Which Helmet ?

[Dasmoeturhead]

I'm in the market for a new helmet, and there's about a million models and brands to choose from. My fairly new (1.5 yo) HJC I90 full face modular helmet came apart before a ride last week. The chin bar locking mechanism is missing parts and won't latch shut.

This was an eye opener to me for these types of helmets. I sent it back to Revzilla who says once they receive it and evaluate the discrepancy, they will give me store credit of around $225.00. That's great but I would have preferred for that money to be credited to my bank account. Anyway I have to find a new helmet.

In doing my research to find a replacement lid, I'm finding out how modular helmets can open upon impact. I definitely don't want that to happen, cuz I kinda like my my teeth, face., and jaws. I found out my helmet is for a person with a round head. Mines intermediate oval. No wonder the pressure on my forehead when cold out hurt like Hell. Even after smashing in the Styrofoam.

I found a company in England that tests helmets, and one of the tests they do is to test and document how well the helmets chin bar stays closed in an accident. It's an eye opening test for sure. My helmet is actually pretty bad. So now I'm looking for a modular full face helmets with high scores of safety. After all my research the only helmet that stayed closed 100% of the time is the Schuberth C5 modular. Around $700.00. It's a decent looking helmet for my needs. I like the modular style cuz I wear glases and it's just easier to deal with. Plus fueling up and maybe going inside the store .

The Shoei neotech 3 had a 93% rating which means it came open at least once. Also in the tests are areas of the helmet in different locations that are usually associated with impacts. The Shoei and Schuberth stand out in this category. Still not 100% sure of which helmet to purchase. Plus since it's store credit I can't try them on. This could be a hassle if I have to return it. It cost me $28.00 just to ship my old helmet back.

The local stores don't carry any of these helmets for me to try on. I did try on an Arai corsair in xl and it fit well, but they don't make a modular model. I'm looking for modular, with flip down internal sun vision, double d ring retention, Quiet, with good air flow, and a intermediate oval shape. I'm not 100% sure I'll end up with a modular but I hope to. As it is I'd have to poney up an extra $500.00 on top of my store credit to get into one of these helmets. The Shoei is almost $900 bones. Anymore here have a modular helmet that you think is good? I'm going blind looking at all the different models on Revzilla.

 

[DandyDoug]

I usually wear a modular helmet myself. Also about went blind trying to find one that fit properly and I could afford. Ended up with the Shoei neo-tech in a size medium.

The best way I have found to try on helmets is at one of the bike shows . There are usually some larger dealers who have a tent or some kind of an indoor stall set up. If you are lucky there will be an actual Mfg rep there and they can be a big help getting the right fit . They may even have your size and fit in stock and may offer a discount price is you buy right then.

Way back when I was a club level racer almost all the major helmet guys had a set up at Daytona bike week . Those were the best places I have found to get the right brain bucket for your melon .

Having had a couple get off's on the track I am convinced that a true full face is the way to go and the only style you could wear in competition. A modular is a compromise I know and also wearing glasses myself I understand why a modular is easier.

 

[Old Road Dog]

I'm in the market for a new helmet, and there's about a million models and brands to choose from. My fairly new (1.5 yo) HJC I90 full face modular helmet came apart before a ride last week. The chin bar locking mechanism is missing parts and won't latch shut.

This was an eye opener to me for these types of helmets. I sent it back to Revzilla who says once they receive it and evaluate the discrepancy, they will give me store credit of around $225.00. That's great but I would have preferred for that money to be credited to my bank account. Anyway I have to find a new helmet.

In doing my research to find a replacement lid, I'm finding out how modular helmets can open upon impact. I definitely don't want that to happen, cuz I kinda like my my teeth, face., and jaws. I found out my helmet is for a person with a round head. Mines intermediate oval. No wonder the pressure on my forehead when cold out hurt like Hell. Even after smashing in the Styrofoam.

I found a company in England that tests helmets, and one of the tests they do is to test and document how well the helmets chin bar stays closed in an accident. It's an eye opening test for sure. My helmet is actually pretty bad. So now I'm looking for a modular full face helmets with high scores of safety. After all my research the only helmet that stayed closed 100% of the time is the Schuberth C5 modular. Around $700.00. It's a decent looking helmet for my needs. I like the modular style cuz I wear glases and it's just easier to deal with. Plus fueling up and maybe going inside the store .

The Shoei neotech 3 had a 93% rating which means it came open at least once. Also in the tests are areas of the helmet in different locations that are usually associated with impacts. The Shoei and Schuberth stand out in this category. Still not 100% sure of which helmet to purchase. Plus since it's store credit I can't try them on. This could be a hassle if I have to return it. It cost me $28.00 just to ship my old helmet back.

The local stores don't carry any of these helmets for me to try on. I did try on an Arai corsair in xl and it fit well, but they don't make a modular model. I'm looking for modular, with flip down internal sun vision, double d ring retention, Quiet, with good air flow, and a intermediate oval shape. I'm not 100% sure I'll end up with a modular but I hope to. As it is I'd have to poney up an extra $500.00 on top of my store credit to get into one of these helmets. The Shoei is almost $900 bones. Anymore here have a modular helmet that you think is good? I'm going blind looking at all the different models on Revzilla.

Reading your desertation caused me to get extremely sleepy. If it wasn't for the coed sitting in front of me wearing a micro skirt and thong shifting from one cheek to the other I surely would have died of boredom. So I suppose it comes down to this: Do you have a $225 dollar head or a $900 dollar head?

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

From my research money or cost of the helmet particularly with a true full face helmet isn't always better in this category.
I've found $200 helmets that were much better than some high dollar models.

Hope your not asleep yet. ^

I've had a few good helmets in the 57 years of riding, so I'm not new to the game. There's been a lot of improvements over the past few years.

 

[GrumpyVet]

Not trying to get into the pros/cons of helmet wear but note that they are designed to withstand an impact at less than 13 MPH. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218
for DOT standard equates to "drop test" at approx 7 ft on a flat surface. The SNELL standard is a "drop test" on an angled surface at a height of 13 ft. Everything is measured in Joules (energy transfer) I would urge riders not to be lulled into a false sense of security while wearing a helmet.

 

[New Orleans Kevin]

More important than the helmet is what’s in the helmet . For years I’ve promoted rider and driver safety and education , not safer crashing. Fwiw I wear a helmet but have taken the MSF safety course and other rider education

 

[DOKK]

My wife and I have 4 LS2 helmets and 2 HJC helmets. The HJC are Harley branded 3/4 helmets. We got those during the annual trade in event my local dealers have every year. She traded in her LS2 3/4 that she wrecked while wearing and I traded in my only half helmet. She has a full face LS2 Rapid and a LS2 Advant 2 modular (I think that's the one) It flips all the way around to the back, has drop down sunshield and is Pinlock ready.

She loves it for road trips as she can get a drink on the road. I have the LS2 Assault and LS2 Challenger track helmet. The Assault is for when I'm recording a ride. I use the Challenger for rode trips and interstate riding. The 3/4's are for local, around town rides. LS2 helmets seem to offer a good combination of safety and affordability. Just my .02 and their fit is spot on. Once I found my size, I have no issues ordering online.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

My wife and I have 4 LS2 helmets and 2 HJC helmets. The HJC are Harley branded 3/4 helmets. We got those during the annual trade in event my local dealers have every year. She traded in her LS2 3/4 that she wrecked while wearing and I traded in my only half helmet. She has a full face LS2 Rapid and a LS2 Advant 2 modular (I think that's the one) It flips all the way around to the back, has drop down sunshield and is Pinlock ready. She loves it for road trips as she can get a drink on the road. I have the LS2 Assault and LS2 Challenger track helmet. The Assault is for when I'm recording a ride. I use the Challenger for rode trips and interstate riding. The 3/4's are for local, around town rides. LS2 helmets seem to offer a good combination of safety and affordability. Just my .02 and their fit is spot on. Once I found my size, I have no issues ordering online.

Thank you for the info. I just started looking into that brand. Thanks again.

 

[Papa Zook]

My wife and I have 4 LS2 helmets and 2 HJC helmets. The HJC are Harley branded 3/4 helmets. We got those during the annual trade in event my local dealers have every year. She traded in her LS2 3/4 that she wrecked while wearing and I traded in my only half helmet. She has a full face LS2 Rapid and a LS2 Advant 2 modular (I think that's the one) It flips all the way around to the back, has drop down sunshield and is Pinlock ready.

She loves it for road trips as she can get a drink on the road. I have the LS2 Assault and LS2 Challenger track helmet. The Assault is for when I'm recording a ride. I use the Challenger for rode trips and interstate riding. The 3/4's are for local, around town rides. LS2 helmets seem to offer a good combination of safety and affordability. Just my .02 and their fit is spot on. Once I found my size, I have no issues ordering online.

I have a white LS2 Valiant II modular and really like it.

 

[Marc H]

I have an intermediate leaning toward long oval head.I have an LS2 Strobe that has fit me well.Tried on a Shoei Neotech and loved the feel.The higher quality of fit and materials was obvious.I have no complaints on my LS2 and would buy again.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Wow! A lot of LS2 Helmets out there. I'd sure like to try one on.

 

[Notgrownup]

I have a Shoei Neotec II, I believe it is the best helmet I have owned. I mostly wear a Shoei RJ Platinum . It works best with my J&M elite headsets.
Other than quality, fit is the most important feature.

 

[Woody]

Wow! A lot of LS2 Helmets out there. I'd sure like to try one on.

it is best to try some on, when I went from my HJC to the LS2 I had to go up a size. we found ours at the local Honda shop but we did look at some in Maggie Valley.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

it is best to try some on, when I went from my HJC to the LS2 I had to go up a size. we found ours at the local Honda shop but we did look at some in Maggie Valley.

I'm going to check a shop or two and see if anybody carries the LS2 brand.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I see a few helmets with comms built in, or comms ready, and i know basically nothing on the subject.
If i just want to connect my phone to the helmet so I can stream music, as well as nav ( voice turn by turn), and phone use, what do I need or is this something better asked elsewhere?
I'm not real tech savvy but I get by.

 

[Marc H]

Never had one with the comm built in. My understanding whatever company is supplying the com it will be based off one of their lower tiered models but if you are doing everything you mentioned through your phone it should work fine. That's more what they are designed for.

 

[Papa Zook]

I'm going to check a shop or two and see if anybody carries the LS2 brand.

Amazon is your friend! Buy it on Amazon and if you don't love it, (you probably will)
send it back, full refund, no questions asked. I sent my first LS2 back, but only because I found out that the entire LS2 brand is known to run a size small. Why that is, I don't know, but Always order a size larger than you normally wear when buying any LS2 Helmet.

 

[Marc H]

Just to add info to the thread for future readers. That's why head shape plays a large factor in helmet sizing. When I bought the Strobe which is long oval I fit a large. I tried another LS2 I think the Valiant which was intermediate and had to go to X Large. I guess I have a flat head lol. I also wear an XL Scorpion but it's a bit loose cause of the shape thing.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Amazon is your friend! Buy it on Amazon and if you don't love it, (you probably will)
send it back, full refund, no questions asked. I sent my first LS2 back, but only because I found out the entire LS2 brand is known to run a size small. Why that is, I don't know, but Always order a size larger than you normally wear when buying any LS2 Helmet.

That's a good idea. The problem is that revzilla is going to give me store credit :-(>. So i really have to go through them. I had to pay shipping there ($28.00), so I don't want to do that more than once.
Thanks for the sizing tip for the LS2.

 

[Papa Zook]

Just to add info to the thread for future readers. That's why head shape plays a large factor in helmet sizing. When I bought the Strobe which is long oval I fit a large. I tried another LS2 I think the Variant which was intermediate and had to go to X Large. I guess I have a flat head lol. I also wear an XL Scorpion but it's a bit loose cause of the shape thing.

I was just re-reading the Amazon reviews and want to stress the main and almost ONLY negative reviews on LS2 Helmets have to do with the size/fitment chart being inaccurate and there are LOTS of reviews mentioning that. Like Marc and I both mentioned, they do run small. I normally wear an XL and in these I had to exchange mine for a XXL and my helmet is still snug, but acceptable. Guys with BIG heads definitely need to go with an XXXL or even their just added XXXXL size option.

Amazon LS2 Valiant II Modular Helmet Reviews

 

[DK Custom Products]

Here are a couple of videos we have made about helmets.

First one can help choose, based on ratings-



This is a video of my modular helmet that has METAL fasteners, not plastic like so many of them. I believe this is my 3rd or 4th Nolan helmet. Side note: I was wearing a Nolan modular when I was hit at 70 mph by a truck. I flew 150 feet thru the air, then landed on asphalt and slid another 150 feet. Helmet was scratched up, but everything still functioned on it.



Kevin

 

[Marc H]

That's a good idea. The problem is that revzilla is going to give me store credit :-(>. So i really have to go through them. I had to pay shipping there ($28.00), so I do t want to do that more than once.
Thanks for the sizing tip for the LS2.

Revilla is part of Cyclegear and I believe you can do your exchange there if one is close enough. Also you may be able to have the new one shipped there for pickup free.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Here are a couple of videos we have made about helmets.

First one can help choose, based on ratings-



This is a video of my modular helmet that has METAL fasteners, not plastic like so many of them. I believe this is my 3rd or 4th Nolan helmet. Side note: I was wearing a Nolan modular when I was hit at 70 mph by a truck. I flew 150 feet thru the air, then landed on asphalt and slid another 150 feet. Helmet was scratched up, but everything still functioned on it.



Kevin

Thanks for the video. The HJC I90 Modular helmet I had was pretty decent, and the locking studs for the chin guard were metal. Problem was they are just screwed into a extremely small threaded stud that should have had lock tight on it. It just came loose and wiggled off. The other side was ready to come off. I was able to take it apart and tighten it down.

The whole design is comprised of extremely small nuts and bolts. Think watch size hardware. Ridiculous. Something so integral and important assembly like that in my opinion should have been designed better. Since I've posted this other riders say they have had the same problem.
Shame on HJC.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Thanks for the video. The HJC I90 Modular helmet I had was pretty decent, and the locking studs for the chin guard were metal. Problem was they are just screwed into a extremely small threaded stud that should have had lock tight on it. It just came loose and wiggled off. The other side was ready to come off. I was able to take it apart and tighten it down.

The whole design is comprised of extremely small nuts and bolts. Think watch size hardware. Ridiculous. Something so integral and important assembly like that in my opinion should have been designed better. Since I've posted this other riders say they have had the same problem.
Shame on HJC.

Ahh, gotcha. Last time I looked at HJC I was not impressed, I believe much of the latching hardware was plastic. That was many years ago. Sounds like yours was just poorly assembled, in addition to being under-engineered.

Looking forward to seeing what you end up getting.

Kevin

 

[Marc H]

I'm going to check a shop or two and see if anybody carries the LS2 brand.

A bit of a trip but I tried mine on at Alcoa Good Times.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

A bit of a trip but I tried mine on at Alcoa Good Times.

It would be a bit far.

 

[Woody]

I see a few helmets with comms built in, or comms ready, and i know basically nothing on the subject.
If i just want to connect my phone to the helmet so I can stream music, as well as nav ( voice turn by turn), and phone use, what do I need or is this something better asked elsewhere?
I'm not real tech savvy but I get by.

We use the Cardo headset, wireless and bluetooth, I connect mine to the Goldwing and to my wife's headset and I have hers connected to her phone, she can talk to me and listen to music or talk on the phone. I do everything through the bike. I have them in our LS2 helments.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

After the overwhelming positive reviews of the LS2 Adavant modular i ordered a gloss white one . I ordered a size larger than what my head measurement was. Hope that works.
Now the wait. At least the exhaustive research is over.

 

[Papa Zook]

After the overwhelming positive reviews of the LS2 Adavant modular i ordered a gloss white one . I ordered a size larger than what my head measurement was. Hope that works.
Now the wait. At least the exhaustive research is over.

I just noticed on Amazon that LS2 now has their modular helmets in a 4XXXX, where before the largest size available was a 3XXX. They are listening to their customers.

I think you're going to like this helmet. My main reason for choosing it was the ability to fully rotate the chin-guard to the rear. I like the safety/protection of a full face helmet, but during the summer heat in Texas it is unbearable and all of the other full face helmets only retract half way, to the top of the helmet and catches the wind, so riding at hiway speeds isn't possible.

With the LS2 its the perfect yearound helmet. There is no wind noise, no wind buffetting like other modulars have when riding with the chin guard in the open position. I also like the built-in tinted sun shield that sits behind the main shield and flips up into the shell.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I just noticed on Amazon that LS2 now has their modular helmets in a 4XXXX, where before the largest size available was a 3XXX. They are listening to their customers.

I think you're going to like this helmet. My main reason for choosing it was the ability to fully rotate the chin-guard to the rear. I like the safety/protection of a full face helmet, but during the summer heat in Texas it is unbearable and all of the other full face helmets only retract half way, to the top of the helmet and catches the wind, so riding at hiway speeds isn't possible.

With the LS2 its the perfect yearound helmet. There is no wind noise, no wind buffetting like other modulars have when riding with the chin guard in the open position. I also like the built-in tinted sun shield that sits behind the main shield and flips up into the shell.

Yep the versatility and innovative design and features won me over. The only downside for me is no Double D-rings. I have Lid Locks on my bar ends to secure my helmet...(edit) This helmet DOES work with Lid Locks.