[RKP000]

Hi All,
I have a black full face modular/flip up HJC IS-MAX helmet. I like it a lot in cool weather, but in warm/hot weather I wish I had a 3/4. It has been in the 90's this weekend and my head is roasting. The ventilation on the HJC IS-MAX sucks to put it bluntly.
Any suggestions as to brands, weight & price for 3 quarters? I want to order something soon.
Rob

 

[rigginray6]

I have a Bell 3/4 it is ok but I would prefer a lighter helmet!!

 

[Chopin]

I have a " Fulmer " open face. About $75 dollars, but not comfortable. Tolerable, just not comfortable. My bad for not getting a flip-up visor . I would think that " ordering " a helmet would be risky business. Size is a factor that is different with each brand. I'm going to try out a half shell today that has been sitting around the house for awhile. I'll just gamble I don't hit any rain.

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I have a Arai classic and like it a lot. I've also had Shoei and it was good also. Both are somewhat expensive..

 

[joe in calif]

I have an Arai classic/M and it is light and fits great, If you get a white helmet (which my Arai is), it will be cooler than a black or dark colored one. And it will help others see you.

 

[blk93wing]

Mail order may be the cheapest way to go, but you can not put a price on fit. You can't tell on how a helmet will fit you through the mail unless you can try one on for size. Have you tried any of the wicking helmet liners? Cooling vests or the bandana style of cooling devices out there?

 

[redwing53]

Just purchased a a Nolan N43 ncom- It has a internal sun visor and external shield.
On warmer days I ride with the outer shield up with no apparent problems. It is also easily removeable. So far so good. Wing stuff had the best pricing.

 

[Snuffy]

I bought a open face 3/4 HJC FS-7 ?? I think was the model number. I hate a full face helmet. I am a real Bell fan but this helmet is Snell rated and is much more comfie than the Bell I tried on. I had a Nolan 3/4 before and found it sloppy but comfortable.
The HJC was reasonably priced and has a good ventilation system.

 

[Radarsdad]

Shoei J-Wing (open face/white) for me at 100+ degrees in Las Vegas. I ride year round with it and it keeps me pretty warm in the winter and comfortable in the summer (although at 100+, you're going to sweat in any helmet).

 

[billcarr_]

Hi RKP

Nice to meet you. In winter here in Arizona I wear a full Shoei. I'd like a flip up verson one day. In summer I wear a 5/8 HJC. I call it a 5/8 because it isnt a 3/4 and not a Hailwood soup bowl either. I feel protected in the HJC and it is comfortable in the heat ( more or less).

I have removed all eye protection from it and rely on the WS and my glasses. I would like to wear glasses that fit over my prescription glasses but havent found any to suit. I didnt like goggles. I hope this helps.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

i wear an hjc ac-3 for most of the year and an hjc cl15 for cold weather

 

[budoka]

I have an HJC half-lid (black leather covered) with removable ear/neck pad; an HJC IS-33 o/f in silver (so does my wife, she also has a half lid like mine, only in gloss black), and I have an Arai Vector ff in silver for inclement/cooler weather. Half lid is getting a bit long in the tooth, but can't seem to part with it, although I know I should replace it.

 

[RKP000]

Thanks all for the input. I ended up ordering a HJC-IS-33. I have a full face HJC now which I like so I figured their 3/4 should be decent. If not, I'll send it back.
Rob

 

[Rex]

Check out the new Shark. It can be a little pricy but is very functional. Gives you a full face and/or a 3/4 with the lower half pushed all the way back behind your head. You can find them for under $300 if you look around. The BMW dealer here in Maryland Sells them for two something. Great helmet, I really like it.

 

[Rex]

Look into a EvoLine, Shark helmet. I love it. Full face and converts to a 3/4 with the lower half all the way behind your head.

 

[easyrider]

Sorry guys to be such a party pooper, but a full face helmet will provide you the best protection when you go down. I used the same full face helmet in the warm summer months of riding, but I just keep my face shield up and used my riding glasses to protect my eyes. I rather be just a little uncomfortable and wipe the sweat away at my rest stop then to go down and turn into the Elephant Man cousin with road rash on the side of face and chin.

 

[C Dexter]

I would LOVE to see helmet manufacturers make a 3/4 helmet with a thin bar across the front for protection. Imagine the old timey football helmets with a single bar across the front. Then you would at least get SOME protection in the event of a face plant but still get the ventilation you need. Seems like a reasonable compromise. They could even make it so that it rotates up and out of place or click into place. For me, the heat of a full face in the summer in south Alabama is a serious safety issue itself and that is why I wear a white 3/4 Shoei in the summer and a black full face in the winter. The bar across the front might look strange at first but would just take some getting used to. Maybe I should patent that idea...

 

[RKP000]

I've ridden now two days with my new HJC IS-33 and love it. I've been riding with the clear flip up shield up most of the time and it's no big deal. The built-in sunglass shield is awesome. The flip up clear shield is crystal clear when down (no distortion at all). When the days get cooler I'll start wearing my full face again.
Rob

 

[L2R]

Hi gang,

Not to offend anyone but I struggled with this last year. Picking a helmet, to me, was the most important choice I had to make while riding a bike. I too, always thought a full face was the only choice for safety. I have added a link here that is a very long read but was informative to me. I think 5 people could read this a you could get 5 different interpretations. It could also be argued that this is all bull. I was about to get a scorpion modular helmet until I read this. It is pretty heavy compared to most full faced ones.

For me, I have a full faced scorpion 400. It is less than 1/2 the cost of an Aria but is almost identical in safety testing. It is comfortable on long rides, has good air vents and I got a fog proof shield that works. My wife has one too. She just bought an HJC (with retracable sun visor) 3/4 for the heat and she says it is hotter as the vents aren't as good. I bought a scorpion 100 half helmet this spring and love it. Has pockets for speakers and skirt that you can zip off if it is really hot. Best part, it has an internal sun shade that works with touch of a shade. this was important as I ride while the sun is coming or going. I don't have to put on or take off sunglasses. I can also flip it down at in intersection at night while stopped at a light when an suv comes up behind me and blinds me.

My final decision was to find one that was comfortable and had good reviews both professional and those who wear them. One that is uncomfortable takes your mind off the road.

What I got from the article was that a full sized (heavy) helmet is more deadly at high speeds but safer at slow speeds. It was the pendilum effect that killed Dale Earnhart Sr. The added weight snapped his spinal cord in two at the neck. From what I read, there is no perfect helmet that current laws have approved.

This isn't a fun article but an important one.
Happy reading.



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