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What type of helmet do you use?

24K views 98 replies 72 participants last post by  Dave_J 
#1 ·
I'll be getting a Burgman 650 soon. Along with saddlebags and some other things, the most important piece of equipment I'm looking at getting is a helmet.

On the superficial end of the spectrum: I do not want to get a helmet that says "I'm trying to be a biker". I want something good and comfortable, and also something that looks right on a scooter. I like the idea of a modular helmet where I can have an open-face while putzing around town (I live in the city) but something that offers good protection while touring.

Maybe I should add that I would like to get bluetooth headsets for my GF and I so we can chat while on long rides or I can listen to music while riding solo.
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
I can only recommed from experience; I have a GMAX 54s and my wife has a Scorpion exo-900. Fit for either will depend on your head; you should really try them out (as with all helmets). Both are modular with internal flip down sun visors.

The GMax also comes as a snowmobile helmet and all the parts for converting from one to another so it's a good winter helmet. As a matter of fact, all the parts, down to the screws, are available; the reason I know this is that the main external screws should be take out and reinstalled with threadlock lest they loosen and fall out. There also is a dual layer visor (not pinlock) that I used last winter; it's very effective.

In addition, there is the matter of the rear light; as it comes, there is a light on the back of the helmet that is steady or one of several flashing patterns. There is also an optional light that has a transmitter that ties into you brake electrical line and wirelessly activates the light. The more light the better.

The Scorpion exo-900 is convertable to a 3/4 helmet with visor or you can use it as a modular. The is a pin-lock visor available. Past that, I can say that my wife likes it. It also has a place for a bluetooth rig, but it's only one type and you generally want the same type bluetooth unit for all helmets.

They're both kinda plain looking, but I couldn't afford a Ruby; now I certainly can't.

Ny wife and I have two Cardo Scala Rider G9x bluetooth units - my general impression is that the industry has a long way to go. Different brands generally do not talk to each other; even Sena which offers an 'universal intercom' has a downside in that it uses a bloetooth channel to make a connection. The intercomm part of the G9x works pretty well, but it's an all or nothing switch; when the intercomm is active the music is off. Sena may be different but I couldn't attest to that. The bluetooth music connection cuts out brom time to time and I haven't figured out why. We got a deal on a pair of G9x's - If I was paying retail, I'd probably go with a Sena 10 model.

I'd be interested to hear other's experiences.
 
#5 ·
Helmets are such a personal thing and everyone's head shape is different. Personally, I have two helmets, both Shoei because for whatever reason, the Shoei design shape really fits my head comfortably, even on 12 and 14 hour riding days.
One other thing to look for in any helmet, and Shoei does have this is a fully removeable liner so that you can wash/clean it to keep it fresh. Also many brands have replacement cheek-pads of varying thicknesses so that you can get a perfect fit and comfort.
 
#93 ·
Helmets are such a personal thing and everyone's head shape is different. The Shoei design shape really fits my head comfortably.
I also like the fit of the Shoei but after mine was stolen I replaced it with the much cheaper
HJC-33 open face helmet. It has a pop up face shield and is available for under $75.
90 reviewers gave it an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5).

I don't think the HJC would be quite as attractive to a thief but I lock it in my top box even if
I am going to be away from my bike less than 5 min.

I have a full face helmet but it is usually just too hot here to wear it.
My HJC helmet is one size larger than I need but it is cool in the summer.
I am willing to sacrifice protection for comfort.

Snug fits are recommended for saftey but I only get it in the winter when
I wear a hat underneath. I will wear the helmet liner when the temperature
dips below 40.
 

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#6 ·
Shoei GT Air and Shoei RF 1200

If you have a Cycle Gear store near you, you can try on a bunch of helmets. You only have 1 head. Make sure you buy a good helmet.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I started with a modular helmet, but after looking at the latch mechanism, it seems to me that it would not stay down if much force was applied to it. Thin steel latches and small steel pins. So I now wear a full face. Personally, I wear an HJC FG-17, but try on several and see what fits you and your GF. I installed the Sena FMH5 Bluetooth in our helmets and they work well.
 
#9 ·
April 17th I hit the concrete barrier doing 70+ MPH. My gear took a licken. I was wearing a Modular VEGA Summit ll and it took a few hard shots but the mechanism stayed latched. Most latches have been tested.

I bought a replacement modular Gmax 54S Max in Large size and it fits nice. The drop down sun visor will help when I get back on the road. Hummmm, wonder if they make a Rain Filter visor as a Sun visor is wasted up here in the Great NorthWet. ;)
 
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#8 ·
If there is in fact a Cycle Gear close to you I'd look hard a buying a helmet from them. They have a 7 day return policy. I'm not affiliated in any way with Cycle Gear but that 7 day trial offer is pretty neat. I bought a $100 full coverage helmet and found that it was so loud at highway speed I needed ear plugs, but it was mine as there are no returns of helmets at my local dealership. I ended up with a Shoei Qwest which I really like, I guess the adage is true " Ya get what ya pay for". $400 and danged nice helmet ( Didn't buy it from Cycle Gear, this was before I knew they existed).

Greg
 
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#10 ·
Shoei Neotech.. I also have an F5 Interphone Bluetooth rig attached..that gives me my telephone and FM radio
 
#12 ·
Check Cycle Gear www.cyclegear.com -- sell many brands, I go with their brand BILT (very reasonable, meet DOT and European Standards). Have modulars, pump ups, bluetooth.

They have a number of store locations around the nation -- don't buy a helmet unless you try it on and wear it around the store for some time (15 MIN at least).

I wear full face only. Considered a modular, but the place where it hinges interfered with my eye glasses. I don't consider Modular to be as safe as Full Face, but take a chance on some things. I do not consider them safe with the face flipped up. It is not recommended.

That said, I have modified some helmets where pressure points show up (whittle some foam out or add some padding.
 
#13 ·
One of my full faced ones is really too old to wear and my new one is just a touch too tight to wear very long. I usually wear the 3/5 helmet with the face shield. Doesn't fog and has good ventilation. I know it doesn't give me as good of protection as a full face one though.
 
#14 ·
The best suggestions I can make would be to go to a store that has a wide selection of brands and try them all on. Find out what basic head shape you have, and then you can shop for helmets that work for you.

As far as type, I'm a big believer in the full-face helmet. If you look at the impact zones on helmets, the largest percentage is in the chin-bar area. Right now, I'm using a Scorpion EXO-410 for my daily commuter helmet, and an Arai Signet-Q for track days. Both helmets fit my 'long-oval' shaped head, and (most importantly) both have removable padding so they can be washed. I commute on two wheels every day May through October, so my helmets get lots of abuse, especially during the hot months of July and August. My wife and I use Sena SMH-10 units to communicate, and I have mine linked to my phone so I can hear if I get a call (I pull over to talk).

Whatever you buy, make sure you get something that fits. Different brands have different shapes and shell sizes, and having something that won't impair your ability to pay attention is very important. Also, don't be afraid to spend a few bucks on a decent helmet. Your head is mission-critical to riding (and living), so spending more on something that is comfortable and works for you is well worth it.
 
#32 ·
The best suggestions I can make would be to go to a store that has a wide selection of brands and try them all on. Find out what basic head shape you have, and then you can shop for helmets that work for you.
^^ This
 
#15 ·
I think it must be something in the rain/water up here in the NorthWet...Dave and I have the same story. I too was in an accident with a Vega Summit ll and I have nothing but praise for its crash worthiness, just check out Dave's photos; I didn't post any since my helmet showed very little damage at all. Then I went for the Gmax 54S as well, still modular, much quieter than the Vega but although the Gmax has many vents it still does not seem very cool but I love the sun visor and the large light at the back which works with your brake lights. If you have a price point the Vega will save you but for not much more money the Gmax it quite a bit nicer helmet...I just don't know about the crash worthiness of it and hope I never have to find out! It's a good helmet for large fat heads! :p
 
#16 ·
We use Nolan N44 Air. Can be configured as you like. Very comfortable, but have never had to test it's protection capability. Prior to these Nolan N41. Both with Interphone headsets. Very happy with all. Great for everyday around town and for touring, summer or winter
 
#18 ·
Can't give enough praise to the Shoei Neotech. Love the helmet. Fits me fantastic after breaking in the foam. It's really tight at first but once it learns your face, nothing is more comfortable. I wear glasses and it's got a great channel for them. I love that I can open the vent on top and actually feel air on my head. Never had a helmet do that before. Modular hasn't ever fallen down on me when going over a hard bump like others have. Drop down sun shield is awesome too. I use the Sens 20s with mine. Goes really well with it.
 
#19 ·
Schuberth C3 pro for me. Historically always used an Arai full face, but the schuberth modular is so practical. Expensive, but my head is worth it!

I am always amazed by those who buy expensive bikes, then skimp on the two most key safety items - tyres and helmets. Quite frankly, I don't really care if my tyre choice lasts 2000 miles less than a cheaper, harder tyre - it'll brake better, retain grip when others lose it, cut through the water when others aquaplane - in short be there for me in an emergency situation. And when the shtf, a top-quality helmet will save your brain and lower face better than a cheaper one.

You pays your money and takes your choice...
 
#22 ·
Update: my 3-week-old SS1700 broke (chin bar latch release failed), I had to buy a replacement on the road. (Asheville, NC) I have an HJC IS-MAX II. It's a much better helmet, with the notable exception of using the old D-ring chin strap. (The SS1700 did not.) Only other gripe is that the sunshade is not quite big enough and the tint on it is WAY too light.

I have to say that if you wear glasses, you owe it to yourself to try an IS-MAX II. I'd bet the designer of the inner padding wore glasses.
 
#24 ·
I usually wear my Shoei Multitec in the white color. It's my 2nd one after wearing my previous one for almost six yrs. My other helmet is a Nolan Trilogy N43 modular helmet which I don't wear very often.

My first modular helmet was a HJC. It fell off of my bike seat and the latch assembly fell apart! It was obviously junk so I threw it away and have stayed away from HJC since then.
 
#25 · (Edited)
My current helmet for the Burgman is a HJC IS-MAX (modular), alternating with a much-used and worn HJC IS-33 (3/4 with full face shield).
Which one I use depends on weather conditions (the IS-MAX has a Pinlock anti-fog shield and is better in both rain and fog/fogging conditions) and risk tolerance (the IS-33 is more comfortable, better ventilated, and has a better field of view, but provides less protection).

Also, the IS-33 tends to stay with my Vespa 150S rather than the Burgman because it fits under the Vespa's seat.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Mag8 from Bell - love the visor design. Low cost, Bell quality - been happy with it.

Wanted hi-Viz - went with AFX-55 configurable helmet. There is a long term review from me around.
http://burgmanusa.com/forums/57-riding-gear/80897-fyi-afx-55-7-1-helmet-3.html

Very quiet and comfortable and visible.

Inner sunshade in two versions so I can run with an iridium full shield in bright conditions and the light grey ( almost clear ) inner shield for low light conditions.

Eyes have never been so relaxed as behind that irridium visor.



Visors very easy to change
Very low cost too.
Been running recently without the long visor as speeds across S Dakota were so high.
 
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