Any new helmet purchases this year?

[jag69]

Just wondering who has a new helmet and would like to share a review.  It is hot here in Southern Arizona (108 degrees F) ouch.  My Icon Alliance is not cutting it anymore (ventilation is not good and the interior pads are not removable to wash ).

Thanks

[cheesy]

Just wondering who has a new helmet and would like to share a review.  It is hot here in Southern Arizona (108 degrees F) ouch.  My Icon Alliance is not cutting it anymore (ventilation is not good and the interior pads are not removable to wash ).

Thanks

I have an AC-11 made by HJC.  It is MUCH better than my CL-14 also by HJC.  The cl-14 is heavy and the pads aren't washable.  It's for a passenger I may take with me.

The AC-11 is comfy, fairly quiet, and got good protection ratings from people who have wrecked with them.  My only problem is that changing the mirrored faceshield is difficult.

[mnparadise]

Check out this link to another thread. If you follow the links you will find some sites with reviews and rider comments on helmets.

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17701&highlight=helmet

I have a MAX modular which is fine, but when I replace it I will be sure to get one with a fully removable liner.

[roma258]

Bought a Scorpion Exo-400 helmet about a month ago. Haven't heat tested it yet, but the ventilation seems to be good, it fits great and has a removable\washable liner, looks pretty damn good. It's loud on the highway so I might invest in earplugs. Cost- $140...highly recommended.

[PAC]

I'll put another vote in for the AC-11.  I recently purchased mine from NewEnough.com and it's a great helmet.  Got mine on clearance for $130.  DOT and Snell approved, removable washable liner.  Way, way better than my old $70 Cirrus V2 helmet.  It fits me well, is much quieter than my old hemlet, and it seems more aerodynamic, as the winds do not buffet the helmet as much.

It has several adjustable vents that do different things.  The ones on the top open to pull air through the top of the helmet, and the hot air is sucked out the back from the vents.  The vents on the lower sides open in two different ways each and adjust the air flow around your cheeks and face.  The front vent directly affects air blowing around your nose.

I'm quite happy with it, and the removable shields are great.  It takes practice to get used to how to connect and disconnect the shields, but once you do it's not too bad.

[Roadstergal]

Fit is the most important thing in a helmet, and it will vary from person to person.  A well-ventilated helmet does you no good if it doesn't fit your head right...

[john]

I don't know of any helmet that would really help.  At those temps any helmet is going to bake your brain.

All I can offer for advive is to look at helmets and look for the biggest vents at the front/top of the helmet.  My AC10 has some tiny ones and offers a tiny bit of air at speed.  Some have much larger ones that would probably do more.

Arizona summer is hybernation season.  Tough to ride during June-Aug except early morn and late eve.  But the trade off is fantastic riding weather October through May.

[Jazzzzz]

I'd like my AC-11 a lot more if it fit my head Wore it around the dealer for 45 minutes before I ordered one from NewEnough, but it wasn't long enough.  I develop a pressure point at the top of my forehead after an hour or so of wear that leads to a screaming headache by three hours of wear.  That complaint is only valid for me, since fit is individual.

Decent ventilation, quiet.  Wish the visors were anti-fog.  The included snap-in breath guard is kind of big/clunky, but it works.  The graphics on mine had some very small air bubbles, but I wasn't expecting much for $139 + shipping.

[jag69]

Couldn't agree with you more Roadstergal.  The fit of my Icon is great.  It just lacks the features.  I just wanted to make a list of helmets to go and try out.  

John you nailed the riding season for AZ.

[PAC]

I would say that in temps like that, make sure it's not a black helmet.  Definately buy white!!!

[J-Double]

I just got a Scorpion EXO700 it is easily the most comfortable and quiet helmet I've owned.  Plus it has a no fog visor.  If you have an HJC or know your HJC helmet size, you'll take the same size Scorpion as you do HJC.  

The venting in the helmet is excellent also.  Now, when you get a Scorpion it goes on snug at first but it quickly breaks in (it's snug but their aren't any hot spots).  I BIG plus is, no matter what Scorpion you get it has a full removable liner that is machine washable.  I will not hesitate to buy another.  

[billdapart]

I just bought an Icon Mainframe in matte black. I have to admit that I got it for the looks more than anything. But the pads are removable, and the fit is excellent..(for my wierdo shaped head) and the ventilation isn't so bad.. (not super great like the arai I use to have) all in all, well worth the money,

[ConanLloyd]

I have a HJC Ac11 and a Scorpion Exo-700.  Both are good, but the Scorpion kicks ass!!  It's lighter and more comfortable.

Here's a link to a review I did on another site: http://tinyurl.com/aeyjc

[dgyver]

I bought a AC-11 for my g/f and was impressed with its features at its price. I did have a hard time with removing the shield. I may buy another for myself as a another track helmet, hate to trash one of my $500 Shoei's

I have one black helmet, which is my track helmet, and all my others are lighter in color. The black helmet gets really hot on the street but not as bad on the track since I am not wearing it as long. I only buy light colored helmets anymore.

I definitely agree with getting a helmet that fits properly.

[davipu]

white or chrome is the best way to reflect heat, lately I have been riding in a brain bucket and goggles around town whare the wind isn't that big of a factor.   that is another option a 1/2 or 3/4 lid if you don't need the mental comfort that your probably not going to be pretty if you take a spill at speed.

[john]

The basic problem is when the temps hit about 105 and above a helmet not only holds in body heat, but the sun will heat up the helmet.  When the temps hits 112 like the other day I don't think any helmet will ventilate enough.  I noticed dizzyness, neusea and little sparklies in my vision at those temps stopping for just a stop light.  Remember much body heat is shed through the head.

Truth is it's dangerously hot so wearing proper gear can be a problem.  2 choices:  Wait till the sun goes down and ride in 100 degree hot air (which isn't really that bad), or ride without gear and get sunburned and possibly killed by the totally freakin crazy AZ drivers.

I won't ride in the heat of day.  I have, but it sucks.  Not fun at all.  The bikes will remain in storage till cooler weather arrives.

ps. the air conditioner hasn't stopped running for the last 3 hours   But it's still better than bug infested, humid, rainy east coast  

ps again: I love my HJC AC-10 - removable lining rocks  

[JetSwing]

if you take layers off (say down to a t-shirt) on a hot day, you'll get dehydrated faster. it's best to keep your skin covered. one thing you can do is wet your t-shirt and a bandana and wear them under your helmet and jacket.

[RVertigo]

I just bought a new Scorpion helmet, but the warmest it's been here is about 70...  So, I'm no help with the heat...

Wear light colors. :dunno:

[john]

Maybe ride naked while wearing SPF50  :lol:

[jag69]

I've tried riding naked butt I get a little chafed.  :lol:

I wouldn't be able to survive here in AZ without my Firstgear Mesh.  I just want to be as comfortable and safe as possible.  A washable liner would be nice as well as better ventilation.  I guess I will have to take a portable fan with me to the cycle shops and see which helmet allows more air.