Cool Helmet for Hot Ride

[Tidrick]

So... seeking the wisdom of the collective here. I am on the hunt for a high flow helmet. My research is pointing to a broad spectrum price wise. Not opposed to less expensive as this is a partial year solution, but admittedly piqued curiosity 'bout the higher end options here.

On my 'consideration' list:
HJC i11
Shoei GT Air II / 3
Shoei Neotec II / 3
Shoei RF-1400

Are there others of which you know that are better? Any feedback on these options for best mobile head air conditioning???


Thanks!

 

[Obo]

I have a Netoc3 and the Mrs. a Neotec2. I was coming from a Shoei rf1100 and she from an HJC model. Not sure the Neotec's modulars are any better for airflow, unless you have them opened. Other things that may affect my observations is the Wing's large windscreen.

 

[Joeywhat]

I've had a couple GT Airs and they stay pretty cool. Only so much you can do when you're not moving, but even at a slow pace I stay fairly cool. I'll crack the visor in heavy traffic, and I keep the bottom chin piece off to increase airflow at the cost of a little more noise.

 

[TerryS]

I have the GT-Air, it is probably no better or worse for ventilation than others but I do ride at lower speeds with the main shield up and the internal sun visor down, which makes for good airflow. A drop-down sun visor is now on my must-have list for any future helmet. I have never used the chin curtain as it caused too much fogging.

 

[Daboo]

This isn't a recommendation for a particular helmet, but a recommendation on how to objectively find one.

Check out Champion Helmets' reviews on YouTube. You can get to the YT reviews either by going to Champion Helmets directly, or by looking on YT for a helmet you're interested in and finding the reviews for it.

https://www.championhelmets.com/

I used to rely on webBikeWorld's reviews, but they got less detailed over time IMO. Champion Helmet's reviews are pretty objective and about as "scientific" as you can get. They use the same rider on the same roads under the same conditions to take their measurements. For cooling, they measure the temperature inside the helmet and outside the helmet. If the temperature on the inside of the helmet is more than outside, that means the helmet doesn't flow as much air as others.

Here's a review of the Shoei GT-Air III.

Otherwise, you're simply comparing subjective opinions of one over the other. That's about as useful as what brand of oil should I use?

Chris

 

[Erdoc48]

I have 2 Neotecs (1st gen) that I use mostly in the fall and winter, otherwise I use the Shoei J- Cruise (the 3/4 helmet)- I know, I know, full face is best, but I ride like a grandma mostly, so despite the risk, it keeps me cooler.

 

[rjs987]

I really like my HJC i10 full face helmet. I have a white one for better visibility and also absorbs less heat than a black or dark colored one. It is a very basic full face helmet but has very good ventilation IMO. I typically feel the breeze on my face and often over the top of my head with this helmet. There is a large chin vent and a brow vent as well as a pair of top vents. The vents have a direct channel to the inside of the liner from the vents. It fits my head, which is primary. It has the option for a Pin-Lock insert. And it is one of the lowest priced good helmets I've found with both DOT and Snell rating. I am on my second i10 helmet now.

I used to have a helmet with a retractable sun visor but the visor in those blocks some of the venting... no direct path for air to the inside past the visor when it is up. I use prescription sunglasses anyway so an integrated sun visor is a waste for me. I've worn this helmet in very hot humid weather as well as very cold weather (coldest ride game). Been comfortable at either extreme.