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
- good thread.
- anyone with views about the Schuberth (C3 and the new C3 Pro) would be welcome too !!
.
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???
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
Quote from: Boomer on April 09, 2013, 11:53:32 AM
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 :grin:
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!
Quote from: garfield1974 on April 09, 2013, 12:48:41 PM
My biggest concern :grin:
:mfr_lol:
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.
I have the Schuberth C3 Lady Edition and its the best helmet I have ever worn.. :yes:
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 :oops: 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 :yes: 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 :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
As with any new helmet you must try it on first
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!!
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.
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??????
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.
Quote from: Winston Smith on April 09, 2013, 09:23:53 PM
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.
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
My 5p worth from down-under... Point made by Winston Smith is that because the Evoline 2 folds back and stays there makes it safer - and as such is the only flip-face that is 'legal' in both modes in Australia. But in general I find Shark of all form a very noisy helmet, but a great helmet for it's price. I cannot justify (with prices here) buying Shoei or Arai.
But my biggest gripe here is the stupid law that one can only legally use helmets that have the AS/NZ standards, which are not nearly to the European standards. And it's not enough to just have a stick-on label (as anyone can dupe that) - the AS/NZ standard label has to be stitched in to the inner liner fabric. This stupidity is another thing that costs us more: Many manufactures are left out because they don't see the market here big enough to justify the cost of all the helmets they have to give up for the destruction tests that lead up to certification. I really want a Shuberth C3, and almost bought one while at Louis in Munich last year - but for the crap laws spoken of above. What do I pay here for an Evoline 2 - about A$590 RRP. How does that compare to the UK?. Oh, and they only allow us the 'Double-D' clip strap mechanism here!.
Evoline 2 is £150 (220AUD) here because the Evoline 3 is out (£300, 440AUD)
I paid £220 just over a year ago for mine in the Moovit Black/Orange
http://www.helmetcity.co.uk/products/Shark-Evoline-Series-2-%252d-Moovit-Black%7B47%7DOrange-KOK.html (http://www.helmetcity.co.uk/products/Shark-Evoline-Series-2-%252d-Moovit-Black%7B47%7DOrange-KOK.html)
For all those with or considering the Schuberth C3,... have you seen the Sharp test results?
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/schuberth-c3 (http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/schuberth-c3)
Does not do well on side impacts at all.
apparently modulars tend to suffer side impact tests because of their flip up mechanisms.
.
C3 all the way for me!!
Quote from: Alfor on April 10, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
C3 all the way for me!!
Me too. Bought his n hers with the Bluetooth collars. Gets more comfy each time I wear it. :clap:
Quote from: doebag on April 10, 2013, 09:18:13 AM
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'
Chin strap unfastened is an offence. Flip front up isn't - would need a stated case to prove it wasn't a helmet at the time based on numerous points including relevant testing and use at the time.
Good thread I have to say .... and for what it's worth .... I have had a number of Arai's over the years and for me they are the best in comfort, noise and fit.
I have not tried any of the others mentioned here so can't really comment.
The only comment I can make, and of course like all these things it's all very personal, is that a helmet, regardless of who makes it and what it is made of is inherently dangerous if it has a hinged chin to it .. ride it up ride it down it makes no difference to me but you are placing a fairly important part of your body in a "Casque" that if thrown onto or along the road is potentially liable to collapse at the very point of weakness and avail your face / chin / head to the tarmac that we all ride on :eek: :eek: .... I don't care what anyone says or how comfortable you feel in the summer warmth stick to a full face helmet or run the risk of some nasty looking injuries. :no:
Had loads of Synchrotec/multitec shoei's in the course of my job.... nothing bad to say about them.... only the lack of an internal sun visor, but I think that is now remedied with the latest incarnation....
Now retired and using Schuberth C3 for me and a C3 lady for the boss... very happy with them, but needed a bit of work doing on the recesses for the Autocom speakers... the standard recess isn't quite deep enough, and on our first trip was getting ear pain where the speaker was pressing on our ears....
A bit of pressing and prodding with the back of a teaspoon did the trick :cool:
Hurricane:
QuoteOh, and they only allow us the 'Double-D' clip strap mechanism here!
I spoke to the bloke at eh Shoei stand at the recent bike show in Milano, and I asked him about this because my previous Shoei had a clip (a bit like a seatbelt... dunno what you call it) and my brand spanking one had the double D. he said that it was because they were safer and not likely to fail. There is room for failure in the clip type apparently...
Winston:
QuoteI 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.
I don't know for sure, but I understood that the flip helmet needs to be certified in both positions. Most are not (or at least were not when I last inquired).
So in terms of legislation, the helmet must be certified (can't remember the BS) in order to be legal. If you ride flipped up and it isn't certified as such, then you're not riding legally, surely.
Ros ... To be absolutely honest I think you would be hard pressed to find a Traffic Officer who A. Knows the ins and outs of helmet legislation with certification and B. who gives a toss. My Traffic days are a while back now but the sensible approach for me was all about chin straps being fastened and clear visors .. so long as it is done up and you can see clearly through the visor then that to me is fine ... anything else and you are wasting your time. :smiley:
Find a helmet that fits and is comfortable will narrow your search, does with me, I never get beyond Arai shelf :-) Not the quietest of helmets but great fit (for me).
Ros, don't confuse Type approval and Testing/Certification. The ONLY legislation is that a helmet must be worn, unless you are a Sikh, and wearing means it must be fastened.
Helmets are tested as full face, jet etc to homologate them to sell. If they aren't certificated to EU or BS then they are illegal.
A helmet that has passed the tests is a helmet when fastened. If it is being used in a different manner, ie flipped up when it is certified as a full face it would be for a court to decide if it was a helmet at that time. Since the helmet legislation has been around since the 70's and there has been no stated cases, it speaks for itself that no-one is bothered.
It is similar to the Gold ACU labels that everyone seems to think a helmet has to have. It is a requirement for track use only the old British Standard or EU ECE 22.05
I've always rated Arai helmets. at the moment I've 2 Arai chaser helmets, one the phil read rep and the other is silver with excellent graphics :smiley: and if your not bothered about this years colours, their a fair price for a quality helmet.
some specs for you :smiley:
•Super fibre construction (SFC)
•Wider aperture and visor (SAI)-for better peripheral vision
•Enhanced strengthening in lower section
•Improved rear air conductor creates 50% higher vacuum
•Larger side vents
•3 position chin vent with enlarged access
•Triple density inner shell
•Removable cheek pads and interior in up to 6 sizes
•Fully washable interior
•Lever release visor removal system (LRS)
•Aerodynamic, recessed visor holder system
•Patented, visor brow vents
•Aerodynamic 3D Pinlock® ready visor with de-mist visor lock
•Double 'D' ring strap-ensures correct strap tension at all times
•Pinlock® visor insert included
With you on Arai's - and Shoei for modular helmets.
Here's mine!
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/DSC02417.jpg) (http://s144.photobucket.com/user/Hoody_photo/media/DSC02417.jpg.html)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/Hoody_photo/DSC02418.jpg) (http://s144.photobucket.com/user/Hoody_photo/media/DSC02418.jpg.html)
1 ....Well done Winny for your usual straightforward no nonsense clarification.
2 ...Like the Arai paintwork .... oooozes quality.
very nice Mr Winston :yes: always been a fan of the Arai helmets :smiley: but also like this new model HJC FS-15 carbon.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waW7wE43xSM HJC have come on leaps and bounds with helmets recently and did try one on yesterday at J&S at Northwich and their very light but their sizes are small, I'm a size medium in the Aria and needed to go up a size to large in the HJC helmet. also it did not feel as comfortable as my Aria helmet :no:
Mr Winston.. what model is your Aria, it dose not look like the chaser model :no: is it the Arai RX7-GP model :smiley:
Fairy nuff...
Weirdly enough... For some bizarre reason, i went to take my lid off yesterday after a short ride and it wasn't done up!! I wondered what that flapping noise was. :censored: most unusual...
How the hell did I not do it up??
:help:
Winston...(and everyone else). I know that the C3 is not technically road legal with the front flipped up while riding as opposed to the Shoei which I believe is. However having said that I've rode past bike cops before with the front up and none of them have ever been arsed. The only reason I wear the flip front is that I wear specs and I previously found with a full face helmet I had restrictive side vision and its a pain taking the helmet on and off with my gegs on.
Rusty I have to agree that most cops wouldn't have a scooby do about the regs for helmets other than you must wear it and the strap must be fastened. I mean look at that lovely pink one you tried on and bought at the NEC last year.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/NEC%2026th%20November%202012/DSC_3844.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/NEC%2026th%20November%202012/DSC_3844.jpg.html)
like this Aria RX7 RC but not to keen on the price :no:
http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/arai-rx7-rc-racing-carbon-helmet/1834/googlemerch?gclid=CLWCwbr5yrYCFfQetAodGEcANg
Ros that's nothing .. last week I had admonished someone for a misdemeanour .. got back on the bike and was about to pull away .. looked over my right shoulder to see my helmet sitting on top of the rear blue light stem that I had only put there a minute or so before !!!!!!!! :police: :police: :mfr_lol: I must be getting old ,, but not in my 60's yet ! :whistling: :whistling:
I think the pink suits me very well Steve .... :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 14, 2013, 09:00:28 PM
Winston...(and everyone else). I know that the C3 is not technically road legal with the front flipped up while riding as opposed to the Shoei which I believe is. However having said that I've rode past bike cops before with the front up and none of them have ever been arsed. The only reason I wear the flip front is that I wear specs and I previously found with a full face helmet I had restrictive side vision and its a pain taking the helmet on and off with my gegs on.
Rusty I have to agree that most cops wouldn't have a scooby do about the regs for helmets other than you must wear it and the strap must be fastened. I mean look at that lovely pink one you tried on and bought at the NEC last year.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/NEC%2026th%20November%202012/DSC_3844.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/NEC%2026th%20November%202012/DSC_3844.jpg.html)
that helmet would suit
65 ya know 66 ya know :grin: it will suit those ridiculous pink armbands he insists on wearing :mfr_lol:
It is an RX7-GP
Previously had the Corsair and the RX7-RR
Even had an SV for work!
Rusty :mfr_lol: That made me feel a bit better :)
I'm pretty sure that if you'd have been riding along with your lid sitting on the strobe you would currently be faring better than that Korean idiot on Youtube :mfr_lol:
Quote from: 2kwacks on April 14, 2013, 09:07:11 PM
that helmet would suit 65 ya know 66 ya know :grin: it will suit those ridiculous pink armbands he insists on wearing :mfr_lol:
I haven't seen him wearing them for ages Dave, but you would know that if you joined us for a ride out. :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Here's the first ever Arai that I ever bought, I still have it..... however it seems to have shrunk a bit in the last 20 years :mfr_lol:
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/HELMETS005.jpg) (http://s336.photobucket.com/user/oldeconey/media/HELMETS005.jpg.html)
I bought this Arai RX 7RR in about 1999 I think, what I haven't forgotten is the £500.00 price tag :oops:
Its since been sprayed in Joey Dunlop colours ~ it was originally Black
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/HELMETS002_zpsd660dd1d.jpg) (http://s336.photobucket.com/user/oldeconey/media/HELMETS002_zpsd660dd1d.jpg.html)
I reckon that if you have a ten bob head then its ok to buy a ten bob helmet ...Arai are superb helmets but don't offer a flip front helmet in the European market which is a shame.
How many of us on here that do have a flip front helmet can honestly say that they really need the flip facility ?
Quote from: olde coney on April 15, 2013, 08:20:51 AM
How many of us on here that do have a flip front helmet can honestly say that they really need the flip facility ? [/color]
Need is a strong word, but I won't be going back to full face for road use. The flip is invaluable - cool air at low speeds in traffic, much easier to get on without dislodging ear plugs, easier to scratch itches on long journeys, don't have to remove it to get petrol etc.
Flip front all the way.
Martin.
Same here. My first flip-front was back in 1996 and I will never go back.
I wear a balaclava :ninja: as well so when i flip the front I still don't get bugs in my teeth. :laugh:
My head doesn't fit Arai lids, and never has. They are for pointy heads :mfr_lol: where Shoei fit rounded heads better.
As for the 10bob head/10bob helmet gag, I suggest you check your helmet out on the Sharp site before you make comments like that.
Some of the most expensive helmets out there fare worse in tests than many cheap and mid-priced lids.
That said, it's your money.
Me, I buy the best I can afford that offers the features I want and scores at least 4 stars.
I had 3 Lazer Revolutions (one was killed by the side of a Xsara Picasso) in 12 years before the current Evoline 2.
Prior to that they were all full-face, mostly Shoei or MDS with one Bell and one Bieffe.
I also replace my lids every 5 years. The previous lid then becomes the reserve/spare.
Quote from: Rusty on April 14, 2013, 09:04:20 PM
I think the pink suits me very well Steve .... :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
With that look you should be a member of village people... Y :clap: M :clap: C :clap: A :clap: :whistling: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Boomer on April 15, 2013, 02:28:13 PM
As for the 10bob head/10bob helmet gag, I suggest you check your helmet out on the Sharp site before you make comments like that.
Some of the most expensive helmets out there fare worse in tests than many cheap and mid-priced lids.
That said, it's your money.
Hells Bells George, I find it hard to believe that you haven't heard that cliche before, its as old as me, (but not originated by me) :mfr_lol:
And you're right, it is my money...and my bonce mate :wink: :smiley:
Well thank you Debs .... You can clearly see my softer side ! :mfr_lol: