Half Helmet - What to buy

[KSDragonRider]

Summer time is well on its way here in Kansas, so its time to get out the half helmet again for summer riding.  The one I have is in its 6th season, and fits like a 5 gallon bucket now.  The insides are worn out.  I want to get another one in the next month, and just looking for input on what you guys run for half helmets and what your thought on those helmets.

I have a full face, and a 3/4 helmet, but only want the half helmet in the summer, the others are cold weather helmets.

Thanks guys

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I have a Scorpion EXO100. I like the internal drop down tinted shield.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-EXO-100-Solid-X-Small-Helmet/dp/B001ZURLH4

[csj]

My full face and 3/4 helmets look fairly reasonable on me, but every time I tried on a 1/2 helmet,
it looked totally ridiculous.
Eventually, decided to get one, took a lady friend with me to help. I'd try one on, get a Yay/Nay
from her, then choose it. Get your missus to eyeball it on your noggin, make sure it don't look
too goofy.

[Sergeant D]

I have a Scorpion EXO100. I like the internal drop down tinted shield.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-EXO-100-Solid-X-Small-Helmet/dp/B001ZURLH4

+1 Fantastic fit and sunglasses to boot!

[KSDragonRider]

yeah, i have been wearing one for years, and the last ones where bell brand that walmart had. Now walmart does not carry bell here anymore, so im off to search for something else.

and yeah, my last 2 helmets made me look like a fat mushroom... friends said it looked like something else...

[BF]

I have a couple HJC AC-2M's that I really like......but they don't offer those anymore.  The HJC's fit low on my head.....reduces the mushroom effect.  

When the time comes to replace them, I'd buy the HJC IS-2 with the flip-down sun shield.  

http://www.hjchelmets.com/

The Scorpion looks do-able, but only if they'd loose the Mark of Zoro on the front of it.  

[KSDragonRider]

Either one of those is exactly what i have been looking at.
I want to buy one locally, at the one bike shop in town i feel deserves to be there, but I bet i will have to have them order me something.

DOT recommends new lid every 5 years, i have picked up helmets in there that had a date 3 years ago on them never sold.   I always check that stuff, even if it is a half helmet.

[donaldcc]

I have a Scorpion EXO100. I like the internal drop down tinted shield.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-EXO-100-Solid-X-Small-Helmet/dp/B001ZURLH4

+1 Fantastic fit and sunglasses to boot!

  I have the same for summer.  i think it looks a little dorky, but I really like the drop down tinted 1/2 face shield.

[KSDragonRider]

looking at ebay, i like how the scorpion has a whole bunch of different shields and colors available cheap.  From experince, how easy is it to swap these out?  I wear glasses, and if i could have a clear and a dark and be able to swap them if needed, that would be great.. not required but great.

[donaldcc]

. . .  how easy is it to swap these out?  I wear glasses, . . .

  i have glasses also.  swapping is very easy.  helmets are cheap, so can't go wrong!

[Fritz The Cat]

My full face and 3/4 helmets look fairly reasonable on me, but every time I tried on a 1/2 helmet,
it looked totally ridiculous.
Eventually, decided to get one, took a lady friend with me to help. I'd try one on, get a Yay/Nay
from her, then choose it. Get your missus to eyeball it on your noggin, make sure it don't look
too goofy.

Whatsamada with lookin' goofy? 

[alph]

DOT recommends new lid every 5 years, i have picked up helmets in there that had a date 3 years ago on them never sold.   I always check that stuff, even if it is a half helmet.

what, do they spoil?  they're plastic, will last a million years in a landfill, what gets "old" on 'em?  the DOT also says you're not supose to go over the speed limit, or it's dangerous to ride in the rain, among other things......

i've got a full face that's 15 years old, only use it when it's raining real hard, it will be replaced this summer,  (maybe even tonight) only because the inner liner is gone, or leaves flakes on my scalp when i take it off......

[RainMaker]

I only replace my helmet after I've smacked it on the ground with my pumpkin in it.

Replaced 2 in the last 5 years.

[KSDragonRider]

what, do they spoil?  they're plastic, will last a million years in a landfill, what gets "old" on 'em?  the DOT also says you're not supose to go over the speed limit, or it's dangerous to ride in the rain, among other things......

It is something to do with the plastic interacting with the sun or something.  I know with kids car seats you can be ticketed if they are over 7 years old now because of the plastic being old and brittle. 

My lid has been dropped bounced and everything else.  The worst thing with it is the liner is no longer fitting right, so it feels like it gained a size or 2.  I did not notice last summer, but after a winter in the full face fitting nice and tight, it feels like a bucket on my head.

[Hoser]

Summer time is well on its way here in Kansas, so its time to get out the half helmet again for summer riding.  The one I have is in its 6th season, and fits like a 5 gallon bucket now.  The insides are worn out.  I want to get another one in the next month, and just looking for input on what you guys run for half helmets and what your thought on those helmets.

I have a full face, and a 3/4 helmet, but only want the half helmet in the summer, the others are cold weather helmets.

Thanks guys

[/quote]I have a couple exo 100's if you want to see them, we can hook up.  I still use them, but you can see if you like them before buying a new one. Hoser

[JerryH]

does anyone make an open-face with the drop down sun visor?

[JerryH]

Excuse me:  an Open Face 3/4 helmet with the drop down sun visor

[Hoser]

Excuse me:  an Open Face 3/4 helmet with the drop down sun visor

  I have a Bell Mag 8.  Hoser

[KSDragonRider]

Excuse me:  an Open Face 3/4 helmet with the drop down sun visor

yeah, i know there are, i have seen them
http://www.hjchelmets.com/
look at the h30

[KSDragonRider]

Summer time is well on its way here in Kansas, so its time to get out the half helmet again for summer riding.  The one I have is in its 6th season, and fits like a 5 gallon bucket now.  The insides are worn out.  I want to get another one in the next month, and just looking for input on what you guys run for half helmets and what your thought on those helmets.

I have a full face, and a 3/4 helmet, but only want the half helmet in the summer, the others are cold weather helmets.

Thanks guys

I have a couple exo 100's if you want to see them, we can hook up.  I still use them, but you can see if you like them before buying a new one. Hoser
[/quote]

Thanks Looking at their site, I see there are 2 dealers in Manhatten, I will prob just ride over to Brooks yammerhammer and see what they have.  I know Motorcycle supply will have what I want to try on, but they will get none of my money...

[Bigwolf]

My white Scorpion exo 100 half helmet seems to be hotter to wear than my solid black full HJC IS-16.  Only reason I can figure is the flow thru ventilation.  I have decided that the next half helmet I buy will have ventilation over the top of my head much like my HJC full helmet.  I really dislike a sweaty helmet. 

Bigwolf

[BigAl]

DOT Half Helmets look like you have  biscuit on your head.

I wear a Open Full Helmet and that is all I will wear.

Spring Summer WInter and Fall.

[Chiefy]

I have a Scorpion EXO100. I like the internal drop down tinted shield.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-EXO-100-Solid-X-Small-Helmet/dp/B001ZURLH4

I have that one too.  For me, it buffets pretty bad.  My full face and my other 1/2 helmet were never a problem on the dragon, but the scorpion does the mambo up there.  However, I have not tried it again since I installed my Baker air wings, maybe that would fix it.  Believe me, it fits correctly, and I know how to wear it. 

My HJC 1/2 helmet just sits there nice and still.  But it has no tinted shield that drops down or locks up. 

[3fan4life]

This is the one that I'm wearing, I really like the option of having 2 shields and NOT having to change them out:




http://www.afxhelmets.com/helmets/halfhelm/fx-200.php


I purchased mine for $79.00

This is where I got mine:

http://www.bikertrends.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=91_37&products_id=2370

[Jess from VA]

I have owned a bunch of DOT halves, and the Scorpion EXO100 is the best by far.  

I do not like the mark of Zorro either, so I got the flat black (I always do because the inevitable scratches and dings show far less than on fancy gloss helmets) and used a flat black magic marker to cover it.  It's still there, but not very visible beyond 15 feet or so.  This is not a good enough reason to pass by this fine helmet.

I have the dark shield, at night all I do is swap to clear (corrective) glasses and I can see fine, even with the dark half-sheild down.   

[fudgie]

I got a cool looking flat black skid lid. Very comfy. Got it at a small biker shop. $45. Its non DOT, not sure if that is what you are looking for.

[cookiedough]

G-max makes a decent helmet like this I have at around 50 bucks new hard to beat:

http://www.g-max.com/gmax/gm17s.html

[texaninsouthfl]

ALL DOT approved half helmets give you the mushroom head look to some degree. This one is the lowest profile I have found. Next to the other DOT half helmet I have, it is noticeably less bulky... and at Leatherup.com, it's not too pricey. By the way, I highly recommend leatherup.com for lots of stuff... great qualify, fast shipping and very difficult if not impossible to beat the prices.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Outlaw-Ultra-Slim-Half-Helmets/Outlaw-AX-30030-Matte-Carbon-Fiber-Motorcycle-Half-Helmet/147796.html

[Jess from VA]

Helmets are about function, not looks.  JMHO

Everyone looks like spacemen, in any DOT helmet.

[BF]

looking at ebay, i like how the scorpion has a whole bunch of different shields and colors available cheap.  From experince, how easy is it to swap these out?  I wear glasses, and if i could have a clear and a dark and be able to swap them if needed, that would be great.. not required but great.

The HJC IS-2 has "a whole bunch of different shields and colors available" too.  

http://www.hjc-helmets.com/category/helmet-accessories-is-2.html

Swapping the different colored shades out on the IS-2 doesn't look too hard at all either.  

HJC Helmets IS-2	powered by Aeva

HJC IS-2 Motorcycle Half Helmet	powered by Aeva

Personally, I'm a fan of the HJC half helmets.  They fit me better than any other halfs I've tired......and they don't have the Mark of Zoro on them either.  

[Tundra]

I have a Scorpion EXO100. I like the internal drop down tinted shield.

http://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-EXO-100-Solid-X-Small-Helmet/dp/B001ZURLH4

+1 Fantastic fit and sunglasses to boot!

  I have the same for summer.  i think it looks a little dorky, but I really like the drop down tinted 1/2 face shield.

I like the look of the Scorpion. I think it's a good looking functional helmet. I currently use a Nolan half helmet with vents. I'm glad someone mentioned "heat" and no vents, I was getting ready to blow the dust off my wallet. Now I see BFs post about the HJC...hmmm

[scoot]

ALL DOT approved half helmets give you the mushroom head look to some degree. This one is the lowest profile I have found. Next to the other DOT half helmet I have, it is noticeably less bulky... and at Leatherup.com, it's not too pricey. By the way, I highly recommend leatherup.com for lots of stuff... great qualify, fast shipping and very difficult if not impossible to beat the prices.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Outlaw-Ultra-Slim-Half-Helmets/Outlaw-AX-30030-Matte-Carbon-Fiber-Motorcycle-Half-Helmet/147796.html

 

  They are a  good bunch for returns when sizing is a question as well

[Jess from VA]

The scorpion EXO100 is vented (thou small), and the liner can be removed and washed (others?).

It is the fit and comfort to my oblong head (front-to-rear, not sided-to-side) that sold me.  Go to a store and try them on to decide.  Then go home and get best price on line.

Scorpion EXO-100 (half helmet) - Helmet Harbor Review	powered by Aeva

[Tundra]

The scorpion EXO100 is vented (thou small), and the liner can be removed and washed (others?).

It is the fit and comfort to my oblong head (front-to-rear, not sided-to-side) that sold me.  Go to a store and try them on to decide.  Then go home and get best price on line.

Scorpion EXO-100 (half helmet) - Helmet Harbor Review

[Garland]

Another vote for the EXO-100. I bought a clear shield to use during rain or at night, otherwise I wear sunglasses with the shield up. I picked up a new spare recently on the bay for $75 shipped.

[WarrenK]

#1 on the Scorpion EXO100!  I have an unusually shaped head, and it is right for me.     Being there to try it on before purchase is a good plan, some things it is better to try on before you buy (helmets, jackets, chaps, boots)
Dont ask how I know this! 
Also, the flip down shield is awesome- and easy to change.  I have clear, tinted, yellow (like shooting glasses), and there are many choices on this!

[Flat6Valk]

I like the looks of the Nolan half helmet.

My thoughts on how it looks on an individual are ........... if you look better with one on, well maybe you have to have a make-over. 

Currently I have the Bell brand.  And the worst part is I need a make-over.

[rmrc51]

I have 2 Scorpion EXO100 helmets. One white, one black.

It's a great helmet and the drop down shield is an excellent feature. But as others have stated, even thought it's a half helmet, it does get HOT. This helmet would be perfect if it also had some kind of venting, how-ever they say due to housing the drop down shield, it wasn't doable.

[Blues]

This is a great discussion, but not enough about fit.  Jess mentioned the front-to-back length rather than the side-to-side. I guess I also have an oblong head.  I wear Arais 3/4 now, but they are very uncomfortable on long rides due to a bad fit.  They feel good on the sides but are too tight on the Front-to-back. After a while, the pressure on my forehead gets too uncomfortable.  I need a longer and narrower fit.  Anyone else have this problem?

Funny... I have both a large and an extra-large Arai, but can't realize much of a difference between the two... go figure!

[BF]

This is a great discussion, but not enough about fit.  Jess mentioned the front-to-back length rather than the side-to-side. I guess I also have an oblong head.  I wear Arais 3/4 now, but they are very uncomfortable on long rides due to a bad fit.  They feel good on the sides but are too tight on the Front-to-back. After a while, the pressure on my forehead gets too uncomfortable.  I need a longer and narrower fit.  Anyone else have this problem?

Funny... I have both a large and an extra-large Arai, but can't realize much of a difference between the two... go figure!

If you need a full face helmet, the Arai Profile full face helmet is made for the oblong head.  I'm not sure about the Scorpion half helmets.