Modern Vespa

My HJC Symax II is having some issues so I am in the market for a new flip/modular helmet. I've owned a Vega (cheap and noisy) and my current HJC Symax II which is a great helmet IMHO but it upsets me that I'm having issues after 2 years. Perhaps I expect too much from a $250 helmet?
Most of the info on these style helmets in past posts is out of date and scattered. I'd like to get some opinions and possibly steerage to a helmet I've simply not heard about. I'm open to helmets like the Nolan N43 with removable parts but honestly I mostly ride with the chin bar down and only need a flip because I wear glasses - and before anyone argues about that I don't need or want that argument as I've experimented with quite a few and all full-face helmets fail on that point.
My wish list would be for decent ventilation as Texas gets damned hot - like right now - and I'd prefer to have the alternate internal "Top Gun" style smoked visor. Quiet is a good thing and less than $400 would make me ecstatic. My current helmet I'm examining is the Shark Evoline 2. I like the fit - t seems like it should be quiet. I love the visor operation and most of all I love the way it can rotate full back and convert into a 3/4 without removing anything. Perfect for when traffic slows and I'm getting the EZ Bake oven treatment from the pavement and surrounding cages. I see there is a Series 1 Evoline but it seems that the Series 2 is to correct issues with that one. It is about 100 bucks cheaper tho...
So - y'all tell me what works for you and why. I appreciate the info and opinions.
Jon

Love my Nolan 102. The helmet is really comfortable! It's got the internal sun visor that is so convenient. As for ventilation? Meh. It's ok. There are just a couple of little vents on the chin and a couple more on top. I just swing it open at lights and open the visor in city traffic. I don't remember the cost. Maybe $300?

I'm not sure there really is a quiet modular on the market.

I'll start by saying that I have nothing to compare this to since this is my first modular helmet. I recently got a Shoei Multitec and I love it. The chin bar is a breeze to open even with gloves on. The ventilation is just okay. It doesn't have an internal visor, which would be kind of cool, but it's very easy to swap visors on it. I have a high def amber shield that brightens things when it's overcast and helps dim the sun when it's bright. Not as good as a tinted shade, but works well enough. It's a bit over $400, so more than what you're aiming to spend. It's also a very solid helmet and fits me beautifully. It comes with extra cheek pads if you need them and a chin curtain to reduce cold air (not as much of a problem for you as it is for me).

I recently picked up the Evoline 2, after searching for a new modular. Previously I owned a THH modular City & Tour, which was fine, but had its issues (was a bit tight for its sizing, wear/tear over a years time was more than evident).

I bounced between the Evoline 1 & 2 for a bit as well - as you said, the price diff at Revzilla is $100+. In the end, I went with the Evo 2, as they addressed issues with the Evo 1 and I preferred the styling as well (purchased a White-Silver Wayer model).

There are a couple of downsides to the model. The first is airflow. The helmet could use a few more/wider vents (particularly for us in the Austin heat). That said, the vents that are there are adequate. The second item - and this is mostly subjective - is that the helmet feels a little "big". Now, this might be me simply comparing the Evo 2 to my THH, but something about the way the helmet sits on my noggin makes it feel bigger than the THH it replaced. Placed side by side, the helmets didn't look much different in terms of size, but it still looks slightly bigger when I put it on. Odd, but its what I observed.

In the end, I really like the helmet and glad I picked it up. The fit is comfortable and the modular operation is fairly straight-forward. The sunscreen works well and noise at higher speeds isn't as much as it was with my THH. Overall, a solid product and worth the money IMO.

My Symax II is also 2 years old but I bought it discounted for under $200. It replaced a $400 Shoei Multitech that was a poor fit for chin space. Neither is rated very well for side impact protection. Actually they are rated near poor! Testing showed the Shoei remained fully locked in 83% of impacts and the Symax only 47%.

Next helmet for me will be based on best fit and highest rating of system "modular" helmets reviewed by Sharp.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=All&sharp-type=3&sharp-rating=1&discontinued=1

It appears the Evoline is rated better than most, I'd wear it if it had a proper fit!

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/shark-evoline

My short list...
BMW System 5
Caberg Trip
Nolan N103

In the end a downrated helmet that I will wear and provides the best comfort AND protection will be the choice

edited to add..

check out the flip up section for more reviews....

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

I have had great sucess with the Shark Evo 2 as well. It has the most chin room of any modular I tried, and believe me, I tried on almost ALL of them. As already mentioned it has the top gun visor, and is one of the few modulars that is rated to be worn with the bar up if you wish. The only thing for me is that my head is a bit oval shape, so I do get a fair amount of pressure on my forehead on longer rides. I think I could maybe shave down the foam in the forehead area to cure that though. I have been wearing mine for a year now, and it still functions and looks great. It isn't cheap, but the quality of the helmet makes it worth it. The only things that would make it better for me is a little more oval shape as mentioned, and bluetooth!

This is my problem....not to hijack, but, what was the fit like for HJC and Shoei? Which was the closest to your chin?

I own both of these, using the Trip on the GT and the BMW when I'm on my GP800 (purely for aesthetics!). I tried on a lot of flip fronts and these two were the absolute best for me in terms of fit and comfort - depends on your head shape, though!

By coincidence, they both have a 5-star Sharp rating - the only two flip-fronts to get the full five. Like the OP, I wear a flip-front because of my glasses.

The BMW feels more...'expensive', I suppose. Opening and closing the chinpiece is easier and smoother, and shutting it feels rather like closing the door when you're in a Volvo: you know you're safe. It also has three vents - chin, forehead and top of head. Ventilation's pretty good when they're all open.

I find the chin strap fastener on the Trip easier to undo than the BMW's, and the strap is a more sensible length; there's a lot of spare strap flapping around on the BMW.

The Trip has an internal sun visor which I use a lot. I think BMW's latest flip, the System 6, has one of these, but the System 5 doesn't. And I absolutely love the fighter pilot look of the Trip.

The BMW System 6 is fab, as is the Schuberth C3 it is based on. I have both of these. Not available in the states, but it is in Canada. Not DOT certified, but very light, very quiet and well built. A certain tyrant brought one back from a Euro holiday recently.

If it fits your head shape and you can stretch your budget a bit, go for a Shoei Multitec. It's incredibly well built, the latch mechanism is easy to operate and very sturdy - mine's going on 4 years old now, gets pretty much constant use, and there are no signs of wear or failure. it comes with a 'whisper kit' - a couple of inserts to go around the chin and the back of the neck area - that reduces noise and drafts. I use these in the winter months and they're very effective. It's got a D-ring strap, which I prefer to those fiddly latch things, and is very light and comfortable to wear for extended periods. I replaced the cheek pads earlier this year, and I reckon I can get another couple of years' wear out of it before it needs to be replaced.

I bought at Trip last year from the UK based on the sharp rating vs. price.

Unfortunately, it has been discontinued (but replaced with a similar model--the Konda).

My only gripes about this helmet are: 1. internal sunshield gets scratched on the inside of the helmet when deploying/retracting--it is rubbing on something up there, and 2. I cannot find any information regarding the UV capabilities of the sun visor and the clear visor itself--as such, I'm paranoid as to whether my eyes are actually being protected.

Overall, the price to protection ratio is great with the Trip (Konda).

The Trip/Konda does not meet DOT requirements, and therefore cannot be purchased in the US. I bought a FF DOT/Snell helmet for, among other things, participating in events which require DOT helmets (classes/training/track events).

I'm happy with my AGV Miglia. It's easy to switch out the visor from tinted to clear for night riding. Haven't tried any others though, so can't compare.

I wear a Shoei Multitec. I find it very comfortable, with adequate ventilation. But, I will admit I'm a bit partial to Shoei. Many years ago I high-sided a Honda 350-4, and landed like a lawn dart on my Shoei full-face. My only injury was a broken collarbone where the lower lip of the helmet punched through it. Yes, I replaced that helmet.

Just went from an HJC modular to the Shoei Multitec two weeks ago. I did a lot of trying on and research and while the Nolan N103 was at the top of my wish list it was heavy...with a capital H. One of the heaviest modulars made according to Web Bike World

The Shoei fits larger than the HJC but the chin guard is closer to my face in the Shoei. Had and XL HJC and went to a large Shoei. The Shoei is also much quieter. 2nd day of ownership I wore the helmet for 6 hours on a long road trip and it never felt like a chore.

As was mentioned, excellent mechanism on the flip face and the easiest to remove visor I have ever had.

The best part was I got one from last years stock so it was only 350.

I am now wearing a Scorpion EX 900 in a hi-viz color. It has the internal sun screen, and I have the tinted outer faceplate as well, since the sun gets rather bright out here in NM. I've been impressed with the fit and the quietness of the helmet. Fairly good ventilation, also. I would give it a look. I think it was around $240 from the Hi-Viz Store.com. I've had Shoeis, Nolans, and I think this is the best one for me.

Karl u
las cruces, nm

Louis....the Multitec had the worse chin room. It actually touched my chin when the bar was down....and I'm not exactly Jay Leno, though I have a pretty good size melon.

The HJC's were also too close of a fit for me. I think the geometry of the Shark chin bar is where they make their magic. It isn't even a fair fight how much more room the Shark offers.

I like my Zox flip-up with internal dark visor., vents decent and is reasonably priced at most places.

Last week I purchased my first helmet a Nolan (N103 N-Com Modular, Motorad 32). First of all, it fits me very well. Though the helmet is heavy (after all, it is protecting your brain) it is comfortable. There is plenty of padding on the top and sides so that it fits snugly and will not slip if you try to pull it forward.

I have read quite a few posts complaining about the noise of some Nolan helmets, so I have paid special attention to this factor. The helmet is very quiet, almost too quiet. I like to hear the vehicles around me and I must be very careful to concentrate and check my mirrors to validate what I am hearing.

Another comfort bonus are th vents in the front and on the top.

The chin bar flips up easily, even with gloves on. The thumb pulls on a chin latch and the forefinger pulls on the release latch above. Very simple and quick.

This model also has a double flip-up Lexan visor. The visor flips up in "notched" increments. At low speeds flip it up. At higher speeds just a notch will cool you down very fast (I almost got brain freeze!). Breathes well and no problem with condensation in this very hot weather. No distortion and great peripheral view. There is also a flip-down internal sun screen, very handy and operates easily with a slide.

The retension strap is also very easy to operate and adjust while wearing gloves.

I admit I'm a newbie but I haven't found anything about this helmet I don't like and I was averse to the prospect of a claustrophobic full-face helmet.

Problem with the Nolan is that it is very heavy. Webbikeworld is your bible on this one. Really.

I have 2 of them- one with the N-com headset, the other without.

For some reason I have found these to be extremely comfortable- i must have a Nolan head shape! The 102 has an external shield, but I use this on all my bikes without issue, although my bmw does have a windshield and cuts the wind to it.

I know the newer N-103 is heavier, and the N-102 is no lightweight, but I've been really happy with it. I tried a new Shoei Hornet DS this year and after 3 short rides I sold it at a significant loss. I couldn't stand not having the convenience of the modular front.

I appreciate that it may be a compromise on protection, but I'm very happy with it. If you can find one in stock, they're heavily discounted now. Very popular with the touring guys....

Another plug for webbikeworld. Extensive testing and videos. Although, it's tough to buy a helemt without seeing if your melon likes it. N103 rider.

I have a Zeus flip up modular which I refuse to wear in the summer,
It's just way too hot and when you flip it up it's like being in a cavern.

I'll wear it in the spring and fall (If I really have too)

Dave

I have both a Shoei Multitec and a Schuberth C3. The Schuberth wins for being extremely light, relatively quiet, and having an internal sun visor that works very well. The Shoei wins for being a bit more comfy on my head (it's well broken in) but loses on nearly every other point. Oh, and the visor on the Shoei will stay open while moving, for which I'll give it another mark in the "win" column.

As an aside, I can put on a pair of sunglasses with Shoei and Scorpion full-face helmets. Both are made specifically to accommodate use with most glasses. In contrast, the Shark RSI (which I left in Italy) works only with glasses that have very flat, uncurved arms. A small point if you're dead-set on a modular helmet, but a big point if use of glasses is the only reason.

Thanks folks - I have indeed been through the WebBike world site checking out their take on helmets. Unfortunately they are wishy washy about two things I consider important - noise and venting. One of the big reasons I asked here to see what people are actually wearing and real-life reports from extended riding. I've been suitably impressed with what I read on the Trip - too bad they're not available stateside or I'd try one (or the newer version as mentioned).
I'm intrigued by the BMW System 6 - I think maybe the local Ducati dealer may have those. Pricey?
Nobody around here has the Schuberth - I'd like to test those as I've heard good things. But I will not buy a helmet I can't try. Interesting that someone commented the BMW was based on the Schuberth?
I tried on a Shoei Multitech. I'm put off by the no top gun visor (hereinafter referred to as TGV). It did fit well but the chin guard was pretty dang close.
I tried on the Shark Evoline 2. Pricey but fit very good. I'm put off this one by the reports from WBW and a couple of posters here that the air venting sucks. I do like how it converts to a 3/34 though - occasions I'd do it would be specific and rare - but it's cool! EDIT: I almost forgot - while I can get it on wearing glasses it insists on ripping them off my face when removing teh helmet - I think its that raked front end like a gladiator helmet.
My trusty old HJC Symax is looking pretty good still except for falling apart I do think it should be quieter tho - ventilation is good.
The Scorpion EXO 900 is probably going to be the winner as I've had reports that teh ventilation is great, the visor is great and reliable and tests safe on impacts. I've also got it on a reliable report they are quieter than the HJC. I'm not trying to find out how well that air pump cheek pad thingie works and if anyone actually uses it converted to 3/4 and their opinion of it in that config. I'm torn also on color - my sensible side says the hi-vis lime green should be my choice - and I *do* like the color but somehow it makes me cringe
Thanks for the reports folks! I now have a couple of new ones to look up and see if anyone carries local. Keep 'em coming.

Yeah, not available in the United States. At all. I had to go to Italy to try one on, although I hear that Canada has them too.

Someone here reported (in another thread) that Schuberth is coming back to the US, though, so maybe there's hope. It's really a very good helmet, and the trip to Italy was a good investment.

Here's a press release: http://www.schuberth.com/us/servicenavigation/news/schuberth-news/news/Schuberth-North-America-Attends-201.html

Anyone else find it odd that since Schuberth makes BMW System helmets that the Sharp testing results would be so different?

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/schuberth-c3
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testsratings/bmw-system-5

I just bought the Scorpion EXO 900 this weekend. So far I'm quite pleased with it. Sometimes though the sun reflects off the Vespa headset and hits my eyes just below the internal visor. It's nothing blinding and I might just start wearing sunglasses with the helmet. Also, I can actually feel a breeze through the helmet when riding although I think it may be coming up from under the chin bar rather than the vents. I don't think its much louder than my full face Scorpion either. I haven't tried it as a 3/4 helmet yet. The only thing I don't like is that I can't fit it under the seat or in my top case.

Frankly, I thought they were the same helmet.
That's quite a discrepancy--especially considering the price difference.

I'll just take this opportunity to say that my 'new' HJC Symax is THEEE noisiest helmets I've ever worn and will almost certainly destroy my hearing eventually if I ride at highway speeds without earplugs.

The best way I can describe it, is to imagine two jet engines mounted to the sides of the helmet, running at full throttle. It's actually caused me physical pain in my ears if 'conditions' are just right.

And then there's the creaky 'plastic-ness' of the helmet that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence either.

I wore a Symax for eight years before buying this new generation Symax, but it's my opinion that the older version is a better helmet overall.

I'm going to replace this new Symax waaaay sooner than I did my old one.

I know I sound like a broken record but just in case the OP'er hasn't heard it... riding behind a cutdown OEM windscreen, you don't care about the noise a helmet makes because its so quiet behind there. I easily have conversational voice level conversation with passengers up to about 55 mph. I've had to talk loauder in many restaurants!!

BTW, I have two helmets , bright yellow multitec and copper Joe Rocket carbon (non flip-up but about 15% lighter than a conventional helmet). I got the yellow multitec after reading about hemet colors vs conspicuity on webbikeworkd.com (I think). I've had it for 4 years. My only wish is that I could take out the padding and wash it. Ventilation is so-so but not an issue for the central coast of California.

I reviewed the Joe Rocket Carbon helmet (non flip-up) here.
Best
Miguel

Symax II here also. 'got a display model for $199. It fits well and I don't have problems with the sound and weight that other people report. I just don't have the free cash to throw down over $400 for a helmet, no matter how wonderful everyone says they are. Heck, I could get a decent used MC for that much money!

I hear ya bro - I cringe when someone tells me they threw down $550 for a lid. I also get tired of the $100 helmet = $100 noggin slur against inexpensive helmets. One of the cheapest helmets earned the respect of the WBW testers - under $100! They all pass DOT so in theory ANY helmet will do the job it was intended for with minor variance. I enjoy my Symax II it really is a decent helmet but two things: flimsy construction - it's coming apart after 2 years and it's noisier than I'd like. The Scorpion has a good rep and I have a couple of my buds on the MP3 forum that have it - they report good things about it. Most importantly it's equivalent in price to a new Symax II.

SYMAX II wearer here too. It's the only helmet I have worn in the three years I have been riding. Many of the local Police riders are using the SYMAX II Police version (black and white paint job). I like the fit on my melon head and venting is great for these hot Sacramento summers. It does fog some during the winter and rainy days but one notch open until moving is all it needs. The nanotech anti-fog solution solved most of my challenges.

I hear the HJC IS-Max is lighter that the Symax II and has the internal sun visor I love. It is also less expensive. The reviews have been pretty good. Sharp testing.. 3 stars, not the best.

The System 5 is based on an older design. The System 6 is based on the C3. It is very, very close in operation and design.

I have a Nolan N102, an N43 and before that a Caburg Justissimo.
I like them all although the 43 is a bit noisy at higher speeds.

I don't find the weight of the 102 a problem because, I suspect, I'm sitting upright on my scooter - I don't think it'd be so good on a bike where I was leaning forwards and having to lift my head.

Different shape, though - I tried on a Schuberth and it wasn't comfortable at all, so I was surprised the BMW one fit so well.

Both Schuberth and BMW work out expensive.

Schuberth have changed the interior shape of their helmets with the C3 ie post BMW System5. WBW comment on this change.

I have a Nolan N-102 and I really like it.

I considered an HJC modular but didn't like the release mechanism on the one I looked at which was a simple push-button on the chin. I felt that it could release the flip-up chin guard too easily with an impact. I also felt that the actual locking mechanism looked a little weak, and overall, the flip-up portion felt too flimsy to me.

The Nolan has a two stage button mechanism requiring a simultaneous pull (to reveal the second button) and squeeze (of the lever and the second button) which seems to me unlikely to be accidentally triggered. Also the actual locking mechanism appears to be very robust. Once closed, the helmet feels very secure. I have noticed though that simply closing the flip-up emits a convincing locking sound, but one of the sides might not be properly engaged. I always compress both sides manually and then try to force the flip open, just to make sure that the locking mechanism is well-engaged. Even with heavy gloves on, opening the flip is quick and effortless.

Comfort-wise, I am very pleased. No pressure points or irritating areas. Fits my roundish head very well.

Sound-wise, I rarely travel over 70 km/h so it's not really an issue for me, and I don't wear ear-plugs. I find the sharp snapping noise of the flip-up locking down very loud and I worry whether that's too much for my hearing to bear. So now I now longer slam the lid down in a cavalier way like the Black Night. I close the flip gently and compress the locks firmly by compressing the chin guard to the helmet until they latch securely.

The ventilation is less than ideal. There doesn't seem to be much change in the airflow whether the vents are open or closed. Lifting the visor to one of the detents provides ample ventilation though. The only time that's a problem is like yesterday evening when it was either raining hard, or if not, there were clouds of shad flies, so the only comfortable option was to leave the visor fully shut, and then trying to control fogging.

I really like the ratcheting chin strap closure. It's very fast both to secure and to open, and even to adjust if it feels too loose or too tight, even with gloves on. The only issue with that set up is that the helmet locking hook under the LX seat is of no use since there is no D-ring. I solved that problem but using a short helmet cable lock which I thread through the visor and around the open seat. The cable is just the right length to hold the helmet close to the bike without binding. Lowering the seat pretty much puts the helmet where it would be if it had a D-ring and were hanging from the helmet hook. Never use the purse hook to hold the helmet since lifting the seat ejects the helmet. I did that once too often and it cost me a new visor ($60).

The liner is removable for cleaning which is a plus. I haven't done that yet, I'm guessing it will become end-of-season maintenance.

The helmet is designed to accept the Nolan N-Com bluetooth communications system, but I haven't sprung for that expense, so I can't comment on it.

There is no internal sun-shade which was added to the N-103. It's a feature I would love to have, but it would have cost about $200 more for the new model, so...

If I were in the market for a new helmet, I would still shop around to see if one of the other modulars suited my needs better.

I really do love my helmet though and definitely have no buyer's remorse.

I paid $260 tax in on sale from the BMW / Harley dealer. I got a good price since the N-103 had arrived and this was their last N-102.

Be sure to post your impressions of whichever helmet you end up going with.

Good luck with the purchase.

I've tried them all (almost!) and believe me, there's nothing quieter out there than the Schuberth C3. Im very pleased with the comfort and ventilation to, but most importantly; no more earplugs on highway rides. It's a shame that it hasn't been dot-tesetd in the U.S. The German website FCmoto will ship to US customers, and their prices are amongst the lowest in Europe.