Crash Helmets

[Silverback]

I've always used Shoei helmets, and always found the comfort and fit to be perfect for me, and its time for yet another one.

Question is, I've never tried a flip front one. Can anyone give me any advice on the Neotec, is it much noisier? and to be fair, is it even worth having?

Your expert views would be much appreciated

Clive

[pistole]

- good thread.

- anyone with views about the Schuberth (C3 and the new C3 Pro) would be welcome too !!

.

[Boomer]

I like my Shark Evoline 2.
Can use as a fullface or an openface. Legal in both positions.
Visor and sunvisor can be used in both configurations too.
Not the quietest lid but comfy and light, for a modular.

I tried the Neotec at the Excel Show in 2012 but wasn't that impressed.
As for the C3, it feels flimsy and HOW MUCH???

[Ros]

Excellent topic indeed!

I too have a 'Shoei head' and am considering a flip front one...  This will make for some very interesting reading.

Some are not supposed to be used (ie. you're not supposed to ride) with the front flipped, mind you...

Ros

[garfield1974]

I like my Shark Evoline 2.
Can use as a fullface or an openface. Legal in both positions.
Visor and sunvisor can be used in both configurations too.
Not the quietest lid but comfy and light, for a modular.

I tried the Neotec at the Excel Show in 2012 but wasn't that impressed.
As for the C3, it feels flimsy and HOW MUCH???

My biggest concern 

[flatfour]

I bought a Neotec a few weeks ago, following many years of wearing Arai's (Quantum F and Corsair). I have previously found Shoei uncomfortable for my head shape, however the Neotec is, apparently made to a different shape than earlier helmets from Shoei and, as I wanted a flip front, I tried it and found it excellent right away.
In my opinion it offers much improved peripheral vision and I very much like the convenience of the flip front and sunvisor. I have had a Scala Rider FM headset fitted and this works well, without interfering with the operation of the flip front (although I did remove the "chin curtain" from the helmet, to make opening and closing easier with the microphone).
I currently have the choice of wearing the Neotec, Corsair, or two open - face helmets, and usually choose the Neotec.
It does, however seem quite noisy, especially down the front of the visor and will also mist the edges of the visor in very damp conditions. This really doesn't trouble me at all in normal use though.
Overall, I think the Neotec is a great helmet and certainly compares favourably with my daughter's new Schuberth at still more money!

[Boomer]

My biggest concern 

I should add that I have ridden at pretty high speeds in both configurations and there is very little extra drag in the openface position.
Most modular helmets would rip your head off at 70 with the chinpiece up.
It is a lot noisier in openface mode, but in summer it's a LOT cooler.
Personally I rarely run in openface mode but it's nice to have the option.
Helmet is SHARP 4* and fits Shoei (round) heads.

[Debs]

I have the Schuberth C3 Lady Edition and its the best helmet I have ever worn.. 

[O.C.]

For years and years I swore by Arai, and had a number of different ones which all seemed comfortable on my head, they were all full face helmets, I still have a Viper which I wear occasionally.

In 2007 I bought a Shoei Multitech and wore that until early 2012 when I dropped it  TBH it was getting very long in the tooth anyway.

I replaced the Multitech with a C3 and it is very good, I do find that the flip up tends to close of its own accord every now and then suggesting that its not holding open correctly, but it's comfortable, light and I don't think its any noisier than my previous Shoei, the built in sunvisor is a must have  the Neotech also has this feature. I have a Mic boom and twin speakers fitted to the C3 and it accomodates this mod perfectly, the lining/cushioning is very comfortable

A pal has recently bought a Neotech to replace his Multitech and he recons its the dogs danglies, I kinda wish I'd waited and bought a Neotech instead of the C3, which perhaps suggests that I still think the Shoei is a better helmet.

As for price well I think I'm right in saying that the Neotech is more expensive than the C3

I do have a Bell open faced helmet with goggles which is cool when riding my classics, but it's not really for the GTR   

As with any new helmet you must try it on first   

[Andrew-MP]

I have the Nolan N104 which is safety rated for open and closed use.  As previously said it is good in the summer to have it open and keep cool.  I remember a previous thread by Debs, I think, about the impact damage on a helmet and the amout of damage on the open face part which does suggest that they are not as safe.  That said though I do also generally run with them closed but every now and agin (typically at slow speeds) open it up.

The Nolan has its own intercom (NCom) which fits perfectly in the helmet and gives great sound and the ability to connect my iPhone allowing music, phone, voice control or sat nav in my ear whilst viewing it on a ram mount on the clutch side.  It is good other than the fact that when I take a flip front off I tend to pull the cheek parts aside to open it up to get my head out which separates the helmet from the 'integral' intercom system.  The helmet is light and fairly quiet (as long as the intercom part is fixed back it!) and gives great visibilty.  I recommend the helmet but not with the intercom.  It comes apart and is a pain.

I tried on the schuberth C3 with its own brand of intercom (SRC) which is neatly connected as part of the neck padding.  It was very good but at the price it is difficult to justify jacking in the Nolan and going with the C3.  That said I recognise it as a superior product and will eventually succumb to the additional £600 for the helmet and SRC - so long as I don't have to spend the money on tyres before then!!

[Winston Smith]

I am at a loss over this 'legal to ride open' bit that everyone goes on about.

There is no legislation that says you can't ride with a flip front up.

From a safety point of view I would favour doing it only with something like the Shark Evoline or the LS2 where the chin bar  folds over the back.  Something like the Shoei or Schuberth could result in a broken neck if caught.

The only 'legal' aspect would come down to the testing being done with the modular front down.  Whether the flip 'up' would change it from being a helmet to not being a helmet would be objective.

[jenros]

hi guys, i bought the multitec about 3 1/2 yrs ago,tried loads of makes,but as soon as i put the multitec on it was like it was made just for me!,, can wear it all day,ive got a scala head set fitted,with no issues opening/closing or anything.
Lots of people say about the noise levels with certain flip lids,as this is my first,,i cant really comment on it,besides,,ive usually got some music flowing so dont find it a issue at all.
Personally,i think its perfect,no probs riding with the lid up in summer or in traffic,,,as for the law in reguards to riding with the flip up!!!!!!!,,surly thats not right??????

[Martin#30]

I bought a C3 Pro 6 months ago, and I am so impressed with it, I went out and bought another Schuberth (SR1 this time) for my track work.

Very comfortable, very quiet, impressive build quality, excellent venting (first helmet I have had where I can actually feel air coming in the vents), and the included pinlock visor inner works a treat in the wet and icy conditions.

Another overlooked Schuberth plus point is their replacement scheme, have an off which damages your lid, Schuberth will replace it for 1/3rd retail price on evidence of a road based accident (insurance claim, police report etc).

Only downside compared to my previous flip up (a fairly cheap Nitro model) is that the airflow is slightly different with the flip-up in the up position. With my Nitro on and the screen fully up, I could ride at up to 50mph comfortably, with the Schuberth, it is no more than 25mph before the wind hits my eyes. I am 5"9', and like the C3 Pro so much that I will fit a laminar lip to the screen to fix this.

Martin.

Martin.

[doebag]

I am at a loss over this 'legal to ride open' bit that everyone goes on about.

There is no legislation that says you can't ride with a flip front up.

The only 'legal' aspect would come down to the testing being done with the modular front down.  Whether the flip 'up' would change it from being a helmet to not being a helmet would be objective.

I was under the impression that if the helmet has not been tested [ or failed testing] with the chin bar up, then it ceases to be a helmet under the relevant legislation, if riding with the chin bar up.
A friend of mine who is a M/C instructor always asks his 16 year old CBT trainees 'When is a helmet not a helmet?' Answer 'when you a'int got the chin strap done up'

Back on topic.... I too have a Nolan N104 and noticed the same problem as Andrew, but I am still impressed with the helmet on a cost/quality basis. They're not the best on the market, but then again the're not the most expensive.
EDIT: The Nolan N104 is cerified both open and closed, maybe because the chin bar is locked in the raised position. My older N102 was not certified open, but there was no open lock on the chin bar.

[Silverback]

Guys and gal,

Thanks for all the useful info on here, has given me plenty to think about. Lots of useful info as ever.

Only problem I now have is, yesterday morning, my only thought was flip front, or full face Shoei!! Not any more... lol