smart Features That Make a Difference: From the emergency quick-release cheek pads to integrated action camera mounts and a truly usable drop-down sun visor, the X.WED3 is packed with thoughtful features that enhance the riding experience, not just add to the spec sheet.

During the past two years, we’ve put the Nexx X.WED3 through its paces on multiple trips across Europe and S.E. Asia. And this helmet has not ceased to impress me. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and packed with features that make it a true standout in the adventure helmet category. Let’s dive into the details so you understand why I’ve grown so fond of the Nexx X.WED3 adventure helmet.

Built to Last, Designed for Comfort

From the moment you pick up the Nexx X.WED3, you can see and feel the quality. The construction is top-notch, and it meets both DOT and ECE certifications, giving you confidence in its protective capabilities. But it’s not just about safety; it’s also about comfort.

The fit is snug, as you’d want in a helmet designed for both on and off-road riding, but there are no pressure points. It just feels right on my head.

Inside the shell, you’ll find a dual-layer EPS foam liner. However, Nexx has taken it a step further by separating these layers with rubber dampeners. This new anti-vibration EPS system might sound like a small detail, but with a special rubber trim settled between the inner EPS and outer EPS, it allows micromovements from the inner EPS that is in contact with the user’s skull. This makes a noticeable difference in reducing vibrations caused by air turbulence at higher speeds. The extra stability and smoother sensation improves the rider’s comfort and safety.

Compared to other ADV helmets, which often start shaking in the turbulence when riding at speed, the X.WED3 feels remarkably stable. It’s not as quiet as a dedicated street helmet, which is to be expected from an ADV helmet given the protruding peak and many vents, but the vibration damping really helps reduce fatigue and keeps things comfortable even on long rides.

The X.WED3’s shell comes in two materials. The premium version we tested is the ultralight, highly impact-resistant X-Pro Carbon fiber shell, combining aerospace know-how with next generation 3K carbon technology. Applying these advanced technologies resulted in a composite construction that makes the shell lighter, stronger, and even more comfortable. A more affordable version with the exact same design and features uses the X-Matrix material. That is the one tested here.

To accommodate most riders and fine-tune the helmet fitting, the shell comes in three sizes, covering the following size ranges: XXS-S, M-L, and XL-XXXL

The Peak That Defies Expectations

Adventure helmet peaks. They are often the bane of highway riding. In the past, I’ve ridden in adventure helmets where the peak acts like a sail, catching the wind and whipping your head around, especially at higher speeds. It can be tiring and frankly, annoying. So, I was very interested in how the peak of the X.WED3 would perform in ‘the real world’ of highway riding.

But, to my surprise, this peak performs exceptionally well. The Portuguese designers at Nexx know their trade when it comes to aerodynamics. During my rides, it felt like I wasn’t even wearing a peak at all. It doesn’t pull in the wind or create any noticeable drag. Looking closely, you can see the clever design features that contribute to this stability. There are rubber bumpers at the three connection points between the peak and the helmet. These bumpers effectively insulate you from vibrations, further enhancing the smooth and stable feel. It’s a testament to Nexx’s attention to detail and their commitment to making this helmet truly versatile for both on and off-road riding.

Emergency Quick-Release Cheek Pads: Safety and Convenience

Let’s talk about the cheek pads. Nexx has implemented an emergency quick-release system for the X.WED3. By pulling two red tabs at the front of the helmet, and then pulling back, the entire internal padding system comes out as one piece.

Initially, I thought this was going to be a pain. Traditional helmets with individually popped-in pads are usually easier for quick removal and re-insertion. My first thought was that this system, while great for emergency situations, would be cumbersome for everyday use, like removing the pads for cleaning.

However, after using it a few times, I’ve actually come to appreciate this system. It’s different, yes, but not necessarily more difficult. There are three main connection points to pop back in, similar to traditional systems. And the added safety benefit of being able to quickly and easily remove the entire padding system in an emergency is undeniable. In a crash situation, first responders can easily locate and pull the red tabs, quickly removing the pads to safely take off the helmet without causing further injury. So, what initially seemed like a potential usability issue has turned into a feature I genuinely like, blending safety with a unique, if slightly unconventional, design.

Featherlight Feel: A Blessing on Long Rides

Weight is a critical factor, especially for adventure helmets that are often worn for long days, both on and off the road. The Nexx X.WED3 is impressively light, tipping the scales at just 3.7 pounds. To put that into perspective, it’s lighter than the Arai XD5 and Shoei Hornet X2, which many considered the benchmarks. In addition to the light weight, it feels also very well-balanced.

This lightweight design is a huge benefit, especially when touring and riding off-road. When you’re standing on the pegs, navigating challenging terrain, or just putting in long hours on the highway, a lighter helmet makes a significant difference at the end of the day. It reduces strain on your neck and shoulders, minimizing fatigue and allowing you to stay fresher for longer. For a helmet in this price range, its light weight is a considerable bonus. Riding is tiring enough as it is, especially off-road, and a heavy helmet just adds to that fatigue. The X.WED3’s lightweight construction helps keep you comfortable and focused, mile after mile.

Adventure Styling with a Large Visor

Style is subjective, but in my opinion, the Nexx X.WED3 nails the contemporary adventure helmet aesthetic. It looks the part, with clean lines and a purposeful design. But beyond aesthetics, there’s a functional aspect that I absolutely love: the massive visor.

The Nexx X.WED3 features a large eye port, allowing for massive airflow when the equally large visor is open. The large eye port and visor offer a wide, clear field of view and unrestricted peripheral vision, which enhances safety.

Despite its size, the visor is easy to operate. It pops open and closes smoothly and locks down securely. It takes a bit of force to initially pop it open—you need to flex it from the corner—but once it’s open, it stays put. I actually find myself riding with the visor slightly open quite often, especially in hot weather, for increased airflow.

Nexx has also done a great job sealing the visor, with a nice rubber bead all the way around, further enhancing weather sealing and ensuring the Pinlock insert works effectively.

The visor design comprises Nexx’s proven Visor Recoil System which makes use of spring-loaded base side plates that auto-adjust and pull the visor back against the dual-lip window beading for a perfect airtight seal – working independently from the peak fitting system. The rubber bead enhances weather sealing and ensures the Pinlock visor insert works effectively.

The Nexx X.WED3 features a large eye port, allowing for massive airflow when the equally large visor is open.

For riding in cold and wet conditions, the universal solution to prevent fogging is to fit a Pinlock screen on the inside of the main visor. The Nexx X.WED3 comes with a Pinlock visor that’s included in the box. The X-PRO Carbon fiber models come with the Pinlock 120 XLT Max Vision, while the X-Matrix 2 fiber models come with a Pinlock 70.

Riding in cold rainy weather with this helmet, the Pinlock insert has performed flawlessly, providing crystal-clear, fog-free visibility, even in really bad weather, adding to the helmet’s versatility and all-weather capability.

Integrated Sun Visor

Speaking of hot weather, the Nexx X.WED3 comes with an integrated drop-down sun visor, actuated by a lever on the top of the helmet. It’s easy to operate and moves smoothly up and down. The top-mounted control lever is perfectly positioned and intuitive to use, even with gloves on. Many helmets have sun visor controls that are either too finicky or located in awkward positions, often down at the bottom edge of the helmet. The X.WED3’s control is perfectly placed and requires just the right amount of effort to actuate. It took me a short while to get completely accustomed to its location while riding, but now it’s second nature.

What I particularly appreciate about the sun visor itself is its tint. It’s not too dark, which means I can use it even on cloudy days. On hot days, I ride with the main visor up and the sun visor down, conveniently allowing plenty of airflow on my face. Both the main visor and sun visor offer a view free of distortion.

The sun visor comes down far enough to cover the face until just above the nose bridge, and there’s no lip at the bottom edge that might cause distortion. This is a common problem with cheaper helmets—sun visors often have a distorted lower edge that is annoying. With the X.WED3, I can comfortably ride with the sun visor down without any visual impairment. In hot weather, riding with the main visor open and the sun visor down provides excellent airflow and sun protection, a combination I find myself using frequently.

Ventilation That Keeps You Cool

Ventilation is paramount, especially for adventure riding, and the Nexx X.WED3 excels in this area. It boasts a comprehensive ventilation system designed to keep you cool and comfortable in a variety of conditions. Featuring seven closable air intakes and four exhaust outlets, the ventilation system allows you to adapt airflow to your preferences and weather conditions.

The chin vent is massive, providing a substantial amount of airflow. It’s easily adjustable and effectively directs air upwards across the visor, helping to prevent fogging and keep your face cool. If fogging is something you frequently battle, you can fit the pin.

A thoughtful detail is the inclusion of a sponge mesh behind the chin vent. This mesh acts as a filter, preventing dust and debris from entering the helmet through the vent, a crucial feature for off-road riding.

On top of the helmet, you’ll find three large, adjustable vents. These vents can be opened and closed individually, allowing you to fine-tune the airflow depending on your needs and the riding conditions. Across the brow, there are three more vents—one on each side and one in the center—further enhancing ventilation. In total, the X.WED3 has a remarkable amount of ventilation, making it well-suited for hot weather riding and strenuous off-road adventures.

The ventilation system also comprises an innovative feature: the Mid Airflow Chamber. This new patent-pending system is created to keep a gap storage all around between the inner EPS and outer EPS layers, providing unrestricted circulation of fresh air around the head while exiting the hot air from the shell through the rear exhaust vents.

Smart Features and Thoughtful Details

Beyond the core features, the Nexx X.WED3 is packed with smart details and thoughtful integrations that enhance the overall riding experience. Nexx has clearly put a lot of thought into the design, addressing common issues and adding features that riders will genuinely appreciate.

One of these thoughtful design details is the shell’s unique shape with a softer and rounder base edge in the chin area to reduce the potential risk of thorax injuries from frontal impacts.

Another safety-enhancing feature are the X-Foam Crash Bumpers that are fitted to both sides of the helmet and chin area to absorb the energy of an impact, dispersing the crash pulse and decreasing the risk of a collarbone fracture.

One standout feature is the integrated communication system compatibility. The X.WED3 has dedicated recesses designed to accommodate Nexx’s own Sena-branded communication unit. This system integrates seamlessly into the helmet, with pre-routed channels for wires and perfectly positioned speaker pockets. This eliminates the hassle of trying to awkwardly mount a comms unit and ensures a clean, streamlined setup.

Another clever feature is the inclusion of integrated mounts for action cameras. The helmet comes with mounts specifically designed for GoPro and other action cameras, strategically placed on the helmet shell. This is a huge convenience, as finding a good mounting location on adventure helmets, with their often-curved surfaces, can be challenging. Nexx has these mounts, eliminating the need for sticky adhesive mounts and providing secure and convenient attachment points.

Minor Gripes, Major Performance

No helmet is perfect, and while the Nexx X.WED3 comes incredibly close, there are a couple of minor gripes I have. These are small things, but worth mentioning for a complete picture.

First, the D-ring strap. I personally prefer D-ring closures for their safety and ease of use. They are simple, reliable, and allow for easy adjustment, even with gloves on. However, the strap on the X.WED3 is quite thin. Because of its thinness, it has a tendency to fold over on itself and get snagged in the D-rings. I’m not sure why Nexx opted for such a thin strap. While it might make it slightly easier to pull and loosen, the snagging issue is a bit annoying. It’s a minor inconvenience, but something to be aware of.

Another minor gripe is the chin curtain. It’s designed to snap into the helmet liner at the front and on both sides. However, on my helmet, it seems to come loose at the edges. It hasn’t actually come out during my rides, which is good, but there’s the potential risk of losing it. The chin curtain itself is very thick, which is a positive. It effectively seals out noise, wind, and water from below. I just wish it felt a bit more securely attached. It’s possible this is just a minor manufacturing variance in my particular helmet, but it’s worth noting.

As mentioned earlier, the cheek pad removal system initially felt a bit unconventional. But after getting used to it, I actually prefer it to traditional snap-in systems for its safety benefits.

Finally, noise levels. The X.WED3 is an adventure helmet, so it’s inherently going to be louder than a dedicated street helmet. However, this is to be expected with adventure helmets, which prioritize ventilation and off-road features like an extended peak over maximum noise isolation. Wearing earplugs or earbuds effectively reduces the noise to a comfortable level. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that closing the main visor completely does significantly reduce wind noise. Given the excellent ventilation, you don’t always need to ride with the visor open for airflow, even in warm conditions. On super hot and humid days, I’ve ridden around town with the main visor open and the sun visor down for maximum airflow, but for touring and higher speeds, closing the main visor provides a quieter and more comfortable experience.

Verdict

8.7/10

Overall, the Nexx X.WED3 is an outstanding adventure helmet. I genuinely like this helmet. As I said at the beginning, it has become my regular helmet for both street and off-road riding. When I go on road trips, I simply remove the peak.
The Nexx X.WED3 strikes an excellent balance of features, comfort, safety, and style, all in a lightweight and versatile package. The minor gripes are just that—minor—and are easily outweighed by the helmet’s numerous strengths.
If you’re looking for a high-quality adventure helmet that can truly do it all, I highly recommend checking out the Nexx X.WED3. For more in-depth information and technical specifications, RevZilla has an excellent video review and detailed product description. They delve into the finer points of the helmet’s construction and technology. I just wanted to share my impressions after putting thousands of miles on this impressive piece of gear. It’s a helmet that has genuinely exceeded my expectations and is setting a new standard for what an adventure helmet can be.