I hate my helmet [Archive] - Two Wheel Females

theWolfTamer

10-06-2010, 03:37 PM

It only took 10 months for me to figure that out. In January, I took advantage of closeout pricing and got an HJC CL-SP for $80, a First Gear Monarch Jacket for $80, and my first pair of motorcycle specific boots.

I knew after the second ride that I loved my Jacket. I knew after the first ride that I loved my boots. I just figured out, on my last trip, that I hate that damned helmet!

The darned thing is loud. Before the HJC, I wore Icon--the mainframe and the alliance--which are not known for being quiet. However my old Icon mainframe, with the glued parts coming unglued and the shell separating from the liner, is much more quiet than the HJC. The Icon fits my head better too--even when my dreads need servicing.

I don't know why it took so long for me to figure that out. So, I go into this winter searching for a new helmet...again. I guess I'm going back to the Icons even though I don't like the new graphics and they don't make solid yellow helmets anymore.

Maybe I need to re-think the "I must have a solid yellow helmet" idea. Maybe a helmet that is yellow with graphics will be okay...except for the Icon speedfreak or whatever they're calling it now. That thing is simply ugly and looks worse in person than it does on the computer.

Whew, I feel so much better now!

belladonna

10-06-2010, 04:38 PM

Yes! I hate my helmets too. I usually ending up buying one every year, because I always hate them. My garage currently contains an HJC, a Nolan and a Zox. I hate the Zox least and it was the least expensive.

ridingAK

10-06-2010, 05:43 PM

I hated that my Nolan was too loud and too heavy, and that when I rode in rain I had a droplet of water hitting the tip of my nose every few seconds. I loved the flip front for photography and ease with glasses.

I love my Scorpion being quiet, not heavy, and water tight. I dislike that I have to choose my glasses carefully now so they'll fit my helmet, and that I have to remove my helmet to take a carefully composed picture.

I don't plan to change helmets anytime soon, but I sure wish I could combine the good from both helmets without any of the negatives!

gypsyangel

10-06-2010, 05:58 PM

theWolfTamer

10-06-2010, 07:17 PM

That's good to hear about the Scorpions. It's on my list, but that's the ugly yellow. I like pretty school bus yellow. It makes me look fast!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/S8H9veWzicI/AAAAAAAABlQ/ziwwmUmwhWE/s800/Photo1.jpg
Taken during the Twisty Butt in March on the Cherohala Skyway. I looked good but was miserable when that pic was taken.

Fortunately for me, I don't have any more really expensive stuff to buy for the Definitely Indefinite Tour. By that I mean I've modded the bike to my liking and have the luggage of choice. I can save my pennies and buy a new helmet. I'm just disappointed because I need to. My Icons lasted three years or so before I felt the desire to get a new one. Looks like it'll be one with graphics rather than a nice solid "Can you see me now" pretty yellow helmet.

And somebody mentioned heavy and leaking...I'd forgotten all about that. The darned thing leaks. When it rains, i get rain on the outside and inside of the face shield. How can a company stay in business making such a crappy product? I'm glad I finally figured it out. I'll never buy another HJC and if my Icon Mainframe wasn't falling apart, I'd go back to wearing it! I'm really tempted to even though it's falling apart.

Might need to get the white alliance back from Daddy, he doesn't use it anyway.

KansasKawboy

10-06-2010, 07:21 PM

I've had a Nolan and several HJCs. The Nolan was very loud. The HJCs while not quiet is much better and fit better, I can wear it as long as I want and no problems. If I'm riding very far I wear ear plugs and the noise doesn't bother me. I now have the IS-16 with the flip down tinted shield and love it.

Unforgiven

10-06-2010, 07:54 PM

You said the ICON fit you better. That's the first thing you have to determine is what size egg you have and what helmets fit that egg. Is it round, oval, etc. Once you determine what helmets come in that shape you have your options. I've heard great things about the scorpion but if the shape is wrong, it isn't going to work for you.

I am an Arai fan. Not because I think it's the best helmet out there but because it fits me perfectly, is light and vents very very well and from personal experience, crashes very well. Along with venting very well, it is not the quietest helmet I've ever worn but I always ride with either earplugs or in the ear headphones with an ipod. Wind noise is very damaging to your hearing.

theWolfTamer

10-06-2010, 08:24 PM

Unforgiven

10-06-2010, 08:49 PM

Great minds, Unforgiven. I was just looking at the helmet shape list at http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm.

The Cl-SP I bought is round, the Icon was Slightly Round. I'll be shopping for slightly round helmets from now on. The Scorpion 400 is slightly round, the 700 is narrow. So the 400 is on my list now.

Daddy's bringing the Icon alliance back to me, so I'm going back to a white helmet until I can find a new one.

If you are an intermediate oval (head head slightly longer than wide) this would be one to look into if the color is what you are looking for in yellow. MSRP is a little steep but if you can hook up with a vendor (I know a good one and not the link below) you could probably get a better price. If you like it, do some research and if you want I will hook you up with my vendor that has very good prices. Not sure what he can do, but if you are intersted it would only take a minute for you to give him a call.

http://www.gphelmets.com/Arai-Vector-Helmet-Fluorescent-Yellow-p/arai-vector-fluorescent-yellow.htm

motochica

10-06-2010, 08:55 PM

wow...and I thought getting a new helmet would be easy.... maybe I can make sure with my current hand-me-down a while longer.

Unforgiven

10-06-2010, 09:20 PM

wow...and I thought getting a new helmet would be easy.... maybe I can make sure with my current hand-me-down a while longer.

Lot of good information in this thread. There is a lot to buying a helmet to consider and considering it is the single most important piece of safety equipement you will buy, it deserves spending some time understanding the details.

http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2467&highlight=helmet

If you miss anything else in that thread, don't miss the statistics that almost 35% of impacts are to the front lower face section of the helmet. In otherwords the area that only a full faced helmet will protect. That is all I will wear.

Another important item to note is expensive does not mean better.

theWolfTamer

10-06-2010, 09:21 PM

I'm going to try on helmets tomorrow to see what feels right. I've decided to take more time to find what fits well, then find a color that speaks to me in that helmet. I still like yellow, just not the high vis neon looking stuff. That's not real yellow to me.

Unforgiven

10-06-2010, 09:22 PM

BlueLghtning

10-07-2010, 12:51 AM

I love my Scorpion helmet,light, fog free visor and much quieter than Icon. Also my scorpion exo 700 fits my head better than the 400 and is even quieter.

Oh...and it comes in yellow:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HW63HOK%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

+1. The EXO-700 is a great helmet. Sarah and I have both owned several of them.

I really do like the hi-viz yellow I own also. Its not for everybody, but it matches my Olympia Hi-Viz gear too! :D

demenshea

10-07-2010, 01:27 AM

You have to be extra careful that you choose a helmet that fits your head shape. I was thrilled with the bells and whistles of the Nolan N102 but it simply doesn't fit my head right, even after I took a razor blade to the liner....:rofl:

"Nolan N102 in excellent condition, barely worn, with only minor adjustment made to the liner". :rofl:

I have had a Scorpion and it wasn't quite right either...I believe it was an EXO400.

I had a Shoei RF1000, it was close to fitting, best one yet, but had to be replace for being 4 years old and in one kaboom.

I had an AGV but it was too difficult to my glasses on to my ears once it was on.

Next....hmmmmm...I believe a Scorpion Modular EXO900, but that could change...:popcorn1:

Cyclone67

10-07-2010, 02:34 AM

I have an Arai XD3, LOVE it. I had a scorpion, liked it, dropped it down the stairs (cement) and thought it was time to replace (oops)! The arai is REALLY light and super comfy, got it half price at closeouts.com. I would say I have an oval face, also works well with glasses and has tabs to pull if you are in an accident for the paramedics, don't plan on testing those.

Pawprint2104

10-07-2010, 02:42 AM

I've worn and love(d) the Shoei. I tried the Scorpion on a whim and liked it (still using it). It, really, does come down to head shape. It seems that each Mfg. fills a niche for head shape.

I have a narrow-ish head and I can't wear Nolan's or HJC's, but Shoei's and Scorpion's seem to fit me comfortably. Neither had any interior leaks or major structural failures. The Scorpion lost a couple of vent tabs during normal wear, but that didn't really matter to me. I did notice the Scorpion does not fit well with my winter jacket. It prevents full rotation and head movement. I think it's because the nape of the helmet (at the rear, bottom portion) it's cut a little low, and on my GT with a slight forward lean, the bottom of the helmet hits the collar of my jacket and effectively prevents my from tilting my head up. The Shoei doesn't seem to effect my head movement wearing the thicker winter jacket.

My .02

Gitana

10-07-2010, 10:49 AM

I have an HJC Symax2 modular helmet. It fits me well, but it's noisy unless my earplugs are seated just right. I'd like to investigate some other options, but I'm going to have to save my pennies up. Motorcycle shows are good places to go and try on helmets. The manufacturer reps usually know how to fit helmets well and you can try on a lot of different models.

KansasKawboy

10-07-2010, 12:47 PM

We have a Cycle gear store here and also Motorcycle closeouts, so I got to try on a lot of helmets.

10-07-2010, 08:29 PM

I dont particularly like my Nolan if I am riding pillion, it is loud and with the wind gusts it feels heavy, however on my own it is a bit noisy but overall I really like it. Now my shorty helmet is perfect for warm weather it is a carbon fiber and extremly light, I forget I have it on.

theWolfTamer

10-07-2010, 08:35 PM

Went to cycle gear today. I don't have an Arai head. The Shoei was comfortable but there was something going on around the ears that was annoying after five minutes. The Scorpion was very comfortable too, both the 700 and 1000, up to 15 minutes. Probably more but I wanted to try the other brand they had. I spent a half an hour in the store brand Seven Zero Seven. It was very comfortable until it starting getting warm. But only after half an hour!!!

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/StreetHelmets/707_helmets_vendetta_stryke_blk_MD.jpg

I think I've found a winner! I'll probably get the blue one.

Luna Tique

10-08-2010, 08:13 AM

I had never heard of Seven Zero Seven helmets before. so I did a little online research.
There are people that love this helmet
They are meant for a "Round" head That is me :D:

On the down side so far I found most owners are saying
They fog up really easily. Sounds like a job for FOGTECH (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4306) at Motosolutions

I am interested in your opinion after you have ridden a few miles with it.:thumbup:

Gitana

10-08-2010, 12:05 PM

I swear by the Fog City shields. Nothing else has worked for me that is wipe-on or spray-on. They're about $18 at MotorcycleSuperstore.com.

kawichick

10-11-2010, 11:28 AM

I have an Oneal Element that is just my temporary until I can get a new one. The boyfriend is pushing me towards Scorpion, and I must say I love it. I've worn it a few times and it's like a cloud for your face :D:

c5babe

10-12-2010, 10:25 PM

I have a Shoei which I have worn for the last 2 years. It can get loud, but since I used to work around VERY LOUD aircraft engines, that really doesn't matter. I think it may be a little too small, though, because after a few hours I get a hot spot on my forehead which gets uncomfortable. The thing I like the best about it is that I can take all the padding out to wash it when it gets funky. I had a neck injury requiring surgery a couple of years ago, and the Shoei is very lightweight compared to other helmets I tried.

theWolfTamer

12-03-2010, 02:01 PM

When I started this back in October, I was having a fit. I guess the disappointment was too much for me. :shrug: Anyway, after spending a few days going to local shops and re-discovering the limited selection (every shop carries the same stuff!), I began to troll the internets again. This time, a little more educated. I limited myself to the helmets listed on the wBW as helmets shaped similar to the last helmet I loved so much and picked out a couple to go with the SevenZeroSeven one I fell in love with at cycle gear.

Well, yesterday when I finally got on the internet, I discover an email from CompACC.com informing me they have blowout prices, with helmets as low as 76% off of srp.

As usual, I checked them out. But when I saw this:
http://www.compacc.com/p/Xpeed-XF706-Phoenix-Graphic-Helmet-Closeout

I got the "you need to buy that now!!!" itch. A few internet searches later revealed the SevenZeroSeven helmet is on sale at Cyclegear for $111 and a coupon code for CompACC (10retm) that gave me an extra 10% off. So for under $111 delivered I will be getting this helmet AND a smoke shield.

http://www.compacc.com/images/product/400/20321_2.jpg

The thing has great reviews and was the wBW Helmet of the year in 2008.

I resisted the temptation to save shipping charges by NOT loading my cart with an extra stuff to get to the free shipping limit. :wootrock:

I was going to wait to post this until after I got the helmet, but since it took 10 months before I knew I didn't like the last one I realized there was no need to wait. :cool:

Astir

12-03-2010, 07:58 PM

that is a sweet looking helmet - and way to go waiting for clearance! The best way to buy a helmet.

theWolfTamer

12-03-2010, 09:58 PM

I get it on Monday. That seems like so far away now. Waiting's the one thing I hate about buying stuff online.

Astir

12-04-2010, 12:50 AM

:lol: I do too. Drives Mark crazy - I ask 20 times a day - is it here yet? Did you check?

Jeez - he says - you ordered it 40 minutes ago!
:rofl:

theWolfTamer

12-04-2010, 02:39 AM

We need the transporter from Star Trek. Energize!

http://www.spacedaily.com/images/star-trek-transporter-bg.jpg

Luna Tique

12-04-2010, 05:01 AM

:lol:

KansasKawboy

12-04-2010, 11:32 AM

:lol: I do too. Drives Mark crazy - I ask 20 times a day - is it here yet? Did you check?

Jeez - he says - you ordered it 40 minutes ago!
:rofl:
Years ago, back before the interweb a coworker would joke that he would call Bass Pro Shop with an order and hang up the phone and the order would be at the door. They were very fast. I don't know about now, I just drive to the local store.

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 03:49 AM

So, it's Monday right now...but when I took the dawg out for her final time, there was nothing on the front porch! Oh well, I've made it this long..what's a few more hours?

Luna Tique

12-06-2010, 05:37 AM

:lol:

:popcorn1:

Veda

12-06-2010, 07:24 AM

I learned the hard way (for my wallet) about buying the right helmet for my headshape. I have an oval head and the only helmet I have found that fits is the expensive Arai Profile. However in my stubbornness not to spend so much on a helmet I spent just as much trying multiple less expensive brands that did not fit.

The worst part is that the helmets always felt good when I tried them on at the store. It wasn't until about the 30 minute mark I would get the telltale pressure on my forehead.

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 11:51 AM

I'm actually less worried about this one fitting than the other. I checked the helmet comparison to make sure it was the same shape as the last one I had that fit really well. Then I found out it's made by the same manufacturer that made the Icon but selling under a different label so that's probably why.

I just checked the tracking info and now I know where it went to so I know about when I can get it. Unfortunately that won't be until later this afternoon.

Astir

12-06-2010, 12:13 PM

Is it there yet? :D:

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 01:42 PM

JUST ARRIVED 15 MINS AGO! I have it on now. The liner feels just like the Seven Zero Seven. TheMomma says she doesn't know if she could wear a full face helmet. Mind you, the last time she was on a motorcycle, I was three. Daddy took her cross town to visit family and that family member had to drive her home!

We're having unseasonably cold temps right now and it's windy. I wonder if that'll stop me from taking a test ride?

Any way, I have it sitting next to the Icon (which was replaced by the HJC) that is falling apart. They have the same shield mechanism which means I have at least 3 extra shields and replacement parts should one of the pieces break. Gotta put my helmet speakers in it and I'll be ret ta go!

Astir

12-06-2010, 01:51 PM

:yahoo:

How does it feel?

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 02:42 PM

It feels great...except the gear plate broke when i was putting on the smoke shield. :rolleyes: I've got to send the damned thing back!!!!!!!!!! :slaphead:

I checked my old icons and the gear plates are not the exact same so I can't just switch the broken one for the not broken one. Gorilla glue didn't work either. Compacc is sending a replacement and a shipping label (via email) so I can send the broken one back free. I also emailed Xpeed about the issue.

I would say I'm bummed but since I no longer ride everyday this is just a minor inconvenience. At least I didn't put my safety stickers on it yet! Xpeed is very smart too, their logos are painted on so no removing them like I did with the HJC and could have with the Icons.

On the plus side, the helmet is very light and not nearly as fugly as I was afraid it'd be. This'll be my first non solid helmet. TheMomma said it was pretty so that's another plus.

I'm still going to take a short test ride with it before I send it back though.

Astir

12-06-2010, 02:49 PM

:ohsnap: Serious bummer!

Yes - get that test ride in, we want to hear about it. I don't think I can wait for your replacement to arrive. ;):

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 04:56 PM

Just got back from the test ride. It was a balmy 38.7 degrees and a mite windy (the weather lady called it "blustery"). Helmet was wonderful. Wider field of view than the HJC and so much lighter that I barely noticed I had it on. Fit did not change when I added my camo balaclava. It is also much quieter than the HJC. The only thing that would make me happier is if the gear plate hadn't broke. Also, with the clear shield my eyeglasses still transition, unlike with the HJC shield. That's a bonus but I still missed the smoke shield. With the smoke shield, I couldn't see where to put the right pressure so it would stay on like I can with the clear.

BTW, I took the "risk" of riding with the broken tab because I've had the same system before and rode with a broken tab for years before I discovered it could be replaced. If I wasn't so familiar with the shield mounting system, I would have waited for the replacement.

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 05:49 PM

Front
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/TP1hWhXXKNI/AAAAAAAAF3c/GRLaygc45Y4/s640/GEDC0024.JPG

Left
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/TP1hWwQUJ7I/AAAAAAAAF3k/lYDKTJM66rw/s640/GEDC0025.JPG

Rear
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/TP1hXDMJ7FI/AAAAAAAAF3s/HfBjyvygRO0/s640/GEDC0026.JPG

Top1
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/TP1hYcIOTzI/AAAAAAAAF4A/MhnmAN0BdE0/s640/GEDC0028.JPG

Top2
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hQkCzFKrtas/TP1hYg1gWjI/AAAAAAAAF4I/QugGQ7qRGqo/s640/GEDC0029.JPG

Astir

12-06-2010, 06:36 PM

Ohhhh it is sparkley!

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/m-p/nimh-09.jpg

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 06:46 PM

I don't believe this but...
the replacement will be here tomorrow!:yahoo:

I won't even have the broken one to the UPS store. I wonder if they send the label before the replacement arrives, can I just give it to the UPS person when they get here?

theWolfTamer

12-06-2010, 06:49 PM

Ohhhh it is sparkley!

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/m-p/nimh-09.jpg

and textured. I've never seen anything like it before. It's not smooth like the others so I guess I really need to work on my aerodynamic tuck now! :riding:

Luna Tique

12-07-2010, 07:05 AM

It looks like it has a nice big rear vent.
It is always a plus to have a wider peripheral vision. My new modular flip up HCL helmet has a much wider view than my old HCL -15.
I hope it works out for you. :thumbup:

theWolfTamer

12-07-2010, 06:03 PM

Since I got the replacement today, I feel better about handling it. All of the vents have full and half open positions. On the front where the wire is has a control to open or close those as well.

Pulled the liner back and saw four vent holes in the top of the head, their outs are where the metal mesh shows in pics. The HJC has vents in the same place and appear to be about the same size.

The longer it's out of the box, the more the graphics grow on me. I wonder if the texture means the bugs will bounce off instead of stick? :lol:

Now if the Arctic air would blow outta here, I can do a real "test" ride.

Astir

12-07-2010, 06:21 PM

I can't believe how fast your replacement arrived - what a wonderful vendor!

theWolfTamer

12-07-2010, 06:27 PM

They shipped the replacement fast because I called them rather than going through the website. It took a little longer to get the label to send the broken one back for the credit but another phone call fixed that easily.

I like dealing with Competition Accessories and will likely make the 400 mile ride to their brick and mortar store one of these days. They usually have good deals and customer service is fantastic.

I forgot to ask, anybody know how to clean the helmet liner? I took the one out of the hjc and it's a little rank!

Anybody try this method?
http://sportbikeguy.com/garage/floor/lid-inside-clean.html