I've owned two flip ups and just got a new one. My first was a Nolan, about eight years ago, and recently an HJC Element (the really cheapo one). Other HJC flips are much better.

I tried to convince myself about the ROOF while travelling in the UK and France. They were too expensive and it was obvious from looking closely that the build quality was suspect. And trying one on next to my Arai RX-7 was a joke. I did like the colors and the look. Newer ones are WAY better than the early ones. Better interior, comfort et al.

The HJC Element is an ultra cheapo ($125 US) helmet that actually was quiet and comfortable and easy to use. But one little drop (from only two feet up) totally shattered the chin bar plastic holding tabs. Junk. The whole chin bar fastening mechanism is plastic and everything in there broke on a nothing drop.

My early Nolan was OK but very very noisy. Newest generation are much much better and get rave reviews.

We just blagged a new Shoei Multi-Tec. Will report in on it. This helmet came out this year, Shoei's first new flip up in maybe ten years? If feels really good,
very well made....with STEEL hardware in the chin bar. It still would not pass
SNELL but I feel its the best flip up I've seen....and its comfortable. Have not ridden with it yet. It's $450 usd.

Patrick

__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!