Can someone provide a newbie (me) with some helmet info...

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jetmech727 · Tue Apr 05, 2005 1:35 pm

I'm new to the sport and I'm looking for a helmet. I've looked at HJC, Shoei, and Arai. The cost is not what concerns me and there all snell and closed face. However I have concerns about the features from helmet to helmet. In particular, how do I know which ones are noisy, and which ones ventilate the best?

Thanks

poppygene · #2 Unread post by **poppygene** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:41 am

I'm not aware that anyone has published the results of a scientific test on these variables. Hopefully someone else will have that info for you. I think the most important concern, though, is fit. If a helmet doesn't fit your head right, you won't want to wear it no matter what else it does for you. Try them on and wear each of them around the store for awhile. The three brands you mentioned are all quality lines, but the HJC is extremely popular and easily the most affordable.

Lion_Lady · #3 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:41 am

The first issue is FIT - see Helmet Fit Guidelines sticky.

Most wind noise issues are related to how the wind moves over your bike. Different windscreens channel the windflow differently - lack of one is another issue entirely.

Plan to wear some sort of ear protection in your helmet. Even a very quiet helmet will be subject to wind noise, which over time - a day's ride - will contribute to your mental fatigue. Custom fit are awesome!! But the cheapy 50cent a pair foam ones work great for little investment.

If you ride a motorcycle with a full height "look through" windshield, then you won't need to worry about how quiet the helmet is.

Mostly the flip-face helmets are noisier than non-flip up ones. You can get a stretchy collar thing that goes around the bottom of your helmet and pretty well eliminates any residual noise.

...It seems that much wind noise isn't from airflow over the top of the helmet, but past the BOTTOM of it - like blowing across an empty bottle.

P

JustJames · #4 Unread post by **JustJames** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:05 am

I have experience with HJC Symax (Flip-face helmet). they are pretty good and resonable price (cheapest on the three). I went with Flipface becuz I am the prescription glasses wearer.

HJC Pros
1. inexpensive about $200
2. not too noisy, (the wind noice doesn't bother me even at high speed)
3. very good ventilation
4. not a lot of fog build-up when riding in cold.

HJC Cons
1. not the best build compare to other
2. pulling head at high speed (I might switch to Shoei for this)
3. no snell approve (I think for all flip-face)

If you're thinking of buying helmet online, I suggest you to visit dealer and try them all. different brand same size give you different fit.

I'm thinking of buying new helmet, SHOEI, becuz pulling head/shaking on HJC with is not so convenient and cause me the bad vision at night. My friend recommended Shoei which she experienced the same thing with HJC but never with SHOEI.

keysman · #5 Unread post by **keysman** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 11:31 am

Everyone pretty much covered it here already. The fit is the most important thing. I don't think you will find any helmet to be "quiet" they all have some wind noise some are better than others but they all have noise. If the helment dosn't fit you good don't buy it and make sure you try it on first. Don't worry about looks, brands or cost at first. Just try on a bunch of different brands and models until you find one or two that fit the best. Sizes vary from brand to brand too. For example an XL Arai Quantum fits me well. The Suomy XL is way too small on my head. The XL HJCs are just a little too big on my head and the L is too small. Shop around.