Helmets? Modular or Full Faced?

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by Bubba Utah, Sep 18, 2017.

  1. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    I have a question about helmets from the world. Do most use full faced helmets and how many use modular helmets? Also I obviously know the difference between DOT and Snell ratings. I know of no modular being snell rated. I do like the modular. I do not do track time and I am looking to upgrade mine with the pricey Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet at $6oo plus dollars. I know it is my life, but is worth it buy paying $600 for a helmet or is a $250-300 helmet going to give you enough protection? I know that no helmet gaurentees anything in the outcome of a crash. I just think that some producers get to much money for the name. I could be wrong so that is why I am asking. Thanks for the input.
     
  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I love my flip face helmet. I coughed up $700 for mine. Had always rode in cheap $150 helmets and kicked myself for being cheap once I bought a nice helmet.
     
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  3. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    "kicked myself for being cheap once I bought a nice helmet"

    So tinkerinWstuff what does the mean? A severe concussion, Helmet flew off, Shattered without luckily severe injury...? I bought with the bike HJC Imax11 modular for $250 at the time of purchasing the bike. I was cash strapped. I was wondering what brand did you buy? Shoei or Shuberth? Thanks for the feed back.
     
  4. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    There are more than a few us here that wear modular helmets, I use the Schuberth C3Pro as my daily commuter helmet and almost every time I do any touring, it's a great helmet and well worth the price IMO. That being said, you can often find deals on them and with the C4 due to be released soon, look for the C3Pro to go on a closeout special.

    Having worn Shoei helmets almost exclusively, I was very tempted to go with the Shoei Multi-Tec, as this was their model that was out around the time I bought my first Schuberth (C3) but ultimately the Schuberth won out for a few reasons. However, the new Shoei Neo-Tec would probably have been a little higher on the list had it been out at that time.

    Although there are several makers of modular helmets, the Schuberth has been the bench mark for modular helmets for a while but I would suggest trying on a few as the helmet shape may or may not be suited for your head. As you mentioned, there are no SNELL rated modular helmets nor any with an internal sun visor, something about these builds that make it difficult to pass the SNELL testing. I personally would not let that stop me from buying or wearing either type of helmet as I already do wear both! I do have a helmet specifically for track days as to avoid any issues or concerns track day organization might have with the former type of lids.
     
  5. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    Right now I have 4 helmets, BELL Revolver EVO matte black, BELL Revolver EVO Ghost, SHOEI RF1200 and SHOEI X8 (I know, I know, the X8 was discontinued like back in the early 90's or something like that - it doesn't even show up on SHOEI's list of discontinued products anymore lol http://jp.shoei.com/products/en/archives/) Both the BELLs are modular, the SHOEIs are both one piece.

    Haven't tried the Ghost or the RF1200 yet. Been primarily wearing the X8 (tore out some of the old foam and added some new bits) and sometimes the matte black EVO. The X8 is a little on the looser side but it's still quieter than the EVO (more wind noise from the EVO) even though the EVO is much more snug on my head. In fact, it's Extremely difficult to put the EVO on with it in full face mode - very very tight squeeze!

    I went through the Jack in the Box drive thru the other day with the X8 - had to yell and repeat myself a few times for the employees to understand/hear me. The EVO would have definitely been more effective/efficient. The ladies working the drive thru thought it was funny that I rode through on a motorcycle...

    FWIW, I've always worn SHOEIs - I think my first helmet was either an RF105V or an RF200. These BELLs are the first non-SHOEI's I've had - took a chance on them because I wanted to try a modular and I think the Revolver EVO was decent bang for the buck.

    If money was no object, I'd most likely stick to SHOEI and/or ARAI, both one piece and modular.

    I've got reflective tape and quick release buckles on all my helmets...
     
  6. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    I heard the Bell went to shit because they where selling to Walmart and probably went to a Chinese manufacture. I also heard that they are trying to get their reputation back in the helmet world. What are the prices of your helmets when bought to give a reference.
     
  7. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I went with Shoei. I regretted not getting a better lid sooner because of how awesome it is to be able to flip the front, have the tinted screen built in, it was far more comfortable than the cheap ones I had previously, and slightly quieter.
     
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  8. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I have read the cheaper helmets DOT approved at least are as good protection as the high bucks helmets. The main diff being comfort, noise, features.
    I have been wearing a Bell RS1, which I felt was close to the Arai that came before it in those things, but at much less price.
    It looks like it was made in 2010, time to replace I guess. I have been happy with it.
    Avoid the half 0r 3/4 helmets. :rolleyes:
     
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  9. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    D I know how you always have the inside scoop on deals, love my NeoTec but if ya see the C3Pro give me a shout


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  10. wpbarlow

    wpbarlow New Member

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    I've been considering getting my first modular helmet, and I'm leaning towards a Scorpion EXO-AT950. I've been using Scorpions for several years (400, 700, 1000, 2000) and they have a lot of competitive features and quality at their price points. The only one I didn't like was the R2000- just could not get it to fit comfortably due to a different shell shape. That's why I said I'm only "leaning" towards the AT950- haven't tried one on yet.

    No affiliation: I have and have had Shoei/Arai/Bell/AGV/KBC and they are/were all good in most respects.

    Walter
     
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  11. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I wouldn't fixate on the Snell certification too much. Unless they've changed their methodology I would buy a DOT approved helmet rather than spend more money just to get the Snell label.

    I bought a modular when Shoei introduced them, back in the 80's I believe, and never looked back. I bought the Schuberth C3 when it came out to get the flip down sun shield. I now have a AGV 103, but almost bought a Shoei Neotech when the shop down the road ran them on sale for $400. One of the reasons is I wear glasses and the modulars are great for glasses wearers.
     
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  12. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    One add to the modular helmet points, noise. Most modular helmets suffer from excessive noise due to their construction. If noise is a concern, see of you can find reviews of the helmet(s) you are interested in before you buy it. This to be honest was the primary concern for me and which ultimately led to my buying the Schuberth C3. None of the other manufacturers gave any kind of sound level measurement on their modular helmets, so I had to do a lot of reading and researching. Schuberth was the only manufacturer to list a sound level and was consistently reviewed as being quiet (particularly for a modular).

    Although I do wear earplugs, the initial noise level from the helmet to start with does make a difference in my experience as does the wind screen and how it deflects or directs wind to your head and body. Not the biggest fan of Cycle Gear due to their lack of stocking much other than their house brands, they will order and take back items that you buy, typically with no questions asked. There are stipulations but I know a few people who have bought helmets there and were able to take them back.
     
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  13. fink

    fink Member

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    I'm presently looking at replacing my Arai. Been looking at c3 pro, c4 and BMW carbon fibre system 7.

    Bubba,at the end of the day it's your head and only you can put a price on it or a helmet. I'm not familiar with US safety standards so will refrain from commenting on them.

    Have been involved in loads of discussion about price, quality etc and still go on the principal of you gets what you pays for. Find my Arai lasts much longer than other makes i.e. Hjc, Agv.

    Had a C2 years ago , loved it, fantastic quality. Too noisy on my Pan due to screen changes but was really quiet on my T595 and Cbr. So a lot has to do with screens etc. Oh fantasticly quiet on a naked bike as well.
     
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  14. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

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    About 10 years ago for whatever reason that I cannot remember now, I just had to have a Schuberth modular. It was of course pricey and I wore it for a couple months and sold it. It was neat, but too heavy and too noisy. More than likely the modulars have improved since then. Other than the Schuberth I have always worn Shoei or Arai one piece full face, and currently wear an older model Arai. Features important to me after the fit, are weight, noise and ventilation. Different lids for different heads!
     
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  15. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Ebay White and only xxl for $429 free shipping. $554 from Champion Helmets out of Europe with $91 dollars tax applied and do not know about shipping but have a few color choices and sizes.
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2017
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  16. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Fink I saw a review from a distributor or dealer that boasted about this being one of the quietest helmets modular. https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/...o-Modular-Motorcycle-Helmet?c=303#VideoPlayer
     
  17. fink

    fink Member

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  18. seacliff

    seacliff New Member

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    I used to have an Icon Domain 2 helmet. I switched it for a Shoei RF1100, and was night and day. The shoei is lighter, quieter and ligher. I would not go cheap helmet anymore.

    I did debated if I would go with a modular as well, but what made me change my mind were crash test. The chin was the weak point and comments were comparing it to having a half helmet. This was a few years ago and higher end helmet may be better as well.

    I've also tried a few schubert before getting my shoei but I found the tie was way to close to my neck for my liking. I would recommend finding a place to try them before buying.

    Last, for reviews, I find this website quite good : http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm
    They compare all the helmets they try, and sort them with their shape.
     
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  19. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    I have Shoei (Quest) and Bell (RS-1, RSD) full-face helmets for all street/track activities. Also, have an AFX FX for dual sport use, if heading to, or riding trails.
    I do have an old HJC modular in the closet, didn't like it in spite of convenience. I find the need to remove my helmet at stops, particularly on road trips, is
    actually a welcome break. Also makes me appear more approachable for conversation (as if anyone wants to :rolleyes: ), as opposed to looking like I have to run off somewhere ... :D

    I do ride track events and a Snell rating is almost always necessary, so that's what I go for, even though DOT/ECE(?) are fine. Just bought a Scorpion EXO R-710, mainly
    for the track. $90 and 2015 Snell rating, fit supposed to be similar to a Bell/Shoei (hope so), how could I go wrong ...

    ACE
     
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  20. tech54K

    tech54K New Member

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    I will still go to Full faced helmet. It is durable.
     
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