...and it had generally favorable reviews (4.5 stars of 5, w/38 current reviews), so I ordered it early this week. With shipping the total cost was $87.40, which I thought surprisingly affordable given the features. At that price, I was very interested to see what the reality was going to be like. It came in today, I've ridden with it both today and tonight, so here is some early feedback.
Fully closed up today in the sunshine and standing still, as you can guess it was warm.
But as soon as I started moving it cooled off a bit, and cracking the visor open while leaving the face/jaw protection in place allowed for a great airflow which made the heat become a non-factor. The flip-down tinted inner lens is really nice, not too dark but enough to make a difference, and it makes it easy to ride with the visor up for cooling. When all closed up, I could detect no extra noise coming from around the visor, it seems to seal well. The padding in the helmet is good, overall it is very comfortable right out of the box. During the night ride, after some 'tweaking' this afternoon, it was absolutely perfect.Prior to ordering, I measured my head at 22.75", which put me right on the line between a size M and a size L, so I ordered an M. Apparently I have a somewhat oval-shaped skull
, because I did notice a slight but persistent pressure point in the center top of my forehead when using it today. The liner is removable, however, so this evening I peeled it back and checked out the EPS material inside which makes up the bulk of the helmet.The following is not recommended by me or this website, at all, in any way shape or form: In the forehead area there is a strip about 2" wide which stands proud of the foam on either side by 1/8" to 3/16th" (I think the difference allows for airflow), and which was where I could feel the extra pressure when the helmet was on. This strip terminates with a 90 degree angle just under the forehead area liner padding. By carefully trimming the foam back and tapering it into the flat area around it for about 1"-1.5", I have relieved that pressure area entirely, with no great loss as far as safety is concerned, from what I can tell. I may be wrong. You should not do this! I understand that I have done this entirely at my own risk, and that it likely voids any type of warranty.
Operation of the flip-up face/jaw shield is easy; a button/latch under the chin operates the releases which allow you to lift it. The button is easily usable with one hand, and with gloves on. Fully up, it pressure-locks into place, preventing accidental/premature closure. With the shield down and locked, looking straight ahead, I cannot directly see the speedo/gauges on the Buddy, a slight head tilt is needed.
The visor likewise is easily lifted and closed, and has perhaps 5-6 different "settings" where it can be held in place between fully open and fully closed while at riding speeds. It is an optically clear plastic and I could detect no distortion anywhere in the field of view.
The inner tinted lens is of similar construction, and operates with a slide-lever on the left hand side of the helmet. One-handed operation when underway is easily accomplished. When in the down position, there is about 1" of clearance from my cheeks at the bottom of the lens; airflow is great but not eye-bothering if the visor is all the way up.
There are 3 small opening/closing vents on the helmet - 1 on the chin and 2 on the helmet top front. I think I will have to wait a few months to tell you how effective these vents are.
The bottom edge of the helmet has a solid rubber "cap" which makes it sit without slipping or marring surfaces, and the chin strap has a snap on it which makes it easy to quickly put together when carrying the helmet by hand, much faster than threading the strap as you have to do on my Bell 500. The finish is matte black, but it is a very smooth matte; hand/fingerprints show up pretty easily. They also wipe off easily.
Overall I am very impressed by the quality, function, and features of this helmet at this point. I don't think you'll go wrong in getting one of these if you are in the market for this style of helmet.