Cool Helmet for Hot Ride

Tidrick

Tidrick

Keith B. Tidrick
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
40
Location
Boiling Springs, SC
Bike
2019 BMW R1250 RT
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
Ended up acquiring an AGV K-7 from Motostorm Motorcycle World in Europe. Delivered all-in still over $200 less than cheapest I could find domestic. Took a while to get it but that was OK for me. Now waiting on Tubs Jackson mounting base to install a second Sena base in this helmet.

Only issue I have so far is my glasses... I have worn full face lids before and don't remember having this level of aggravation. These glasses have long down turn ear pieces making it mighty near impossible to get into the helmet and over my head-flaps. The helmet does have eye-glasses channels in the liner but not really designed for the config of my current specs. Just something to work out.

Will post up assessment of the K-7 in the near future.
 
TerryS said:
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.
Click to expand...

I never thought about removing the chin curtain, but before I do - is there a significant noise change with it removed?
 
I have an HJC RPHA91 and I am surprised at the airflow... really good. I actually close the top vent most of the time unless it is really hot. The one thing I didnt bank on with a well ventilated lid are the bugs and sand/grit that get in there and into my hair. I have tried a "beanie" but then my head sweats. Cant seem to find a happy medium.
 
Obo said:
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.
Click to expand...
Neotec 2 here...
The top (+ rear) vent work(s) amazingly well even with the face-shield open...
I mostly have the slider in the middle position, because on fully open the draft gets quite cold on the remains of a once great society of hair... 🥶
(mind that I also wear a skull/headcap which might help to increase ventilation...)
 
Bmacleod said:
I have an HJC RPHA91 and I am surprised at the airflow... really good. I actually close the top vent most of the time unless it is really hot. The one thing I didnt bank on with a well ventilated lid are the bugs and sand/grit that get in there and into my hair. I have tried a "beanie" but then my head sweats. Cant seem to find a happy medium.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'll second that for the HJC RPHA91. We previously had HJC helmets but then went for the Shoei GT Air II. We both thought that the GT Air II was a really comfortable and quiet lid, but it was very warm (great for most of the time in the UK), when we toured last year down south in Europe, they became quite uncomfortable in the heat, particularly on my forehead, so on return we swapped for the HJC. Nothing like as quiet (solved with earplugs), but much much cooler in the heat, plus you can ride with the front up for extra comfort. We are currently experiencing quite a heatwave here in the UK, 33c temperatures during the day and yesterday went for a 250 mile ride down to a WWII show on the south coast. The helmets were a revelation, reasonably cool whilst riding 50/60 mph country roads but it was sooooo nice when hitting 30mph limits through towns and villages to be able to flip the fronts up! They also have better vision, with the GT Air I had to dip my head to see the 1100s mirrors properly, with the HJC I can just glance down.
 
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