Best Modular Helmet

[Dan K]

Can't decide on what to buy myself for the holidays, but am thinking a modular helmet since my old one was claimed by a helmetless rider friend of mine who apparently never bought himself another...

I am an intermediate oval head shape (Arai fitment guys convinced me to buy a Corsair V....) and not looking to spend TONS.  My EXO-1000 fits OK too.  Both are different shades of invisible silver/gray, and I'm thinking hi viz.

Any thoughts?

[Fred]

  Wait until the new Shoei Neotec hits the states.

[hovmaven]

No yellow.  

[sprint_st]

Dan,
I have been trying to get a modular for years, but can't find one that fits.  I have a Shoei RF1100 and the XL fits purfectly.  Arai Quanum's have fit well in the past but a Signet required surgery to the chin bar.  That has been the problem, my chin.  Last year I decided to buy a Shoei modular.  Best fit of all that I tried and believe me I tried just about everything, but it still touched my chin.  Far too many will tell you exactly where hot spots will appear down the line.   I decide just stick with a full face and after having mine bounce down US52 with me inside I truly don't regret that decision.  IMO, a helmet MUST fit as close to perfect as possible and cost should be way down the line in the selection process.

[bomber]

clearly, one that fits (remember, the IMS circus comes to town in February) . . .

if it fits, the best is the Schuberth --

[scottzilla]

I'm pretty sure HJC's are still available at deep discounts.  I like mine very much.

[Justin]

I'm pretty sure HJC's are still available at deep discounts.  I like mine very much.

Have you seen any recently? I need to replace my original Sy-Max, it is falling apart

Doubt there are any originals to be found.

[Dan K]

Had an HJC in the past, didn't like it, felt cheap as opposed to just being inexpensive.

I like my Scorpion exo1000, so maybe will look into their modulars (I assume they have them).

Anywhere to try on a good selection of helmets around here anymore (Chicago area)? I used to go to the place on Touhy and McCormick in Skokie, but they went out of business.

Also, any suggestions for intermediate oval shaped heads?

Thanks as always.

- Dan

[AutoXer]

With a modular the weak point is the latch mechanism - you really want the helmet to stay locked closed in an impact.  Might want to go to the Sharp Motorcycle Helmet testing site (its Brit).  Use the search and check out the HJC FS Max and IS Max modular helmet tests (they are called "system" helmets in Brit-talk).  Note the "Percentage of impacts where the faceguard remained fully locked".   Might be a reason the HJC modular helmets are heavily discounted ...

As a comparison, check out the Shoei Multitech, then the Schuberth C3, and last the Nolan N102, N103, and N90 helmets.   Now, which one would you want on your head in a get-off?

Not saying the Nolans are perfect, but they are pretty damn impressive, especially when you consider their cost!    They have their flaws for sure, but the number one purpose of a helmet IS to save your head ...

[schmii]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm

flip-up, or modular category.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Sharp helmet tests.  Tests how often a latch stays closed for modulars.

Schuberth C3 is an expensive winner, the same company makes the BMW system 6 I think.

[sfalexi]

I've read good things about the Gmax G68S (I THINK that's the right model number...) and it seems that the brand is a good budget buy.

Myself, I think my next helmet will be a 3/4 helmet.  And I have some neoprene masks for when it gets cold.

Alexi

[danketchpel]

I currently wear an old Shoei Syncrotec modular. I recently bought my wife a Scorpion EXO 900 modular and I like it quite a bit. I'm thinking to replace my Shoei with a EXO 900 next year.

I checked out the Shoei Neotec on their Euro website, looks nice with similar (but less) features to the Scorpion.

I won't go back to a non modular helmet for street riding.

[shil]

I have one of these. I like it.

[scott19]

With a modular the weak point is the latch mechanism - you really want the helmet to stay locked closed in an impact.  Might want to go to the Sharp Motorcycle Helmet testing site (its Brit).  Use the search and check out the HJC FS Max and IS Max modular helmet tests (they are called "system" helmets in Brit-talk).  Note the "Percentage of impacts where the faceguard remained fully locked".   Might be a reason the HJC modular helmets are heavily discounted ...

As a comparison, check out the Shoei Multitech, then the Schuberth C3, and last the Nolan N102, N103, and N90 helmets.   Now, which one would you want on your head in a get-off?

Not saying the Nolans are perfect, but they are pretty damn impressive, especially when you consider their cost!    They have their flaws for sure, but the number one purpose of a helmet IS to save your head ...

It's interesting to me that some of the brands listed on the Sharps site, such as the "Viper" and the "V-Can" are the same helmets Leather Up sells under their budget "Hawk" name brand...and they do better in the latch test than the Shoei Multitech.

[R Doug]

I just acquired a Schuberth.  The jury is still out as I've not had it long enough.  But, the initial quality and features are excellent.  

[mugwump58]

I'll be watching your review closely. A Schuberth is high on the list of presents to myself.

[sprint_st]

I just acquired a Schuberth.  The jury is still out as I've not had it long enough.  But, the initial quality and features are excellent.  

Hey Doug, I had one of the original Schuberth flips about 7 or 8 years ago.  Had to go to XXXL to fit my chin.  That made it way too loose.  The only flip I ever found to fit me was the Shoei.  Now I thought IT was expensive, but the Schuberth is kinda out of sight.  I know the old adage about how much is your head worth, but if it was worth that much wouldn't you get an Arai or Shoei non-mod?

[Papa Lazarou]

The Shark Evoline might be worth a look

[sfalexi]

I'm drooling over the EXO 900.  Can be a FF, modular, 3/4 with shield or just sun visor.  LOVE the utility it seems to offer.  Just not willing to cough up 270 big ones.  But I'm watching for those sales.....

Alexi

[R Doug]

That Shark does look like something work checking out.  

Update.

So far, I have 600 miles with the Schuberth.  Today, I had just over 5 hours on the bike and can tell the helmet is starting to break in.  That said, in the last 90 minutes of my ride, the jaw pressure was present again.  The pain wasn't as bad as my first ride, it was more of a discomfort than a pain.  According to several posts about this helmet, it does take time to break in.  I have left a message with Schuberth North America asking about smaller cheek pads.  It'll be interesting to see how good their customer service is.  Arai has been incredible in this department!  For the price of the Schuberth, the customer service better be on par with Arai.  I haven't received a reply yet to my message.  But, that was on Friday and their office may have been closed for the New Year's weekend.

Why did I acquire the Schuberth?

First, I wanted a modular helmet.  I thought it would be nice to have the ability to take off an put on a helmet with my glasses on.  Next, I wanted something with a built in sun visor, a plush interior, quiet, and well built.  Out of all the modulars I looked at, the Schuberth is the only which which fit all of my criteria.  Not only is this the only lid which fit all my criteria, I also believe the Schurberth is superior to its competition when it comes to the function of the features.  For example, I haven't seen a helmet yet with this quality of interior.  Next, the sunvisor works better than anything else I tried.  It's very smooth to operate and it comes down further than any other I've tried.  This visor comes down to just over my nose.  

Next, the ratchet style strap works very well.  Getting the helmet on and off requires very little effort.  I can even do both with my gloves on (strap and all)!

Finally, this helmet comes with the Pinlock (tm) anti-fog system which is used by Moto GP riders.  

How is it so far?

The first thing I noticed after leaving the dealership with it on is how wide my peripheral vision is with it.  I don't need to turn my head nearly as much when compared to my other helmets (Arai Quantum II, Arai Corsair, and Shoei Hornet DS).  

Regarding the Pinlock system mentioned above, I CAN NOT get this shield to fog up. Today's ride started with temps around 40 degrees and as much as I could huff into the helmet, the visor wouldn't fog up.

My final thought for today is airflow.  With temps in the low 50s on the BRP today, I didn't have the top vent open.  But, I did open it for a brief period of time to experience the venting.  Even with the interior "winter tabs" in place to block a direct airflow to my head, the helmet's venting system can be felt very well.  You could feel the different pressures inside the helmet as the cool air traveled from the front of my head all the way down to the neck vents.  

So far, so good.  I am concerned I am going to be stuck with a lid that doesn't quite fit as well as I want.  Just out of the gate, I will be putting their customer service to the test.  IMHO, if they don't offer smaller cheek pads, I believe they should allow me to exchange for a large with no questions asked.  It's been less than a week since my acquisition so that's a fair request.  Again, I'll let you know how my interaction with them goes.  

IMAGES ADDED HERE

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,69078.0.html

[sleazy rider]

My Bell Revolver showed up late yesterday.  Today, I managed to get my Sena headset installed.  Tomorrow, I ride with it.  Fit and finish are great, the latching mechanism is stiff and the breath guard is severely needed this time of year.  I switched from the Scorpion EXO900 because of fit problems.  My head isn't narrow enough for it and headaches would ensue after about an hour.  The Scorpion is listed in my helmets for sale post now.  For $99, the Bell is a cheap trial.

[Nodaclu]

Been eyeballing a Nolan S90 for a long time now. I might finally pull the trigger before spring.

[vwtom]

I have had HTC (modular and non), Arial (non) and the last time thought I'd step up and by the Shoei - I think the best bang for the buck is the old HTC.

[djacobsen5116]

Just started wearing my Bell Revolver.  Possible replacement for my HJC CL-16.  Initial notes:  Side vision seems about the same but the chin bar cuts off my view of the instruments so I have to tilt my head forward to see the panel on my FJR.  It is noisier than the CL-16 but I wear earplugs most of the time so I don't think noise will be an issue.  There is a noticeable flow of air between the bottom of the shield and the chin bar, this may help keep the shield from fogging up in the Seattle riding weather.  Fits my head more closely than the CL-16, more contact all the way around is the best description.  Less wind buffet and down pressure when the windshield is raised.  I don't notice any difference in weight.  Only my second day riding with it but so far I like it.  Worth the $99.00 from Motorcycle Superstore ?  So far yes.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Had an HJC in the past, didn't like it, felt cheap as opposed to just being inexpensive.

I like my Scorpion exo1000, so maybe will look into their modulars (I assume they have them).

Anywhere to try on a good selection of helmets around here anymore (Chicago area)? I used to go to the place on Touhy and McCormick in Skokie, but they went out of business.

Also, any suggestions for intermediate oval shaped heads?

Thanks as always.

- Dan

I've got a Scorpion EXO-900 on the way to my local cycle gear.  When it gets here I'll comment on how it fits compared to my other two Scorpions.  One is an EXO-700 the other an EXO-500.  I've been a Scorpion fan for a long time.  I'm hoping the fit on the EXO-900 is similar to the other two Scorpions I had.

[Cricket1]

That Shark does look like something work checking out.  

Update.

So far, I have 600 miles with the Schuberth.  Why did I acquire the Schuberth?


Next, the ratchet style strap works very well.  Getting the helmet on and off requires very little effort.  I can even do both with my gloves on (strap and all)!

Finally, this helmet comes with the Pinlock (tm) anti-fog system which is used by Moto GP riders.  

Doug- This past year I had the exact same criteria as you, and got the Nolan N90 and love it. Perfect fit, pinlock system, ratchet strap, sunvisor that comes down past my nose, etc.  If that Schuberth doesnt work out, the Nolan might. (and I suspect you could buy 3 Nolans for the cost of the Schuberth)  

Also, Nolans customer service is excellent and they do have different thickness cheek pads available.

(no I don't work for Nolan etc.)

[R Doug]

Thanks for the tip.  

[malbojah]

Doug- This past year I had the exact same criteria as you, and got the Nolan N90 and love it. Perfect fit, pinlock system, ratchet strap, sunvisor that comes down past my nose, etc.  If that Schuberth doesnt work out, the Nolan might. (and I suspect you could buy 3 Nolans for the cost of the Schuberth)  

Also, Nolans customer service is excellent and they do have different thickness cheek pads available.

(no I don't work for Nolan etc.)

I picked up my N90 @ the NY IMS last year and I freaking love it. My only complaint: the wind noise around the edges of the helmet are louder than my old Shoei RF1000. I blame it on the wider mechanism needed to open the whole front end. Also, the Nolan doesn't seal all the way around the visor - only the top and bottom have a weatherstrip.

[Cricket1]

I picked up my N90 @ the NY IMS last year and I freaking love it. My only complaint: the wind noise around the edges of the helmet are louder than my old Shoei RF1000. I blame it on the wider mechanism needed to open the whole front end. Also, the Nolan doesn't seal all the way around the visor - only the top and bottom have a weatherstrip.

True the sealing isn't all the way around the visor, but with all the vents closed, I wouldn't call it drafty at all.

Plus, in the summer the vents do flow alot of air. I can feel the air moving over the top of my head with them open.  On my Sprint the wind hits me at the bottom of the helmet, so the vents all get lots of direct air.

[Dan K]

My Bell Revolver showed up late yesterday.  Today, I managed to get my Sena headset installed.  Tomorrow, I ride with it.  Fit and finish are great, the latching mechanism is stiff and the breath guard is severely needed this time of year.  I switched from the Scorpion EXO900 because of fit problems.  My head isn't narrow enough for it and headaches would ensue after about an hour.  The Scorpion is listed in my helmets for sale post now.  For $99, the Bell is a cheap trial.

Anything to add on the Bell Revolver?  THose are sharp looking.

- Dan

[ConPilot1]

I've got a Scorpion EXO-900 on the way to my local cycle gear.  When it gets here I'll comment on how it fits compared to my other two Scorpions.  One is an EXO-700 the other an EXO-500.  I've been a Scorpion fan for a long time.  I'm hoping the fit on the EXO-900 is similar to the other two Scorpions I had.

I have a Scorp 700. I liked it so much for the money I bought my GF at the time a 400, and she liked that one too. Great helmet for the price. I LOVED the way the 900 modular fit, it was real plushy and comfortable, although I found it heavier than any modular I've tried on to date.
The other thing about the 900 is it's got a funky pull-out release lever for the chinbar that I didn't like, so I passed on the 900. I've heard of instances of that plastic release lever snapping off in the cold weather easily
so crank on that thing gingerly when the temps drop I'd say.

I like my Shoei Multitec. Best helmet I've had to date. Just picked up another one in screaming yellow for an equally screaming deal for a spare/pillion/beater.   (thanks Frenchie)

[sleazy rider]

Anything to add on the Bell Revolver?  THose are sharp looking.

- Dan

The bike is torn apart for some indepth repairs, so no riding for me since Christmas.  Soon as I get some miles on it, I'll post up some thoughts.

Added:  Whew, it's all back together, forecast is for 41* tomorrow.  Time to keep the streak alive!

[SuperSlider]

I'm due for a new helmet and the shark was at the top of the list, until I tried it on.  IMHO it felt really cheap.  The faceshield had a fair amount of distortion and the inner tinted visor was worse, and I don't think it gave any UV protection. It just felt like a pair of cheap sunglasses. I'll save up for a new Shoei or such.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I have a Scorp 700. I liked it so much for the money I bought my GF at the time a 400, and she liked that one too. Great helmet for the price. I LOVED the way the 900 modular fit, it was real plushy and comfortable, although I found it heavier than any modular I've tried on to date.
The other thing about the 900 is it's got a funky pull-out release lever for the chinbar that I didn't like, so I passed on the 900. I've heard of instances of that plastic release lever snapping off in the cold weather easily
so crank on that thing gingerly when the temps drop I'd say.

I like my Shoei Multitec. Best helmet I've had to date. Just picked up another one in screaming yellow for an equally screaming deal for a spare/pillion/beater.   (thanks Frenchie)

It is the heaviest helmet I've held in my hand but when I put it on my head the weight dissapears and it FEELS as light or lighter than my EXO-700 though actuall weight between the two the 900 is heavier.

[vulcanbill]

http://www.g-max.com/gmax/gm54Smotofull.html#http://

???

[jeepinbanditrider]

I'm willing to be the latching mechanism is really weak.  After looking at that Sharps UK website and seeing how even some "mid pack" helmets have a low percentage rate of the chin bar staying closed I'd be cautious.  Even my Scorpion EXO 900 stays closed like 86 percent of the time.  Looks like Nolan has the latching mechanism figured out as does Shoei as IIRC they stayed closed 100 percent of the time.

Some of the cheaper lower cost helmets will only stay closed 30 or 40 percent of the time

[ambientboy]

I have an RF1100 in XL and a Nolan N90.  The wind noise and the buffeting with the modular is noticeable, but only in juxtaposition with the RF1100.  My head fits both of them perfectly, thanks to advice from the guys at Revzilla.  I do my daily commutes in the Nolan, but rock the Shoei for highway.  I love it on my naked bike!

[dan88z]

I have the HJC Symax 2, got it when it 1st came out so it's a few years old now. It's noisy, even with the visor down, compared to my other HJC, a CL-SP full face. I never really noticed the difference on my old Vulcan 1600 that had a barn door size National Cycle 2 up wind shield, but on the Connie, it's a huge difference. I hardly wear the modular now. It is a pretty nice helmet though, good fit and comfortable for long rides.

My wife has the Scorpion transformer one. I've tried that and it's heavier than the HJC, but I like the padding in it.

At this point I'm going to toss modulars to the curb and get a Shoei Qwest. The modular was nice because I wear glasses, and it made getting the helmet on and off easier, but I did little riding with the chin bar up. What I usually do is take the visor off when its hot, that way I get the wind in my face but still have the chin bar protection.

I saw the new Neotech at a bike show over the weekend, it's a nice helmet, but it's somewhere in the $650 range, a little rich for my blood just to get a modular.

[Cablebandit]

I gave up on the modular after realizing that I still needed to take my glasses off to get it on and off.  I really should sell my Multitec but fear I have too much negative rep to do it here.  

[R Doug]

I gave up on the modular after realizing that I still needed to take my glasses off to get it on and off.  

You have to take off your glasses to take the helmet off when flipped up?  I don't have to with my C3.  That's one of the things I LOVE about it.  

[Cablebandit]

Yup, and I have very thin wire rimmed framed.  The padding grabs the sides and pulls them off my face.

[squeezer]

I gave up on the modular after realizing that I still needed to take my glasses off to get it on and off.  I really should sell my Multitec but fear I have too much negative rep to do it here.  

+1 added to help you out, but I expect an agent's fee.    


Revzilla just send me an email to preorder the Shoei Neotec. On sale for only $584 plus change.  

I think my Multitec will have to go another season.

[bubba zanetti]

Sale of Vemar Jiano's with Bluetooth for $172.  I quite like mine. Though it is a little drafty for a winter helmet, otherwise it is great.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/vemar/jiano_bluetooth_helmet.html

[ConPilot1]

Sale of Vemar Jiano's with Bluetooth for $172.  I quite like mine. Though it is a little drafty for a winter helmet, otherwise it is great.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/vemar/jiano_bluetooth_helmet.html

How is the sound system in that helmet Bubba??

[JReazor]

I have an RF1100 in XL and a Nolan N90.  The wind noise and the buffeting with the modular is noticeable, but only in juxtaposition with the RF1100.  My head fits both of them perfectly, thanks to advice from the guys at Revzilla.  I do my daily commutes in the Nolan, but rock the Shoei for highway.  I love it on my naked bike!

Is the Nolan also an XL?

[ambientboy]

Is the Nolan also an XL?

Yeah, it's XL.  I have a slightly round head, so it was recommended that I try Nolan N90 when I was shopping for a modular.  I was surprised at how well it fit.  No hot spots, comfortable for long durations.  It is a bit heavier than the RF1100...not by much, but somewhat noticeable.  The only time it annoys me is when it's below 40F and it fogs with the faceshield all the way down. Overall though, I have to say that it feels solid for a modular.  The top gun visor is also a nice plus and shades wonderfully.

[bubba zanetti]

How is the sound system in that helmet Bubba??

i actually don't have the BT in mine. But everything I read says it is a voice only system and not up to music appreciation.

[JReazor]

Yeah, it's XL.  I have a slightly round head, so it was recommended that I try Nolan N90 when I was shopping for a modular.  I was surprised at how well it fit.  No hot spots, comfortable for long durations.  It is a bit heavier than the RF1100...not by much, but somewhat noticeable.  The only time it annoys me is when it's below 40F and it fogs with the faceshield all the way down. Overall though, I have to say that it feels solid for a modular.  The top gun visor is also a nice plus and shades wonderfully.

Thanks for the info. I also wear an RF1100 in XL and am considering a modular. That helps.

[sprint_st]

 I also wear an RF1100 in XL and am considering a modular.

I have never been able to get a modular to fit.  Did have an early Schuberth C1 that fit my chin but had to go to a XXXL and it was way too larger everywhere else.  I've tried just about all of the modulars. The Shoei almost fits but I stopped looking after last October.  As I slid down US52 on Big Mountain on my back I was actually laughing.  I could hear my RF1100 banging and scraping the asphalt and did not feel a thing.  I KNOW my full face works, but IMO the jury is still out on modulars.

[JReazor]

I have never been able to get a modular to fit.  Did have an early Schuberth C1 that fit my chin but had to go to a XXXL and it was way too larger everywhere else.  I've tried just about all of the modulars. The Shoei almost fits but I stopped looking after last October.  As I slid down US52 on Big Mountain on my back I was actually laughing.  I could hear my RF1100 banging and scraping the asphalt and did not feel a thing.  I KNOW my full face works, but IMO the jury is still out on modulars.

I tried a Schuberth a few years ago. It was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever had on my head. It was just the wrong shape for me.

[bubba zanetti]

FYI the Vemar fits very similarly to the Schuberth.  I actually find it more comfortable than my Schuberth Concept.

[ambientboy]

 I KNOW my full face works, but IMO the jury is still out on modulars.

I know what you mean.   I like my Nolan while I'm kicking around town, staying under 50mph.  When I'm on the highway, I can't get enough of my Shoei.  It's smooth as butter with air flow on a naked bike, and I have no doubt that if I went down, my skull would bear the least injury.  

[man-in-black]

anyone know the new http://www.roofboxer-helmets.com/roof-desmo-helmets/roof-desmo-helico-helmet-red ?
it's so awesome  

[Cablebandit]

 

[bucktownbilly]

Been eyeballing a Nolan S90 for a long time now. I might finally pull the trigger before spring.

love my nolan helmets....third one

[schmii]

One thing to consider is the sharp rating if your helmet has been reviewed.  Pay particular attention to the percentage of impacts the open-face stayed closed.

A plug for nolan staying closed 100% of the time

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=All&sharp-model=&sharp-type=3&sharp-rating=4&sharp-price-from=0&sharp-price-to=9999

Even for full face not many helmets make 5 stars.  I'm sorta liking Bell helmets based on their results:

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=All&sharp-model=&sharp-type=2&sharp-rating=5&sharp-price-from=0&sharp-price-to=9999

[atadaskew]

This all new Nolan is meant to be one of the best:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/

[bomber]

This all new Nolan is meant to be one of the best:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/

Thanks, At . . . . . I was drooling (in vain) at the Schuberth booth -- it's good to know that when my 103 needs replacing, I'll have some good choices . . . . .