Flip Up Helmet

[blumax]

Has anyone tried on or bought the KBC FFR Modular Helmet? I own a Nolan 100E and don't really like it. I already have a KBC Euro 1 but I would prefer the flip up type. :04biker:

[FritzSTr]

There is a reiview of the helmet at;

http://www.webbikeworld.com/kbc-helmet/

It didn't get as good a review compared to your KBC VR1 :(

I've also have a KBC VR1 and a HJC Symax.

[basco]

I have the Nolan 100E and like it. But have you tried the X-lite? Much better helmet.

[blumax]

Is the X-Lite a flip-up? :04biker:

[Killtimer]

X-Lite is the name of Nolan's top end line. There are several models, the one I wrote up Here (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3258) is the flip-up version.

Steve

[nm6r]

I think the flip up helmets are a brilliant idea but have you noticed there isn't even one that is Snell certified?

The exact reason? To start with no manufacturer has submitted a flip up style for certification. Why not?

I took a tour of the Snell facility in March. It was very insightful.

Snell tour pictures (http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/03-12-05/snell.htm)

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Fireball18]

According to Schuberth, and probably the same goes for the other flip up manufacturers, they don't Snell test them because the flip ups aren't meant for the track. Schuberth feels that DOT is sufficient for safety, besides, their helmets meet the Euro equivalent standard for protection. I know of at least two guys who have crashed while wearing flip up helmets and they stayed intact and did their job. One was an HJC and the other was a Nolan.

[MNwing]

After trying on several diffent brands and models, I went with the X-Lite due to fit. I wear glasses and with found the X_lite was the easiest to put on and take off and the most comfortable of any I tried.

Still trying to find ear plugs that will block out the wind noise since I usually ride with the windshield in the lowest position. Any suggestions?

[SpEd]

Still trying to find ear plugs that will block out the wind noise since I usually ride with the windshield in the lowest position. Any suggestions?

I use the little green ones that they sell for next to nothing on the web. Here's a link (http://www.howardleight.com/single.html#) on the picture.. They are called max lite and they look like this:

http://www.howardleight.com/LeightSingle5_r2_c4.jpg (http://www.howardleight.com/single.html#)

I think they are available at Sam's, but not sure. Hope this helps.

[SpEd]

Has anyone tried one of the Vega Summit flip up helmets? They match the Wing colors and the Candy Red of the '05 ST. Priced at $129. Not bad.:biker:

[blumax]

Thanks for the replys. I read about the Vega and it had a good report. I will check out the X-Lite. :04biker:

[Fireball18]

Here's my $.02-worth regarding helmets. There are some pretty cheap helmets out there that are both DOT and Snell approved. There are some expensive ones that are only DOT approved, such as the Schuberth and the Shoei flip front helmets. Generally speaking, a cheap helmet will provide the same level of protection as an expensive one, or it would pass muster. The difference, however, lies in the quality of manufacture and fit and finish. The cheaper helmets can be uncomfortable, the lining can chafe the skin, the face shields can be distorted, etc., etc., whereas a more spendy lid is generally comfortable and overall quality is much higher. You don't really get more protection the more you pay. What you get is a helmet that is easier to wear, quieter, and will probably last longer. I've worn some cheap helmets in my time, and to a one they were uncomfortable and very noisy. I'd say, buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. You'll be much happier with it. I'm very satisfied with my Nolan N100E, and when it comes time to replace it, I'll probably get the X-Lite. The Nolan is probably the quietest of the flip front helmets, including the Shoei and the Schuberth, both of which are more expensive.

[Red Ryder]

I thought because flip up helmets "flip up" that they don't qualify as full face helmets according to Snell qualification of full face helmets and that would technically put the flip up helmet in a different category.
My concern with a flip up helmet is, if you should ever fall, strike your chin, the flip up part of the helmet, could flip up from the impact and cause you allot of bodily damage.

[fraz]

My concern with a flip up helmet is, if you should ever fall, strike your chin, the flip up part of the helmet, could flip up from the impact and cause you allot of bodily damage.
Of course a counterpoint to this is that the same impact on a fixed bar helmet could snap the head back causing neck injuries.

Personally I'm quite happy with my Schuberth. Meets my needs of practicality (I wear glasses & smoke) and meets the relevant EU safety standards even if it isn't ACU Gold (or Snell) approved.

[Killtimer]

My concern with a flip up helmet is, if you should ever fall, strike your chin, the flip up part of the helmet, could flip up from the impact and cause you allot of bodily damage.

If you impact at the correct angle to shear out the steel locks on a highend flip front, facial damage is going to be the least of your troubles. Disfigured due to helmet failure or paralized due to C-Spine fracture........ tough call.

Steve

[Dorian]

Here is an interesting thread from users of different flip-face helmets. Take from it what you will. http://www.ridersrally.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4337

[Dale_I]

I just picked up a couple HJC Symax's for my wife and I. I went with the Symax over the KBC and Vega because of the fiberglass shell (absorb the impact) over the poly shell (reflect the impact). I would rather absorb the impact, but that is my opinion only. Got them for $165 each and free shipping online. The Burgundy matches the 2001 ST1100 dark red almost perfectly.

[STPilot]

Got them for $165 each and free shipping online.

That seems like a really good price, where did you get them??

Those of you that have switched to the Symax, did you notice any more or less wind noise from a regular full face?

[sherob]

Try www.splathat.com, that's were I bought mine... shipping in the price and good service.

I've never had a fullface, so can't compare wind noise for you... does have wind noise... I just turn up the music a little, but it doesn't really bother me since I used to wear half helmets... :D

[Fireball18]

I don't think the fact that the helmets have the flip up feature is why they're not Snell approved. Snell was established for racers. Schuberth simply states that they don't intend their flip front helmet be worn for racing, so a merely a street riding-oriented helmet, they feel that it only needs to meet DOT specs, and they didn't want to spend the money for the Snell testing. I suspect that the other manufacturers followed suit with their line of thinking. BTW, the Nolan uses a stainless steel pivoting and locking mechanism that locks very positively and securely. The early flip front helmet apparently used plastic mechanisms and weren't that reliable. I think that for your average street riding, a flip front helmet is safe.

[nm6r]

I asked Snell how flip up helmets would be tested and was told something to the effect of, Flip up helmets would be tested at Snell as full face helmets because that is their intended use while riding.

"Generally speaking, a cheap helmet will provide the same level of protection as an expensive one..."

This is true for Snell certified helmets. If a helmet sells for $700 and is not Snell certified, you do not know you are getting adequate protection. DOT approval is a joke. There isn't even any testing required for DOT approval. The perfect example is the novelty helmets often worn by HD riders

Once again, I think the flip up helmets are a brilliant idea. I'm waiting for Snell approval before I spend my hard earned money on something I may have to count on later.

BTW, Snell approval runs the larger helmet manufacturers less than $1 per helmet. It's your head, you be the judge.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Carl_T]

I personally agree and go with the need for Snell approval. Dumping at 70 on the race track and dumping at 70 on the street with cars around, I'd say the street could need the better helmet.

[NormanPCN]

Here is a link you might be interested in.
Helmet tests (http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/fliphelmets/)

[NormanPCN]

DOT approval is a joke. There isn't even any testing required for DOT approval. The perfect example is the novelty helmets often worn by HD riders


No such thing as DOT "approval". There is a DOT spec and thats all. The manufacture can claim DOT approval. The DOT only random tests helmets for meeting spec. It would be nice if to place the DOT sticker on the helmet you had to submit to a government agent before shipping, as with Snell. Snell also samples production runs which is nice. I feel safe in trusting Shoei, my current lid, when they say they meet DOT.

A beenie helmet can certainly meet a DOT impact test. Obviously only from a very limited choice of angles since the helmet is so small. The joke is the level of protection provided by such helmets. A beenie is a total joke, and an open face (3/4) helmet is a basic joke.

DOT, Snell or whatever. You are putting your trust in the manufacture. Even sampling of production runs does not mean you cannot get a stinker, so a certain level of trust is involved.

[Carl_T]

Thanks Norman, interesting stuff.

[Red Ryder]

After reading the helmet test site Norman was kind enough to provide, I'm sticking with the full face helmet.
On a side note-has anyone seen snowmobile helmets? They're similar to motorcycle full face helmets with the addition of an air filter built into the snowmobile helmet. You end up looking like a fighter pilot wearing the air filter around your face and nose which is built into your full face helmet. An air filter might be a helpful addition while on the road sucking in the exhaust fumes of the cars and trucks around you-would also hopefully lessen your exposure to carbon-monoxide.