Flip/modular helmet comparisons

[wedgeman]

Am in process of looking at a new road helmet.

Been sporting the schuberth models for two cycles now, and thought id look around at other options.

I'm not interested in discussing flip helmets vs full face (one piece), as that's really a different discussion.

Have looked a bit at HJCs IS-MAX models, and the local dealer is pushing the GMaxx brand...

Ay other models of recommendation? Any comparisons?

At first glance the GMaxx looked pretty cheap. That's just my opinion. But the chin lock assembly is really thin cheap stamped tin and that skeeeeers me.

Anybody got some comparisons on noise levels?

[Jblk9695]

I use a Shark Evoline II and really like it a lot, especially the ability to flip the chin bar all the way to the back so you can ride like its a 3/4 helmet. Chin bar latches in very securely. Also the Shark seems quieter than my HJC IS16.
Just my .02 worth.

Jerry

[BeachMoto]

I had a Schuberth C3 for the past year and a half, never could get used to the fit. It was a nice and quite helmet just wasn't right for me.

Ordered a Shoei Neotec from a local dealer and it came in yesterday (even for a better price that I could get online). Rode around 200 miles in it today. I would say the Neotec is as quite if not more so than the Schuberth and it fits my head perfectly. I installed my Autocom headset in it last night, still need to work on the cable routing but so far like the helmet a lot.

[Juggernot]

I have been riding with a Scorpion EXO 900 Transformer helmet for about a year now. Very nice helmet. I have only used it as a 3/4 once, but I like it much better than my old full-face.

[baloneyskin daddy]

Just got an Email from Motorcycle Superstore, having a blowout on Nolans and some others. I personally like the Nolans but I also wear earplugs so noise isn't a factor. I love the latch system.

[Parrothead]

Wife loves hers, I really like mine. Only downer for me is my head is more oval than round and these are roundhead helmets IMO. However I've worn it for 600-mile days and no headaches or anything, just not as comfortable as my old modular helmets.

Pros: The full-flip modular design, latch mechanism & sun shades are awesome, best I've used in my opinion.


Cons: roundhead helmet; my helmet speakers fit a bit more snugly than in prior helmets but not a problem; miss being able to use a chin curtain in the winter... the chinbar design precludes doing this without some backyard engineering.

Bottom line: I'll keep it until something better comes along.

[wedgeman]

Originally Posted by Parrothead

Wife loves hers, I really like mine. Only downer for me is my head is more oval than round and these are roundhead helmets IMO. However I've worn it for 600-mile days and no headaches or anything, just not as comfortable as my old modular helmets.

Pros: The full-flip modular design, latch mechanism & sun shades are awesome, best I've used in my opinion.


Cons: roundhead helmet; my helmet speakers fit a bit more snugly than in prior helmets but not a problem; miss being able to use a chin curtain in the winter... the chinbar design precludes doing this without some backyard engineering.

Bottom line: I'll keep it until something better comes along.

What brand/model are you talking about?

[Jblk9695]

Originally Posted by Parrothead

Wife loves hers, I really like mine. Only downer for me is my head is more oval than round and these are roundhead helmets IMO. However I've worn it for 600-mile days and no headaches or anything, just not as comfortable as my old modular helmets.

Pros: The full-flip modular design, latch mechanism & sun shades are awesome, best I've used in my opinion.


Cons: roundhead helmet; my helmet speakers fit a bit more snugly than in prior helmets but not a problem; miss being able to use a chin curtain in the winter... the chinbar design precludes doing this without some backyard engineering.

Bottom line: I'll keep it until something better comes along.

Mine was a little tight on my forehead until I removed the 1/4" rubber pad that was under the liner, fits great now, you might give that a try. IMHO there is still plenty of foam for protection.

Jerry

['05Train]

My only experience is with a Shark Evoline II. It's a good 3-season helmet if you have a round head. I have an Arai head, so I had to remove some foam in order to get it to fit without pain. The flip-up chin bar is fantastic, but if you ride in 3-4 mode, the helmet is unbalanced and will roll back on your head. The drop-down sunshade is brilliant.

It's two biggest sins are that it's boomy and that it doesn't vent very well, especially behind a fairing. The venting can be somewhat mitigated by wearing it in 3/4 mode, but the noise is just killer, even with earplugs.

[Jblk9695]

I don't find it boomy at all, but as with all helmets that depends on what you are riding as to the noise level and buffeting. I do agree with the venting, it should be better.

Jerry

[trc.rhubarb]

Love my Shark Evoline 2
It has about 35k miles on it now and I don't think it will make it much past this summer without new liners and shield.

Venting is poor around my ears but other than that it seems as good as the Shoei.

I do go through a lot of sunshades from scratching but they are cheap and used to replace sunglasses about as often.

I don't find it loud or out of balance although it is a bit heavier than most helmets. I switch between this one and a Shoei RF-1000 and find them a similar fit.

[AlphaCat]

Looks like Fulmer also makes flip-up lids.

http://www.fulmerhelmets.com/product.aspx?id=184

[k1w1t1m]

Another Evoline II user and recommendation here, we've had them for about 18 months or 30K miles. My wife and I love ours. Very versatile. Also it is all in one, in other words you don't have face shields etc to look after in your saddlebags or even have to find a place to store them. Another big plus for me was that every other flip helmet I tried would have the chin guard hitting my chin. The Evoline II has the most chin room of all the flip helmets I've tried.
I have also found that I can flip and unflip with one hand while on the move. (great if you're a smoker).
We have Scala Rider Q2s fitted, there isn't much room but the plus is that the speakers are right against our ears.
It's easy to take on and off if you wear glasses.

Downsides are that the Evoline II is a bit on the heavy side and can be a bit unbalanced in the "fly" configuration. I would also wish for more ventilation.

All that said I would get another if I needed to.

[sleazy rider]

Where to start.

Shoei Multitec user for 4 years. Couldn't abide the price till I found one in Florida on clearance a few years ago. Wore the helmet almost exclusively. Absolutely loved the fit and finish. It's a full on round head shape. Very quiet. Retail about $446

Scorpion EXO-900 purchased as replacement last year. Fit and finish are good. Shape doesn't really work for me well. More of a semi-round. bit of wind noise, but it also doesn't fit exactly perfect. Retail for $279

Bell Revolver grabbed on clearance for $75. Pretty much identical to the 900 for review on my part. Wore it 3-4 times and boxed it back up. Still here in storage.

HJC CL-SP - damn fine fit, finish is typical for the brand. Ok, but not a Shoei. It's a round head shape and fits me well. Drawback is having to change from clear to tinted shield as I travel. All the later models have the internal tinted shield. Paid $100 a few years ago. Added tinted shield for another $35. Size runs big. Medium in all the others above, small in HJC.

Tried a Caberg Trip, totally wrong shape. Designed for a narrow head. I had headaches in 45 minutes.

YMMV, etc.

[Mike Seidel]

Just my $0.002, but just received a new SyMax III and so far really, really like it. Done watching open wheel racing, so going to go for a bit longer ride today, but quick [shopping] commute yesterday gave me the following: sizing is consistent with all other HJC's I've had (CL-15, CL-Max, SyMax II), if a little snugger without pinching. Noise level seems reduced, sun visor no longer SNAPS! up. Although I'll be damned if I can see where, eyeport field of view is improved, and is PinLock fitted. Also, the the modular chin bar lift and close is much smoother, and secure feeling. That opening mechanism is balanced so it almost feels like it is hydraulicly actuated!
Oh, and I'm basicly sorta round-head if that matters. Best price I could find is from the shop formerly known as NewEnough - motorcyclegear.com. Only downside is HiViz is not yet available, & I needed a new helm now. (Don't ask re my D-A.)

Er, & I forgot, it's actually lighter than the Symax II it replaces. Will post about reported improved aero later.