Helmets

[german]

I need to get a new helmet. I'm considering the following three flip up helmets:

Nolan

Shoei

Schuberth

They seem to be real proud of the Schuberth.

Any opinions?

 

[jjg3]

I have a Nolan N100 and 103, Caberg, and HJC Symax. Of the 3 I much prefer either of the nolans. They fit my head shape and the chin strap is high on the list of why I prefer nolans. The classic 100 seems the quieter of the 2. The Caberg feels heavy, although the N103 is heavier. The Symax does a good job, but it doesn't use a chin curtain that is also standard on the Nolan (helping to keep it quiet). Cannot speak to Shoei other than I tried one on and my head didn't like the shape. I think you can find Shuberth at competitive prices if you work at it, but the Nolans just do too well for me that they will get my money. The flip-up is something I've really gotten used to, that and the integrated sunvisor.

Happy hunting

 

and just as an aside, mods may move this to 'Bike Related Things"

[RavennaAl]

I've always liked Shoei's myself. Had a HJC, but it ended up being too loose on the sides after awhile. I guess it all depends on your head's shape. If it's round, a HJC would be a good fit. If it's more oblong like mine, the Shoei would fit better. Try them all on and see which feels the best. As far as quality goes, I think the 3 you listed are all about equal. Also, you might want to check which is the lightest, that could effect your neck muscles on a long ride.

[Bologna]

Shoei used here because it fits the best for my egg head! Try them all on and see what works.

[lvnvbiker]

I am a fan of the Nolans myself. They are a feature packed helmet at a fair price, and your options with them are pretty good as far as shield combinations.

[Lmar]

I really like my Shoei Multitech. It is comfortable, well made and the venting works well to keep your head cool in warm weather.

 

Try them all on and see which one fits best for you.

[Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV]

I have the Schuberth flip up. It's fine on my RT, but on my Valkyrie it has such a loud low-frequency booming I can't use it. After reading this link, I've decided to go back to a full-face helmet, and not wear the 3/4 helmet any more. I really liked the Shoei RF-800, it fit well, wasn't too heavy and was quiet on my Valkyrie and RT. So I decided to get a new RF-1000 Shoei and found these at a great price ($300) so I bought the Red Joust.

 

http://www.helmetexpress.com/brand.cfm/fid/3

[hopz]

I am certainly no expert on helmets but I have bought a few. The answer, in my opinion, does not lie in any particular brand, but in the fit and feel of the product to your head.

 

Heads are worse then shoes, regarding getting a good fit.

 

Go to the dealers of the various brands and try them on. Walk around the store for at least 15 minutes wearing the helmet.

 

I think adding the HJC Symax II to the list is a good idea. I like mine.

 

Welcome on board.

[Sailorlite]

I'm wondering about the lengthy walk-arond-the-store concept. It seems to me that if a helmet is honestly comfortable when you first put it on, it will generally stay comfortable or get even more comfortable later. If it's not, then it probably won't really become satisfactory later.

 

My helmets now are the HJC Symax II and the Shoei X-11. Obviously they're different types, but they're equally comfortable and equally well-built IMO despite the price difference.

 

Of all the categories of riding gear, I think helmets are what most require you to go to the local motorcycle store to select.

[krussell]

I'm wondering about the lengthy walk-arond-the-store concept. It seems to me that if a helmet is honestly comfortable when you first put it on, it will generally stay comfortable or get even more comfortable later.

 

I a huge fan of at least 30 minutes at the dealer with the helmet on. Walk around, check out the bikes, look at other stuff. It's easy to kill the time. I have a Nolan that I bought in about five minutes a few years ago, it felt fine at the store. First ride it started to bother me 10 minutes in, and it got worse from there. :-( My pillion bought a similar helmet in a similar amount of time, had a hotspot on the front that didn't come into play until about 20 minutes in.

 

For the next round, I decided to be much more careful. The reason I believe the 30 minute test is crucial is that I rejected several initially comfortable helmets before the end of the 30 minutes. What starts out feeling good can get really uncomfortable quickly. When I ended up with one that went 30 minutes, I kept it on for another 30 minutes to be sure. Most comfortable helmet I have ever owned!

[Albion]

Agree, most important thing is to go for fit.

 

Recently bought a Shoei Multitec, not quite as quiet as my BMW flip, but in general a nice helmet.

 

Fits my head superbly, but only minor criticism, and I have seen this widely reported, is that it is designed for people with receding chins! It really is a bit close on the jawline, although I've got used to this.

 

I have not got a big chin, so you wonder what Shoei's designers were playing at.

 

Something to check when you try one on, methinks.

 

Also I note that many police and emergency riders in the UK use Shoei flip helmets, which suggests that either the brand are doing something right, or giving the 'professionals' a huge discount.