I’m after a new lid. I want flip front with a built in sun-visor, because frankly that’s what I’m used to and I like the convenience. I am looking at the Shoei Neotec, but at £450 odd it’s an expensive option (I also can’t seem to find one in my size to try on).
HG have a 30% off sale on at the moment, and this includes lids. I’ve been told by many people to stick with Shoei or Arai for my next lid – but while I was there, I tried on an HJC R-PHA MAX, and I was quite impressed. It was comfortable and light, and I think I liked it. Also, with the discount it comes down to £250, which is a very good price (online everywhere it’s £350). But, I’ve heard so much bad about HJC that I didn’t want to buy it without doing a bit of research.
From what little I can see on the internet, people seem to like it. But, it has a pretty bad Sharp rating for side impact. That surprised me a little - do people worry about Sharp ratings at all? I’d think front impact is more important, but on the other hand the thing inside that lid is going to be my head. But then if it gets that bad a rating why would a manufacture continue to sell it? Do they consider it unsafe? It’s go the E-Mark stamp and the gold stamp that means it’s OK on the track – that’s gotta mean something right?
I have an Arai Chaser which has a 3 star Sharp ratio. It’s very comfortable, feels solid and a lot of people stand by Arai. I wouldn’t want to wear much else really. There’s actually a website that explains why Arai is better
AFAIK all helmets must meet some kind of standard but the bar might just be that it doesn’t disintegrate as it hits the ground. In any case, a helmet that fits is better than one with a high sharp rating that doesn’t!
I didn’t think Arai did a flip-front helmet? and certainly not one with a visor.
Simon, I think the side load issue is based on when the flip is open to there’s no brace across the bottom of the chin. Stace has got one with a bar across it for exactly this reason, pop down to BM this week and you’ll see it.
I’m loving the Neotech at the moment, but HJC are a good brand. I’d try them both on and go for whichever fits. The Sharp tests have as many critics as supporters :-/
All flip fronts are inherently less protective than a full facers of course, so before you clatter into a stationary object remember to flip the front down and lock it ;-p
Shark are good too but cater for a specific head shape so they simply may not fit yer noggin.
try try try
Justhelmets do us a discount, cracking service and usually a goodie bag.
I have had 4 or 5 flip front cabergs , they are pretty good for the price . But they are a bit noisy and the lining aint as plush as some … however you have so much hair I doubt you would notice :hehe:
Been trying on a lot today. Am working up in Leeds for a couple of days, took the car up here (the wife insisted because the weather was going to be bad - and indeed it’s really ****), but drove up to a bike shop and it turns out that in one place there is a J&S, a Get Geared and a (now closed) Hein Giericke. So spent a good hour in both J&S and Get Geared trying on lots of helmets.
And the truth is, it’s going to have to be a Neotec. I’ve tried Cabergs and Sharks and HJCs and Shuberths and god knows what else, but the Neotec is head and shoulders above the rest. It’s so much more comfortable than the other lids, better made and much quieter. Unfortunately neither shop has an L - the XL feels good but maybe just slightly too loose, so I want to try on the L before buying. Apparently J&S Watford have one, so I’ll be down there over the weekend.
I was only expressing my scepticism about the Sharp rating using Arai as an example.
My local mechanic wore a flip front helmet a while ago. She must’ve had it open when she crashed cause her face was all bruised. Make sure you keep yours closed when riding!
I don’t think there is much wrong with HJC helmets for the money. O.k., their Sharp ratings are not that great but, as it says on the Sharp web site, your primary requirement when buying a new helmet is fit.
What they are not good at from my experience is noise.
Shoei generally seem to be quieter, but at a premium price, and Caberg’s somewhere between the two on both price and noise.
Ive got the HJC R-PHA 10 and is the lightest race helmet, fits increadibly well, but the pin lock is a little funny, the pins constantly break, the rest! thums up!
