Helmet review
 

The sun visor combo on the helmet in the picture below seems like a great idea, though I have had troubles finding any reviews of it.

Can any of you provide any information about this helmet? First hand experience? Links to reviews? Hear say? General comments, thoughts, or opinions?

Suggestions for other similar helmets, with or without an integrated sun visor would be appreciate, as would links to reviews of similar helmets, pictures, etc.

http://www.skutery.net/opisy/akcesoria60.jpg

http://www.skutery-tuning.pl//opisy/...airoh_sv55.jpg

[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 25 January 2006).]

[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 25 January 2006).]

There is a long discussion about the Schuberth Concept which you may want to read. Unfortunately, it is entitled "Schuberth is junk" or something similar. I have one and recommend it.

I recently did a review on the shuberth J1 open face on this site which you may find interesting I still rate it better than my schuberth s1 which is also a good helmet. I see you live in Norway where the flip sun visor comes into its own with all the tunnels you have in the south so I can see why you would want one.

Caberg also do a flip-up lid with a sunvisor incorporated(think it's called the Justisimo).My mate has one and seems happy with it,although when i tried one on i found the chinpiece was too tight on my chin when closed,but then i've got a wierd shaped head!

------------------
Just going for a short ride on my bike....

beddhist - where did you find that discussion, I'd love to read it.

adventure950 - there is another good reason why a sun visor is useful in Norway. In spring,fall and winther the sun is really low in the sky/horizon, blinding you when you turn/ride into the sun.

Great comments by the way folks, keep them coming.

Oh yeah, at what speed does usually noise become an issue? I've never really been bothered much by noise. I guess it is because I have either allways been spoiled by good helmerts, or exactly the oposite, always had crappy helmets and no opportunities to ever experience the difference.

Search function "Schuberth junk" give this thread and http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000213.html

Yes, I find the Concept noisy. It's its biggest drawback in my opinion.

The other thing is that the sun visor is simply tinted plastic (I think). It doesn't filter UV. In Norway this may not be an issue, I don't know. It doesn't help my migraines...

There is a successor model, I think it's called C2, which is supposed to be quieter.

I used to have the old BMW flip-up helmets. I now can't wear the new models, because they don't fit my head. This, of course, is the all overriding consideration.

I had the Schuberth Concept C1 flip up helmet. Did not like it: After two months the rubber sealings came off. It leaked in rain, even before the sealings came off. The flip up part's hinges came loose. The sun screen got stuck in too many occasions. In December, my C1 helmet was lost in a fire. Will definitely not have another. Think I'll go for either the Caberg Justissimo or the Airoh helmet pictured above. All flip up helmets are noisy, but that doesn't matter because I always wear earplugs. I think the polycabonate Caberg and Airoh are lighter as well. In addition, I'd like to have the Arai TourX II-helmet, which I think will suit my new KTM Adv 990 well. :-)

My two øre...

Hi!
I've had the Caberg one for nearly 2 years and I'm fairly happy with it. I like the fact I can open the face to put the helmet on and off. Also I do not need to remove the helmet to pay for petrol for example, I just open the flip over bit. Then the inside sun screen is good as well especially when you have sun in your eyes. Overall I am happy with it!

The Caberg is probably one of the cheaper helemets with both the flip front and sun visor. I have certainly found it noiser than a standard full face helmet (ear plugs remedy this problem) otherwise I am very pleased with the product.

Stopped wearing a Caberg Justimo a couple of years ago, I found it very noisy, and the padding too soft so the helmet became loose after a few months (or my head shrunk!!)
Friend just bought one and can't believe how noisy it is...
Been wearing an Aria Tour-X since, and just stick sunglasses on when the sun is low, or tilt my head down so the peak shades the sun.
Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Holland (edited 26 January 2006).]

I just found this on a Norwegian website of some guy who found the Schubert open faced helmet a bit noisy and decided to test the noiselevels by measuring decibels at the ear, using a tiny mic on the inside of the helmet (my translation). He also tested a Nolan Cross helemt for comparison:

EDIT: The following is supposed to be presented in three collumns, but I couldn't get it to work... use your immagination:

>Km/h Nolan Schuberth
>0 73 71
>60 85 82
>80 99 96
>100 103 99
>120 109 105


The measurement at 0 km/h is with the engine running at idle speed.


Suggested noise levels at which hearing protection should be used:

Below 80 db none needed

85 -90 dB max 12 hours using ear protection

90 - 95 dB max 6 hours using ear protection

95 -100 dB max 6 hours using ear protection AND earplugs

100-105 dB max 2 hours using ear protection AND earplugs

100-105 dB max 1/2 hour using ear protection AND earplugs


In other words, use ear plugs!

Whether his measuremens were correct, or how they compare to other helmets, I don't know.

I read the discussion on the Schuberth... I wasn't exactly overwhelmed by enthusiasm, but would still concider it. Anybody know anything about the Airoh in the picture? I've googled but have found no reviews on it.

[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 26 January 2006).]

[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 26 January 2006).]

I think the Schuberth is designed so that it is legal to use with the chin part raised, - same as the BMW helmets (which Schuberth make don't they...?)

Hi,
I am using Caberg V2 the one which has tinted inner visor but not flip face. I am quite happy with the tinted visor very useful. It will help me a lot on my Middle East travel. It is a bit noisy because of well ventilation system. I prefer noise and a bit having a fresh air in the Middle East and using ear plug. Wearing a sun glases is a pain for me. They hurts my ears and temples. Removeable inner liner is good for washing.. So, as a conclution, I may say it worth for £80.

http://www.north-harbour.co.uk/images/caberghelmet.jpg

------------------
ride safely
ozhan u.
'97 F650
www.ozhanu.com/gezi

[This message has been edited by ozhanu (edited 31 January 2006).]

I own a Airoh helmet like the one on the picture on top.

What I like:
I wear glasses and for me the sun visor is very practical because now I don't need click-on sunglasses. A helmet of this type is also very practical to put on and off when wearing glasses.

What I don't like:
The noise level is higher then with "standard" helmets so since I have this helmet, I wear ear protection while riding on the freeway.
The chin strap is very short.

Remarks:
Whit this particulair helmet, I check the screws that hold the chin part regulary because the come loose after a lot of use. No problem but good to know.
A few months after I bought it, the system to put the sunvisor up and down was very hard to use but it was repaired under warranty. I did have to wait two weeks to get my helmet back but now it works fine.

jkrijt,

great, this is the kind of info I am looking for.

How do you feel the Airoh compares in quality to similar helmets of other brands?

How about noiselevels compared to similar helmets of other brands?

Comfort?

Price?

Is it worth its money? Are you happy with it?

Would you reccomend the helmet?

If you could turn the clock back, which helmet would you have chosen?

What will your next helmet be?

What is your "dream helmet"?

I don't seem to have a picture at the top but do know what sun screen you are talking about. My thoughts are that it's just another thing that can jamb or break.

The best solution I have found so far is the Shoei Pinlock system where you have a insert which is fixed to your visor with two pins. They now come as a kit (including drill bit) which you can fit to any visor. The insert comes in various tint shades hence I use the clear insert for winter and the darkest for summer. It's also the only system that effectively keeps my visors from misting up in all conditions.

So my next helmet with be the soon to be release HJC CL-XS motorcross helmet with visor (same as Tour X) and fitting the shoei insert to the visor.

Wheelie,

You asked;
> How do you feel the Airoh compares in quality to similar helmets of other brands?
I don't know much about other similar helmets. This one fitted me right and I think it offers value for money.

> How about noiselevels compared to similar helmets of other brands?
Don't know. I have been told that all helmets of this type make more noise then conventional full face helmets.

> Comfort?
Except for the short chin strap it is fine.
In winter the ventilation could be better.
When I bought it, it had an extra visor on the inside of the main visor so it was some kind of double glazing. That worked well as long as it lasted but with a trip in heavy rain, the inner visor came loose. May be bad glue. Maybe I'll put it in place someday but most of the time I ride with my helmet visor just a little bit open.

> Price?
I payed 249 Euro for it in the Netherlands.

> Is it worth its money? Are you happy with it?
I think it is worth the money but next time I would try some more other brands first (and maybe buy this one anyway)

> Would you reccomend the helmet?
Maybe but a helmet is very personal.

> If you could turn the clock back, which helmet would you have chosen?
I would have tried more other helmets, including a BMW system helmet but I don't know if the BMW helmets have a sun visor and I like that very much!!

> What will your next helmet be?
I really don't know

> What is your "dream helmet"?
One that fits like a glove, always has a clear view and perfect ventilation in winter and summer, and it would be nice if it looked good too. :-)
I'm not sure if it is for sale right now.

Thanks for the info.

Sun visor coming off, screws coming loose, short chin strap, double glare and not adequate ventilation in winther...

Is this normal for these types of helmets, I hope not...

But it seemed like it wasn't too expensive. I will seriously concider this helmet though... and try others as well.

Again, thanks

I went to a motorcycle expo this weekend where I among other things tried on a few helmets.

The airoh above was a HUGE disapointment. It has a chin strap locking mechanism which in my opinion rendered the helmet completely out of the question. Although the latch is the most convenient I have seen, its large plastic pieces bore into my throat. Even when loos it hurt swallowing or looking down. Three different people tried the helmet on and experienced the same thing. Caberg also had these latches for a while but dropped them... now I know why. Further, the Airoh just doens,t look as well built, especially around the face shield mountings. Lastly, the sun shade in the picture comes black as standard in the plastic model (no idea with the fiberglass model).

Schuberth (those that produce helmets for BMW) had a comparable helmet with a sun visor. This helmet was really light and comfortable. I don't like to admit it, I decided not to buy it even at a 40% discount. The reason was not performance, but its looks. It looked big, and the sun shield looked skimpy and primitive. In fact, I thought the whole helmet looked "primitive" and old. I also thought it looked like something I had seen in movies from the 70s trying to depict future space walks... In terms of performance, the only thing I really didn't like was the latch for the flip front. I found it rather cumbersome and poorly located.

http://images.google.com/url?q=http:.../concept_w.jpg

The helmet I fell in love with was Caberg's system helmet Justissimo which in adition to having a sun visor and flip front, also can be converted into a "Jet" type helmet (by removing the chin bar and swithing the face shield). The helmet was ultra comfortable, looked well built, sophisticated, moderm....
http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/1067.jpg

I didn't get the chance to test them for noise...


[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 11 March 2006).]

BTW: Are you considering this kind of helmet for winter use? I wouldn't, unless you make some sort of heat threads in the visor. The mist from you breath tends to freeze on the visor on low temperatures, as you are aware of. It is possible however to mount a double visor to make this to a lesser problem. It won't make all the problems disappear though. I bought myself a snowmobile full face helmet made for winter use. Very useable even down to -25 centigrades without mist problems on the visor. (Haven't tried even colder yet.)

The latest Schuberth model (C2) is a totally revised C1. It seems as if exept for the shell and the sun visor, there's nothing the same. The noise level is much lower than of the C1, the visor doesn't vibrate anymore. My old BMW system 3 helmet was quieter than the C1, but driving with the new Schubert I don't use earplugs anymore. I've done about 4000 km's with it and wouldn't miss it anymore.

The helmet I tried was probably the C1 as it was knocked off 40%. They also mentioned that they had a newer and improved model. Still, though, the C1 (if that was the one I tried), seemed like an awesome helmet. If what you say is true, I can't immagine how good it must be. But, I really liked the ingeniousness and looks of the Caberg more. Either way, any of these helmets, including the Airoh (if the helmet fits your head without choking you), makes for a good helmet. I do believe that the Airoh is a little bit more about looks than quality. The plastic one is cheap and worth the cash if it fits you comfortably (though I doubt it will). When it comes to their fibre glass model I feel it is over priced.

As for riding in the winter... only if I have to. I rode only a few kilometers the other day on probably the coldest day all winther (in an open faced helmet)... brrrrrr.

I'm not really sure if your main interest is the flip front feature or the sun visor. We've now been using sun visors on different style helmets for the last 3 years and I think they are absolutely brilliant. Just to be able to flick down the sun visor when you turn into the sun or flick it out the way if you move into the shade or into a tunnel is worth a lot. We've tried the Caberg open face, Nolan open face, Nolan flip front and Caberg full face. All with flip sun visors either outside or inside the main visor.
For me the main attraction initially is that because I had to wear glasses to ride, using sun glasses wasn't an option. Now I'm wearing contact lenses I may feel sun glasses are OK this summer, but the convenience of being able to flick a sun screen into your vision on demand is definitely a worthwhile safety aspect.
All the above helmets we've found comfortable although I think we both prefer the open face options. There's no doubt the full face provides the best protection from wind noise, bad weather and presumably accident damage. But I find the open face gives better all round vision, is lighter, more comfortable and not as claustrophobic.
Vanessa is using a Nolan flip front during the winter and finds it heavier than she would like. I'm using a Caberg full face and I wish I'd paid the extra for the flip front, but I guess that's because I've always been used to open face helmets.

Just thought i would mention there is an Airoh Tyger going on uk ebay atm for £35 with 18hrs left.. I have one of these and i love it. It looks the mutts nuts, fits god, is perhaps a little noisy but nothing too severe.

These retail in Uk at about £100, i got mine off of ebay for £65 brand new and can recommend them.

Wheelie - dont know if you read my write up on the schuberth J1 open face - search under Schuberth on this site. still using it all the time it is superb if a litle bit to noisy but fine with earplugs. I find it far far better than my schuberth S1. I also used a caberg for a while and found the fit to be poor after a while, the helmet was very noisy and rattly and heavy as well I could not recommend it and certainly not for long trips where its on your head along time. - mind you someone else may find it superb what suits one may not suit another eh!.

A bit further up in this thread I really flamed my old Schuberth Concept C1, and said I'd never ever have another one of these pieces of junk. Guess what: Yesterday I bought the Schuberth Concept C2... I tried on the Caberg Justissimo, but somehow it wouldn't fit. The Schuberth, on the other hand, felt like it was made for me...

One more thing about the Caberg, which I've found to be a significant attribute for me (but not for most). The flip front mechanism of the Caberg Justissimo makes for an easy peacy job of mounting a helmet cam which is not affected by the flip front mechanism (on this helmet, on either side of the helmet). With most other helmets I have looked at, the flip front mechanism would be a problem as the flip front either would be obstructed by the camera, or that the camera would flip up together with the chin bar and/or visor.

One negative issue though, I found that the recessment in the styrofoam where headset speakers are to go, were not ideally placed (unless your ears are really far back on your head). I guess the chin padding and the chin strap makes any other location impossible.

I have never tried to mount a communication device on any other helmet, yet alone a flip front, so I have no idea how other similar helmets compare along this attribute. The speakers do work ok, but it is not an ideal location. I would certainly compare these attributes among helmets if you were to gadgetise one.

As for the noise levels, I am quite satisfied, but then again it is about five years ago since I last owned anything but an open faced helmet, which was a full faced without the flip front. This is my first flip front, so I can't really speak about noise comparisons amongst other flip fronts... But one thing is certain, I will never own a regular full faced helmet again, flip fronts rule.

IWhen it comes to noise levels, this could very easily be remedied I'm sure. When I first attempted to fit the speakers, I test fitted them on the outside of the chin padding, right on my ears (to locate optimal location). Although pretty uncomfortable, when turned off, it blocked out just about all sounds completely, and I could barely hear anything at all, barely even my noisy one cylindered two stroke... it was frightening how silent it was as it was like loosing one of my senses completely. Riding like this would be an incredible hazard.

I guess, with some easy modifications, using a bit of welcro and something to block out the sound, you could make this helmet really silent, as silent as you would ever want a helmet to be. I think the main culprit on this helmet is the area where the chin strap passes through the padding, which is right on your ear. It has a recess where extrra padding or other could be easily fitted. I bet you could even do this comfortably if you put your mind to it. Personally, I'm not bothered at all with the helmet as it is, and so far, I can highly reccomend it. You will just have to wait for my verdict after a few thousand kilometers, but it looks promising.

I have some experience with both, the Schubert C2 and the Caberg Justissimo as well as a Caberg with flip front but no sun visor. Here's what I think of these three:

Schuberg C2:
Definitely the most quiet one of the three however I never felt disturbed or never got a headache with the Caberg helmets (and I only recently started using earplugs). It's quite nice though to be able to hear oneself talk during a loooong day on the bike (ok I admit it, I'm singing when I get bored...). What I definitely didn't like was the sun visor - it's too small. What may be good on a street bike where you lean forward when sitting on the bike anyway is just awful on my Ténéré where I'm sitting upright. Would the visor be but one inch longer it'd be perfect, but with it being as short as it is it ends exactly in the middle of my field of vision, meaning that there's a very disturbing line right where I definitely don't want it to be. What I also didn't like was the latch for the flip front as it was both too small and placed on the side of the helmet - I always needed several attempts and both hands.

Caberg Justissimo:
Definitely noisier than the C2 (I don't have any experience with the C1 therefore no comparison there), longer sun visor which made it acceptable. However I decided not to purchase it since I prefer sunglasses anyway. The latch for the flip front is placed right in the middle and I definitely preferred that system to the Schubert C2.


Caberg Just One Easy (flip front, no sun visor):
http://www.bestemors.org/mc/adm/bild...-one-easy2.jpg

I ended up purchasing this one not only because I got a great deal on it (50% off on IMOT in Munich) but also because it seemed to fit perfectly. Both the Justissimo and the Schubert were either too large or too small which was weird, considering the fact that the Justissimo is just an Easy with added sun visor.
The Easy is definitely the noisiest one but still I was fine with it.

I don't use it anymore though since I also purchased a Nexo cross helmet.
http://moto-akcesoria.pl/images/nexo_xcrossc_s.jpg
Back when I purchased the Caberg I still had an XJ600 and XL185, hence two helmets - now it's an XL185 and XT600Z and prefer the Nexo to the Caberg (of course not only in terms of looking cool... *cough*). My girlfriend is using my Caberg now and is quite comfortable with it as well but she definitely needs earplugs.

I used the Autocom system in a Schuberth C1 and then later and Arai FV.
If you use the boom mic it works fine in flip-front and fullface helmets.

I currently have a Schuberth S1 for road use. Love it... integral sunvisor as well.
Did not like the "seatbelt" chinstrap so got with the optoinal Double D ring strap.
Its also very quiet and with excelent ventilation from about 40kph.

John

Not sure if this link has been posted before, but it gives a good comparison between a few of the major brands.
(Arrow, HJC, Lazer, Nolan, Schuberth, Shoei and Zeus)

I am looking at getting 2 helmets (flip face soon)

Good thread :D

Jusstisimo. Brilliant. for spec wearers very useful, sun visor great, little hot, but otherwise BRILLIANT for money

What about Roof helmets?
 

Anyone have an opinion on these? There are quite a few couriers getting about London in these, the main advantage being a more spherical design which allows the chin bar to be rotated to the back of the helmet, much more compact.

http://www.designerhelmets.com/prodl...prod=R05+Boxer

Seems like a great idea to me, i don't like the bulk of the others when the face is opened. Although i have heard concerns about the buckles used to secure the chin bar on the Roof.
Comments?
Sean

Nolan
 

I'm owner of second Nolan helmet, also my better half has them.

The first one was N100E that served me over 80,000kms. Replaced the visor only once (wored out) and upper visor seal got worn around 60Ks. They made through a crash.

So now we have Nolan N102E helmets. Compared to 2 generations older model: it's lighter, alot less noisier, better venting, better opening mechanism and maybe just a little bit more comfortible.

I really like the VPS sun visor system, no need for sunglasses and it's easy to clean it too since it's outside the helmet.

BUT, what i don't like is the upper visor seal already leaks few drops of water in the more intense rain, after few thousand kilometres since new! Don't know if i have one unlucky version or it's a design flaw. Anyways, have to read the warranty stuff through if it covers the seal, if yes certanly sending it back to the Nolan for the repair. Better half's N102E works fine so far tho.

Hi Margus , I have used a Nolan 100 for a few years now and have found it very good except for the chin area which is just a little cramped for me .As the helmet is showing it's age ,I might get a new one .
I like the look of the 102e because of the sun visor .
Does the 102 have more room in the chin area ?

Yes it does have more room. I haven't got a problem previous one, but i heard others did have similar problem and they really like the 102E more because of that.

PS: if you do buy the 102, throw away the pin-lock (altough it's not their trademark, but the technology is exacly the same) fog visor on the first day you buy the helmet if planning to do some bit of offroad or you ride in even a bit dusty conditions. The dust and sand goes between the visor and fog layer and start to scrach each other, tightening the pins doesn't help, the visor deforms on opening/closing and wind turbulence anyway and they scrach each other! Thus, buy the Fog City or some other anti fog insert that glues into the visor, that leaves the gap between visor and antifog insert, much better design and your visor's clear visibility will last at least 3X longer than with the stock "pin-lock" system.

I have a Schuberth Concept C2 and really enjoy it as well. High build quality. I found it to be pretty quiet for a flip-up lid. I still sport ear plugs from time to time though... depending on which bike I'm on and the type of ride. Great sun visor feature. I recommend people trying it on before first. I had to size up to a large from a medium to get a comfortable fit. Multiple, reputable sources in Germany indicated it is the best flip-up.

Here are my comments on the helmet from another link.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...hich-one-24883
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ch-one-24883-2

I found this write-up on the helmet to be pretty fair.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...huberth-c2.htm

And their link for more helmet-related reviews.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm


~Drew

Not all flip-up helmets are noisy, but I certainly would not recommend Airoh from my own experience.
I bought an Airoh helmet last year: I forget the exact model name, but it has a flip-up chin guard and no separate anti-sun visor. It is by far the noisiest helmet i have ever worn: I kept looking around to see where the low-flying aircraft were for the first few miles, before realising the roar was just the wind blast through the helmet (even at 30mph!), so i rarely wear it now. I bought a BMW System 5 helmet (again, flip-up with no sun visor) shortly afterwards, as i could not stand the noise of the Airoh one. That is much quiter and more comfortable: my only complaints are that some of the vents are fiddly to operate whilst wearing gloves, and there is no sun visor - so i am looking at buying either a Caberg Justissimo or a Schuberth C2.

Helmet
 

There is a flip helmet called "LEM", it looks exactly as the HJC carbon fibre helmet, but less expensive, it's still made of fibre and price is 170€, should be light and safe, seems like a good helmet.

Matt

Havnt read all the posts but iv tried quite a few helmets and find the Arai tour Cross is probably the best helmet Iv ever owned for all the right reasons...

Visor which is removable, able to use with goggles (I have dark visor and clear goggles or vice versa.

Very light, very quiet and has a good hardy paint finish.

I am still debating weather I should buy Shoei Multitech or a full face (X-11 or Arai RX7 Corsair).
Which is safer on impact and less noisy. Is the flip-up at a disadvantage in this situation ?
Bike: F650GS

Arai tour-X
 

I now have a Arai tour-x and I am very happy with it so far, but time (and miles) will only tell if it lasts.

It is a lot cooler then the Schubert C1 and even in a tropical rainstorm it does not leak trough the visor (my main complaint of the C1).

Yes, I mis the sun-visor, but I now have a dark visor and just in case if it gets dark, yellow sunglasses. Since I principally do not ride after dark (unless I am at home, which is almost never) I have no problem with it. Considering the amount of 'tunnel-miles' I make ;)

Maarten:mchappy:

I have a HJC-AC12 full face and ride an unfaired DR650. It was one of the few helmets under $400 that didn't dig into my forehead. It's extremely comfortable, and well vented. Also ridiculously loud. Even wearing earplugs, I'm getting ringing in my ears. When I look at the neck collar on this helmet I can see what the problem is. The padding is designed in a way that ends up scooping the air and funneling it directly into the ear pocket.

Flip front helmets are best at mealtimes :
YouTube - Eating McDonald's food....the true biker way.