JOP
Guest
I recently went to the "customer fair" of a local bike dealer as I was looking for a new helmet to replace my old Nolan flip-up. This helmet has been an excellent companion for several years now, so of course I visited the importer to see what they could offer these days.
First I found a slightly updated version of my old helmet, now called 100E. It was very OK, but I was a bit more excited about the completely new 101 which also sported an external sunvisor. I examined the helmet & fiddled with strap, visor, hinges and locks (the usual pre-fitting examination). On all flip helmets I try on I test the lock for the chin part by pulling and jerking at it with the helmet off. Everything seemed fine here. I tried the helmet on and pushed the front closed until I heard the typical click. "Locked OK" I assumed. Therefore I was a bit surprised when one side clicked open when I now pulled the front out/up. One more small pull made the other side come loose as well. After three more attempts to get a secure locking I took the helmet off and tested the lock "off", and now it worked fine. Tested another helmet with the same result. A friend suggested that my fat head was to blame, put the helmet on and snapped the front closed. When I pulled at the chin guard both sides came loose directly.
We tried to tell the rep from the Swedish importer (Grahns) about this little flaw with his helmets, but he was suddenly too busy to talk to us anymore (three minutes earlier he saw us as two potential customers, then he had all the time in the world for us). He was also not interested to listen to my layman theories about what would happen to a victims spine and neck if the front flipped open during a crash.
So, what do I want with this thread? Well, nothing more than a friendly warning. If you are considering this helmet, do the test as I described and then decide for yourself. If you already have bought it, do the test. If the result should make you loose confidence in your helmet, go talk to you dealer!
/JOP
First I found a slightly updated version of my old helmet, now called 100E. It was very OK, but I was a bit more excited about the completely new 101 which also sported an external sunvisor. I examined the helmet & fiddled with strap, visor, hinges and locks (the usual pre-fitting examination). On all flip helmets I try on I test the lock for the chin part by pulling and jerking at it with the helmet off. Everything seemed fine here. I tried the helmet on and pushed the front closed until I heard the typical click. "Locked OK" I assumed. Therefore I was a bit surprised when one side clicked open when I now pulled the front out/up. One more small pull made the other side come loose as well. After three more attempts to get a secure locking I took the helmet off and tested the lock "off", and now it worked fine. Tested another helmet with the same result. A friend suggested that my fat head was to blame, put the helmet on and snapped the front closed. When I pulled at the chin guard both sides came loose directly.
We tried to tell the rep from the Swedish importer (Grahns) about this little flaw with his helmets, but he was suddenly too busy to talk to us anymore (three minutes earlier he saw us as two potential customers, then he had all the time in the world for us). He was also not interested to listen to my layman theories about what would happen to a victims spine and neck if the front flipped open during a crash.
So, what do I want with this thread? Well, nothing more than a friendly warning. If you are considering this helmet, do the test as I described and then decide for yourself. If you already have bought it, do the test. If the result should make you loose confidence in your helmet, go talk to you dealer!
/JOP
