helmets that don't suck

[Heathen]

I've been looking for a helmet..  and I'm the type to research things to death, rather than just go in and find one I like somewhere...  it's a burden sometimes..

So anyway, I'm looking for a full-face this time around, something that either has BT or I can add Bluetooth to it later without too much trouble.  Main qualities I want are flip-down sun visor and quiet helmet.

Now, I've been reading reviews of everything under $300 price range, and while some have 20+ 5 star reviews, they also have 12 or so 3-4 star reviews that say something along the lines of "they couldn't hear the BT speakers over XX speed, but other than that, it's a great helmet."   xx speed is anything from 30mph (horrible) up to 70mph (not good). 

When I ride cross country, I really don't go UNDER 70 mph unless I'm in a construction zone or getting gas, so all those helmets will be of no use to me!  LOL! 

Anyone have experience with a full-face helmet (preferably with built-in drop-down visor) that was quiet at Valkyrie speeds? 

[big poppa pump]

I picked up a Scorpion Transformer EXO-900 helmet about a month back along with a Uclear HBC-100 + BT unit. The helmet has all the features I need and I use - good ventilation, modular, flip-down visor, BT speaker pockets. Additionally I can convert the helmet to 3/4 for those hot muggy days (plenty of them in South TX). It took me less than 30 minutes to install my BT unit on the helmet.

I normally ride the freeways at 80-90 mph and I have absolutely no problems listening to the music or even taking phone calls at that speed. In fact I don't even have to mess around with the volume as the BT unit automatically adjusts volume based on the noise. This is the only helmet I wear now when I go riding. Bottomline, I would say that this is best $200 I spent on an accessory.

[Heathen]

Awesome!  Thanks!  I was looking at the exo 500 as a contender, but I hadn't run across the 900 yet. 

[Raverez]

Check the reviews, find one or two that you want. Then go find that model in the local stores. Try on different sizes, walk around for about 15-20 min with it on to feel how it fits. The final test is actually riding with it on. If you're friendly with your local dealer,  they might have one to let you test ride it. 

[Gryphon Rider]

Whichever helmet and Bluetooth system you get, it pays to play around with the speaker location.  My helmet has space for speakers, but when they were centred in that space, they were not centred on my ear canals.  Fixing that made a big difference.  It also made a big difference to put foam padding behind the speakers until they were pressing slightly against my ear.  I also sewed  pieces of cloth to my helmet liner to cover the speakers so they aren't displaced every time I put on or remove my helmet.

[Skinhead]

I found that I can hear my headset (not BT) better with foam ear plugs in.  I spent 3 days to and from the GOTF (Thanks Mark and Charlene) mostly on the highway and could hear the tunes just fine.  The ear plugs reduce the wind and traffic noise and save your hearing.

[wiggydotcom]

Regardless of what helmet brand you go with, I'd strongly consider a flip style(modular) helmet. I like the safety a full face helmet provides(first hand experience leading with my face in a 45mph crash not wearing a helmet) now, but like the ease with which a flip up goes on with. Also with a modular, you can flip it up while riding to take a drink, scratch your forehead, or whatever.

If you buy a flip style, you'd simply buy a communication system with a boom style mic.

I have a HJC CL Max II and a Chatterbox XBI Bluetooth Headset system that does the job for me.

[gordonv]

If you buy a flip up style helmet, DO NOT ride with it up any longer than you need to, to wipe your face or ? My accident happened approx. 3 blocks from home, just after I had left, and after usually ridding with it up, I had just closed it. Someone was ridding with me that day.

I most likely would not be here right now, or would be a cripple, if I had mine open at the time of my accident, as it would have caught on the semi I went under head first.

There are now new style flip helmets that fold up past the crown and lay flatter against the back of the helmet.

I think I would look for something in reverse order. Instead of a helmet, look for the BT first. I know some brands of helmets have those removable panels to install a BT into, unless you get an add one type, then you would only need to find one that have removable padding for the speakers.

[04strider]

    I know there are numerous brands of helmets on the market, but most of the lower cost helmets do not have the build quality or fit of a higher end brand.  I have tried several brands of helmets through the years, and have always worn a full face.  I am partial to Shoei helmets, everytime I put one on, it feels like I am putting on a precision fit glove.  Higher quality helmets will also typically be lighter and quieter.  If a helmet does not fit comfortably, you tend to not want to wear it.  Shoei helmets will last for many years, mine last 5-7 years wearing them almost every day, so when you consider the life, they are not as expensive as you might think.  Also, they come made so BT headsets can be easily installed.  Places like Motorcyclegear.com carry many styles on closeout, and this is how I always buy helmets.  The graphics typically are refreshed annually, and the previous years graphics sell for less than half price.  Currently I am using a Shoei Quest, and it is the most comfortable helmet I have ever had.  The next one will probably be a GT Air.

Lain

[HayHauler]

" I am partial to Shoei helmets"
I currently have a Multi-tec in flat black with a blue face shield.  I really like it.  It isn't the most quiet helmet I have ever worn, that was my Shoei R1000. 

Buddy of mine told me one time.........  "If you have a $5 head, get yourself a $5 helmenent" 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[98valk]

I want a full face that doesn't make noises from the bike louder, haven't found one yet.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

[Pappy!]

I do the same thing as you...research things until I think I have the info needed.
On helmets pay attention to your head shape. Certain helmets are more suited to round vs. the more oblong head shapes for example.
I went with a modular Nolan N-104 helmet. Have had it for about two years now and have been very satisfied with it. The Nolan is more suited to the oblong head shapes.
I installed a Scala Rider G9 Bluetooth headset in it and am satisfied with it as well.
The negative reviews never give you the information needed. Were they behind a full windshield? No windshield? What bike and what pipes?
My helmet is pretty quiet. Can remove the neck guard during the Summer if desired for increased ventilation/cooling. The headset allows me to make/receive calls or listen to directions/radio or music as desired. The speakers are very clear and as loud as you want or need.

[98valk]

The negative reviews never give you the information needed. Were they behind a full windshield? No windshield? What bike and what pipes?

exactly. first off all of my comments are with ear plugs.
 full face helmets are designed for sport bikes with the rider in a tucked position. I don't think there are any designed for up right riding position, hence the mega-phone on top of my head increasing any noise into my ears.
The ride is much much quieter when using a 3/4 helmet.

[Led]

I just have a "Half Helmet" when going into States with a helmet law. No need to talk with the Woman on the back....She is just along for the ride!!!   LOL!!!

I have walked into restaurants, with it still on my head!!  It feels no different than a regular ball cap!!!


 

I will have to say, I am NOT into all this new "technology"........I prefer to hear just the drone of the engine, when riding!!!  I guess that I am "old school"..................

[rocketray]

try" motorcyclist magazine helmet test"      the Z1R helmet won      for safety      for electronic stuff buy the newest gizmo     the   "UCLEAR FORCE" they have earbuds so all other sound is muted   and all the stuff you want you can hook into it

[98pacecar]

 I have prolly a dozen helmets...    

 HJC Shoei  Arai Nolan Simpson etc. etc..   After buying the Reevu I find, it's the only one  I wear.

It's quiet, comfortable, n' the rear view is addictive.

Originally wanted it for track days (they make you take yer bike mirrors off) to be more aware of some ''immortal'' stuffing me up the inside.

But find it's great for the road on any street bike,, including the Valk...    

Spring for the dark smoke shield as well, as the contrast it creates makes the rear view mirror function, much better.





Video of the workings of the system.  

http://www.revzilla.com/reevu-helmets


 

[F6BANGER]

I use this and really like it. HJC IS-MAX BT




http://hjchelmets.com/hjca/ismaxbt_sprint

[Bruce J.]

This is a good site to compare ratings, [http://www.sharp.direct.gov.uk/]. I use the AGV Miglia (Longway model name in Europe) flip-up.

[cj8718]

I have prolly a dozen helmets...    

 HJC Shoei  Arai Nolan Simpson etc. etc..   After buying the Reevu I find, it's the only one  I wear.

It's quiet, comfortable, n' the rear view is addictive.

Originally wanted it for track days (they make you take yer bike mirrors off) to be more aware of some ''immortal'' stuffing me up the inside.

But find it's great for the road on any street bike,, including the Valk...    

Spring for the dark smoke shield as well, as the contrast it creates makes the rear view mirror function, much better.



 

Love the idea of the Reevu.  Is there room for BT headphones?

[specialdose]

Might want to check out Shark Evoline at RevZilla. I've had mine 4yrs. Unlike a modular the chin bar flips back and locks. I have a Scala Teamset Pro. Easy install. Bluetooth works good with my Galaxy 2 and communication with my grandson works great. Nice to be able to wear as a 3/4 when it's really hot. Works well with glasses, plus built in sun visor. Little pricey.

[Former BMW Guy]

Schuberth C3.
Will set you back over a grand with the BT Comm system.
Don't leave home without it.

JP

[Pappy!]

By the way....there is a Nolan N-104 (large) for sale over on the ADVrider site for $275. In brand new condition.