Helmets

[Unleaded]

With such good deals out there, I'm just trying to decide between what I like (black or dark gray), and what's probably smarter (red to match the 2014 or a white helmet)...

When I replace mine I will go with white, or as light a Hi-Viz color I can find.

+1

I just bought a new helmet, and it's the first all-white one I've owned. I've read varying reviews on light vs dark helemts in the heat, with some saying there's no difference inside the helmet, because the styrofoam prevents any real heat transfer from the shell. I'm unconvinced that's the whole story, because if the environment on and around the shell is even slightly less warm, I would think the same would be true inside. Even if not, the hi-viz aspect is worth it.

 

[creg-ny-baa]

Apologies if I'm repeating myself in this thread. Call me too lazy to check.

I wore white helmets forever, mainly for conspicuity. At some point, I got my first graphic helmet; it was a deal, and it was color-on-white. After that, it's been all over the place. My most recent Multitec is anthracite (all that was available when they got closed out). I just bought a GiVi X.01, which is convertible from "winter" to "summer" mode by swapping out the chin bar, and to open face mode by taking it off. Don't know that I'll do that...much... Color? Matte black. Strictly a cosmetic decision.

As to the heat difference between helmet colors, I don't think it makes any difference on the inside, with the possible exception if you're completely stopped in traffic. An inch of EPS is a dadgum good insulator, and moving air takes away a lot of heat. If you have a dark car, check the skin temp when you're parked vs when you arrive somewhere, and you'll see what I mean.

 

[Steel_Gin]

I have an Arai RX-Q and love it, just look to your left for the color; Spencer Racing was the description for the design and was discontinued a couple years ago. Can't comment how loud it is or isn't, I wear ear plugs 99.9% of the time, so anytime I go with out them anything would be loud to me. Very wide peripheral view. It has nice size ear pockets for a set of Sena speakers. With all the vents open air flow is nice. When it's 90 plus out and stuck in traffic all helmets are the same, an easy bake oven on your head. I wear the CoolMax skull cap from That's A Wrap, https://www.tawgear.com/store/ , pricey but after three seasons of washing and wearing they're still in great shape.

Someone commented that swapping the shield is a little tough, I agree, I believe engineering could come up with something better. Watch a couple videos on youtube, try it a couple times and you'll be fine. The first time took me 15-20 minutes because I wasn't being firm enough, the second time took less than 30 seconds. Just pay close attention how and where the shield rotates out then mirror that going back in, be firm but be smart about it when replacing. I think why a lot of people don't like to change them, me included, is because the sounds you hear makes you think you are breaking something. I liken it to taking the cases off our FJRs for the first time, lift up on the handle you hear that pop and you think you broke something; it takes about the same amount of pressure to lift the case handle as it does to put a new face shield on. My point being, don't let the face shield swap steer you away from this great helmet.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Resurrectus. Picked up the Shure 215K's you mentioned elsewhere. Amazing. Like wearing foam earplugs except that I can hear music clearly. Amazing how much they block wind noise. Also snagged a Bell revolver on clearance. No nolan, but for the price, I don't have to like it that much or that long.

I use whatever silicon-bulbed earbuds I can find to mitigate wind noise and listen to GPS/tunes. I've long toyed with something custom, but worried that I'd spend big coin just to have something that didn't last long. What are you using?

You haven't mis-stated anything that I'm aware of, but good earplugs or noise-isolating earbuds are rated around 26 to 30 dB. Quite enough to reduce wind noise (the dangerous stuff) to a perfectly safe level. From the tests I've seen, the noise difference in most helmets doesn't vary all that much, especially at higher cruising speeds. That is, a "quiet" helmet like the Schuberth isn't all that much quieter than my Vega.
With earplugs, both are quiet. With custom molded plugs they aren't much quieter, but good molds can be worn for much longer and they can be fitted with speakers.

I'm not saying that expensive helmets aren't worth the money, but simply that they are not proven to be safer, quieter or lighter. Some are, but again the Schuberth falls in the middle of the range for weight (for example). What the money does buy is a much higher build quality, especially of things like liners, fasteners, visors (and Pinlock).

I've worn lots, from top-rated and top-priced down to my current Vega. With a good helmet liner and decent earplugs, the cheapy works really well so I save my limited budget for other things. If I could afford it I'd buy a Neotech

 

[bergmen]

With such good deals out there, I'm just trying to decide between what I like (black or dark gray), and what's probably smarter (red to match the 2014 or a white helmet)...

My Shoei RF-1100 was available in Candy Red almost the exact same color as my 2014 FJR:



Tour Master jackets match too.

Dan

 

[Medpilot]

Schuberth C3. Had it for several years, very happy with it.

+2 on the C3. It's my first Schuberth and my first modular. I have to say I really like it. I got based on all the positive reviews written about it. They say it's one of the quietest modular helmets on the market and I'd have to agree. One thing I've learned is all helmets are loud. Some are just not as loud as others. I'll wear earplugs (earbuds) if I'm riding on the freeway. The wind noise can deafening...literally. And that goes for any brand of helmet. I have a Shoei RF1200 I'll use for the track (that was my last helmet).

Pros on the C3

Easy to get on and off. Flip the front up and pull on the straps and it comes off without rubbing on my cheeks.

Fits my head really well

Great build quality.

Quieter than my previous helmets

Shield comes off easier than any other system I've tried.

Face shield comes with an anti-fog pin-lock system

Quick release chin strap (also can be a con, see below)

Good venting

Cons

Expensive

No D-ring on the chinstrap to securely leave the helmet on the bike.

Expensive

The flip down tinted sun visor feels a little cheap.

Mounting a communication system was a little difficult because of the neckpad, but do-able with my Sena SMH10

Factory Schuberth add-on communication system is ridiculously expensive.

 

[Fred W]

Gotta admit, I do love the convenience of a modular helmet. Is it any less protective than a "true" full face helmet? I think there is no doubt about that. Somewhat more protection that an open face, 3/4 helmet, but less so than a full face.

The primary purpose of any helmet is protecting that gray pudding that makes up your brain. Anything more is just gravy. So, I am willing to sacrifice some chin and facial protection (but not much) for the convenience of a modular... at least until I crash on my face.

Your risk analysis decision may vary. If you are looking for the most safety possible, you might stay at home on the couch and risk only cardiac arrest from inactivity. After that, it is only a matter of degrees of incremental risk.

In an age where the majority of riders (in my state) choose to ride helmet-less, I feel incredibly responsible in just choosing ANY helmet beyond the typical non-DOT pudding bowl.

But... that is the cool thing about all of this. YOU get to choose.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

"My Shoei RF-1100 was available in Candy Red almost the exact same color as my 2014 FJR"

I sure wish Shoei had a current model that matched the 2014 FJR. I had a RF-1100 Sever 2 and if fit perfect.

 

[Ijuggle]

Neotec. Fits me perfectly/very comfortable. Quiet enough. Quality finish, inside and out. Visor removes and installs super easy. Pinnock included. Flows a decent amount of air on hot days.

Spare helmet is a Shoei X-11. I still love this helmet.

Some of my previous helmets were Arai's, a Quantum and a Signet. Finish on the Arai's is just as good as the Shoei's. Visors were harder to remove/replace.

I wore a Shuberth C3 pro for an hour at the dealer. From reading articles I wanted this helmet.. Finish was just a good as the Neotec. Price was higher. It did not fit and became painful.

Buy a helmet that fits. Not one that you have decided on from reading stuff. I've found that the reason some helmets are cheap is because they save a lot on fit/finish/noise/visor quality-action etc. They still protect you. They are just not as spiffy, and less fun to live with.

Years ago one of the MC rags did an impact test (I think it measured impact force transferred to head when you head butt a curb) and a cheap helmet came out on top. If I remember right I think an $80 helmet beat the Arai's and Shoei's. Does anyone know where that article is?

 

[ionbeam]

...Years ago one of the MC rags did an impact test (I think it measured impact force transferred to head when you head butt a curb) and a cheap helmet came out on top. If I remember right I think an $80 helmet beat the Arai's and Shoei's. Does anyone know where that article is?

There have been a bunch of research and lots of papers. There is a lot of disagreement and everyone has 'facts' to back up their point of view. This article is typical of what is being published. There are other quite detailed medical evaluations that will make your head hurt, regardless of what type of helmet you are wearing when you read it

Essentially, G-Force transferred to the brain is bad, more is worse. A less rigid helmet shell typically absorbs distributes and dissipates short period, high force impacts better than a stiffer shell. One study says that the threshold of life changing G-Force is 300 Gs, another says that you want way less force. An underlying finding is that when a cyclist undergoes extremely high G-Force accidents the rider will most likely will have succumbed to at least 3 other separate accident related injuries making helmet protection moot.

What the previous poster was thinking about is the difference between standards like Snell and DOT helmets where the stiffer shell passes lab vs real world tests but transfers higher G-Force to the brain in accidents. Read the first linked article then do a search. This is one of those cases where the reports generate obfuscation.

 

[Denver_FJR]

...Buy a helmet that fits. Not one that you have decided on from reading stuff. I've found that the reason some helmets are cheap is because they save a lot on fit/finish/noise/visor quality-action etc. They still protect you. They are just not as spiffy, and less fun to live with.

Years ago one of the MC rags did an impact test (I think it measured impact force transferred to head when you head butt a curb) and a cheap helmet came out on top. If I remember right I think an $80 helmet beat the Arai's and Shoei's. Does anyone know where that article is?

Fit is everything! Or at least has been my takeaway based on the article Ionbeam linked below. It's great to hear reviews from folks regarding quality and comfort anecdotes, but if the helmet doesn't fit ME the rest doesn't matter. It's unfortunate some folks buy the line "buy a $10 helmet if you have a $10 head" because a poor fitting $800 helmet most probably won't protect you as well as a $200 proper fitting helmet.

There have been a bunch of research and lots of papers. There is a lot of disagreement and everyone has 'facts' to back up their point of view. This article is typical of what is being published. ...

Yes, the article Ionbeam linked above is the one I read years ago and convinced me on the necessity of proper fit and to a lesser degree that Snell certified helmets may be too "hard".

 

[steveoreno]

I have the Shoei RF-1200 in anthracite currently. Shoei's fit me the best, wanted the Blarney Quick design that Arai offered but the helmet is wrong for my head.

 

[Oly]

Arai Profile... and it's due for replacement but I'm cringing at the price of the few helmets built for my narrow (aka alien) shaped head. WebBikeWorld currently lists only 8 helmets classified as narrow. Most are no longer produced or sold in the US or are Schuberth ($$$). If anyone else liked the Profile (now discontinued) I'd appreciate hearing what you're using now.

I've got the same fitment issue

I had a Profile which fit perfectly, but I crash tested it (high-sided off a sport bike and landed on my head, then hit a tree. Helmet was absolutely destroyed.)

Replaced it with a Vector, which was just barely oval enough; it never felt great after a day of riding.

So, now I have a Signet Q for street and an XD4 for dual sport. Both white.

The Signet Q fits nearly as well as the Profile did, much better than the Vector.

Fit is everything.

So, unless someone has a suggestion on a credible long oval helmet, I'll stick with Arai.

Re the face shield change-out, I'm so used to it, I don't even think about it.

 

[Twigg]

Modular helmets are available with CE approval. Whether they are "less protective" or not is a matter of conjecture, even though the conventional wisdom appears to support the suggestion that they are not as protective. Much depends on the materials and construction, rather than whether or not the front flips up.

CV doesn't always help here. Snell have repeatedly insisted their stiffer helmets are safer, yet the research doesn't appear to support that apparently sensible view. Either way, helmets tested under the SNELL regime do appear to be well made and they may indeed be better than simple DOT approval.

Somethings do seem to matter though:

1. Get a helmet

2. Wear it

3. Make sure it fits correctly

4. Wear ear protection. This doesn't just save your hearing, it also reduces fatigue and stress.

5. Pay attention to the Approval Authority DOT (Minimum legal requirement), SNELL or CE (Better)

6. Ride defensively

 

[Uncle Hud]

Mine's Snell. Won't buy one without it, so no modular for Uncle Hud.

It's not hard to endure the poor arrangements for talking, eating, drinking, smoking (n/a), shield fogging, eyeglass fogging, and that special glow that highlights the scratches in my faceshield as I ride into the sun.

 

[creg-ny-baa]

Mine's Snell. Won't buy one without it, so no modular for Uncle Hud.
It's not hard to endure the poor arrangements for talking, eating, drinking, smoking (n/a), shield fogging, eyeglass fogging, and that special glow that highlights the scratches in my faceshield as I ride into the sun.

I understand that stance, and held fast to it for a very long time. I had gone to a (Shoei) modular as a practical matter for events I was working on the bike, and still have one, which has evolved into my main hat. As to the standards, the Motorcyclist article referenced earlier really gave me pause as to the applicability of Snell standards. IIRC, as a result (at least in part) of that article, The Snell Foundation modified their standards (M2010?) to allow a slightly less stiff shell, changing the transmitted forces to the skull. So...I'm more open to different constructions than I used to be, so long as it passes a higher (my unscientific description) standard than DOT. To borrow from Twigg:

Get one, wear it, take care of it.

 

[BigOgre]

Came across a link today which categorizes popular helmets according to shape. Going to bookmark it as occasionally I'll see a sale on a helmet which grabs my interest but having no idea how it fits I'll usually shy away from ordering. And I don't know of too many places that carry a selection to try on. I had the idea of looking at modulars at last month's IMS but when I saw some of my fellow riders trying them on the desire to do so afterwards sort of left.

 

[Cibrd0wn]

The wife and I scored a couple Bell RS-1s for Christmas. Can't wait to give them a run.

 

[G Squared]

Arai all the way. Had vectors until the Signet-Q came out. It was designed for and is exclusive for North America. It is their first true oval. All their previous lids were different shapes of round. (i.e., Asian heads) FYI, each 'name' in the Arai lineup is a slightly different shape. The Signet came out about 3 years ago and is the most comfortable helmet I've ever put on now that it is tailored for 'American' head shape. Quieter, lighter, stronger, and better vented than previous models. With the exception of Corsair. All my helmets are silver. Guess that's because my last bike was silver. But it's a good neutral color that goes with anything and is visible,albeit not as much as a real hi-viz. Pin-lock also. I switch between a Vector for a go to work hat and my Signet for more serious leisure riding.

 

[creg-ny-baa]

Arai all the way. )snip( It is their first true oval. All their previous lids were different shapes of round. (i.e., Asian heads) FYI, each 'name' in the Arai lineup is a slightly different shape. The Signet came out about 3 years ago and is the most comfortable helmet I've ever put on now that it is tailored for 'American' head shape. Quieter, lighter, stronger, and better vented than previous models. With the exception of Corsair.

My ancestors from Scotland and Italy would find it very interesting that my round noggin is "Asian." FWIW, I have gone away from Arai of late because so many of their shapes have migrated away from the traditional Arai (round oval) shape. The old Quantum and RX-7 RR4 were recommended to me by their legendary Bruce Porter. The original Signet (which dates back at least 20 years) was what they called a "long oval."