Helmet Choices

[gar1013]

One thing I've noticed is that scooter shops tend to have horrible selections when it comes to full face helmets -- even Harley Dealers seem to have clicked on to the fact that there are people who like full face helmets that buy their products.

What is everyone here wearing?

[slotrod65]

back when I rode motorcycles in the 1980's/90's I wore a full faced helmet. My purchase Stella however was inspired by the purchase of a 3/4 face helmet I found while on vacation in Naples Italy. I recognize that a full face is safer, and my contact lenses would like it better, but I just love my DOOA helmet:

http://www.scotlanditalia.com/detail2.p ... er=3&id=60

[SockyTX]

I rock the HCI-15 helmet. I like that my eyes don't dry out from the wind but I still get some good ventilation

http://www.justgottascoot.com/hci15.htm

[guzziknight]

I currently use my Gmax GM54 flip up, but I'm thinking I want a 3/4 jet style. I'm considering the Fulmer U1 Italia, which would go great with my Italian Moto Guzzi as well.

I like the HCI-15 as well, but I don't like buying helmets I can't try on first.

[JohnKiniston]

One thing I've noticed is that scooter shops tend to have horrible selections when it comes to full face helmets -- even Harley Dealers seem to have clicked on to the fact that there are people who like full face helmets that buy their products.

For a reason I don't understand half helmets are 'fashionable' for scooters.

[eva-01]

I currently use my Gmax GM54 flip up

guzziknight - What do you like/dislike about the GM54? I currently have a Gmax GM55 half helmet and was acutally looking to upgrade to the GM54.

Thanks.

[walke2jd]

I love my Scorpion EXO-700 in Hi-viz yellow. It is comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and it fits in the pet carrier.

I have had my eye on one of the EXO-100 half helmets. They have the drop down sun shades and look pretty cool, but I don't know how often I would wear it since I like having the full face protection.

[Spud]

Right now I use a 3/4 open-faced helmet, Speed Racer style.

But, I have used full-face helmets, half-helmets, etc. I've bought way too many helmets in my day and I need to settle down with a couple of really good ones, rather than keep buying new ones.

I'm alright with most types of helmets, but I have an unusually-shaped head, so it is really hard for me to find a helmet that fits well. In general I don't like full-face helmets; I find them uncomfortable and they make me feel like I'm in a car, or like my head is encased in a cooler. But obviously they are the most protective and they're great on the cold days.

I like half helmets but it is a real feat finding a half helmet that actually grips onto the skull and stays there, versus one that flops around. Another problem with many half helmets is that they sit very high up on top of the head--they should sit RIGHT DOWN on the skull, and grip it firmly.

One helmet I tried on that actually does this is one of the AFX brand half helmets. I almost bought it, but according to the size chart it was a little big for me and I was worried it would cease to fit firmly after a few weeks.

But it really does sit right down on the skull and it grips it firmly enough that your skin moves when you move the helmet around. It seems solid and a good choice for a half helmet (but I'm basing this on trying it on for ten minutes at the store so buyer beware as always)

[guzziknight]

I currently use my Gmax GM54 flip up

guzziknight - What do you like/dislike about the GM54? I currently have a Gmax GM55 half helmet and was acutally looking to upgrade to the GM54.

Thanks.

Pros:
Fits me well
Good coverage on the inner visor
Lots of vents
Light on the back that can be set to solid/slow flash/fast flash
Metal latch/post for securing the chin bar closed
Can get it for about $130 online

Cons:
Very difficult to lower/raise the inner visor when chin bar is up
Chin bar latch sticks out too far for me, looks like it theoretically could open in a slide

Only a few small cons in my opinion. I'd probably buy this again when I need to replace it.

[Rob]

I have a few different types, but I find I wear the modular most often.

Rob

[CTB170i]

I only have/use one helmet, it's the Shoei Quest… It's a size large, but I think the helmet design itself is big… or rather bigger than other helmets I see…

It's DOT & Snell approved… lots of great reviews…

Purchased it from a motorcycle shop…

Helmet and overall riding gear is probably the most important purchases anyone can make…

I made it point, not to be overly concerned at how much it costs, but rather how safely protected it will keep me…

[Syd]

I only have/use one helmet, it's the Shoei Quest… It's a size large, but I think the helmet design itself is big… or rather bigger than other helmets I see…

It's DOT & Snell approved… lots of great reviews…

Purchased it from a motorcycle shop…

<snip>

Is the Qwest as quiet as they say? Do you have anything to compare it with?
My HJC CL-15 was nice, but after a few years I replaced it with my HJC-IS16 which is one noisy sucker. This time I'm going for quiet. Quiet and highly vented (I can dream, can't I?).

[CTB170i]

No... I don't have anything recent to compare it with... Just dirt bike helmets from the 80's... They were not quiet at all...

However, I was at a light and a another rider next to me asked me a question...

I didn't hear a thing, until he tooted is horn, and i raised the shield...

Once in while, riding on the coast, I do hear a high pitched hum but it's not consistent.. Shield down... Overall wind wise, to me it's quiet.

One other thing, I wear glasses... When I first put the helmet on (shield down)... The glasses fog up pretty easily, but once I get going the fog on my glasses evaporate quickly... I ride with the shield fully closed, but use the thingy setting on the side to allow air through...

Hope this helps...

[michelle_7728]

I wear a Scorpion EXO-900 in neon yellow. I like the EXO-900 so much I have 3 of them.

By way of explanation, I bought the black one first. It protected me so well in my accident that I bought another black one to replace it.

When they finally came out with the neon yellow I bought one in that color. I've worn that one so much that it's getting faded now, so I recently bought a 2nd yellow one. I put sillver reflectives on my black one, and it's now my night time helmet (rarely gets worn as I rarely ride at night). The fading on my yellow one has taken place over the last 4 years.

I have always been careful to not leave any of my helmets in the sun (other than when I'm wearing them, of course), but note to others: the yellow will fade fairly fast if you leave yours stored in the sun when you go in to work or the store on a regular basis. I have a top case, so I just put it in there, since it's slightly too big (I have a small) to fit in the Buddy's pet carrier.

(They also have different color visors you can buy. I buy the dark smoke to use with my neon EXO-900 helmets. My night time helmet has a clear visor.)

[peabody99]

I wear a shoei 1100 full face. I just bought a 3/4 for when the temps hit about 90 and I feel like I going to pass out in all my gear. But I am too freaked out to even try it. I've gotten to be such a worry wort about fear of face smashing.

[Throwback7R]

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Helmet ... t-Rock-On

Vega bluetooth helmet with the flip down sunglasses.

[michelle_7728]

I wear a shoei 1100 full face. I just bought a 3/4 for when the temps hit about 90 and I feel like I going to pass out in all my gear. But I am too freaked out to even try it. I've gotten to be such a worry wort about fear of face smashing.

Not necessarily a bad thing. Here's my first EXO-900 after the wreck...

[skully93]

I too have an exo 900, and an exo 1100. The wife rocks a 500.

I prefer the modular 900 in the summer, so I can talk at lights during group rides or get air.

In the winter I wear my full face.

Having ridden with the lid up a few times, I don't think I could go to a 3/4. I'd eat too many bugs, and the idiots in front of me might actually understand what I'm yelling at them.

[gar1013]

I wear a shoei 1100 full face. I just bought a 3/4 for when the temps hit about 90 and I feel like I going to pass out in all my gear. But I am too freaked out to even try it. I've gotten to be such a worry wort about fear of face smashing.

You have about a 34% chance of impacting your chin/mouth area in a crash. Unless you like eating teeth, keep with your full face.

There are good ways to stay cool when the temps get hot in CA, but sometimes you have to resign yourself to not riding if you can't take the heat.

Being a "worry wort" is just self preservation kicking in.

[gar1013]

One thing I've noticed is that scooter shops tend to have horrible selections when it comes to full face helmets -- even Harley Dealers seem to have clicked on to the fact that there are people who like full face helmets that buy their products.

For a reason I don't understand half helmets are 'fashionable' for scooters.

Probably for the same reason some women wear skirts and nylons while riding scooters.

People incorrectly think scooters are safer than a motorcycle.

[Th17kit]

I love my HCI 15 Italian design helmet. It's stayed in great condition over many years of use. These 3/4 helmets look freaking sweet with the aviator style shield, but they aren't awesome for keeping wind/crap out of your eyes. I usually wear wayfarers too stop the wind.

My ladyfriend has the HCI 15 ladybug helmet which is also awesome.

I'm not too huge on safety: I found myself on the interstate in a t-shirt and shorts yesterday. I did buy a full face but I only wear it in the winter, I don't like the claustrophobia.

[ericalm]

For those who haven't seen it, our Helmet Buying Guide has a lot of basic info on types of helmets, certifications, where to find reviews, etc.: topic4951.html

I would wear a solid full face, but very few fit my odd-shaped head. I recently tried on a Biltwell Gringo (in XXL) and my chin stuck way out the bottom. This happens a lot, when I can even get the damn things on my head. There are some that fit (I tried on a Shoei that worked) but in order to find the right one, I had to try on dozens.

Think about going to the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach when it comes around (February, I think). It's the best place to try on a wide variety of models.

I currently use my Gmax GM54 flip up

guzziknight - What do you like/dislike about the GM54? I currently have a Gmax GM55 half helmet and was acutally looking to upgrade to the GM54.

Thanks.

Here's my ridiculously thorough review of the GM54S:
http://www.scooterfile.com/fashion-and- ... ar-helmet/

[ericalm]

And a brief reminder of the Posting Guidelines and not to get too didactic about helmet types…

GENERAL BEHAVIOR
The purpose of Modern Buddy is to inform, educate, entertain and bring us together as a community. This is a forum where scooterists of all ranges of experience, backgrounds and knowledge levels could come and discuss things without feeling intimidated or assaulted by the hostility often found elsewhere. Be civil to one another. Treat everyone with respect. Keep it friendly and remember that not everyone shares your particular viewpoint, nor should anyone be ridiculed or patronized for not believing or behaving exactly as you do.

This is especially true in discussions of helmet and gear use. It's okay to share facts and personal anecdotes, but please refrain from criticizing others, preaching to them, or using rhetoric ("I wear a full face because I like my face," etc.) in the forum. This type of language does little to sway others who decide to assume the additional risks of wearing less gear. Though Modern Buddy encourages use of proper riding gear and helmets, we have no official policy other than not condemning others for the decisions they make regarding what they wear.

[KeLynn]

I only have one, a full face (Scorpion Exo....400?)

A big part of it is my personal safety/health preferences, of course. But frankly, there's also a vanity element. If I go down, I'd like my mug to remain at its current level of not smashed up.

If I could guarantee that I'd get off with just a few badass scars with a half, I'd probably go that route

[ScooterMASS]

I love my Scorpion EXO-700 in Hi-viz yellow. It is comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and it fits in the pet carrier.

I have had my eye on one of the EXO-100 half helmets. They have the drop down sun shades and look pretty cool, but I don't know how often I would wear it since I like having the full face protection.

Walke2: I love Scorpion helmets! They are excellent, solid lids for not over the top money. I own an EXO-200 (since discontinued) & also own a EX0-100 for the summer months. The EXO-100 is a great helmet for around town & the drop-down half smoked eye/faceplate is so easy to use. Works really well IMHO.

[C2]

I've got the Shoei RF-1000, with a Tron/Daft Punk reflective tape job added

[BootScootin'FireFighter]

Good website that does reviews of most helmets on the market -----> http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... elmets.htm

I like my HJC IS-Max modular helmet. Most around town riding, I keep the front open and enjoy the fresh air. Once I get on the faster roads, the chinbar comes down. Also has inside ear pockets for my motocomm helmet speakers.

[Rob]

Good website that does reviews of most helmets on the market -----> http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... elmets.htm

I like my HJC IS-Max modular helmet. Most around town riding, I keep the front open and enjoy the fresh air. Once I get on the faster roads, the chinbar comes down. Also has inside ear pockets for my motocomm helmet speakers.

+1 on that website. I frequently use it as a reference site for riding related things.

A question on the HJC-IS Max. I've looked at this helmet at the Chicago MC show and considered a purchase, however I don't care for internal sun visors on helmets. Can this visor be easily removed from this helmet?

Rob