Which Flip-Up Front Helmet

[LBL]

I tried most of the above brands when i was thinking about buying a flip up a few months ago, i found the shark evoline top notch for price, fit and quality.

Eventually i brought the Shark S900 as i decided to go for another full face.

I seem to collect crash helmets and will go for an Evoline when i go for a flip up.

 

[shugie]

I like my Schuberth C3, it's comfortable, warm in winter with the chin bit in, cool without it. The ventilation is good, and there is space for my chin, unlike the Concept which I had before.

Not cheap, not small, and the visor closes itself above about 50mph. Some say they leak where the visor seals to the helmet, but mine doesn't seem to.

I'll buy another when the time comes.

 

[Captain Calamity]

I've done over 1500 miles in my System 6 over the last 3 weeks, both town riding and "making progress". My thoughts:

Much quieter than my previous helmets (a C2 flip front and an Arai Chaser), very comfortable fit (unlike the System 5 and others that I tried on). +1 for the flip down sun visor, and I actually like the ability of the helmet to keen my head cool on a day where the bike reported temperatures of 35C - with the top and front vents open my head felt like it was being air conditioned. I have no problems shutting the visor, the pinlock insert works well on steamy days, and although i'd prefer a double D ring system to fasten the helmet the BMW system becomes second nature quite quickly.

I treated myself to the BMW comms system as a new job present and it is superb - there's plenty of space for the mike at the front of the helmet and it the sound quality is superb when it comes to taking calls and hearing the GPS - I haven't tried listening to music as I don't this when riding.

CC

 

[Captain Calamity]

I meant to add that a friend has had similar good experiences with a system 5, it's just the head shape seems different to me and I find the 5 quite uncomfortable.

CC

 

[The G Man]

Shark Evoline/ Roof Boxer Comparison

Has anyone used both of these helmets?

I regularly use a boxer (series 1) & really like the ability to use it as either full or open face - my regular commute is mixture of 30 mins 3-lane A road & 30 mins London traffic.

However there are a couple of features I struggle with:

1) Impossible to convert from open to full without stopping - even then I can't always get the poppers to engage without a titanic struggle.

2) Mists up heavily in rain.

3) No ventilation (other than the open front!) so my brain gets pretty warm at times.

Testing in a shop indicates the Shark cures item one.
I guess my key question is whether the Shark is any better for items 2 & 3?
The nice gentleman in the shop assured me it would be. . .

Thanks for any insights

G

 

[Ash]

Had BMW system 6 for 2 weeks and it started to fall apart and steam up under the anti fog
so back to a new system 5

 

[RD.]

Hello Everybody,

Thank you all for your advice and comments.

Today I visited Portsmouth Motorcycles but despite having a varied selection of helmet brands only three were Flip-Ups.

They have a few Shoei Multitecs but unfortunately not in my size (57-58 / Medium) which is quite common. Although I was unable to try one on for fitment, the Multitec looks like a good-un but it doesn't have a sun visor which I think is a worthwhile addition.

I did try on a Scorpion EXO - 900 AIR:-

Positive observations are it felt snug and fitted well and has a sun visor the vents are simple but the rear vent maybe a tad difficult to operate when the helmet is worn.
The negatives - It is quite heavy, about 1750 grams and what really puts me off is the plastic feel and creaks and groans it made while the salesman was showing me. What also concerns me is the amount of movement in the shell, this the salesman also pointed out.

I am use to and familiar with GRP / Kevlar type helmets but perhaps I'm not keen on thermoplastic helmets. Think someone said to me a decade or so ago that the plastic helmets de-grade and become weaker over the years due to UV. Whether this is true or false I don't know.

The HJC or KBC I didn't bother with because the quality and feel was more plastic than the Scorpion

Caberg lids I'll give a miss, they appear too angular, almost Darth Vader like.

I am still keen to try Multitec, C3, System 5 & 6.

What has really got my attention is the Shark Evoline Series 2. I like the way the chin guard fits closely to the rear of the helmet.
Apparently, this helmet is tested to both open and closed face testing unlike most Flip-Ups which I'm informed are only tested to one specification.

The other helmet which has grabbed my attention is the Lazer Revolution and Lazer Paname. I have read online somewhere that these are the only helmets with COST 327 testing and PHHP / Phillips certification.

Oh my head hurts...... To much info, too many standards and too many choices.

Tomorrow I'll be trying on more Flip-Ups somewhere else.

Thanks again for your help and insight.

Cheers,

Richard.

 

[mr_magicfingers]

Had BMW system 6 for 2 weeks and it started to fall apart and steam up under the anti fog
so back to a new system 5

Mine did the steaming up under the pinlock, take it back, had my visor replaced under warranty and now all is good.

 

[Andy B]

Richard,

I guess you've read this?

In my experience, there's a bit of 'creaking' to most flips, and your comments about weight - I think you'll find they all weigh in at around 1,700 to 1,800gms. Certainly, my experience of Multitec, System 6 and C2 would suggest this. I've found you can only take the weight the manufacturer advertises as a guide.

Happy hunting!

 

[Riktus]

Bought a System 6 about 2 months ago and have done a few warm days and a week in France in the worst weather I have ever riden in (Rain and snow - very cold) the visor just started to mist in the worst weather (however I but this down to an off in the snowy alps when I had to take it off an leav it on the ground while I picked the bike up)
I let everything dry out at room temp and has been fine ever since.

Very comfortable (bedded in now) and autocom works and fits well. Helmet is quiet - but still wear earplugs if travelling on motorways.

Rik

 

[Joe le taxi 61]

Hi, Shark evoline, top drawer fit, good chinbar mechanism that lets the chinbar go all the way over the top of the helmet, integral sun visor and easy to fit an autocom to. Highly recommended, comfortable to ride in open or closed and look good to boot !!! Winner.

 

[RD.]

Richard,

I guess you've read this?

In my experience, there's a bit of 'creaking' to most flips, and your comments about weight - I think you'll find they all weigh in at around 1,700 to 1,800gms. Certainly, my experience of Multitec, System 6 and C2 would suggest this. I've found you can only take the weight the manufacturer advertises as a guide.

Happy hunting!

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your post and the link to further info.

Last week I tried on several more flip-ups / modular helmets and I agree with you, most creak and are quite heavy (1,700 - 1,850 grams).

Regards,

Richard.

 

[RD.]

Hi, Shark evoline, top drawer fit, good chinbar mechanism that lets the chinbar go all the way over the top of the helmet, integral sun visor and easy to fit an autocom to. Highly recommended, comfortable to ride in open or closed and look good to boot !!! Winner.

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your post.

After some thought and consideration I have made my choice!!

Last week I visited Infinity Motorcycles and tried on several more flip-up / modular helmets.
IMHO Caberg Sintesi, Konda & Trip were awful - uncomfortable, possibly due to minimal padding, felt very hard - extremely flexible (shockingly so!!) as demonstrated by a salesman. Appearance is cheap and plastic. These seem to creak and groan the most. Definitely not my type of helmets.
BTW - Are they sold at

BMW System 5 & 6 and Schuberth C3 are comfy, feel very good, quality padding and balanced - Quality appears very good.
The only slight negative on all 3 helmets is the shell size seems somewhat big and bulbous.

My decision (and very difficult it was too ) was down to the Shoei Multitec and Shark Evoline Series 2.
These two flip-up / modular helmets are IMHO the best available at the moment.

I really like Shoei because they are without doubt an established company who make exceptional quality and well designed motorcycle helmets.
Together with Arai, they are a brand synonymous with excellence.

The "Pros & Cons" for the Shoei Multitec and Shark Evoline Series 2.


Shoei Multitec

Pros

• 
  Multi Fibre not Thermoplastic

• 
  Two visors (1 clear & 1 tinted) and easily removed / changed

• 
  Excellent quality

• 
  Whisper Kit to reduce noise

Cons

• 
  Without a "Sun Visor"

• 
  Chin bar does not extend to the rear of the helmet, it sits upright which makes the helmet feel a tad unbalanced when worn and I think unstable (buffeting) if riding with the chin bar in the open / upright position.

• 
  Chin bar does not sit close, in fact like most other flip-up helmets it sits proud - Most flip-ups cannot be used open and if

• 
  Unable or should I say unlawful if used in the open position while riding.

Shark Evoline Series 2.


Pros

• 
  Excellent quality.

• 
  Great design - Particularly the chin bar which can be used legally open (Jet style) and closed (Full Face style).

• 
  The chin bar operates using an eccentric cam which allows the chin bar to sit at the back of the helmet out of the way and it sits very close thus reducing wind drag, so is effectively more areodynamic when compared to other modular helmets - Very innovative design, well done Shark

• 
  Series 2 updated Sun Visor

.


Cons

• 
  Thermoplastic

It was a very difficult decision but eventually the Shark Evoline Series 2 is the winner for me based on the very innovative designed chin bar and Sun Visor.


If Shoei had desiged this helmet in multi-fibre or carbon / kevlar this would have been a winner for me.

I should receive my new Shark Evoline Series 2 helmet tomorrow.

Regards,

RD.

P.S. Forgot to add:- I usually wear / fit a medium (57-58cm) helmet but I found the Shark Evoline Series 2 medium too big but the small size fits perfectly.

 

[davnjud]

good post

have you got it and what do you think. ? I have got quite a bit of noise with my current full face, - (unless i ducjk down an inch or two behind the adventure screen )- how is the shark from this point of view ?

 

[RD.]

good post

have you got it and what do you think. ? I have got quite a bit of noise with my current full face, - (unless i ducjk down an inch or two behind the adventure screen )- how is the shark from this point of view ?

Thanks for your post and kind comment.


Yes, I have received my Shark Evoline Series 2.

My first impressions after two short rides, 100 miles on Saturday and 153 miles on Sunday.

A great helmet, excellent in many ways:- Innovative design, excellent quality, full-face (at speed on motorways and when raining etc) & Jet (around town and in traffic etc) configurations very useful!! Take in to consideration that this helmet is one of only 2 or 3 helmets which is perfectly legal to use in either guise.
I really like the quality of Arai and Shoei and have used Arai helmets for decades. Arai are quite noisy and the Shark Evoline Series 2 is quieter in comparison, however as it has been said before, flip-up / modular helmets are known to be somewhat louder than normal full face type.
If you are looking for one of the quietest modular helmets you'd probably be better looking at the BMW System 5 or 6 and Schuberth C3.

The Shark Evoline Series 2 is quiet enough for me and if it wasn't I would wear ear-plugs that would reduce the din but not stop it.
Personally, I prefer to be aware of my surroundings and hear my engine and any odd, nasty and uncharacteristic sounds it may make.
Then there's the emergency sirens of the Ambulance Service, Police and Fire Brigade to hear approaching. Unseen approaching traffic sounding their horn before entering a narrow lanes blind bend.

We have our senses (sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing) for a reason and I make good use of mine and I don't like to impede them. Protect them yes but impede them absolutely not.

The Shark is quieter than my Arai and if noise was an issue I'd rather have the Shark with ear plugs than another brand without which is quieter.

RRP £280 - £290. Mine was priced matched at Grand Prix Legends for £250.

See here:-
http://www.mickbyrne.co.uk/motorcycl...l=EN&currency=

and here:-
http://www.grandprixlegends.com/moto...filter_reset=1

Just registered my Shark online and have five (5) years guarantee!!

Oh.... the Lumi glows luminous blue in the dark - Great safety feature.


Go on, you know you want to, you know it makes sense.

Cheers,

RD.

P.S. One of my friend's who rides a 1200 GS now wants one too.

 

[oldrascal]

Hey neighbour......

How does the sizing work on this helmet compared to Shoei or Arai? I take an XL (61-62) in these brands but I have a feeling that Shark sizes may be a bit tighter what with being French and all that and the largest size that Shark manufacture is XL unlike the others who offer a XXL for trul big nuts. I want to try the Evoline before buying but no-one in our part of the world seems to carry the range in stock - any ideas?

 

[UturnTony]

bought a shark evoline series 2 last sunday from J&S northwich £252.
used it for the ride back and was very impressed.

sizing, i use a medium arai and found found the medium shark a good fit.

i really like the versatility ie. full face, open face, sun visor, clear visor you can mix and match all the combinations. a bonus for me is i have a bigger field of vision than i have with the arai meaning when i turn to look right at a junction especially an angled one i can easily see the road whereas with my arai i have to strain my not very flexible neck to get a clear view.
as far as noise is concerned i found it ok. but 40 odd years of biking have pretty much dulled my hearing anyway.

i love the look of the thing. for a flip helmet it's (to my eye) stylish. good bit heavier than the arai but that's expected. managed to fit my scala headset to it without a problem which is a bonus, but must say that the ear pieces touch my ears which could prove uncomfortable on a long run, we'll see in a week and half as i'm off to europe for a 10 day jolly around the french and swiss alps.

so, to date after a couple of short rides using the shark i am more than happy with my purchase. will know more after my trip.

ps.

i have always disliked top boxes, hard panniers, flip helmets.

i the last few weeks i have bought a full set of vario panniers and top box and now a flip up lid. what is happening to me?

 

[Bryn]

Been using Shoei multitec's at work since they came out, and Synchrotec's before that....

Helmet on and off for 17 hours on Sunday No discomfort etc.

I've actually just bought my own ... which says a lot about how I get on with them

 

[RD.]

Hey neighbour......

How does the sizing work on this helmet compared to Shoei or Arai? I take an XL (61-62) in these brands but I have a feeling that Shark sizes may be a bit tighter what with being French and all that and the largest size that Shark manufacture is XL unlike the others who offer a XXL for trul big nuts. I want to try the Evoline before buying but no-one in our part of the world seems to carry the range in stock - any ideas?

Hi,

Regarding head sizing for Shark helmets - I own and wear a medium (57-58cm) size Arai and Davida helmets.
During my search for a flip-up helmet and trying on several different types, I found that the Shark Evoline Series 2 sizing generous.
I tried on my usual size (medium) and it was too big so I asked the sales asisstant for a small and that fits perfectly.

My advice to you and anybody else who is interested in buying a Shark Evoline Series 2 is go to a shop and try one on for size. You'll probably find that the next size down from your usual size will fit.
In your case for example, your usual size is an XL but try on a LARGE, I think you'll find that it fits. !!

Try J&S in Cowplain, Hants - They have a huge selection of helmets or try Grand Prix Legends in Guildford, Surrey.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

RD.

 

[RD.]

bought a shark evoline series 2 last sunday from J&S northwich £252.
used it for the ride back and was very impressed.

sizing, i use a medium arai and found found the medium shark a good fit.

i really like the versatility ie. full face, open face, sun visor, clear visor you can mix and match all the combinations. a bonus for me is i have a bigger field of vision than i have with the arai meaning when i turn to look right at a junction especially an angled one i can easily see the road whereas with my arai i have to strain my not very flexible neck to get a clear view.
as far as noise is concerned i found it ok. but 40 odd years of biking have pretty much dulled my hearing anyway.

i love the look of the thing. for a flip helmet it's (to my eye) stylish. good bit heavier than the arai but that's expected. managed to fit my scala headset to it without a problem which is a bonus, but must say that the ear pieces touch my ears which could prove uncomfortable on a long run, we'll see in a week and half as i'm off to europe for a 10 day jolly around the french and swiss alps.

so, to date after a couple of short rides using the shark i am more than happy with my purchase. will know more after my trip.

ps.

i have always disliked top boxes, hard panniers, flip helmets.

i the last few weeks i have bought a full set of vario panniers and top box and now a flip up lid. what is happening to me?

Hi UturnTony,

Good post and excellent observations.

I forgot to mention about the very good field of view and the slight weight gain but disagree re; Sizing which I think is generous.

Good luck with your trip to Europe - Make sure you have "Green Card / European cover" and inform your insurers of your dates of travel.

Cheers,

RD.