Helmets Looking for New Helmet

ddemair

ddemair

Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
71
Location
central NJ
Bike
2010 Honda ST13
Currently I'm using an open face helmet which I've always done because I like the full unencumbered view and feel a little too closed in with a full face helmet.

Of course, a full face helmet provides greater protection and I've tried modular helmets, but I prefer them open which sort of defeats the point.

Are there any full face helmets with a very low chin bar allowing greater field of view?
 
You can get used to many things. Might you be able to borrow an older hat (either modular or full faced) from a friend and try it out for a week? I wear a Neotec 2, wearing sunglasses and ride often with the eye shield up (open). Since helmets are built like shoes - to fit certain shapes, it would probably be best for you to hit some shops that will let you try on a number of different brands and see what you think about fit and the closed in feeling. There would be little point in pointing you toward a helmet that does not fit your head shape. Aside from shape, different hats weigh more or less than you might like, and one brand's large might not be the same as another brand.
 
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My Shoei is probably NOT what you're looking for, but the Neotecs have been my go- to for 3 iterations.
I've seen some of what you're specifically looking for, but as I've found my favorite, I can't name one.
But look around, they're definitely out there. Lots of new styles since I was in the market.
 
unless you're very claustrophobic and can't handle the idea of a full face, get a full face helmet. I've never tried modular, so I don't know if they typically have a taller front than a regular full face helmet, and a more restrictive view, but its pretty easy to get used to the view from a regular full face. As someone who has surfed the pavement several times, you can't always control how you fall off, and not having something between my face and the pavement is inconceivable.
 
Adventure style helmets generally have a larger field of view. On most you can remove the peak without any issues
Nolan had at one time, a helmet with a removable chin guard. It was rated as a modular instead of a full face.
 
As has been mentioned, the adventure style helmets tend to have a larger opening. Schuberth E1 &E2 come to mind. I have an E1 and the opening is significantly larger than my Neotec 3 (or at least seems to be when it is on).First and foremost though is fit.
You might look at the Klim Krios helmet. If it fits, it has a large opening and, as a bonus, it is very light.
Something to keep in mind....if you have never taken the time to get used to wearing a full face/modular helmet, then maybe that is something to do. Finding one you can borrow, that fits, is a good place to start and then give it a fair chance before deciding.
 
Safety is a personal thing. Riding comes with risks, we all know that. It all depends on how much risk you are willing to accept. I wear HJC modular helmet. Sometimes I ride with the chin bar up. Sometimes I ride with just the shield open, Sometimes I ride with it all closed like a full face. I wear white helmets for visibility. I wear hi viz Tourmaster jackets. Sometimes I wear Tourmaster armored pants, sometimes I just wear jeans. Sometimes I wear riding boots, most times I wear Merrill waterproof hikers. 60 years in the saddle, approx 850,000 miles. I ride on average 308 days a year, in any and all weather conditions. I dont wear an air bag vest. I do realize that everytime I climb on my bikes I'm risking personal injury and even death.

There are only 2 pieces of gear designed to save your life (even though that's not guaranteed) that's a helmet and an air bag vest. The rest is meant to save scrapes and broken bones. A full face helmet is probably safer than a modular, which is safer than a 3/4, followed by an open face, followed by a half helmet and bringing up the rear are ball caps and dew rags, before getting to your bare head.

But in order to enjoy your motorcycle passion, you have to be comfortable in what you're wearing, whether that is everything, nothing, or something in between, and accepting the risks of your decisions.
 
I went to a rally in north central Oregon last weekend. Several of us had a discussion on helmets because one of the ladies had a neck issue that just came up and needed a new helmet. She was using an open face for the first time, but really really didn't want to wear it. There was a discussion of former riders we've seen who lost whole sides of their faces because of having no face protection and sliding on pavement. I had my first and only accident on June 6, 2024. I can tell you that I had no control over where any part of my body hit the ground. I don't even remember hitting my head on the ground, but I did.

Champion Helmets does excellent helmet reviews. The best I've seen yet. They don't just do subjective feelings about helmets, but measure things like noise levels, ventilation, etc. You might wish to look them up.

I ended up replacing my AGV Sportmodular helmet with a HJC RPHA 91. It's not cheap, but I think it is one of the best you can find, and despite your preference for an open face helmet, you might find you will like it too. What do I like about it? First, the ventilation. It flows air...everywhere. So much air that at times you'll want to close the upper vent and just used the brow vents. I've also found the chin vent to get too cold at times, and closed that too. How many full-face or modular helmets can offer that kind of ventilation? Not many.

I also like the visibility. Modern full-face and modular helmets pretty much make it seem like there's nothing between you and the great outdoors...well, until a large bug splats on your visor. ;)

The weight, or lack of it, is sweet. I bought the RPHA 91 Carbon from Champion Helmets for the same price as the "normal" version at Revzilla. It brings a smile to my face when I pick it up.

You might be surprised at what you find when checking out the newer helmets that offer some protection.

Chris
 
It will be forever to your benefit to find a person trained to fit helmets, I rode with a Shoei helmet ( which is an excellent helmet ) that I got with a 'wing package with matching colors. Long hauls gave me headaches. It turns out that Shoei doesn't make a helmet that fits my head.
I had a Arai representative take a couple of seconds and put me in a helmet with the right shape and size.
I have purchased another helmet and was really surprised to find a guy at Cycle Gear who knew what he was doing and put me in another Arai.
Of course, my headaches don't amount to much ie, no brains - no headaches. Small brain - small headache.
 
... helmets... quite a variety to choose from...

Screenshot_20250312-061248_1.jpg


I personally find a flip-front the most versatile...

Most provide channels for temples & earpiece of your (sun)glasses...
Riding open in urban traffic provides air to breath and cool down, a wide, unobstructed view-field and you can communicate, like with a clerk when refueling or grabbing a snack, as well as asking for directions or vacancy...
On the freeway or in bad weather the front slams shut, not having to care about bug-splash or any form of precipitation (hail does sound like flying through FLAK though...)

Whilst brand helmets are noticeable more expensive, they do provide a better overall quality...
weather protection/seals, design/operation of strap buckle (operable with gloves?), ventilation, remove/washable-able liners and padding made of durable, comfortable textiles, durable, scratch resistant, water repellent visor with pin-lock option, hinges enabling split-ventilation as well as locking shut, availability of spare parts, etc...

These days many lids have receptacles for intercom/headsets, worth observing if one goes/requires the BlueTooth way...

Most important is the fit though...
Tight enough to not wiggle or even come off during a tumble, whilst no pressure points on scull or the tips/cartilage of your auricles...
Maybe not obvious while trying it on in the store, but turning into medieval torture a couple of hours later down the road...
So take time, once you've found a possible candidate/object of desire leave it on for at least 30 minutes in the shop...

Also don't forget to bring your favorite shades/glasses as well as your balaclava along...
I even bring my neck-tube and riding jacket (with storm collar) to check for any interfering; bad when the helmet strap buckle seizes on the jacket collar, impeding turning your head while approaching an intersection or peeking into the rear-views/over your shoulder while changing lanes...

Color?... pfffff... I only have the matte black Neotec because it was over € 100,- cheaper then the ones featuring "all the pretty colors"... ;)
Up to you if you want to pay extra for that white, Borealis, or nuke-yellow...
 
The safest thing you can do is to do all you can to PREVENT having an accident in the first place.


The safest helmet colors are bright and light, with white offering the best overall contrast and fluorescent colors like yellow or orange being highly visible, especially during the day. These colors significantly improve conspicuity, reducing crash risk by creating a strong contrast against most backgrounds, unlike dark colors which blend in. In addition to the color, consider adding reflective elements and wearing bright, fluorescent clothing to maximize your visibility to other drivers.

Why Bright and Light Colors Are Safer
  • Enhanced Visibility:
    Bright and light colors, especially white, provide high contrast against the road and surroundings, making you more noticeable to other drivers.

  • Low-Light Performance:
    Fluorescent yellow, orange, and green are excellent choices for low-light conditions like dusk, dawn, and foggy days, as they absorb and re-emit light, appearing even brighter.

  • Heat Management:
    Lighter colors reflect more sunlight than darker colors, helping to keep your head cooler in hot weather.
Best Helmet Colors to Choose
  • Solid White: Offers the highest contrast against most backgrounds and is effective in all lighting conditions.

  • Fluorescent Colors (Yellow, Orange, Green): Highly conspicuous during the day and effective in low-visibility weather.

  • Light-Colored Pastels: Offer good visibility in daylight and help with heat management.
Don't Forget Other Visibility Enhancements
  • Reflective Elements:
    Add reflective tape or stickers to your helmet to enhance visibility at night.

  • High-Visibility Clothing:
    Pair your bright helmet with fluorescent vests, jackets, and pants to further increase your overall visibility.

  • Headlights and Lights:
    Always ride with your headlights on and consider adding auxiliary lights or LED helmet lights for dynamic visibility.

  • Defensive Riding:
    Always assume drivers may not see you and position yourself to be as visible as possible.
 
ddemair said:
Currently I'm using an open face helmet which I've always done because I like the full unencumbered view and feel a little too closed in with a full face helmet.

Of course, a full face helmet provides greater protection and I've tried modular helmets, but I prefer them open which sort of defeats the point.

Are there any full face helmets with a very low chin bar allowing greater field of view?
Click to expand...
Ya waited this long to get another helmet so wait a bit more. The closeout, end of season, getting ride of old stock is coming. I picked up a HJC F70 helmet for $115 most of the summer they were 350. Full face take a bit to get used to especially getting it on and off . Took it on a 8,000 mile trip, 100 degree heat, lot's if rain and cold and I was not disappointed. It's quiet, comfortable and has a large field of vision. Off season is the best time to buy.
1757002329800.png
 
My wife is looking for a new helmet, and yesterday we happened to be in Tucson to drop our daughter off at the airport. We decided to go to Cycle Gear, not that I am a fan but they do have hundreds of helmets from many different manufacturers. The guy on the floor (Nick) from Cycle Gear was very knowledgable about the helmets and helped my wife out a lot. We originally went to look at a modular style helmet, which is what she has always used. After talking with Nick he suggested two different full face helmets, one Shoei and one Sedici. Sedici is a Cycle Gear brand. They were similar in price, about a 100 bucks difference and are under $500.

After an hour or so trying on different helmets I think she is going to settle on the Shoei RF SR which is currently on closeout.

So the point is go in with your requirements and have them help find a helmet that fits properly and meets your requirements. They do have a 30 day return policy.
 
My last Neotec came from Cycle Gear, and the youngster even installed / mounted my Sena 50S for me. They price-matched an online vendor price, and I got an additional discount for buying both there.
A good experience, but YRMV.
I hope you have as good an experience, though.
 
My year-old Neotec 3 is my first modular helmet. I'm very happy with it. I equipped it with the Sena SRL3 (already a Sena user with 10S communicators on earlier helmets). Pricey, but I found them at MotoStorm in Italy for about 2/3 the price of US sourced. Strangely it lacks a DOT sticker. Anyone know where I can find one? :rofl1:
 
Daboo said:
What do I like about it? First, the ventilation. It flows air...everywhere. So much air that at times you'll want to close the upper vent and just used the brow vents. I've also found the chin vent to get too cold at times, and closed that too. How many full-face or modular helmets can offer that kind of ventilation? Not many.



Chris
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I also moved up to the RPHA91 carbon and like everything about it. I will second the ventilation claim as well. The top vent flows so much that after a ride, I was noticing my head was itchy and come to realize that dust/grit/sand were entering and getting in my hair. I have never noticed this with other helmets, but have never had ventilation like this before. I have picked up a "beanie" (not sure if that is what they are called), but then my head sweats because the beanie stops airflow, so not really an option. It's not a big issue as I can rub/brush my head and all is good and I shower everyday anyhow... Just surprised at the ventilation.
 
STRider said:
My year-old Neotec 3 is my first modular helmet. I'm very happy with it. I equipped it with the Sena SRL3 (already a Sena user with 10S communicators on earlier helmets). Pricey, but I found them at MotoStorm in Italy for about 2/3 the price of US sourced. Strangely it lacks a DOT sticker. Anyone know where I can find one? :rofl1:
Click to expand...
Yeah, that is an issue with overseas helmets. My Canadian HJC doesnt have the DOT sticker either. I researched whether it would be an issue and most American riders said they have never had a cop even look, but a few claimed that they were harrased, so , who knows. I decided to not go european for my helmet purchase and stick to a Canadian retailer, as the price was the same and I figured that at least it would have a DOT sticker and when it showed up, it did not have one. I was never able to find a source for real stickers so I'm not going to worry about it.
 
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