Open Face/Full face helmets

[Shillas]

My main  preference for a flip face helmet is that I need to wear glasses to be on the road. Having broken the arms on pairs of glasses previously while trying to thread the glasses through the interior. The flip face means I can put the helmet on and don't have to try and squeeze the glasses through the gap of a full face. Also easier when stopping at servos.

[ruSTynutz]

I really like my Shoei Neotec 2...It's my third modular helmet and I can't see me ever going back to a normal full face helmet.
They are so much easier to put on and off which is a must when you wear glasses. It's also nice not having your ears nearly ripped off everytime you remove the helmet.
Another advantage of a modular helmet is you can quite often get away without removing your helmet when refuelling the bike as you can just flip it up when you go in to pay for the fuel instead of removing it.

The 1st modular I had was a cheap Rjays Tour Tech, which actually made me a fan of modular helmets. For a cheapie I actually found it quite good, the only thing missing was an internal sun visor.

I then upgraded to a Bell SRT Modular...This was a mid range helmet which had fairly good reviews so I bought one.
Unfortunately I wasn't a fan...I found it a bit noisy and the internal sun visor tint just didn't seem quite right.
After about 5 months I retired that and bought my current Shoei...

While the Shoei is an expensive helmet I believe it was money well spent as it's a well built quality helmet with an internal sun visor that is just right for my old eyes.
It's also the quietest helmet I've owned and is very comfortable.
Having the option of being able to fit an intercom without it looking like an add-on was also a bonus...
The outer shell size is also a little smaller than some helmets which makes fitting it in the ST's topbox an easy job.
The shell size is really noticeable when sitting alongside Sue's HJC modular...and unlike my Shoei, the HJC doesn't fit in the topbox... 

[NTRebel]

Like Rusty I originally had the Rjay's and now use an airoh rev19 cos being a four eyed old codger it definitely makes life easier compared to normal fullface.

[ruSTynutz]

Just continuing on from my previous post...

I forgot to mention, before I bought the Bell modular I was seriously looking at the Shark Evoline (I can't remember which one now but I do remember it was a superceded model so had been "supposedly" reduced in price.)
I really liked the fit and feel but what eventually convinced me to not buy (besides the price at the time) was it was already showing signs of wear on the shell from the flip back mechanism.
I also had concerns as to how long the mechanism would last.
In the end I felt it was a safer option to go with a more conventional modular as I figured I'd rarely ride with the front flipped up so the extra complications of the Shark weren't worth it...

[ppopeye]

Rusty. I like my Shark and  it was $299. My last one in 2014 if I remember correctly was $499 with some discount as I bought a complete outfit of gear when I bought Ruby. Couldn’t resist this one.


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[ruSTynutz]

Cheers Garry! 

Don't get me wrong, I really liked the Shark. I think the shop where I was looking at it were wanting something like $450 which was a fair markdown from the original sticker price but when I did some research I think you could buy a later model Shark for a similar price.

In hindsight I would probably have been better off buying a Shark instead of the Bell...
While the Bell was a very nice helmet, it just didn't suit me particularly well.
Oh well, the Bell is now stored away in the Shoei Box and will probably end up being used as a backup at some point.

I probably should have sold it as it's basically in as new condition but figured not many people would want a secondhand helmet... :/

[Wild Rose]

Shoei Neotec 2 Great helmet 
I had a Shark Evoline 2. Too noisy 

[ruSTynutz]

Best Modular Helmets 2021 Road Test

1. Schuberth C4 Pro
2. Shoei Neotec 2
3. HJC RPHA 90S Carbon
4. AGV Sportmodular
5. X-Lite X-1005 Ultra Carbon

Modular helmets are designed to give a balance of the safety of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open face helmet. This makes them excellent for touring and city riding since you get the great option of being able to simply flip that chin bar up instead of wrestling the helmet off. But the question still remains of which modular helmet is the best, and this means taking these helmets out on our road test where we measure the noise level, ventilation, and more to determine which really brings the best performance.

https://www.championhelmets.com/us/magazine/post/Best-Modular-Helmets-2021-Road-Test

[ruSTynutz]

The Nolan N100-5 seems to get a good review for price, noise etc.

You might find this review of interest, Shillas, the Nolan N100-5 Plus is an update of Nolan’s N100 5...

Nolan N100 5 Plus Review

https://www.championhelmets.com/us/magazine/post/Nolan-N100-5-Plus-Modular-Helmet-Review-and-Road-Test

[Nigel]

Me, I`m more into the safety side of things.
I only where full face helmets of known and acknowledged brands.
Shark at the moment, had a couple of HJC`s which where also good. One must of been good as some one stole it.
Even on my trail bike, ff only.
Convenience at servo`s understand, but always take helmet off, keeps everybody on side, and give`s my head time to expand.
It`s one of those more personal items, that are taken as a choice, sometimes more than a need. 2c worth. 5c with inflation!

Take care all. 

 

[Shillas]

The Nolan N100-5 seems to get a good review for price, noise etc.

You might find this review of interest, Shillas, the Nolan N100-5 Plus is an update of Nolan’s N100 5...

Nolan N100 5 Plus Review

https://www.championhelmets.com/us/magazine/post/Nolan-N100-5-Plus-Modular-Helmet-Review-and-Road-Test

One of the ones that is actually near the top of my list.

[ruSTynutz]

I thought it may have been...

Have you had a chance to try one for size & fit?

I took pot luck with the sizing when I bought the Bell online...luckily it fitted okay.

With the Shoei I didn't risk it, I tried it on for size & comfort at a physical store then ended up buying it online...
I may have bought it from the shop as I really liked the colour of the helmet I tried but when I looked online I found I could get the Shoei in the same colour as my ST1300 so that sealed the deal...

[Shillas]

Haven't tried any out yet and not willing to buy without trying as each helmet seems to be slightly different in size and comfort.

[StinkyPete]

How quiet a helmet is depends upon many factors including.....

Head fit, and we all have different shape heads
Integrity and fit of the seals
Air vent design
Neck ware and scarves etc
Bike screen design
Wind direction and strength
and probably other factors.
Therefore another person's recommendation for whats a quiet helmet is not always useful

It somewhat annoys me that I can try on a helmet in the shop for Head Fit, but not ride with it to assess the other factors.  I've found that a budget Shoei full face works well for me, so whenever I buy a new helmet, I go straight to them.

My two bobs worth...... 

[Langers]

It's a weird science I reckon. My helmet is a BMW built by Schuberth who apparently have a name of quality, quiet helmets. It is a modular helmet.  I spent a bit more for the quiet reputation. Hmmm My previous helmets were Nolan modular then Shark full face, looking for quietness. Nup.
When it was time to get a new helmet I went for the BMW because at the time I couldn't find Schuberth in SA.
All three helmets are as noisy as each other. And it's wind noise.
But here is the kicker - On the V-Strom I feel I could ride without plugs - it is so much quieter.
So, in my case, it seems to be the way the air comes off the ST and interacts with the helmet. I should also mention there wasn't much difference between the OEM screen and the Bikequip screen.  If I raise the screen it does become quieter.

[Gadget]

My 1st flip face was a Nolan with a sun visor on the outside of the helmet. After about 2 years the the sun visor would just flop down unexpectedly.

My next was the Shoei Neotec and was much quieter. The retractable sun visor inside the helmet was a vast improvement. I also loved that it had hollows for Bluetooth speaker kits.

I now have the Shoei Neotec 2 and love it for the same reasons above, and it is even quieter than the 1st one.

I also wear glasses, and can easily put the helmet on while wearing glasses, this speeds up getting ready, when your mates are getting ready to go.

There is a recess in the foam for the frames, which means it's comfortable to wear for hours.

I always remove the glasses before taking the helmet off though.

It was pricey, but as I love riding uninterrupted for hours, and I like the quieter helmet, I think it was worth it.

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[Skip]

Helmets are a funny thing. I took advice decades ago to never buy on a recommendation of a friend. There are so many variables that make the purchase very personal. Most critically being head shape. Even trying the helmets on in your favourite store doesn't guarantee a 'perfect' helmet long-term. I can say without hesitation, the best helmet, in terms of comfort and quietness, was probably the cheapest helmet I have every purchased. It was a KBC. It was the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned, and quieter than any helmet I've owned. However, I never had the misfortune, or good fortune, of putting it to the 'real world' safety test. My latest purchase was a Airoh but not 100% happy. I have never considered a 'flip face' because most feedback I've had is that they are heavier and noisier than a regular full face. I always ride with my visor up, except in rain. Just my 2 bob's worth. 

[Marcus]

Stop it, you're all making me want to upgrade to one 😜

[ppopeye]

Marcus Is yours getting to that age?


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[Marcus]

Marcus Is yours getting to that age?

No although it is getting a bit on the nose.

[Shillas]

Marcus Is yours getting to that age?

No although it is getting a bit on the nose.

Both age and nose for me.

Getting to the stage where half the time I can't tell the difference between the dead roos and the helmet interior. 

[ruSTynutz]

I have never considered a 'flip face' because most feedback I've had is that they are heavier and noisier than a regular full face. I always ride with my visor up, except in rain. Just my 2 bob's worth. 

I reckon they are definitely worth considering, Skip! Yes, they are slightly heavier but we're talking probably a couple of hundred grams difference and while they are a little noisier, I honestly don't think there's a lot in it these days.
It will probably depend more on your bike and the screen as to how noisy things get...

I have the 21" Bikequip screen on my ST and I have the screen set in such a position that I look over it yet most of the airflow is going over my head.
This enables me to ride with the helmet visor open pretty much all the time...
The helmet is quiet enough "even with the visor open" that I have no problems conversing with and hearing Sue via our intercom at highway speeds.

[ruSTynutz]

Marcus Is yours getting to that age?

No although it is getting a bit on the nose.

Both age and nose for me.

Getting to the stage where half the time I can't tell the difference between the dead roos and the helmet interior. 

Sniff sniff....bloody hell, what's that stench???   

The better quality helmets usually have removable & washable cheek pads & lining these days...Sounds like it's definitely time to upgrade!   

[Skip]

I have never considered a 'flip face' because most feedback I've had is that they are heavier and noisier than a regular full face. I always ride with my visor up, except in rain. Just my 2 bob's worth. 

I reckon they are definitely worth considering, Skip! Yes, they are slightly heavier but we're talking probably a couple of hundred grams difference and while they are a little noisier, I honestly don't think there's a lot in it these days.
It will probably depend more on your bike and the screen as to how noisy things get...

I have the 21" Bikequip screen on my ST and I have the screen set in such a position that I look over it yet most of the airflow is going over my head.
This enables me to ride with the helmet visor open pretty much all the time...
The helmet is quiet enough "even with the visor open" that I have no problems conversing with and hearing Sue via our intercom at highway speeds.

Appreciate the reply Rusty. Given I also have a Bikequip screen, 2" wider and 2" higher than the OEM screen, I also set the screen so that it deflects the airstream over my helmet at whatever speed I am doing, I like the confidence my full-face gives me with the visor up should I be unfortunate enough to hit the tarmac. I have a sister-in-law who wore an openface while learning to ride on a 50cc scooter and suffered facial injuries when she came off at a speed below 60kpm. For me, the visor up on a full face is preferable to riding with a flip face fully open. Having said that, I would love to give one a try.   

[ruSTynutz]

I rarely ride with the chin bar flipped up, when I do it's usually just to the local servo which is a couple of hundred metres away...