Let's talk helmets.

[KYchris02]

I want to discuss helmets. Curently, I sport HJC flip-up full face. I do like it I guess because I'm so used to it. My question is ... best helmet, best value helmet, best looking, etc. I realize this is quite subjective, but still wondering where to start looking. $500 for helmet seems too much, but if it is the perfect fit, feel, and look.. i'd pay that. I think my current lid was maybe $200.

whattaya think? what R U wearing and why and what would you be wearing if you could wear anything?

[messenger13]

I just replaced my old Nolan N100E with a new Nolan N100E. For my dome, it is the perfect helmet.

[jgburns]

Every head has a different shape. Have your read this (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm)? If it does not fit comfortably, wearing it will be hell.

Only because you asked, not because I'm recommending these to you, the Shoei Multitech and RF-1000 fits me well.

[patrick2000]

I want to discuss helmets. Curently, I sport HJC flip-up full face. I do like it I guess because I'm so used to it. My question is ... best helmet, best value helmet, best looking, etc. I realize this is quite subjective, but still wondering where to start looking. $500 for helmet seems too much, but if it is the perfect fit, feel, and look.. i'd pay that. I think my current lid was maybe $200.

whattaya think? what R U wearing and why and what would you be wearing if you could wear anything?

Helmets, regardless of price must meet identical safety standards. Full and half helmet impact and penetration standards are the same . The lack of facial protection in the half helmet class is a "buyer beware" issue. Other that that the defining elements are: comfort, style, color, quietness, and moxy.

[deputy5211]

I primarily use the HJC SyMax flip up. It's a little noisy, but that seems to be a common thread among flip-up helmets.

I'm about to buy a MultiSync on the group buy, about $385 delivered, as soon as I can decide on the color.

[jorawro]

I bought a Caberg flip last year and like it. As you will be advised regularly on this site-----try them on. A poor fit is hell and we all have different shaped heads.

[tbarstow]

I wear an Arai Signet GTR. Great fit and weighs nothing. Spent the better part of $500 on it, but it has been worth it in terms of quality and neck fatigue. Hopefully I'll never have to crash test it.

[Seattle]

My nugget likes Arai's

[Ghost55]

The high end helmets are usually Snell and DOT approved, and cheaper ones meet minimum DOT standards only. I have worn Arai helmets for a long time because of the fit and finish, and attention to detail. One of the very few helmets I have tried, at any price that the ventilation system actually works.

[jayjacobson]

Let's talk helmets.

I bought the top of the line Arai at $500 smacks from a local shop. I could have saved $100 by buying online. Very light and plenty of airflow.

It felt as comfortable as the top Shoei for $100 bucks less.

[RiderRay]

I'm with Joe, I have the Nolan N100E and love it. Fits my melon great and the price was right.

[rando]

I could never get a Nolan to fit. I had a Shoei RF800 that fit perfectly. The RF1000 doesn't seem to fit as good. I also have a Fullmer Modus (flip front) that is close to perfect. And not as noisy on the LT as it was on the Vstrom.

As for Snell vs DOT, Snell is a separate lab that runs different tests. Some folks feel like snell is too stiff a helmet. There is an article by Motorcyclist magazine that tested DOT and Snell helmets and took Sneel to task for their helmets. And now apparently, the next gen of snell testing will allow for "softer" helmets, i.e. that don't allow as many g forces to reach the head. At least I think that's how it read in the latest Motorcyclist.

Randy

[KayGee]

The high end helmets are usually Snell and DOT approved, and cheaper ones meet minimum DOT standards only.

Not always true.. My HJC CL14 ($130) meets both DOT and Snell

[comstocklt]

I have always like the Bell helmets. I & wife have matching
Spirit's and really like the fit and looks. Kinda go with the lines of the LT. Then for one up I use the Bell open face. All total I have less than $400.00 in helmet costs, but then we get into the speaker/com system and $ $ $ $ :rotf:

[STARFIGHTER]

I used the Nolan N100 Classis and recently switched to the Nolan N102 because I got tired of the pressure on my shades and the new helmet with built-in sun shade is great. (especially going from sun into tunnels) , Having said that, it took some getting use to because the face shield is closer to your face than previous model, and I had to remove the chin shield to get enough air...
Bottom line = you must try the helmet on for shape of head fit....

[ldbikin]

Had a shoei TZ1 back in 01, it was heavy but fit nicely.

Went to Aria a year later and I've never owned another brand since, bought about 4 of them so far. SO has a quantum, but wants a flip up soon (you know, coffee, glasses, etc :)) That quantum (400 bills at a bike show 3 yrs back) seems a bit heavy to me.

I bought a full-cov corsair (my first and only full-cov, others were the SZ-M flip-ups) in TX at lonestar for 625 a couple yrs back, light, airy, somewhat noisy of course as most well vented helmets are but great for long trips. They didn't have a solid color in my size so they discounted the $700 graphics for me. Now I like that better than the solid. I tryed on all kinds of helmets they had there, nothing quite like the Aria's...in price either :rolleyes:

I really want to try on that new carbon fiber HJC-12 I think it is but for now, my corsair still has a lot of miles left on it. A great helmet in my opinion but fit and finish has everything to do with comfort....geo

[K1200LTryder]

Nolan N-102 here, love it !....fits like a glove (head glove?), use the flip-up regularly, and the sunshade takes some getting used to (optic interface with the windshield on the LT, you are looking through 3 pieces of plastic before you get through to the road, 4 if you are wearing glasses), but I'm now very comfotable with it. Can be had online for 200 bucks.

Downside is no Snell sticker, but DOT approved.

[Nodakgus]

Helmets are one piece of motorcycle gear that should never be compromised because of price. How much is a person's head undamaged worth? I have ridden w/ 1/2's (particularly in my prior H-D riding days), 3/4s and full helmets. I also own a Nolan 102 and it is a very comfortable helmet. But I purchased the new Shoei Multitec a couple of months back and this lid is very, very good. Besides comfort, the one thing I really like is that wind noise is dramatically lower with the Multitec than the Nolan. A lot lower.

With the Nolan I kept my windscreen high otherwise my head felt totally buffeted by the wind and it was noisy. I can ride with my screen (12RT) in the lowest setting and head buffeting and noise is almost non-existent.

I was always suspicious of mfger claims about how "quiet" their helmets are. I now believe it because that has been precisely my experience.

[fas]

For under 50 degrees I use my Simpson full face race helmet. Nice and warm. Heavy. Had it on this morning when BMW said it was 42 degrees F as I shot along the Lake Shore Expressway.......and

For better weather, I use my HJC AC-12 carbon full face. Great ventilation, light, quiet. $377.

[dpancerz]

Gotta agree with Gus above. I may be a new guy to this sport but equipment, especially a helmet is not something that I'm going to compromise on and go the least cost route. I scored a Shoei X-Eleven and it's fabulous. Not too heavy and well ventilated for me living in Texas. It was pricey however coming in at $539 although I took advantage of a sale at Cycle Gear and saved 10% off that.

By trade I work Corporate Finance for Verizon and have no ties whatsoever with Cycle Gear. If convenient to your location in Kentucky saunter on in as they have a nifty helmet policy where you can try one on and bring it back if you don't like it for any reason. Can't wear it on a bike or get it scraped up obviously. The ability to try on different makes (Shoei, Arai) sold me on buying local. That and my buddy Tony (Deputy5211)... ;)

www.cyclegear.com

I'm sure you're aware that asking for helmet preferences is like asking what ice cream a person likes or what sort of woman gets you going. You'll get a million varied opinions!

Good luck,

David

[katnapinn]

The SO and I both wear Nolan N102N and they fit us very well @ around $300.00 each it was not to expensive. I've had my skare of cheap helmets in the past. I'll keep my Nolan !! :)

[ibbones]

I have been usibg a Nolan 102 but only since January. So far I really like it. It does fit my head good.
I had a Fulmer Modus before that but it was lifted at a rally last year. The N102 does fit better.

[Sunderland]

Here's one I will want to try on some day. Has an internal visor like the Shuberth C2 or S1.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/scorpion/exo-1000/

[STARFIGHTER]

Very Interesting......................

[wardenross]

Arai

Simply the best, and most comfortable. Wouldn't own anything else.

Call the Helmet Shop for the best prices in the USA.

http://www.helmetshop.com/

Be sure to call. They sell them cheaper than they advertise on their Web site.

[jgburns]

If you have Cyclegear or other multi-brand helmet vendor nearby, try several brands. You might find some painful right away - I did. After eliminating the painful helmets, wear the others for as long as you can.

Good luck.

[Texas42]

Flip-faced, modular then go with the Caberg, the best full face helmet is the Shoei RF-1000. Quiet and light make the RF-1000 my full face choice. The Caberg Visor and built-in sunshield make the Caberg my number 2 choice.

[petevandyke]

Bar none, the best helmet I have ever owned is a Scorpion Exo-700, except in the Texas heat, it is a killer, so when the Exo-1000 comes out with the new venting system (pop up air vents that act as ram-air intakes, and a system similar to the old reebok pump sneaker that allows you to put the lid on and then "inflate" the cheek pads to a custom fit??? all that AND you can soak the removable headliner for evaporative cooling in hot weather...I'm already sold!). So, if the weather isn't gonna' top 50-degrees, it's the Scorpion, if there's a chance of more than that, I reach for Shoei...

In the mean time, I really like the Shoei Multitec modular, the nolan n100 has the neatest "strap" (a ratcheting system that should be on every helmet) but it just never fit me right...the downside of ordering online.

Had a Shoei RF-1000, was told that the X-11 would vent better, thought I'd beat the system and save $150 bucks, and the 46 straight days we had in the Dallas area last summer where temps exceeded 105 degrees made me regret that decision every single day...so now I have an X-11.

Arai helmets are neat, I like the vented visors, but my head doesn't fit them right, so I don't own any, and likely won't.

Had an Icon Mainframe for a year, before all the "stuntaz" got into the brand name and their prices doubled. Mediocre quality, the two faceshields I had would scratch if you sneezed on them, so I won't buy another, but if you want a helmet with "bling bling" go for it.

Suomy might be the best helmet in the world, but their graphics look like Picasso threw up after a tequilla binder, so I'll never buy one.

Thought the HJC Carbon Fiber was gonna be THE HELMET, especially when I saw that the price was a third of what that Italian carbon fiber helmet was, then I tried one on. L was too tight, XL too loose, and although it was very lightweight, it felt CHEAP (the stuff other than the exterior), the cheek pads, chinstraps, everything gave me no sense of security, so I said "damn" and passed on that one too.

Shark's top-line looks like a great helmet, the interior includes a layer of soft foam "ribs" that act as air channels, and when you open the cyclops-like gigantic air vent in the middle, I'm told it moves air like Paris Hilton sucking on an empty slurpee straw. But it didn't fit me quite right, and I couldn't find a dealer that would let me borrow one (I didn't see the top-line anywhere for under $589, either) to take for a five minute jaunt, to see if it worked for me.

I have four full-face (including the Multitec) helmets in my garage, all four are DOT and SNELL certified, by the way...

Bottom line is, you're gonna' have to go to a dealership with a big selection, the old addage of "oh those Korean helmets like HJC are crap" is no longer true (look at what the pros wear...), try on a couple you like, ask questions, and no matter how stupid you might feel in the store doing it...wear it for at least ten minutes to determine if you will have pressure points, or irritation areas, if it wiggles when you shake your head (remember, snug is good...too tight isn't, and the foam on your cheek pads will compress about 1 to 1.75 mm in the first couple weeks of wear, so if you're on the border of "should I get this one that feels just a tad loose or this one that is a bit snug---go with the one that is a bit snug).

You might feel stupid wearing it for ten minutes in the shop, but you'll feel a LOT less stupid than I have (and I bet others on the forum, if they admit it) who have bought helmets online without ever trying one on first, or because it "looked neat" or because "the guys I ride with all wear these" and then regretted the hundreds of dollars they dumped on a helmet that they hate wearing and quickly replace.

my two cents...

(and go to motorcyclist magazine's website for their review on helmets and realistic testing before you buy anything, then pick up a copy of this month's Motorcycle Consumer News and read about Snell changing their OWN standards for what is now being called SNELL 2010--basically that smaller helmets=smaller heads="ok, we finally admit that those smaller helmets for smaller heads need to meet different requirements than bigger helmets for heavier heads...")

[joeb83]

I have been riding with flip ups exclusively for the past 7 seasons, about 100k miles total. Started in 2000 with the first version of the Jarow / Caberg flip. Used that helmet until I was knocked off my LT by a cage in early 2004 and replaced it with the current version of the Jarow / Caberg which incorporates the sun shield.

These flips are tops for quiet in the class - tying with the Nolan, but less "posh" inside. They also fog quite easily, but the shield can be cracked open to mostly eliminate that problem. Not great in the ventilation area, but not bad.

Last year, I picked up a Nolan 102 with the external sunshield. With the sun shield in the up position, the ventilation is great, less so with the shield down (the shield will direct air into the top scoop when it is up). Almost, but not as quiet as the Jarow. However, the inside is REALLY comfy - more plush than the Jarow.

I am not thilled with the sun shield - nowhere near the equal of the Jarow setup. And, my first shield got pretty scratched up on the inside because the auxilliary "fog" shield was a bit loose. I have also had some rain leaks from the Nolan that I never experienced with the Jarow - which are a serious pain wth the inside fog shield installed.

Overall, I like the comfort of the Nolan, but I think the Jarow is a much better value, and quite a good helmet. Problem is, dealers that stock the Jarow and kind of hard to come by. I think Clif's in Danbury stocks them - don't know of any others off hand.

Just my 2 cents....

Joe B

[Texas42]

Arai

Simply the best, and most comfortable. Wouldn't own anything else.

Call the Helmet Shop for the best prices in the USA.

http://www.helmetshop.com/

Be sure to call. They sell them cheaper than they advertise on their Web site.
Until they stopped making the Signet GT I agree with you, now I can't find one that fits the same. Now I have switched to the Shoei RF-1000, not as comfortable but lighter and much quieter than my Arai helmets were. But if the Arai fits your head shape then it is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned.

On the LT I use the Caberg Justissimo it is comfortable, strong and the noise isn't a problem on the LT. It was pretty easy to put the headset in and has a built-in visor. It is the same as the Jarow. It is just too noisy to use it on the GS, that is when I wear the Shoei.

[Dick]

Until they stopped making the Signet GT I agree with you, now I can't find one that fits the same. Now I have switched to the Shoei RF-1000, not as comfortable but lighter and much quieter than my Arai helmets were. But if the Arai fits your head shape then it is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned.

On the LT I use the Caberg Justissimo it is comfortable, strong and the noise isn't a problem on the LT. It was pretty easy to put the headset in and has a built-in visor. It is the same as the Jarow. It is just too noisy to use it on the GS, that is when I wear the Shoei.
Hey, Tony - I've just ordered the Caberg due to Bruce Coleman's talking up his. Great price at Suburban Motors (HD dealership) @ 250bones shipped. I tried one on at Lone Star's Xmas open house, butt all I remember wuz that the chin bar material, inside, might need some tweaking for me. I'm coming off a 3-4 year old HJC flip, which had only one downside for me, and that wuz it leaked big time in the heavy rains. No matter what I did to it, I couldn't stop that 'feature'!! Prior to that, I wuz a dyed-n-the-wool Nolan flip, which would still work for me, butt I like the Caberg features; and I figger Bruce wouldn't steer me wrong. 'Sides, for the noise issue, I always wear ear plugs anyway, so no problemo.

[deputy5211]

Hey, Tony - I've just ordered the Caberg due to Bruce Coleman's talking up his. Great price at Suburban Motors (HD dealership) @ 250bones shipped. I tried one on at Lone Star's Xmas open house, butt all I remember wuz that the chin bar material, inside, might need some tweaking for me. I'm coming off a 3-4 year old HJC flip, which had only one downside for me, and that wuz it leaked big time in the heavy rains. No matter what I did to it, I couldn't stop that 'feature'!! Prior to that, I wuz a dyed-n-the-wool Nolan flip, which would still work for me, butt I like the Caberg features; and I figger Bruce wouldn't steer me wrong. 'Sides, for the noise issue, I always wear ear plugs anyway, so no problemo.

Well then, I'll just have to find one big enough to fit my noggin and check it out! :)

[pickerbiker]

Currently in a Nolan flip-up that I like. I also really like the fit and feel of an Arai, but to my knowledge they don't make a flip-up version. Does anyone know if they have one or plans to make one? Thanks.

[Texas42]

Well then, I'll just have to find one big enough to fit my noggin and check it out! :)


They have them at MotoLiberty so you can try them on to find the right size, and you can change the cheek pads to tweak it just right. I ended up with two different size cheek pads. I also made a little mount to hold my microphone, so when it is flipped up I can still talk.

[jorawro]

Bo - tell us about your microphone mount. (material used etc.) It looks very interesting.

[Texas42]

Bo - tell us about your microphone mount. (material used etc.) It looks very interesting.

I cut it out from the black plastic that is used as the divider or stand-off in a three ring notebook. Snap out the cheek-pad and it hooks on the snaps then snap the cheek-pad back on, then I use a standard full face helmet set-up. when you close the face shield it just curls into place, open the face and it is out of the way but you can still talk on the intercom. With a boom I kept having to reposition it all of the time; the aluminium wire in the boom broke.

[dmatson]

I have two full faces Arai and KBC both nice and fit great then an Arai 3/4 with a flip up shield one of the best helmets I have ever had and I just got a Shoei MultiTech and it is I think the best of both worlds! Great helmet.

[deputy5211]

They have them at MotoLiberty so you can try them on to find the right size, and you can change the cheek pads to tweak it just right. I ended up with two different size cheek pads. I also made a little mount to hold my microphone, so when it is flipped up I can still talk.

Went to MotoLiberty this afternoon. The Caberg XXL squeezed my ears and press under my chin. They make a XXXL, but the importer does not import them into the US, according to the folks at MotoLberty. :confused:

Really want a flip-up helmet to replace my aging SyMax. They carry HJC but only the CLMax -- ventilation not as good.

Any other suggestion for my ginormous melon? I'd get another SyMax but it's so bloody noisy! MultiTech XXL fit ok, but want to get as many options visited before I drop $400+ on a new skid lid.

[petevandyke]

we could take a dremel to a watermelon in a few weeks...

[katnapinn]

Went to MotoLiberty this afternoon. The Caberg XXL squeezed my ears and press under my chin. They make a XXXL, but the importer does not import them into the US, according to the folks at MotoLberty. :confused:

Really want a flip-up helmet to replace my aging SyMax. They carry HJC but only the CLMax -- ventilation not as good.

Any other suggestion for my ginormous melon? I'd get another SyMax but it's so bloody noisy! MultiTech XXL fit ok, but want to get as many options visited before I drop $400+ on a new skid lid.Tony have you tried out the Nolan lineup I saw some 2x at Lonestar yesterday at there open house for Ardys
BTW she told me she may meet us at the RTE on the 28th.(she need a few more miles i guess) :dance:

[gr8fulfred]

Any other suggestion for my ginormous melon? .
I found the KBC FFR modular helmet runs a little large, I bought one in medium when I usually wear large in my other helmets - Arai Signet, Shoei, HJC, Scorpion. (I go through a lot of helmets) The KBC is made up to XXL, and I do like it, but like many of the other responses in this thread it is a little noisy and it will leak a little in a heavy rain. Hope this helps.

[UncleRock]

Most times on your head, it has been rumored that certain wiseguys on this list. :D
Sick of legislators not even smart enough to write a cohecive bill, have worn them on the knee, or elbow and won in court.
I don't wear one most of the time, but that may change.
Rock

[rattler50]

I wear a Nolan 102. It was free. Well, I had to buy an '03 LT to get it thrown in......lol. It fits great. I love it in winter but I'm not sure how much I'll love it in the Texas heat this summer. I often wear a half helmet. It's not as much protection but it's a lot cooler and I don't feel so boxed in..... :)