What's your helmet of choice?

[3Tyme]

I have a Scorpion Exo-Tech, very similar to the Shark and LS2, with the chin bar flipping all the way to the back of the helmet. Only bad thing is I couldn't find it in the United State, had to order from the Netherlands, but I got it in 3 days.

 

[2dogs]

I have a Scorpion Exo-Tech, very similar to the Shark and LS2, with the chin bar flipping all the way to the back of the helmet. Only bad thing is I couldn't find it in the United State, had to order from the Netherlands, but I got it in 3 days.

So your helmet like mine may not be dot approved. When I bought my helmet the only difference in the safety ratings I could find was in Europe helmets were tested during the manufacturing process. ECE testing. Dot testing in the US was done after the manufacturing process. The conclusion was that the ECE testing likely would catch a defect before it got to the public. Not sure how DOT does its testing today. Maybe it's been changed.

 

[3Tyme]

So your helmet like mine may not be dot approved. When I bought my helmet the only difference in the safety ratings I could find was in Europe helmets were tested during the manufacturing process. ECE testing. Dot testing in the US was done after the manufacturing process. The conclusion was that the ECE testing likely would catch a defect before it got to the public. Not sure how DOT does its testing today. Maybe it's been changed.

From what I have read the testing is very similar with only a couple of minor differances. I was going to buy a LS2, but they just didn't fit and I didn't care for the Shark. I wasn't sure about ordering, but took the chance

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

Shark Evo One 2 - both me and the wife.

Same for us, LOVE them.

 

[RayBJ]

Depending on your head shape, the HJC Modular Carbon Fiber (C90-C) is very light and reasonably quiet for a modular. I wear musician's earplugs that are great at reducing road/wind noise but lets me hear the intercom/music with minimum sound loss. I prefer ratchet clasp over D-ring so I bought the lid from Europe (ECE) instead of the US (DOT) model w/D-ring. Actually, cost was $100 less than US model.

 

[peterparker]

Shark Evo One 2 - both me and the wife.

+1 on my 1st modular

 

[slhanks004]

HJC i90 modular for the colder months, and an HJC or Bilt half helmet for hotter months. I live in AZ, and in the summer a full or modular helmet is horrible.

 

[BajaRon]

From what I have read the testing is very similar with only a couple of minor differences. I was going to buy a LS2, but they just didn't fit and I didn't care for the Shark. I wasn't sure about ordering, but took the chance

DOT has proven it can be a safer helmet spec than SNELL. In real life accidents. A DOT certified helmet was giving riders a better result than SNELL helmets, in many cases.

It's a long story and it depends on the particular DOT helmet. But SNELL was designed around Automotive Racing needs where you are strapped in to a fixed location and your head is extremely likely to hit the same hard part in the same spot more than once. This is a virtual impossibility in a motorcycle accident. This simple fact should change everything. But for SNELL, it did not up until recent years. Instead, they spent money on convincing the motorcycle owner that SNELL was the pinnacle of safety. And nearly everyone took their word for it.

The whole idea of a helmet is to 1- reduce the G-Force to the brain on impact. This is done, primarily, by allowing the helmet to crush, absorbing a great deal of energy before it reaches the rider.

2- The helmet needs to keep objects from penetrating. This 2nd aspect is very important in an automotive accident. But not nearly as much in a motorcycle accident. A hard shell (SNELL) helmet is great in this aspect. But it sacrifices objective #1 to get there. Objective #1 is most important to a motorcycle rider who can safely give up some of aspect #2 to achieve better impact protection.

Making the shell very hard is a good thing on a car application. But it is not good for a motorcycle application. A hard shelled helmet reduces the ability to control G-Force to the brain. SNELL, even after years of evidence that their approach to motorcycle helmet safety needed to be completely revamped, continued to ignore the issue and instead, spent more money on marketing their safety. Especially troubling in the face of hard facts.

The European ECE standard threw out everything and started from the ground up with motorcycle safety in mind. With proven results, I might add. The DOT standard was much closer to the ECE regs than SNELL. Unfortunately, the DOT specs also allow for very cheaply made helmets. But you can easily distinguish the difference in a quality DOT helmet.

After years of pressure, real world motorcycle accident statistics and lab room testing. SNELL has finally been forced to see the light and are making some worthy changes. They might be better off just going with the ECE testing methods. But they have not gone that far.

 

[RULINGCHAOS]

I just picked up one today. Bilt Nomad modular. My choices were limited based on my huge stupid head. 4X fits well. Like the internal sunshade. Not bad at $129.99 at Cycle Gear.

 

[FrogmanDave]

Shark EVO GT

 

[190243]

In hot weather I wear a Nolan N40, but I can't say I am thrilled with the feel of this 3/4 helmet. For colder weather I use a Shoei Neotec, a modular that I am mostly happy with. But I guess I am always searching for the "perfect" helmet that will be comfortable, protective and reasonably quiet. So I'm asking what others have found to be their favorite so I can start to narrow my search. Gives me something to focus on during the non-riding season.

Bell 3/4 with the opening for your 2 ways. Sorry don’t know the model. Excellent helmets.

 

[Dutchy]

FUll Face Sheoi NXR as for all Shoeis fit my head shape have it very quiet and I use Cardo Pac Talk Black even though it gets so hot here some days you can wring the sweat out of the lining

 

[troop]

LS2 Valiant 2 = Long distance touring
HJC I30 = Weekend trips
Microdot half = stowed away for using in hot weather on trips
Scorpion EXO-R320 full face = KTM 390 duke
Scorpion Covert/LS2 Spitfire/Bell Recon = everyday blast around
I like helmets

 

[EdMat]

I like helmets

:agree: I have the following modular still usable that I grab as the mood strikes me.

Bell SRT
Shoei Neotec 2
LS2 Valiant
LS2 Valiant 2

 

[RUKNOT]

LS2 Variant 2. Fully modular. good breathability in hot Florida summers

 

[Knizar]

LS2 Rebellion, it's vented, cool, light, offers ear protection, quick release chin strap, flip shade, & fits great. Offers a 50% chance of having an open casket over NOT wearing a helmet in a, "I couldn't hang on" crash. :thumbup: Bill

 

[KAMJAM]

Shoei GT Air II for us. Have used the Neo-tec, too heavy and not as comfortable as RF series. Started out with a Bell Star LTD (30 pus years ago), then a Shoei RF, Used the X2 hornet with the visor for a multi state ride, was a horrible helmet for any distance/speed.
We tried HJC and /Arai helmets, not a good fit for us..

I would suggest as trying on as many different manufacturers products on as possible, it really comes down to personal preference not ratings from other people.

Good luck,

Ken

 

[Peacekeeper6]

I wear a AGV 3/4 "aviation helmet" style in camo when I'm by myself.

My g/f and I wear matching HJC modular helmets outfitted with the Cardo Freecom 4+ intercom system.