Helmets Helmet: Best Ventilation?

EASt

EASt

Streuselkuchen
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
138
Location
Minnesota
Bike
S1000XR
I've come to conclude that helmet decisions are based so much on personal preferences of features, weight, fit and even design. However, the one feature that I think matters most (after safety) is ventilation - and it's also the hardest to evaluate until after you've purchased and worn the new skid lid.

In my case, my old Shoei X11 had incredible ventilation. Awesome. Gobs of air. And the air ports were so minimalistic.

My HJC FS-10 has these big, obvious air ports, but ventilation is virtually non-existent.

Now, I'm in the process of selecting a helmet for TLK (Keri), and I want to be sure I find one for her that's got great vents.

Any input on full-face (modular or solid) that have outstanding ventilation are appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I have the Shoei Multitec and like it pretty well. I had a cheap Vega summit II before that and it was very noisy but cooling was ok. They were both Silver so maybe that helped them be cooler than dark colors. ;)
 
You already know what the Shoei X-11 is like so I'd say go with it. Because Shoei has release the X-12 the prices for X-11's has come down. Take a look around and you might be surprised.

I recently picked up a X-12 for a good price. The ventilation seems even better than my X-11 but I think comes at a cost with extra noise. One of main reasons I went with the X-12 is the emergency cheek pad removal feature. Still going to be using the X-11 as it is wired for the Autocom but it will get a break from time to time depending on the riding.
 
I notice that there are always vents in the front of helmets so that air is forced inside. Has anyone come across a design where there are vents more rearward that would create a vacuum effect as the air passes over the helmet to pull air up from the bottom and vent it out the back?

Just curious...
 
Byron said:
You already know what the Shoei X-11 is like so I'd say go with it. Because Shoei has release the X-12 the prices for X-11's has come down.
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I'd get another "X" series in a heartbeat, but the $ is always the reason I don't. For the sake of Keri, I'm not sure I could justify that much cash for someone who rides occasionally instead of daily. Then again, if the X11 has come down a lot, I'd love to get one for her... and me at the same time. :D

trek2120 said:
I notice that there are always vents in the front of helmets so that air is forced inside. Has anyone come across a design where there are vents more rearward that would create a vacuum effect as the air passes over the helmet to pull air up from the bottom and vent it out the back?

Just curious...
Click to expand...

I'm of the opinion that there has to be a combination of good front and rear venting to be most effective. So much so, that I'm not sure the over all size of the orifice or scoop in the front is as much a determinate. :shrug2:
 
I have been very pleased with Scorpion helmets... 700, 900, 1000 :bow1: I am not a fan of Nolan N102, or Caberg Justissimo(?)... they were just hot living in Texas ;)

I had the 700 in Houston... the 900 and 1000 up here in Denver ;)

Just adding some "heat" info ;)
 
+1 on the Shoei RF1000, they're out there now for $250. The RF1100 flows even better, which says a lot because the RF1000 is pretty darned good. The nice thing about the RFs is they are much quieter than the X model Shoeis.
 
I got a new Arai Profile and venting is excellent, but be careful with the fitting; different Arai models have different head shapes.
 
Shoei : I'm very satisfied with my X-11 for ventilation, weight, safety rating and it's a quiet helmet. I've owned Shoei helmets for many years due to the safety rating, comfort level and quietness of their products. It is not about the cost of the product - it is about the performance of the product IF it is ever required. I value my brain and I'm willing to shell out a little more for something better than average to provide maximum protection. I want every possible chance of a "walk-away" in the case of a get-off.

I'd get another "X" series in a heartbeat, but the $ is always the reason I don't. For the sake of Keri, I'm not sure I could justify that much cash for someone who rides occasionally instead of daily. Then again, if the X11 has come down a lot, I'd love to get one for her... and me at the same time. /QUOTE]

Think of her/your helmets (jackets, pants, gloves, etc) as your life insurance policy. It is not how much you pay up front but how good the protection is and the comfort factor. A $600 helmet is much cheaper than an extra day in the hospital. When my wife was riding with me, she had a Shoei Multitec (she wears glasses) that provided her with good ventilation and a solid fit. We had to change her foam inserts to get the proper fit but after that she was a happy camper.
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Well expect the BMW airflow open face is the best ventilated helmet but as you are after full face would recommend the BMW EVO-4 or 5 as in extremly hot weather you can remove the whole chin front and make it a open face in 2-3mins.

Airflow3.jpg
 
mjhenne said:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

In most of the helmet reviews there is discussion of how well the helmet vents. Nothing objective; just an opinion.
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I've poured over a lot of Webbike reviews in the past. I think I've come to agree with their gear reviews no better than 20% of the time. I think I'm too picky. :D

voyager said:
Well expect the BMW airflow open face is the best ventilated helmet but as you are after full face would recommend the BMW EVO-4 or 5 as in extremly hot weather you can remove the whole chin front and make it a open face in 2-3mins.

Airflow3.jpg
Click to expand...


Wow! Cool looking!
 
Erik,
As TLS will attest too, TLKs wind and turbulance will be quite different from yours. We have a Multitec and a RF1100 that TLK can try. The RF1100 may be a quieter choice....at least it could be a point of reference to start the search.
Rich
 
Have a look at the Suomy Vandal if you can find one locally. I have been impressed with the venting, plus it's one of the lighter weight full face helmets you will find.
 
In addition to the vent designs... Sometimes if you examine the inside shell, you'll find the hole in the foam isn't big enough or slightly blocked, or the liner does not have mesh panels. I also find it is a direct function of where you have your windshield positioned too.
 
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