| Author | Message | ||
     Fltwistygirl |
My ol' Nolans giving up the ghost. My riding conditions have dramatically changed since I was last shopping for a new lid. Where good venting was essential before ( swamps of FL), now I am looking for: Comfort when it's cooler Limited fogging Hi Viz a plus Short list of brands that fit my noggin: Arai Shoei Nolan My riding conditions are gonna be varying from high plains windy-dodging-darn- tumbleweeds to high country (Colorado mountains, maybe even a 14er or two) to mostly humid n buggy summer in MN. Like the Uly, the helmet needs to do it all. If you have a helmet you love and would buy again, please post up. Thx. B. | ||
| Callawegian |
I love my Arai XD because of the light weight and the visor is a great bonus. | ||
| Etennuly |
If I was going to the Great White North to live I would be looking into a snomobile helmet with heat..... the idea just seems so right.  | ||
| Hughlysses |
Spend some time at this site: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/mot orcycle-helmets.htm They have a whole section on head shapes and which helmets will fit you. You say Arai's, Shoei's and Nolands fit, but those can be very different shapes depending on the model. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Thanks for posting, Alan. I am a huge fan of the light weight. I tried on an Arai today and loved it. But I also liked the shoei, and can get the hi-viz version of it for a good price. Online  . I worked for a small dealership previously and know how important it is to support the locals. And the Nolan has great bonus features and is a known entity. New helmet selection: is there an app for that? | ||
| Woodnbow |
I use an HJC Carbon lid. It's a great helmet, quiet, well ventilated and the first detent is fairly small so the shield can be cracked open to avoid fogging at slow speeds. That being said, it's time to replace it and I don't think they make it any more. I have tested the Shoei Qwest and so far I think that's how I'm going to go, it's very similar to my HJC in most respects, maybe quieter and only a couple ounces heavier. | ||
| Afsoc_commando |
I run the Shark Evoline 3 Not super lite but you get dual functionality and the shields swap out real easy if you wish to carry chrome for day and clear for night. 2nd the www.Webbikeworld.com recommendation. Reviews by riders on all kinds of SWAG!! | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Thanks for the input and especially for the link. I could literally spend hours looking at that site. Great stuff! Two of the three helmet models on my short list showed up on the same headshape list, so I now have a tool to narrow this selection process down. "If I was going to the Great White North to live I would be looking into a snomobile helmet with heat..... the idea just seems so right." Funny you say that, Vern. On one of the websites they had several "convertible to snowmobile" helmets options that looked interesting. But, my last three summers in MN have actually been uncomfortably hot, humid and rainy. Since I've been in arid CO, I've gotten spoiled by the lack of humidity. "That being said, it's time to replace it and I don't think they make it any more." I hate that! Just like any product, they sometimes will flat out stop making it or will make "improvements" that change the features that got your to purchase the product in the first place. | ||
| General_ulysses |
The most important factor of all is fit. The second most important factor is fit. I wouldn't buy anything online without first trying it on somewhere first. Everybody's head shape is different (especially between men and women) and different manufacturers cater to different head shapes. The only way to know which one is right for you is to try a bunch of them on and then go from there. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Shape is important, but maybe even more important is a salesman who knows the product. A few years ago I was replacing a helmet and was having difficulty finding a good fit. On a recommendation of good selection, I went to a shop that is about an hour away. After trying on a few models, the salesman came over and suggested a helmet that I had already rejected due to poor fit. The salesman insisted that this particular helmet would fit if it was properly fitted to me. He exchanged the helmet's cheek pads and crown pads for different standard sizes, and now I have the best fitting helmet that I have ever had. No tight spots, no loose spots, all day riding comfort. It's amazing. There was no added cost for the exchanged pads. Sure, I could probably have saved 20% online, but I would never had gotten this level of fit. (Message edited by Mark_weiss on March 23, 2014) | ||
| Sprintex |
I replaced my Nolan with a LS2 386 hi viz, I wanted the N90 but it wasn't offered in hi viz. For the price the LS2 is real nice very comfy for me. Good thread here. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89 4456 | ||
| Reepicheep |
The latest CycleGear catalog had some pretty nice looking helmets with integrated bluetooth for very affordable prices. They would work for cell phone, and also do rider to rider within 100 yards. No idea how they work, but the price point is now at my "if I needed a new helmet I would get one of them" threshold. | ||
| Uly_man |
Ok, I know this one if an Arai fits you right? I have used Quantum Fs for many years and my "hack" one is 14 years old and it is STILL in great condition and has at least 50k miles on it. I have tried others but even though they are good NOTHING is like an Arai for me. Not long ago I treated myself to the new type Quantum. It is the ST version in Day Glow yellow. It is a Sports/ Touring helmet. Amazing ventilation if needed but warm if not, more chin space, 1680 grams and no more "ear and cheek" crush like the old Arais. It also comes with the Pindlock system and all of Arais newest features. Not a cheap helmet though. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
I have a Shoei RF1000 and it's a great helmet. It fits better than any of my others, especially with sunglasses. If you ride with sunglasses, test the helmet with those glasses on. However, it's not worth a shit when it's below 45. It fogs terribly, and I've tried all kinds of things to prevent this. When it's below 45 I wear my HJC. YMMV, etc. | ||
| Ourdee |
I wear a Nolan for now. I used to have an Arai and loved it in damp cool conditions. Never had an issue with fogging either. It was light weight compared to the Nolan. I would like to go back to Arai. I also have a MotoX helmet to try this summer. Best thing I do for cold weather is wearing a silk balaclava under my helmet. | ||
| Pontlee77 |
I love Icon helmets the Airframe is the Best for me, i friend boughta Nexx helmet price is very good has a a few extra pads to make it fit better dependiente on head shape and it's really light. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Back out today to try more helmets on and walk around the store for several minutes wearing anything that seems promising. Thanks for everyone's input, I'm feeling way more informed about this decision. B. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
When I put on a helmet that actually fit 'right' not just well. It was IMMEDIATELY apparent. Still snug, but perfectly even with no areas that were maybe-too-tight. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Here's another option if money is no object. There was an article in Cycle World a couple of months on a new custom fit helmet that Bell is making. Basically they do some sort of computer aided measurement of your noggin, pick the appropriate shell, and then custom make the crushable foam for the interior. It ain't cheap (~$1000), but the author raves about how comfortable it is: http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/29/cw-evaluation -bell-star-carbon-custom-fit-motorcycle-helmet/ | ||
| Glenn |
I bought a new model HJC CL-17. It is the best, quietest and most comfortable helmets for my glasses I've owned. Much better than the last Shoei and Scorpion, too tight in forehead for me, full face helmets. | ||
| Uly_man |
It is not just the fit, finish, price, etc it is how the helmet ACTS while you are on the bike. On my 06 bike I would get "buffeting" with my HJC helmet but it stopped dead with the use of the Arai Quantum F. The best thing to do, if you can, is to try and borrow the helmet you might like to buy even if it is the wrong size for you at the time. Helmets, like rubber, can cost a lot of money and it is a good idea to get it right if you can. Which, of course, is why there are so many posts on either subject. | ||
| Buewulf |
I recently bought a Shoei RF-1200 that I am very happy with. Good selection of internal pad sizes to tweak the fit, has emergency cheek pad release and comes with a PinLock shield insert that has yet to fog on me under a variety of temps and humidity levels. Well worth the money. Cold weather comfort has more to do with how the neck roll fits you than anything else. Trying one on is the only way to tell. | ||
| Woodnbow |
Hmmm... I've liked my HJC Carbon 15 a lot. I'm seriously considering the HJC FG-17 as it's replacement. Webbikeworld had a great review on it as well. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Arai xd3 for me. was fitted at a show in houston with the service pavilion folks. once it came in and i started wearing it, thought i made a mistake for 600 plus dollars. after 4-6 months , thing wore in and its the best helmet i've ever had. 100+ mph on uellymay, keep head tucked and no problem. I like it and will probably replace with another arai. My two cents. | ||
| Uly_man |
"I like it and will probably replace with another Arai". The thing is that Arai say a helmet is only good for five years and they warranty there helmets for this period. The helmet will last a LOT longer than that though if you treat it well. I had my first Quantum F for ten years and although it did not look new it was dam close. It also still had the same visor as well. A bike is a unique thing for a person IE Shape, clothing, rubber, helmet and a Gazzzilion other things. What you need to do is find what works for you and if anyone can find a easy way then let me know because after 30 years it is still not easy for me either. In other words it is part of biking and normal even if it is a pain in the ass. Have fun as it is all part of the game. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
The web bike world site has been a tremendous resource. Thanks again for posting that up. That said, I still have not made a decision. I really like everything about the Arai, except the price. I guess I am still trying to wrap my head around NOT having to drop big bucks every two years for a new helmet. In FL, I would be lucky to get 3 years out of a helmet, given the UV rays, year round riding, perspiration, bugs (i.e., love bugs goo-ing up my vents, eww!) If I could get 5 years out of the Arai, it may be worth it. Gotta do something soon though. Used the Nolan today and it is looking very sad! | ||
| Mhevezi |
One year on my Shoei NeoTech and I freaking love it. Make sure it fits you well, that's the most important. | ||
| Wired2 |
I have had many ... Last two are the Bell Star ... I have the Bell Star Carbon and it is great ... Light, vents, no buffeting, summer or winter no problem ... It isn't cheap but you only have one noggin ... Highly recommend trying one ... it is the best that I ever owned ... | ||
| Buewulf |
The Bell Star didn't fit me well, but I really wish it would have. I really liked the lining material and the trick self-tinting visor you can get for it. Just not made for my head. | ||
| Uly_man |
"If I could get 5 years out of the Arai, it may be worth it. Gotta do something soon though. Used the Nolan today and it is looking very sad!". Trust me B you will and more. It has a 5 year warranty anyway so you are covered for any problems and there service/ support is second to none. All the parts come out of the helmet for washing if needed and I have done so many times. Yes they cost big bucks but I have found that they cost about the same, in the long run, as a cheaper helmet as they last so well. It is hard to put a "finger" on why these are so good but once you have used one I think you will know why. Try out the Quantum ST as it has VERY good ventilation. |
