Me and my wife are thinking about getting a flip up full face helmet. we like the way the nolan works with the sun shade built in but i have not been able to find a dealer in my area to try one on. we did find a Shoei multitec and like the way it fit, which one would be better with headsets. i found that J &M has the nolan with there best headsets already in them for around $530 and i found the shoei at the Helmet shop for $430-with no headsets. can the shoei be that much better, are nolan all that good? we are going up to biketoberfest and hope to find a good deal or maybe i could call j & m and have them bring down a helmet , should save a few bucks on shipping. what do you think. thanks Dave
Dent Dave
Dave, I am glad you asked this question because I have spent two days looking over a variety of flip-front and 3/4 helmets and was going to post something similar to this tonite.
I went to Cycle Gear in West Palm today to try on both Nolan and Shoei, but they only had the Shoei in XL and no Nolans. I didn't like the fit of the Shoei. I believe I read somewhere on here that a Shoei is for more oblong heads. The good part is Cycle Gear can special order anything you want and has a 7 day exchange policy with no restocking fee, so if it doesn't fit, you can always exchange for a new one.
I found a Nolan N41 at our local shop, which seemed to fit me better, but that wasn't the style I've been looking for.
I am leaning toward buying a Nolan N42 instead and using the Edsets I already have in it. I like the helmet style and it is very near to the N41 I tried on today.
One thing I did find though is the sizing charts on the Internet don't work and you have to try them on for a decent fit. Some helmets run smaller and some larger that the chart indicates and you end up with the exchange hassle. I bought a Vox modular, exchanged it for one size up and still couldn't find enough room to fit my head in it with the speakers in place without the "permanent pucker" of the cheek pads.
I went to Cycle Gear in West Palm today to try on both Nolan and Shoei, but they only had the Shoei in XL and no Nolans. I didn't like the fit of the Shoei. I believe I read somewhere on here that a Shoei is for more oblong heads. The good part is Cycle Gear can special order anything you want and has a 7 day exchange policy with no restocking fee, so if it doesn't fit, you can always exchange for a new one.
I found a Nolan N41 at our local shop, which seemed to fit me better, but that wasn't the style I've been looking for.
I am leaning toward buying a Nolan N42 instead and using the Edsets I already have in it. I like the helmet style and it is very near to the N41 I tried on today.
One thing I did find though is the sizing charts on the Internet don't work and you have to try them on for a decent fit. Some helmets run smaller and some larger that the chart indicates and you end up with the exchange hassle. I bought a Vox modular, exchanged it for one size up and still couldn't find enough room to fit my head in it with the speakers in place without the "permanent pucker" of the cheek pads.
Since helmet brands have a different fit, feel, and comfort level for each person, your best bet is to try on each helmet and determine what works best for you. We could tell you one brand and it might be perfect for us, but on you might feel horrible or not as good as something else. In other words, a size large in each helmet brand is no where near the same.
DaleC
DaleC
I just went through this helmet dilema and had my final selection between the Nolan and the Shoei.
I was comparing the same two helmets after using an HJC Symax for the last 60,000 miles. I decided to treat myself and went with the Shoei Multitec since it was more comfortable on my head shape. Installing the radio gear was a bitch since the interior of the helmet behind the liner has a thin plastic interior shell. Also the space between my chin and the helmet had less space for a boom mic. I ended up installing a mic in the chin bar, not a boom mic. I am happy with my helmet, but it was more work installing the radio gear than I expected. I also don't like the fact that the liner is not removable for washing and rinsing like my Symax. The ventilation is much better than the Symax, and the mechanism and latch is much better as well, but it also cost twice as much. I think I found mine for $370 after searching this board for suggested supplier. After shipping (no tax), I think my total was $395.
I was comparing the same two helmets after using an HJC Symax for the last 60,000 miles. I decided to treat myself and went with the Shoei Multitec since it was more comfortable on my head shape. Installing the radio gear was a bitch since the interior of the helmet behind the liner has a thin plastic interior shell. Also the space between my chin and the helmet had less space for a boom mic. I ended up installing a mic in the chin bar, not a boom mic. I am happy with my helmet, but it was more work installing the radio gear than I expected. I also don't like the fact that the liner is not removable for washing and rinsing like my Symax. The ventilation is much better than the Symax, and the mechanism and latch is much better as well, but it also cost twice as much. I think I found mine for $370 after searching this board for suggested supplier. After shipping (no tax), I think my total was $395.
hey Boat Driver, we where at cycle gear on saturday (nice store )and was told the same thing. nice guys over there, they seemed to know a good bit, where did you find the nolan, Palm beach cycles? im in delray and have checked mostly south ( south palm bch and broward), later in the week il be going to the north end of palm bch . the place you found the nolan did they have the full flip up. thanks for the info.
We found the Nolan N41 at Redline Cycles in Lake Park (US 1 south of Northlake). All they had was an XL in white. They had quite a few full-face, and halfs, but no modulars.
I haven't tried Powersports of West Palm or Yamaha yet. We are thinking about a trip to Daytona to the Helmet Shop to try on a Nolan N102 and Shoei Multitec, but I haven't made up my mind if I want to or not.
I haven't tried a Symax yet because I haven't found anyone who has one I can try on.
I haven't tried Powersports of West Palm or Yamaha yet. We are thinking about a trip to Daytona to the Helmet Shop to try on a Nolan N102 and Shoei Multitec, but I haven't made up my mind if I want to or not.
I haven't tried a Symax yet because I haven't found anyone who has one I can try on.
In case anyone's interested, I have a black, medium Shoei Multitec for sale on the classifieds for $225. Worn maybe a dozen times.
remember, frequently it's more than just a sizing difference between brands, even different models with the same manufacturer can fit very differently. I've definitely found this to be true with Shoei.DaleC said:
Dave,
I have both the N41 and N42 and the fit is similar between the two. BMW dealers seem to carry the Nolan's so you could try going to the local dealer and see if they have one to try on.
The Helmet Shop also has a good return policy if you don't like the fit of what you ordered from them.
One word of advice, install the headset yourself instead of having the Helmet Shop do it. They did a great job on the install for my 42 but the speakers were way out of position for me. I think it has something to do with where the speakers are supposed to be by law and where you really need them to hear well.
Jeff in rainy Naples, FL
I have both the N41 and N42 and the fit is similar between the two. BMW dealers seem to carry the Nolan's so you could try going to the local dealer and see if they have one to try on.
The Helmet Shop also has a good return policy if you don't like the fit of what you ordered from them.
One word of advice, install the headset yourself instead of having the Helmet Shop do it. They did a great job on the install for my 42 but the speakers were way out of position for me. I think it has something to do with where the speakers are supposed to be by law and where you really need them to hear well.
Jeff in rainy Naples, FL
Go to Biketoberfest and try on all the buckets...
Sierra Electronics will be there and will install the headsets. Or just get an Edset.
http://www.biketoberfest.org/
http://www.sierra-mc.com/
http://www.edsets.com/
http://www.fl1h.org/September%20Newsletter%202007.pdf
Sierra Electronics will be there and will install the headsets. Or just get an Edset.
http://www.biketoberfest.org/
http://www.sierra-mc.com/
http://www.edsets.com/
http://www.fl1h.org/September%20Newsletter%202007.pdf
Hey, Jeff, I'm not sure how the speaker could possibly be out of the right position since they are installed in a plastic harness with the position of the speakers fixed. It's almost totally foolproof, put the proper kit (intercome or bluetooth) into the basic kit, take out the lining of the Nolan helmet, snap in the harness while running a flat cable behind the styrofoam pads, reinstall the lining and it just works. I hear just fine, even though I have real problems hearing in both ears. You might to send a note to helmets@nolan.com (believe that's right) and ask them. You'll find them very professional and helpful.Skeeterbeater said:
I've been using a Shoei X-11 for the past year and just got a Nolan N102. The X-11 is not a flip-up, so it's not a fair comparison. But here's my impression.
The Nolan N102 is way heavier and gets hotter faster (less ventilation) than the X-11. this means it will be warmer in the winter, but I'll probably stick with the X-11 for the summer. But the Nolan is the only flip-up I can find that will fit over my chin. All the other ones hit my chin before they close.
The headsets fit very easily into the N102. There's a velcro patch you just remove and replace with your headset. It took just a couple of minutes to get it installed. On the X-11 I had to do some surgery to remove some padding to make room for the speakers.
The X-11 shield can be replaced very quickly. The Nolan shield is a pain to replace.
The wind noise is slightly lower with the Nolan but not drastically.
Even though the X-11 is lighter and (in my opinion) of higher quality, I love being able to flip up the Nolan to take a drink or talk to someone.
The Nolan N102 is way heavier and gets hotter faster (less ventilation) than the X-11. this means it will be warmer in the winter, but I'll probably stick with the X-11 for the summer. But the Nolan is the only flip-up I can find that will fit over my chin. All the other ones hit my chin before they close.
The headsets fit very easily into the N102. There's a velcro patch you just remove and replace with your headset. It took just a couple of minutes to get it installed. On the X-11 I had to do some surgery to remove some padding to make room for the speakers.
The X-11 shield can be replaced very quickly. The Nolan shield is a pain to replace.
The wind noise is slightly lower with the Nolan but not drastically.
Even though the X-11 is lighter and (in my opinion) of higher quality, I love being able to flip up the Nolan to take a drink or talk to someone.
Vox and HJC sun visors
I just bought a Vox and absolutely love the internal sun visor. I too get lots of cheek pucker, but since I am a girl it might be "cute" :lol:
I don't remember where I heard it, but in my research I read that HJC was working on an internal sun visor for their helmet, but I am not sure if it was for a full or modular...
hayseed
I just bought a Vox and absolutely love the internal sun visor. I too get lots of cheek pucker, but since I am a girl it might be "cute" :lol:
I don't remember where I heard it, but in my research I read that HJC was working on an internal sun visor for their helmet, but I am not sure if it was for a full or modular...
hayseed
I have worn a Nolan N100e with the flip down outer sunshade for the past three years. I now have the Shoei Multitech. So I believe I can make a good comparison.
The Nolan is noisy but not a whole lot more than the Shoei. The Nolan is very flimsy. When you get your hands on one grab the straps and pull it out like you are preparing to put it on your head. It flexes much more than any other one I have had.
The latch on the Nolan has to be opened with the left hand even though there is one on each side. The latch mechansim is flimsy and it sometimes give a "false latch".
The Shoei latch is very solid and easily one handable. Its center release is very easy to use. If the Nolan latches closed while off your head it can be a wrestling match to open.
The other thing about the Nolan is the liner sucks. It smells worse than any other one I have had. A short ride on a hot day and it stinks. The sweat makes it stretch and roll up making for pressure points. I ordered a new liner this spring to try to salvage the helmet but ended up buying the Shoei. I do like the sunshade on the Nolan. That is the best thing about it. I painted the shade flat black to function as a brim to completely block the evening sun. It works great and that was the reason I hung onto it so long.
My wife is still wearing the Nolan but if she gets into a wrestling match one more time I believe Santa will be bringing a new Shoei.
I wore the Shoei on a 5500 mile trip out west last month and it was an all day comfortable helmet. I believe the Shoei liner will last much longer as it appears to be better material. I wore it a couple of hot days with no smell. Now I wear a slik helmet liner and I highly recommend it. I thought it would be too hot but it surprizingly is not. It will protect the liner and is easliy washable if it does start to smell. It doesn't yet. An unexpected bonus with the slik is it helps with getting the helmet on over the ears, I no longer have to poke my hand up and unfold the ears after putting the helmet on. Also it keeps the earbuds from getting knocked loose as well as the glasses.
The Shoie shield is the easiest I have ever replaced. My eyes are very sensitive to strong sunlight so I swapped the clear sheild for a tinted mirrored one. I also added a SuperVisor. That works great too. I use the Edsets in the Shoei.
If you can't tell I recommend the Shoei. I don't know what color you ride but I might have two Yellow Nolans for sale in the spring.
The Nolan is noisy but not a whole lot more than the Shoei. The Nolan is very flimsy. When you get your hands on one grab the straps and pull it out like you are preparing to put it on your head. It flexes much more than any other one I have had.
The latch on the Nolan has to be opened with the left hand even though there is one on each side. The latch mechansim is flimsy and it sometimes give a "false latch".
The Shoei latch is very solid and easily one handable. Its center release is very easy to use. If the Nolan latches closed while off your head it can be a wrestling match to open.
The other thing about the Nolan is the liner sucks. It smells worse than any other one I have had. A short ride on a hot day and it stinks. The sweat makes it stretch and roll up making for pressure points. I ordered a new liner this spring to try to salvage the helmet but ended up buying the Shoei. I do like the sunshade on the Nolan. That is the best thing about it. I painted the shade flat black to function as a brim to completely block the evening sun. It works great and that was the reason I hung onto it so long.
My wife is still wearing the Nolan but if she gets into a wrestling match one more time I believe Santa will be bringing a new Shoei.
I wore the Shoei on a 5500 mile trip out west last month and it was an all day comfortable helmet. I believe the Shoei liner will last much longer as it appears to be better material. I wore it a couple of hot days with no smell. Now I wear a slik helmet liner and I highly recommend it. I thought it would be too hot but it surprizingly is not. It will protect the liner and is easliy washable if it does start to smell. It doesn't yet. An unexpected bonus with the slik is it helps with getting the helmet on over the ears, I no longer have to poke my hand up and unfold the ears after putting the helmet on. Also it keeps the earbuds from getting knocked loose as well as the glasses.
The Shoie shield is the easiest I have ever replaced. My eyes are very sensitive to strong sunlight so I swapped the clear sheild for a tinted mirrored one. I also added a SuperVisor. That works great too. I use the Edsets in the Shoei.
If you can't tell I recommend the Shoei. I don't know what color you ride but I might have two Yellow Nolans for sale in the spring.
My wife and I each have 2 of the new Nolan N Coms (she has a flip, N102 and a 3/4, N42, and I have the Full face,N84, and a 3/4.
We have the full electronics (i,e, the blue tooth) in them.
So far, we have very very happy with thwm, They seem to fit us very well. We have used then to two extended trips (Alps, Alaska) and they were wonderful.
The flip down sun shade was a must, so I only had a couple other helmuts to choose from. I cannot compare it to the Shoi for that reason.
We have the full electronics (i,e, the blue tooth) in them.
So far, we have very very happy with thwm, They seem to fit us very well. We have used then to two extended trips (Alps, Alaska) and they were wonderful.
The flip down sun shade was a must, so I only had a couple other helmuts to choose from. I cannot compare it to the Shoi for that reason.
G
Noal
We bought our Nolan 102's from www.SandhillsPowerSports.com. We like the way they fit and love the flip up. Easy to use and wear. In warmer weather we leave the face shield up and close it up in cooler temps. Check out the prices and products from Sandhills. There service was good. I called and ordered ours and about 5 days later we had them.
We bought our Nolan 102's from www.SandhillsPowerSports.com. We like the way they fit and love the flip up. Easy to use and wear. In warmer weather we leave the face shield up and close it up in cooler temps. Check out the prices and products from Sandhills. There service was good. I called and ordered ours and about 5 days later we had them.
G
A friend of mine (an independent dealer, long time rider, 20 year motorcycle safety instructor, one time drag racer, and contributor to the NADA motorcycle value guide) saw the as yet unannounced Zox Genesis SVS at a recent dealer accessory show. It is a flip with retractable sunshade.
He told me he was so impressed with the helmet he was going to buy one for himself. I called Tucker Rocky this morning and talked at length with their buyer. Their container of new Zox helmets is almost ready to be shipped. He told me they used to distribute Shoei (which I have used exclusively for 20 years) but he firmly believes he will never be able to keep up with the demand for these Genesis SVS helmets, once the word gets out.
They should be stateside around the first of November. I've decided not to be a "high end helmet" guy anymore IF the Zox fits (fit and comfort count for about 95% of my helmet buying decision!!). I can buy the Shoei Multitech for 20% off (10% off is what you can buy them for all day long) but the Zox will be quite a bit less expensive, have removable Coolmax interior pieces and should be every bit as "good" as any other flip.
I think it is worth waiting for and will give it a good look.
Here is the Zox website: http://www.zoxhelmets.com/zoxhelmets/index_en.asp however the Genesis SVS will not be displayed on the sits until it is announced in a few weeks.
Here is what webBikeWorld said about the first Zox helmet (regular full face) they tested:
Summary: Surprisingly good helmet for the money with high quality throughout. The build quality seems way better than it should be at this price point and, in fact, rivals some helmets costing 3-4 times as much. It's quiet, it has a nice, solid, clear visor, good air flow and relatively light weight. The visor has tighter tolerances than many other higher priced helmets we've seen recently.
Here's a screamin' deal for you folks: this Zox Azuma R helmet is DOT approved and the list price is $99.95. And guess what? The darn thing is actually pretty good. No, scratch that: it's more than just pretty good. It's nearly great when you factor in the price.
He told me he was so impressed with the helmet he was going to buy one for himself. I called Tucker Rocky this morning and talked at length with their buyer. Their container of new Zox helmets is almost ready to be shipped. He told me they used to distribute Shoei (which I have used exclusively for 20 years) but he firmly believes he will never be able to keep up with the demand for these Genesis SVS helmets, once the word gets out.
They should be stateside around the first of November. I've decided not to be a "high end helmet" guy anymore IF the Zox fits (fit and comfort count for about 95% of my helmet buying decision!!). I can buy the Shoei Multitech for 20% off (10% off is what you can buy them for all day long) but the Zox will be quite a bit less expensive, have removable Coolmax interior pieces and should be every bit as "good" as any other flip.
I think it is worth waiting for and will give it a good look.
Here is the Zox website: http://www.zoxhelmets.com/zoxhelmets/index_en.asp however the Genesis SVS will not be displayed on the sits until it is announced in a few weeks.
Here is what webBikeWorld said about the first Zox helmet (regular full face) they tested:
Summary: Surprisingly good helmet for the money with high quality throughout. The build quality seems way better than it should be at this price point and, in fact, rivals some helmets costing 3-4 times as much. It's quiet, it has a nice, solid, clear visor, good air flow and relatively light weight. The visor has tighter tolerances than many other higher priced helmets we've seen recently.
Here's a screamin' deal for you folks: this Zox Azuma R helmet is DOT approved and the list price is $99.95. And guess what? The darn thing is actually pretty good. No, scratch that: it's more than just pretty good. It's nearly great when you factor in the price.
You are comparing a $450 (Shoei) helmet to a $280 (Nolan) helmet. Not really a fair comparison.
Have you looked into the Arai helmets? Even with a snug fit they are an all day comfort.
JC
Have you looked into the Arai helmets? Even with a snug fit they are an all day comfort.
JC
G
Hi JC,
I'm a Shoei owner and have been for a long time. However, after a great deal of research and investigation (have you read the two part investigative report in Motorcyclist magazine on which helmets actually protect your brain best? It's VERY interesting.) I have come to (my personal conclusion) that there are a number of helmets out there every bit as good as a Shoei (or Arai) and some better and at far less cost.
The marketing budgets for Arai and Shoei (which include giving away hundreds and hundreds of helmets to racers [my son included as a Shoei supported motocross rider] are VERY, VERY expensive, but effective. Just because a manufacturer gives product away to high profile racers as part of their marketing plan does not necessarily make them "the best", just the most expensive. Nikon did the same thing in the 60's by giving their cameras to hundreds of press and sports photographers. Cannon is doing the same thing even now.
Anyway, lots of people still think Shoei and Arai are the best and protect your brain better than less expensive helmets. It ain't necessarily so.
And that's just MY story (educated opinion) that alot of folks who ride with Shoei and Arai can't quite believe, YET.
The Zox is a helmet worth considering, at the very least. And I take safety very seriously; I wear full protective gear ALL the time, even when it's 100, unlike some of these dopes I see who wear a helmet with a short sleeve shirt, no gloves and sneakers. JEEEEZZ oh MEEEEZZ!!
Ride safe!! coolhand
I'm a Shoei owner and have been for a long time. However, after a great deal of research and investigation (have you read the two part investigative report in Motorcyclist magazine on which helmets actually protect your brain best? It's VERY interesting.) I have come to (my personal conclusion) that there are a number of helmets out there every bit as good as a Shoei (or Arai) and some better and at far less cost.
The marketing budgets for Arai and Shoei (which include giving away hundreds and hundreds of helmets to racers [my son included as a Shoei supported motocross rider] are VERY, VERY expensive, but effective. Just because a manufacturer gives product away to high profile racers as part of their marketing plan does not necessarily make them "the best", just the most expensive. Nikon did the same thing in the 60's by giving their cameras to hundreds of press and sports photographers. Cannon is doing the same thing even now.
Anyway, lots of people still think Shoei and Arai are the best and protect your brain better than less expensive helmets. It ain't necessarily so.
And that's just MY story (educated opinion) that alot of folks who ride with Shoei and Arai can't quite believe, YET.
The Zox is a helmet worth considering, at the very least. And I take safety very seriously; I wear full protective gear ALL the time, even when it's 100, unlike some of these dopes I see who wear a helmet with a short sleeve shirt, no gloves and sneakers. JEEEEZZ oh MEEEEZZ!!
Ride safe!! coolhand
I have not read the report. I have several helmets and several arai's in a state where no helmet is required. When I go to the closet to pick out a helmet it's always one of the arai's (have no assoc with them). Very comfortable. I do think that if a helmet is not comfortable you are less likely to wear it - thus no matter how much you've spent it's a waste of money. All things equal - find one that fits well. I'm sure that there are many helmets out there that should be replace (dropped, old) that a new lesser quality would far surpass in an accident.coolhand said:
Also - I can be at the Arai service center in 5 minutes to get any part or repair I (if) need (I had one inspected, nice people, should have been out of there in 5 but b/s for a while). I don't know what you need to do with ZOX. I can only imagine!
Yeah - I laugh at them too...great helmet..shorts and sneakers! I'll agree that there are many factors that are included in the final cost for EVERY product. As my dad use to say: buy the BEST you can afford......and...someone always wants to put their hand in your pocket! (take your cash)
JC
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
