Helmets Need Helmet Opinions, Please

cybervet

cybervet

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Sep 6, 2013
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Age
66
Location
Clinton, Iowa
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2018 GL1800BD
I need to get myself a new helmet ... ASAP. I've noticed a crack in the gelcoat of my current one and the face shield just won't snap down tightly. SOoooo, I'm doing my shopping, reading reviews and watching YouTube videos. I've asked opinions from a few folks personally and value their opinion greatly, but I am one of those that has to research to death.

I've been using a Kabuto modular and it's been serving me well. I'd like to upgrade to the $500-600 range bucket and want something lighter (neck issues) and quieter. I am not opposed to going full face. I've only used 3/4 and modular helmets so opinions on full vs modular are welcome. The models I have on my short list are the Shoei Neotec 2 and RF-1200. The Klim K1R definitely has my eye too, light as a feather, but reviews complain of noise levels.

Thanx in advance for all comments ...
 
There are variations in head shape models used by some manufacturers. It would help if you could visit a shop stocking your choices for a test fit. Once you are happy with one, buy wherever you want.
 
While you’ve got your ‘short list’, I wouldn’t rule out the HJC SYN MAX II. I have ridden with HJC’s full face for quite some time now. In fact a couple years ago my HJC full face saved my head when I was hit from behind and slid 150 ft on my back. Replaced with another HJC full face, why not? Fast forward to what I have now is the HJC SYM MAX II modular. Love it.

And I just read where someone gave a link, sorry, can’t remember where, to a place that did crash comparisons and results. This one for the chin bar to open was 100% safe, much better than a Shoei or Schubert. Found that interesting.
 
Both LS2 and Scorpion seem to get good press for the price. I can't speak personally to the LS2 (other than trying on) but I can to the Scorpion 950. Very comfortable, good quality for the price, lots of features. With the Scorpion 950, you can easily take the "beak" off it. Scorpion makes other modulars as well. As will any helmet decision, fit is really important and you really need to try them on to see what works for you.

https://www.revzilla.com/modular-mo...in_usa=false&has_video=false&is_holiday=false

https://www.revzilla.com/modular-mo...in_usa=false&has_video=false&is_holiday=false

Another to consider is Shoei's Neotec. They have just brought out the Neotec II, so the original Neotec can be found for decent price.

https://www.revzilla.com/modular-mo...in_usa=false&has_video=false&is_holiday=false
 
We've just bought Shoei Full Face GT air's. Very plush, quiet and drop down sunny.
These replaced Shoei Qwest's that have only been changed in favour of the drop down sunnies that the Air's have. The Qwest's are still looking new after 5 years use.
We bought them for £370.00each. Wished they were cheaper.
Be sure to check the SHARP ratings especially for the modular chin bars.
Upt'North.
 
If you like modulars, a Neotec is my pick. As the Neotec 2 is now out, they’re discounting the prior model Neotec. It’s a very high quality helmet, but of course, not cheap
 
Ls2 and Scorpion helmets review loud. Schuberth are the quietest helmets but you will pay. Modular is convenient, full face are kind of a pain after having a modular. [h=1][/h]
 
gmast1100 said:
And I just read where someone gave a link, sorry, can't remember where, to a place that did crash comparisons and results. This one for the chin bar to open was 100% safe, much better than a Shoei or Schubert. Found that interesting.
Click to expand...
SHARP - Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme
 
An HJC RPHA is what I have. I paid I think $400 for it. It's a great helmet. It has the tinted pop down screen and two vents that help with fogging up.
 
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I appreciate all the good opinion and info.

I need to make my decision soon so I can be ready, just in case Spring ever arrives here in the Midwest.

For those that have used both ... what's your feeling on full face vs modular?
 
Well- here is my opinion.

I have worn full-face helmets for most of my riding life. I buy my helmets to fit properly- keeping within the fit recommendations provided by the manufacturers and safety experts as much as possible. Consequently donning them and removing them required forcefully pulling the straps in opposing directions to prevent tearing my ears off. Not a hardship at all. However, when it is cold and your arms don't bend quite so easily because of bulky material bunching up at the elbow its not so easy sometimes. When its raining out and taking your helmet off gets your hair all wet and then that makes you cold or causes your visor to fog up even worse. Or its 100 deg. F and every time you want a swig of water you have to take your helmet off, etc., it can become a pain in the you know what. My last helmet purchase was a Shoei Neotec. It is so easy and convenient to simply flip the chin bar up and out of your way so that you can have a drink, rub your eye, talk to some one without that muffled sound of trying to talk through a regular full-face, easily see your gas tank opening when you are filling up, checking a map, putting you glasses on to check the map, taking your glasses off, putting your sunglasses on, taking your sunglasses off, checking something on your bike without having the chin bar always banging in to the bike like with a full-face, etc., etc.. All of these things can easily be done without removing your helmet when you wear a modular- you simply flip the chin bar up and out of your way.

I strongly doubt that I will ever go back to a regular full-face helmet again for the rest of my riding days.
 
Definitely visit the Sharp link. My vote goes to the HJC IS-MAX 2. It is the same as the CL MAX 2, but the IS has the (I)ntegrated (S)unglasses. Bettter than either the Neotec or the Schuberth for protection and has a modular chin that stays closed 100% during all testing.

I often kid with my BMW buddies who are Schuberth freaks and love to say things like, you buy a $100 helmet for a $100 head. But, can they give up the badge of prestige if a lesser helmet is proven better? (I think pride won on that challenge, so I'll wear my inexpensive and better helmet and they can continue identifying each other by their markings)
 
I've worn a Shoei Qwest for the last 5 years, following an HJC full face before that, because it was time for a new helmet and I wanted a quieter helmet. I really like the Qwest's fit and quietness, but the price was hard to swallow and last fall I bought an HJC IS-MAX 2 on sale as a replacement for the Qwest. Along with the modular feature, the HJC has a flip down sun visor and, unlike the Qwest, all of the liner pieces are removable for washing. My Sena 10 fits both of the helmets. And at less than half the price of a Neotec I couldn't justify the cost of a new Shoei.
 
Another vote for the Neotec here. No modular OR full face is THAT quiet, earplugs are always a good idea. I DID try a Schuberth, but for the high price, quality was not optimal, fit and finish was dismal, and it was HOT. Not enough ventilation.
 
If you desire optical clarity and glare reduction the Shoei sun visor is much better than the HJC. I've got both brand helmets and the visor and it's mechanism in the HJC reflects its lower price. It's so inferior in my HJC I've gone back to wearing sunglasses and not using the sun visor at all.
 
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