What kind of helmet do you prefer?
- Thread starter jaderider
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I agree with this statement here. From what I have noticed the "dual sport" helmets like the Hornet and XD3 have a much better field of vision when sitting upright on a bike. My go to street helmet is an HJC rsp10 nice light helmet, quiet and comfortable but the field of vision is slightly confining. I have a low cost AFX dual sport helmet that is great for off road days or shorter trips. Much better field of vision..But I do need to upgrade it in the future as it is a little noisy.JohnB said:
cosmic
Member
I've had a couple of helmets, both for me and my wife. Jet helmets for commuting, full-face Arai RX7 and X-lite, Bell Revolver for our trips. Find out that i don't need anything else but a good flip-up helmet. I sold all of these, including two Revolvers and bought this...
Shark Evoline 3... I love this Shark !
I was considering the neotec, but i didn't liked the color schemes, and coming from Revolver i didn't wanted the flip-up's anymore. I do like cruising with the open helmet and after 200-300 km's my neck was not happy, not at all. Worth every $. ::008::
Shark Evoline 3... I love this Shark !
I was considering the neotec, but i didn't liked the color schemes, and coming from Revolver i didn't wanted the flip-up's anymore. I do like cruising with the open helmet and after 200-300 km's my neck was not happy, not at all. Worth every $. ::008::
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EricV
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Re: Re: What kind of helmet do you prefer?
I picked up a LS2 modular helmet last August and have been very pleased with the overall quality and fit of the helmet, as well as the feel and function. LS2 makes helmet parts for other manufacturers and uses metal latches for the modular chin bar, has a drop down internal sun visor, pin lock ready shield and is a very nicely featured, well made helmet. It is Chinese, but don't let that fool you, the quality is there. Best part, it has similar features to top of the line helmets like the Neotech, Schuberth C3 and Nolan 104, but costs under $200. I had the chance to see the full line of helmets at a show, and try several on as well before buying, which was ideal. I probably wore the modular for 30 minutes and it was comfortable. It passed the roll off test for my head as well.
As an oval head guy, I tried on all the premium helmets, prepared to spend the money, but none of them fit my head well. I didn't care for the feel of the Nolan 104's liner either, and the shape didn't work for me.
Since then I've worn the LS2 quite a bit, still wearing the Shoei for comm needs as I haven't wanted to swap the comm to the LS2 until after an event I'm riding in July. The LS2 is still comfortable and I've worn it for 12-16 hours w/o issues. The sun visor is very handy, eliminating the need to wear sunglasses, but does seem to collect dust more quickly than the main visor. Static perhaps?
For the money, it's an option to be looked at if a modular helmet fits your needs. For that matter, LS2 offers a full line of helmets, so is worth checking out. You can find them in some retail stores, as well as on ebay. There is a Snell rated one with D rings, but the rest use a nice quick buckle similar to Schuberth and other brands. Some of the ebay helmets are out of production versions, so use caution. I have a FF386, fwiw.
Links - http://ls2helmets.us/_live/
Amazon w/prices - http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=LS2%20Helmets&page=1&rh=n%3A15684181%2Cp_4%3ALS2%20Helmets
Reviews -
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/mc_tested/122_1211_ls2_ff385_cr1_helmet/
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=26995.0
A lot of good helmets discussed so far. If coin is an issue, that unfortunately rules out the premium branded helmets. I do a lot of long distance touring, sometimes to the extreme of having the helmet on my head for 20 hours at a time, so comfort and versatility is important to me. I started with Arai decades ago, and they do make darn fine helmets that fit various head shapes. But about 11 years ago, after 5 years of the current full face while doing more long distance riding, I realized that I wanted the flexibility of a modular helmet. I changed to a Shoei Multitec, which is another quality helmet and while more round shape, still fit my oval head well. That helmet is 6 years old now and about to be retired.jaderider said:
I picked up a LS2 modular helmet last August and have been very pleased with the overall quality and fit of the helmet, as well as the feel and function. LS2 makes helmet parts for other manufacturers and uses metal latches for the modular chin bar, has a drop down internal sun visor, pin lock ready shield and is a very nicely featured, well made helmet. It is Chinese, but don't let that fool you, the quality is there. Best part, it has similar features to top of the line helmets like the Neotech, Schuberth C3 and Nolan 104, but costs under $200. I had the chance to see the full line of helmets at a show, and try several on as well before buying, which was ideal. I probably wore the modular for 30 minutes and it was comfortable. It passed the roll off test for my head as well.
As an oval head guy, I tried on all the premium helmets, prepared to spend the money, but none of them fit my head well. I didn't care for the feel of the Nolan 104's liner either, and the shape didn't work for me.
Since then I've worn the LS2 quite a bit, still wearing the Shoei for comm needs as I haven't wanted to swap the comm to the LS2 until after an event I'm riding in July. The LS2 is still comfortable and I've worn it for 12-16 hours w/o issues. The sun visor is very handy, eliminating the need to wear sunglasses, but does seem to collect dust more quickly than the main visor. Static perhaps?
For the money, it's an option to be looked at if a modular helmet fits your needs. For that matter, LS2 offers a full line of helmets, so is worth checking out. You can find them in some retail stores, as well as on ebay. There is a Snell rated one with D rings, but the rest use a nice quick buckle similar to Schuberth and other brands. Some of the ebay helmets are out of production versions, so use caution. I have a FF386, fwiw.
Links - http://ls2helmets.us/_live/
Amazon w/prices - http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=LS2%20Helmets&page=1&rh=n%3A15684181%2Cp_4%3ALS2%20Helmets
Reviews -
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/mc_tested/122_1211_ls2_ff385_cr1_helmet/
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=26995.0
Nice write-up Eric. Thanks.
And you have a lot of credibility on this subject with me.
Further advice needed though. Even at those low-risk prices, I'm concerned with not being able to size properly with an unknown brand if purchasing online. Other brands I can try on at a brick & mortar location, regardless of where I buy.
The real issue is that some brands I'm an X-Large. With some, I'm an XX-Large. Did you find the LS2's sized on the optimistic or pessimistic end of the range? In other words, did you find them a bit tight, or loose, compared to the same "sizing" of other well known brands?
Example, I have a new (goodwill purchase with a dealer) BELL Revolver Evo. In X-Large it is almost too small. (Hate the helmet. Visor not designed to be open beyond 40 mph. Very weak detent design) I have a Scorpion EX500 that HAD to be purchased in XX-Large. (Love this helmet. Wish it was just a bit quieter. But is much quieter than modular helmets)
Great thread guys!
And you have a lot of credibility on this subject with me.
Further advice needed though. Even at those low-risk prices, I'm concerned with not being able to size properly with an unknown brand if purchasing online. Other brands I can try on at a brick & mortar location, regardless of where I buy.
The real issue is that some brands I'm an X-Large. With some, I'm an XX-Large. Did you find the LS2's sized on the optimistic or pessimistic end of the range? In other words, did you find them a bit tight, or loose, compared to the same "sizing" of other well known brands?
Example, I have a new (goodwill purchase with a dealer) BELL Revolver Evo. In X-Large it is almost too small. (Hate the helmet. Visor not designed to be open beyond 40 mph. Very weak detent design) I have a Scorpion EX500 that HAD to be purchased in XX-Large. (Love this helmet. Wish it was just a bit quieter. But is much quieter than modular helmets)
Great thread guys!
EricV
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Sizing is a valid issue for sure. I found the LS2 to be fairly true to size. A Large in Arai or Shoei fits me, so does the Large in the LS2. Because of the rounder shape of the Shoei, it's possible for me to squeeze into a Med, but it puts the chin bar very close. I'm on the top of a Med and bottom of a Large in the sizing guides. FWIW, the LS2 sizing chart seemed spot on for me, directing me to the Large, which fit me best. If you've got a cloth tape, measure your head and compare that to some of the sizing charts to see how it matches your experience. A regular tape measure will do, it's just easier with the cloth tape.snakebitten said:
Just ordered the LS2 in Blue. (never bought a colored helmet in my life. I'm expanding my horizons)
Sold the Revolver Evo for 1/2 what I paid a week ago. (college kid)
So maybe the wife doesn't roll her eyes too much when the Amazon box gets opened.
I think I have like 8 helmets in the closet. I can't throw them away for some reason.
Thanks again Eric. Nice price for a decent looking rig. I only need a good year out of it. By that time I've spent a full hot Texas season spoiling it.
Sold the Revolver Evo for 1/2 what I paid a week ago. (college kid)
So maybe the wife doesn't roll her eyes too much when the Amazon box gets opened.
I think I have like 8 helmets in the closet. I can't throw them away for some reason.
Thanks again Eric. Nice price for a decent looking rig. I only need a good year out of it. By that time I've spent a full hot Texas season spoiling it.
Loving my Shoei Neotec ::012::
Have historically worn Arai and loved them. Tried the XD3 to get an "adventure" feel and it was good but not quiet. I bought as a quick test, one of those inexpensive Built modular helmets and fell in love with the concept. I was about to buy the Shoei Multitech when the Neotec came out.
I have worn it now for about 15,000 miles and love it. The shape fits my head, it is pretty quiet (better than my Arai's) love the flip down sun screen and the modular flip up factor is the only way to go. Never have to take it off at gas stops, can flip it up to eat on the run or even to sneeze ('cus doing that in a full face helmet is bad)
Never will go back to a fixed full face unless I am racing. Shoei Neotec +10 ::26::
Have historically worn Arai and loved them. Tried the XD3 to get an "adventure" feel and it was good but not quiet. I bought as a quick test, one of those inexpensive Built modular helmets and fell in love with the concept. I was about to buy the Shoei Multitech when the Neotec came out.
I have worn it now for about 15,000 miles and love it. The shape fits my head, it is pretty quiet (better than my Arai's) love the flip down sun screen and the modular flip up factor is the only way to go. Never have to take it off at gas stops, can flip it up to eat on the run or even to sneeze ('cus doing that in a full face helmet is bad)
Never will go back to a fixed full face unless I am racing. Shoei Neotec +10 ::26::
Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback. After much thought I just pulled the trigger on the Nolan N104
Also got a great review in web bike world http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/
Also got a great review in web bike world http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/
You can have both! I went to the international motorcycle show in Minneapolis in February with a main goal of trying a variety Arai helmets on for use the new Tenere since no one had carries them in my area. I had my heart set on an Arai since their reputation is unquestionable, I had never owned one before and thought the XD 4 looked like a great helmet. I tried every Arai model on in various sizes trying to find a helmet and struck out. The mediums were too big and moved about and the smalls had pressure points that would have been unbearable in a short period.Tmax said:
I went to the Shoei display as a second choice and tried on the Hornet DS and if fit perfect just like my X-eleven, X-twelve, RF1000, and RF1100. So, you can have it all with perfect fit and a quite helmet if you have a Shoei shaped head.
The best part of going to the Shoei display and speaking to the Shoei representative was learning about the great discount they give to MSF rider coaches. Now I can have it all at a discounted price.
I have several Shoei helmets but have not tried the Multitech or Neotec. I will have to give one a try next time I'm in the market for a new helmet.toompine said:
Had a few recently, normally I keep them for about 5 years as I don't ride daily, but went through a few quite quickly.
About 4 years ago I bought a Schuberth S1, I wanted an integral sun visor as I found swapping visors on tour was a pain, and when in forested area's or maountains with many tunnels I often found myself badly needing a different visor in a nanosecond, the Schuberth was cheap as the new Pro version was out so it cost me about half normal price.
The Schuberth was very good, comfy and quiet, huge range of vision, supposedly heavy, but it felt fine to me, the only negative point was it was physically huge and would not fit in my panniers at the time where my old Arai would have.
Forward to last spring and the Mrs needed a new lid, and I had to kit out the Tenere with loads of luggage, Chainspeed stepped in and did a great deal on the whole package of luggage and offered a good deal if I took two HJC R-Pha Max helmets, so we did.
This lid seemed very good for the money, it was very light, extremely comfy, had a sun visor and was a flip-up, something I really wanted after watching the convenience of my touring buddies helmet over the previous two years Euro tours. The only issue I had was it had no proper speaker pockets and I could not get good sound and comfort with my Autocom, I then bought another lid and now use the R-Pha Max for local blasting about solo when I don't need music, and for that it is a great lid.
For the "Touring lid" I now knew I had to be able to fit the speakers so went to the NEC bike show with an autocom speaker in hand and list of lids to look at, I knew I wanted flip-up and sun visor so it narrowed things down, ended up with another Schuberth (C3) despite originally being third on my wish-list it was the best fit and had big speaker pockets.
I would never pay full retail for one of these, but with the show discount it was a good buy, typical Schuberth, well apointed inside with a really nice feeling meterial, everything works nicely such as visor opening, flip up and sun visor mechanisms and of course it is extremely quiet, it was also a doddle to fit the speakers and microsphone for the Autocom.
Not done many miles with the Schubert, but I suspect it will be a great touring Helmet, for a quick weekend blast the HJC is fantastic so I plan to keep both lids for many years and spread the use between them.
About 4 years ago I bought a Schuberth S1, I wanted an integral sun visor as I found swapping visors on tour was a pain, and when in forested area's or maountains with many tunnels I often found myself badly needing a different visor in a nanosecond, the Schuberth was cheap as the new Pro version was out so it cost me about half normal price.
The Schuberth was very good, comfy and quiet, huge range of vision, supposedly heavy, but it felt fine to me, the only negative point was it was physically huge and would not fit in my panniers at the time where my old Arai would have.
Forward to last spring and the Mrs needed a new lid, and I had to kit out the Tenere with loads of luggage, Chainspeed stepped in and did a great deal on the whole package of luggage and offered a good deal if I took two HJC R-Pha Max helmets, so we did.
This lid seemed very good for the money, it was very light, extremely comfy, had a sun visor and was a flip-up, something I really wanted after watching the convenience of my touring buddies helmet over the previous two years Euro tours. The only issue I had was it had no proper speaker pockets and I could not get good sound and comfort with my Autocom, I then bought another lid and now use the R-Pha Max for local blasting about solo when I don't need music, and for that it is a great lid.
For the "Touring lid" I now knew I had to be able to fit the speakers so went to the NEC bike show with an autocom speaker in hand and list of lids to look at, I knew I wanted flip-up and sun visor so it narrowed things down, ended up with another Schuberth (C3) despite originally being third on my wish-list it was the best fit and had big speaker pockets.
I would never pay full retail for one of these, but with the show discount it was a good buy, typical Schuberth, well apointed inside with a really nice feeling meterial, everything works nicely such as visor opening, flip up and sun visor mechanisms and of course it is extremely quiet, it was also a doddle to fit the speakers and microsphone for the Autocom.
Not done many miles with the Schubert, but I suspect it will be a great touring Helmet, for a quick weekend blast the HJC is fantastic so I plan to keep both lids for many years and spread the use between them.
Just for info, your picture is NOT an N-104, I'm guessing its a 103.jaderider said:Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback. After much thought I just pulled the trigger on the Nolan N104
Also got a great review in web bike world http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/
I have a 104 and really like it.
The chin buckle isnt the most comfortable thing in the world, but I've gotten used to it. Really like the flip-down visor. Read up on the pinlock for when it comes time to clean it.
Great choice for the price-point.
::008::
EricV
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Post up when you get it and have a chance to try it out. More input is always a good thing. I hope it fits your head shape well. One of the reviews talks about wind leakage at the visor, but I've not noticed any at all and none of the people I've met with LS2s have either, so hopefully that was just an early teething problem.snakebitten said:
Helmets can be a very personal thing. Lots of choices in different price ranges. My wife has a C3W, but an oval head. We got a good deal on it, but with comm it's still a $1k helmet. We had to spoon it slowly over several rides to make it comfortable for her. I know many reps frown on that practice, but we're in the middle of no where and didn't have a handy rep or show to go to, so did what we could to improve her comfort level. She loves it now and has around 40k of riding in it.
zini
New Member
Just bought the X-lite X-702, great helmet, plenty of vents, quiet and has the drop down sun visor. All ideal for NZ roads.
I like the comfort and air flow of my Arai XD3 and XD4 in the summer, the liners are very breathable. Any time I ride in strong sustained cross winds I take the visor off. 8)
10 ER AY
New Member
I've got a Shoei TC1 and an Arai XD3.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses but they're both superb helmets. Cant go wrong with either.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses but they're both superb helmets. Cant go wrong with either.