Helmet Preferences

[campernh]

Hi Everyone,
Does anyone have a flip face helmet?
How do you like it? Are there better manufacturers?
I do not want a full face helmet because it is too confining to me.
Opinions please?
Brian
:cool:

[Fred D]

I just got a Jarow from the Aerostich folks. Have only worn it on a couple of very short rides. But I think I'm really gonna like it.

Went to the Jarow from a full face Shoei.

MCN did a nice review on flip up helmets a few months ago.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/HelmetA04.pdf

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/HelmetB04.pdf

[Fireball18]

I went from a Shoie RF800 to a Nolan N100E flip front helmet. I like it a lot, especially the ability to flip it up at stops, like while refueling, or to take a drink, etc. It's a light helmet, although a bit noiser than a full face helmet. However, since I wear earplugs, it's not an issue. I looked at the Jarrow, but felt it was heavier than the Nolan, as well as quite a bit more spendy. The built-in sunshade wasn't enough of a draw for me to spend nearly $100.00 more for the Jarrow. On the other hand, it was comfortable and seemed to be well-made. Unofficial tests (as in actual crash experiences) seem to indicate that flip front helmets stand up to the test of an actual crash as well as a full face helmet.

[campernh]

Fred and Greg,
Thanks for the advice.
Great links to the helmet reviews Fred!
Merry Christmas,
Brian
:eat1:

[AgSTreak]

Brian, I own two Nolan helmets. I bought an open face (N41 Classic I think) when I purchasede my ST because I don't like the confinement of a full face helmet. It was really a pain to put on sunglasses. Then after a couple of coworkers got me going with open face helmet horror stories, I settled on a Nolan N100E. Best helmet I've ever had. Even if my open face helmet was equally safe, it would still sit on a shelf unused. The flip face is quieter.- john :)

[beastie]

After posting the helmet question on the MSN forum and getting 40+ replies all saying full face, I have decided to go that route although I will go flip full face because I like the ability to open up at a stop.

Some guys suggested the HJC SYMAX, which many dealers have and I have tried it on a couple of times. It seem to be very comfortable just like my open face HJC.

Some suggested the Nolan but I haven't found any dealers yet (in my area) that carry it. I found a couple who QUIT carrying Nolan. I do not want to buy without trying. My local BMW dealer recommends the SYMAX as do other area dealers.

I like the sun shield feature of the Jarow, but again, I want to try it.

Some dealers will let you test ride a helmet, others won't. At least I want to strap it on and walk around the store for 30 minutes or so. I would also like to buy from a local store, but, since I am buying 2, if I can save $70+, I will probably buy mail order.

Don :)

[Chris Parker]

I have had two Schuberth Concept Helmets. I love em. Some don't because of being one of the heaviest flip helmets on the market. It does not bother me at all, this helmet is one of the most quality built helmets I have looked at. Unlike the previous comment about the built in visor, once you have it, you never go back. It rocks! The helmet is rather expensive, but if you can find a dealer (especially a BMW dealer) with the first generation Concept helmet being phased out, you can pick one up for half the cost (200.00 vs. about 400.00 dollars). A slightly upgraded Concept2 in out now with different venting and chin bar - has same visor and de-fogging feature (one of it's most underrated features - the clear shield pops FORWARD about 1/8" to defog - just enough air to clear any moisture from INSIDE the shield, no more slightly lifting the shield when riding with like other helmets. EVERY helmet should have such a feature). Like most flip helmets, it is noisier that a solid full face, and some have complained that it very noisy compared to the Nolan, but since I always wear earplugs, this is really a non-issue for me.

For more info:

http://www.schuberth-usa.com/

Newer C2 version:

http://www.schuberth.com/c2/index3.htm

Hope it helps you out.

Chris

[Keith R.]

I have two helmets both are Shoei's. One is the RF800 full face and the other is the open face RJ-air. I know I shouldn't wear the open face but I prefer it over anything else so far. Very quiet with the Laminar LIP and wind screen setup. The two work very good together. Its also nice to be able to comunicate with others snack and drink coffee and such while on the move. Its also the only helmet I have ever owned where the vents actually work when open.

Have friends who wear everything from the Shubert to the Nolan and now they are wearing the the new Jarow. The Jarow looks to be the hot setup the flipdown visor is a little larger then the Schubert and is suppose to be a much quieter helmet of the two. Just try and find a Jarow helmet at this time. At the Long Beach show the Jarow guy said they are very hard to find at this time in certain sizes, most of them.

My pick of the 3 would be the Nolan N100E simply because of the price and words from my friends who wear them and swear by them. It will be my next helmet. Would like to try one on first but as said hear in this thread dealers who carry them are hard to find.

But until them I will stick with my RJ-air. If someone only made a nice flip up shield again. On a good note, talking with the Shoei rep at the Long Beach show he mentioned early next year Shoei has plans to release a nice flip up shield for the RJ-air. One that everyone will like and want.....We'll see.

[Texas T]

My pick of the 3 would be the Nolan N100E simply because of the price and words from my friends who wear them and swear by them. It will be my next helmet. Would like to try one on first but as said hear in this thread dealers who carry them are hard to find.
FYI... Nolan now has a N101E with a sunshade. I don't know if it's being sold in the US yet but they do have it on their company website.

[blumax]

I have had the HJC, Shoei, Nolan and Bell. My favorite is the Nolan 100E. You ca get a good price from MAW online.

[Texas T]

The Nolan N101E
http://motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/FF-Helmet.donut-md.jpg

[Chris Parker]

Actually, that is the Schuberth Concept helmet. Nice shot, though.

Chris

[Texas T]

My bad. I copied it from another site discussing the helmet. There are some less quality shots of the 101 HERE. (http://www.nolan.it/caschi/Presentazione/N101.pdf)

[birdie_xx]

Except the N101 won't be imported to the US.....

The blue Sun shield however is available as a kit (you'd need a new faceshield and pivot covers) from CIMA (866-2HELMET or helmets@aol.com), Nolan importer....

This kit works with the N100/N100E helmets.


Cheers,

[campernh]

Hey Bluemax,
What is MAw online?
Educate me.
Brian
:rolleyes:

[Mellow]

campernh, MAW online is Motorcycle Acessory Warehouse, a vendor, here's a link to some comments about them as well as their site:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2234

[georgeorge]

That looks like a good doughnut.......I hope he brough enough for all of us!
I'll even take my helmet off to eat it!

Brian

[campernh]

Hi Mello,
Thanks for the information.
Happy New Year,
Brian