HJC IS-Max Flip Face Helmet...

[ataDude]

... I just added one of these to my helmet collection (11 now, including a couple of damaged ones).

First, I prefer flip-face helmets for their convenience... and a Nolan flip saved my noggin back in 2002 when I broke my pelvis in a high-speed get-off. So... please save the DOT versus Snell rating discussion for another thread!

This is a very well made helmet with a built-in sun screen that works extremely well. Plus, the helmet is quieter than my other flips... so it's a winner all the way around. <Note that I was not impressed with my other HJC flip which is approximately seven years old.>

Ventilation is better than average... I'd give that a "7" compared to some of my other helmets. You can ride with the shield up and the sunscreen down, it you want. I really, really like this little jewel!

List: $199... can be purchased for as little as $160 if you shop around.

YMMV, no affiliation, etc.

 

[dltang]

... I just added one of these to my helmet collection (11 now, including a couple of damaged ones).

First, I prefer flip-face helmets for their convenience... and a Nolan flip saved my noggin back in 2002 when I broke my pelvis in a high-speed get-off. So... please save the DOT versus Snell rating discussion for another thread!

This is a very well made helmet with a built-in sun screen that works extremely well. Plus, the helmet is quieter than my other flips... so it's a winner all the way around. <Note that I was not impressed with my other HJC flip which is approximately seven years old.>

Ventilation is better than average... I'd give that a "7" compared to some of my other helmets. You can ride with the shield up and the sunscreen down, it you want. I really, really like this little jewel!

List: $199... can be purchased for as little as $160 if you shop around.

YMMV, no affiliation, etc.

How heavy is it? I love my HJC Carbon Fiber as it is so light. I would love a flip up though if it wasn't too heavy. My neck can not seem to tolerate a heavy helmet. I am not really in the market right now anyway, but it is always good info to have.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Mr 'Dude...how much space is there directly in front of your mouth
and the inside of the helmet? I ask because my current off-brand flip-up
has so little room that the Scala Q2 microphone is squished tight between
the helmet and my mouth/mustache/beard...most uncomfortable.

 

[SpydeeBite2]

Thanks for the info. I will certainly check this one out as I will be needing a new one soon.
Ron

 

[Firefly]

I recently got a Scorpion Exo 1,000 with the internal sun shade - and man is that ever a handy feature!

It's a heavy helmet - but my thick skull doesn't seem to mind.

I would be open to trying one of these flips.

Glad to hear of someone that has more helmets than I do!

 

[Tom in NM]

Which one?

I have the HJC Symax ll and agree - a modular flip-up with the retractable sunshade is a real winner. It was the only one that I saw and could try on that worked with glasses - I have to take them off when I put it on, but the flip-up makes it easy to put them on and I don't need to take them (the glasses) off when I take the helmet off.

But, which one did you get? My Symax ll is on the big and heavy side. I think it is noisier than average, but here in the NM sun, it is cool when it is hot given it has great air-flow.

Tom

 

[ataDude]

Let's just say it's not the lightest one in the collection, Deb. It would certainly weigh more than a CF.

How heavy is it? I love my HJC Carbon Fiber as it is so light. I would love a flip up though if it wasn't too heavy. My neck can not seem to tolerate a heavy helmet. I am not really in the market right now anyway, but it is always good info to have.

 

[ataDude]

...
But, which one did you get? My Symax ll is on the big and heavy side. I think it is noisier than average, but here in the NM sun, it is cool when it is hot given it has great air-flow.

Tom

IS-Max in black.

 

[ataDude]

...I would be open to trying one of these flips.

Once I used them, I'd never go back. I've been in the flip mode for the past 10 years or so with Shoei, Nolan, HJC, Vega... probably missed one or two.

When it's really hot, and you're in town, just flip the front up for a breather. On the highway, flip it up for a drink of water.

They're typically a little noisier than a non-flip... but this one just doesn't seem to be that way.

And, flip the front shield up and the sun shield down and it's actually quieter and even breezier (is that a word?).

.

 

[ataDude]

Mr 'Dude...how much space is there directly in front of your mouth
and the inside of the helmet? I ask because my current off-brand flip-up
has so little room that the Scala Q2 microphone is squished tight between
the helmet and my mouth/mustache/beard...most uncomfortable.

Gary, thanks for the "Mr". That's rare for me hyea:

I don't use a communicator but... I went out, slipped the helmet on... appears to be about 3/4" in front. I can't imagine that a boom microphone would have a problem in there.

And, FWIW, the space needed for speakers is already there... planned... behind the upholstery.
.

 

[dragonheart]

My husband and I just purchased the HJC IS-33 helmet. We will be wearing them to California. Got them for $139 each. I love the light weight, the fit, and the fact the sun shield pops up and down very easily - even has two positions on the sun shield.

I find this helmet is not as noisy as my full face.

 

[FANG]

I also just bought an IS-33 have not tried it yet - picked it up for the wife. i conficated her CL-MAX after mine broke. She has been in KC, MO. working so I had her helmet to fall back on. she come home for a visit this weekend so I will get her review on the IS-33.

 

[sleepman]

My husband and I just purchased the HJC IS-33 helmet. We will be wearing them to California. Got them for $139 each. I love the light weight, the fit, and the fact the sun shield pops up and down very easily - even has two positions on the sun shield.

I find this helmet is not as noisy as my full face.

Good to hear some input on the IS-33, my wife and I were looking at them last weekend and have been considering picking up a couple.

 

[ataDude]

Good to hear some input on the IS-33, my wife and I were looking at them last weekend and have been considering picking up a couple.

The IS-33 is an open face... the IS-Max is a flip. I personally would not wear an open face... been down hard (broken bones) more than once. But, to each, his own. :yikes:

 

[The Breeze]

Gary, thanks for the "Mr". That's rare for me hyea:

I don't use a communicator but... I went out, slipped the helmet on... appears to be about 3/4" in front. I can't imagine that a boom microphone would have a problem in there.

And, FWIW, the space needed for speakers is already there... planned... behind the upholstery.
.

I have a Sy-Max II and the Q2 multi rider set.
Dude is correct. If you don't mind the mike being right up on your mouth, there's room. (BTW - I had to mount my speakers behind the helmet material to compensate for my . . . let's see . . how does my wife put it . . oh, yeah - dumbo ears.) :roflblack:

 

[dragonheart]

The IS-33 is an open face... the IS-Max is a flip. I personally would not wear an open face... been down hard (broken bones) more than once. But, to each, his own. :yikes:

What ataDude says is definitely something to consider. I have a full face flip (not the IS model) which I like to wear in the winter. I just found with my small stature that my neck was getting sore from my full face on a long ride due to the helmet's weight, as obviously a full face flip is naturally heavier. Due to the cross country trip from TN to CA, I knew I would be miserable if I did not go another route.

Again, the sunshade feature of this helmet is the best we have seen as it comes down almost to your nose. My eyes are pretty sensitive to light and the tint on the shield works for me, which avoids me having to force sunglasses through the helmet onto my ears and have that pressure against my head (which was creating a headache).

 

[larryd]

Gary, I have the HJC Symax ll with the Scala Q2 and I have no problems with the microphone and my 7 5/8 head size..larryd :clap:

 

[sleepman]

The IS-33 is an open face... the IS-Max is a flip. I personally would not wear an open face... been down hard (broken bones) more than once. But, to each, his own. :yikes:

That's true...But I went down hard enough with a full face that my chin strap broke and it nearly cost me an eye. Something like the IS-33 is the least amount of coverage I would go with, no beanie helmets.

 

[StarTraveler649]

I love this helmet, I have one as well. $144 delivered to my door !!

Comfortable, well ventilated, not so noisy as most flip-ups.

I can easily pass my hand between the chin bar and my face. the IS-max is one of the best flip-up as tested by webbikewolrd.com The chin bar also attaches with metal on metal as opposed to metal on plastic or plastic on plastic in some others.

I looked at a lot of flip-ups and was leaning towards the Sy-Max II after reading reviews and seeing "The Breeze's" helmet in person. The IS-Max just came out in March and tested even better, for a lesser price, so went with that one. Extra shields are back ordered for a couple more weeks. Only have 400 miles on mie, but do not regret the purchase. As this is my first helmet in a loooong time, I cannot comment on the weight, but it does not bother me as it is.

 

[Desert Spyder]

I recently bought the V-Can 210 flip-up with built-in bluetooth. Very comfy, lighter than I expected and the speaker works great. I believe this may be a recent helmet according to the Harley dealer. Go to www.vcansports.com