Helmets Need Helmet Opinions, Please

Andrew Shadow said:
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...

...I strongly doubt that I will ever go back to a regular full-face helmet again for the rest of my riding days.
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I agree 100%. This exactly parallels my experience. I used a Bell 3/4 for my first few years of riding until the Bell Star came out. I wore through two of them. Then I went to Shoei full-face helmets. At one point I had eight that I switched off. Great helmets.

But I really got tired of trying to put on my sunglasses (with cable earpieces my temples of choice) or do everything Andrew mentioned. It got to the point that for years I just left the helmet on while in a store or getting gas or whatever. The hat stayed on unless I knew the stop would be over 10min.

A couple of years ago I got a Multitec and was sold. A good fit and the convenience was amazing. Now I wear a Neotec. I won't go back.

A full face may be safer in some crashes sure. I'll take that chance.
 
I prefer a modular, Neotec user here after having HJC/Nolan/Scorpion/C3. Neotec is one of the quieter ones, vents well. If you got the bucks, AGV has a new carbon fiber modular that is a full pound lighter than the Neotec.
 
Oldbikefixr said:
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.
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Exactly.

I think that OldBikeFixer has hit the nail on the head: Shop around carefully and buy the helmet that fits you best, and is most comfortable to wear. Broadly speaking, I suspect that the level of protection that the helmet affords is likely pretty much the same for all the major (reputable) brands.

Michael
 
cybervet said:
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 ...
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Shoei RF1200 here. It's a very quiet helmet. But fit is a huge issue. My head is shaped differently than yours. My girlfriend wears an Arai. I can't wear them.

If you can get to a couple larger dealers and try some different models and brands on, you won't regret the time spent. Generally, I feel price does equate to quality of build and features.


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ST Gui said:
until the Bell Star came out
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That made me laugh because it reminded me of my first full-face helmet which I got in 1985. It was a Bell Tour Star that was thrown in as part of the deal when I bought a new 1984 Honda Magna V45. It was touted as one of the best helmets on the market at the time. What a piece of crap by today's standards. Helmets sure have come a long way haven't they?
 
Bought the Klim One of the lightest helmets I have owned. The chin apron can be removed and the venting is excellent ( for the hot heads that sweat )The visor is a transition that literally goes black in sunlight and when riding with the visor up or cracked helps with us closterphibics.
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With chin guard up very little resistance Quieter than any I have owned. Quick release straps. Was on sale vs the neotech or shubert and no regrets. Next will be a sena unit expecting quality sound experience.




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I really liked my Bell Star helmets till they changed the shape and now the Race Star won't fit. Just purchased an Aria Corsair-X last summer; it's my new favorite. I wear full face only, haven't found a modular that fits or has the safety and features I want, but theKlim looks promising.


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I will second what a few others have said.... I think FIT is the most important feature of a helmet. Everything else comes second. There are a bunch of quality helmets out there with features and prices ranging all over the place. Find one (or a brand) that fits well and then start comparing features vs. price.

A lot of guys like their HJC helmets and I really like the price but I can't find one that fits me. So far, the only helmets that I have found to fit comfortably are Shoei (pricey) but I have tried the Kabuto brand on in a store once and they seemed to fit me as well as the Shoei so that may be my next helmet. It would be nice to save a few bucks. I remember buying an Arai helmet from a vendor in the back of a magazine in the late 80's for $139!! Those were the days.....LOL
 
Like the Shoei NeoTec 2 which was totally redesigned to be both lighter and quieter, The Shuberth C4 pro was also resigned for the same. The pricing of both is similar. But what separates the two choices is the integrated Sena SRL Communication System which was built especially for the NeoTec 2. The SRL system is an additional $300 on top of the helmet cost. I have found a few online dealers that will discount the combo purchase by 10%. So, the NeoTec 2 Helmet in a solid color with the SRL system will run about $930.
 
ST Gui said:
:eek:4: <— :sticker shock:
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Just ordered the original Neotec from RevZilla - $489.
This will be my first full-face helmet, I've had a Shoei J-Cruise open face for 3 years - love it, but want to move up to full-face.
Just hope I can get used to the difference....
 
Thanx all for the opinions. I'm narrowing in. Probably going to go with the Klim TK1200. Super light and claims to be just as quiet as other premium level modulars. The transitions shield intrugues me. We'll see how well that works. I'd wait for the new Neotec, but my current bucket needs to go now. Sadly, there is no dealer with any stock anywhere around me, so I'll throw the Revzilla dice and see how it goes.
 
larryg said:
Just ordered the original Neotec from RevZilla - $489.
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That's a great price! It's what I have but I paid about $550. That was pre-Neo II.

If the shape works with your head you'll like this helmet. I really like being able to flip up the front to talk or take a drink at a rest stop or just to catch some fresh air. The internal visor is very handy.
 
Jay51 said:
Like the Shoei NeoTec 2 which was totally redesigned to be both lighter and quieter, The Shuberth C4 pro was also resigned for the same. The pricing of both is similar. But what separates the two choices is the integrated Sena SRL Communication System which was built especially for the NeoTec 2. The SRL system is an additional $300 on top of the helmet cost. I have found a few online dealers that will discount the combo purchase by 10%. So, the NeoTec 2 Helmet in a solid color with the SRL system will run about $930.
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Schuberth also has their Sena com set that fits into the helmet. Integrated antennae too, simple plug and play. The problem with both the integrated platforms is they are based on old tech and don't allow the connection types of even the Sena 20s let alone the 30k.

They make a retro-fit system for many helmets now. My IS-MAX 2 is one of them. You replace the cheekpads and the battery is a thin li-io that fits in the back between the shell and the padding.

But, I chose to go 20s to get the further range, additional connections, and better functionality.
 
Dale_I said:
... The problem with both the integrated platforms is they are based on old tech and don't allow the connection types of even the Sena 20s let alone the 30k. ...
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Right there is a major sticking point for me with the Neo 2. I just added a shiny new Goldwing to the stable and its' infotainment system is fairly prejudiced in favor of the 20s, and I just happen to already have one. I hear other comm systems are being a bit buggy with it. That may change with a future software update, but I'll stick tight with my 20s for now. My usual riding buddy plans to get the Neotec 2 with the integrated Sena as soon as it's available. If his helmet seems to play well with my 'Wing system I'll consider adding the Neotec to my gear shelf also.
 
I like modular, been using a HJC sy max II, it’s been a good helmet, since I’ve had neck surgery last January I find myself needing something lighter. Was looking at the Shoie neotec 2, it’s even heavier than the HJC, so l ordered a Shuberth C3 pro, supposed to be light and quiet! Anxiously awaiting it’s arrival!
 
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