Shoei Pinlock lens users—how do you carry it?

[SWriverstone]

So my new Shoei Neotec helmet came with a Pinlock lens (which is great), but I'm wondering how to carry the thing? If anyone else out there uses one, how do you carry it when you're not using it?

Do you just keep it in the folded paper it came in? Shoei specifically says the pinlock lens isn't as scratch-resistant as the regular visor...so you'd think they'd give you a little microfiber bag to slip it into when you're not using it...

Scott

[Sport-Touring]

[coho]

Once installed I've never removed a Pinlock except for cleaning.

[SWriverstone]

Once installed I've never removed a Pinlock except for cleaning.

Ok, I was wondering about that. I haven't actually installed mine yet...and was wondering if it was a "use it only when you need it" accessory? Or just "set it and forget it?"

I'd think it would reduce the clarity of your visor (just having two layers)...but maybe it doesn't?

Scott

[Cricket1]

Scott-

Just like Coho, once installed, I've never removed it.

Also, if you even LOOK at it the wrong way, it will scratch!!  The only way I would even consider cleaning it would be to remove,  put under running water, and then air dry. DO NOT try and wipe it dry with anything.  Trust me, I've ruined one that way.

[SWriverstone]

I found a long thread on some other motorcycle forum, and most folks there said the same: they put it on and never take it off.

I'm kinda torn; I've heard the Pinlock works really well. But I'm a stickler for 100% clear vision when riding...and I'm wondering if I'd be annoyed by having the "oval line" around my visor in good weather?

I used to use the Respro Foggy Mask, and it worked flawlessly. But I stopped using it when I started wearing a flip-up.

Does having it on in good weather bug anyone? (I read too that occasionally the pinlock can touch the main visor, creating some funky little spots—but doesn't seem common.)

Scott

[Cricket1]

The pinlock does affect the optical clarity somewhat.  I took it off and did notice it was sharper.  Problem is that the visor then fogged up, ALOT!  I am a heavy mouth breather,  ,  and would not have a helmet without the pinlock, optical clarity be dammed. (It really is a very minor difference, and to me worth the trade off)

[PatM]

Just leave it there, you'll get used to it. I know I did.

[Canuck]

I have taken it off and carried it in the past, and when I have done that, I have carried it in a clean and previously unused ziplock bag, which works fairly well, but still leads to some scratching. Don't use a microfiber bag or cover. Every little piece of lint will tend to stick to the inside of the fog shield, and if you try to clean the lint off, it will scratch.

I don't like having the pinlock shield on when it is not raining or foggy, or at night. What I do now is just leave it on and carry a second shield without a pinlock. Then I can just switch out the shields depending on the conditions. It costs a bit more, but the shields have a longer life if you aren't using them all the time.

Do check to make sure the fog shield is firmly seated against the shield, or you will get moisture build up under the fog shield and you will have to take it off. The instructions tell you about how to deal with this.

[rdg20]

I carry the pinlock lens in a soft cotton sweatsock. I put each lens and shield in an individual sock and then put these in a large plastic zip-lock bag. I always carry a spare shield - just in case. So far I haven't had a problem with scratches.

[caddydaddy]

I also have a Neotec with the pinlock, and I've never taken it out.  It's clear to look through, and I can't complain about visibility.  There's some scratches and a small pebble dent I look at, but that's on the main visor.
  I keep the pinlock installed because of how frequently the weather changes and the chance of fogging.  I've never had the inside of my visor fog up, so it has worked great!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Just leave it there, you'll get used to it. I know I did.

[ManWorkingHere]

A)  I also have a Neotec with the pinlock, and I've never taken it out.  It's clear to look through, and I can't complain about visibility.  

B) I keep the pinlock installed because of how frequently the weather changes and the chance of fogging.  I've never had the inside of my visor fog up, so it has worked great!

A)  +1.  The Pinloc insert sits so close to your eyes once installed that its border is not visible after a while.

B)  +1.  I keep mine installed all the time.  In fact, the sun visor will fog up in my Neotec while the Pinloc stays clear.  So I squint for now until I order a spare tinted faceshield with its own Pinloc insert.  I carried a spare shield and insert on my HJC IS-BT modular before this Neotec.

[sagerat]

Installed and left it on.  I live in the dust of the Central Oregon High Desert and eventually fine particles get in between the Pinlock and the shield.  I've also had a small flat bug or two get in there as well.

In the night or low light there is some slight distortion.

I'm about 80% sold on Pinlocks, but in some ways I prefer my clear Fog City inserts.