Flip up Helmet first timer advice !

[Joe Rocket]

It's a bit of a mine field really. Lots to think about and no real idea until you've bought your helmet!

Comfort, safety, noise, vision, pinlock, comms; but the balancer is always price.

THE best alround flip up helmet is Lidl's!

No, I wouldn't buy one because it falls into the '£99 suit' syndrome.....just too cheap so it can't be the best. 

Us Rockets have Airoh helmets, probably not sold in the UK but they are mid range price at 200€.

It's a bit like tyres ............ 

[joderest]

I use a schuberh C2, its OK, but getting a bit old now, its had two years of use, as it was bought some years ago, but the fella never used it.
I would say it is no more quieter than my old caberg.

[tallpaul]

I've had two Schuberth C3's, as I wear specs. Liked them both but this second one has a better ratchet mechanism on the visor allowing to stay in part open positions at any speed. The first was a bit weak in that area. Never had the internal Sun visor pop off. In fact I find them bloody hard to get out for cleaning purposes and a good tight fit going back in.

[dogbreath]

Has anyone tried the shark

have the Shark and love it, as has been already said I think the Shark is the only one that is legal to ride flipped up.
I get the best of both worlds but do ride most of the time open, drop down sun visor works well and the fit and noise levels suit me

[JesterRich]

Cheers, thinking that'll have to go on Santa's list 

[pr]

I have an HJC IS-MAX II. I wanted flip up, just because of my preference (easy to quickly talk or breathe).
Have you checked http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ ?
That's how I decided: this model stayed closed during all of their impact tests. I don't have much experience yet with helmets, but I think this model is a bit noisy. But earplugs do the trick for me.

[Loz]

Just bought a Givi X08 which after coming from years of Arai RX7 use does feel heavy and cumbersome. However did 600 miles in 2 days wearing it and it wasn't too bad, yes wind noise was louder, comfort wasn't up to Arai spec, (but I am comparing a £650 lid against a £150 lid so that is to be expected), but it was wearable and didn't give me a headache 
Vision - actually very good 
Visor - did steam a little, but haven't fitted pin lock insert as yet.
In built Sunglasses / shades - mechanism a bit fiddly with gloves on, but still OK and useable.
Flip up operation - good and solid, but I did keep knocking the chin guard loose, so took the chin guard off completely.

Conclusion - its OK, but don't expect Arai RX7 quality out of a £150 lid

[thetravellingbiker]

I've got a Shark Evoline 3 flip front. It's good.

Putting the helmet from open to closed can be a bit of a faff. It clips down and then you push it up a little. Think it just takes some getting used to.

Also the position of the plastic to lift the visor is at the top not the bottom. Which seems odd to me.

Generally a good helmet. I don't ride with open face but like it when I'm prepping to get moving etc... Or stop to talk to someone.

[Jono70]

I had Arais for years (Quantums of one sort or another) and thought I would always have an Arai-shaped head. However I fancied a flip-up so tried a Schuberth first which I hated despite really wanting to like it. Then the Shoei Neotec came out, I tried one and it fitted like a glove - had to have it! Yes, it's a little heavier but not that you'd notice and I find it comfortable for all-day use. It's a tad on the noisy side (I wear earplugs regardless so no worries) but it's certainly no noisier than my Arais and the visor is less "draughty" - not to mention a damn sight easier to remove/refit!. And (touch wood) I've not once been asked to remove it at a petrol station - probably as much as anything because it makes me look like a middle-aged old fart (good job I am a middle-aged old fart then!). I always wear it flipped-down on the move as it's not designed for flipped-up road use unlike some but it's a boon off the bike. Big thumbs-up from me! 

[Freddyfruitbat]

I know it's not tested in the open position, but that's up to the individual.

Out of interest, anyone know what the legal position is on this?   My Shoei Neotec comes with warnings about not using it 'open' (I can't remember the actual wording off the top of my head) but if you do ride (or presumably, even sit on the bike stationary) with it open, are you breaking the law?  Could you get done for riding with no helmet?

[UK_Vstrom650]

No you won't get done for not wearing a helmet. It says not to use it in the open position as it can't be locked open so it could drop down whilst riding. I think you need one with"J/P" in the specs like the Carberg Duke as you can lock them in the open position.

[MartinW]

+1 - Mine (Nolan N104) can be locked up and has those markings on. It is apparently OK to do so (but I haven't)

[Rusty Nuts]

In theory I could get a ticket for not having it fastened, same as if you rode with a strap not fastened. The cop would be knowledgeable,  bored and picky to do it though. But as above, without both J and P you should only ride with it closed.

[SimonS]

Had a Caberg Duke which was fine when in slow moving traffic........ allows fresh air to the max, but it was noisy especially when you stick anything on the outside of the shell I.e Scala Rider Comms etc

Just upgraded to Schuberth C3 Pro with SRC Comms system that simply replaces the original collar band.......... expensive but just about the best flip front you can get and its so quiet due to the extensive design and development........ and 1/2 the weight of the Caberg

Like comparing a reliable Ford Escort with a performance tuned Ford Mustang

[In me shed]

I often ride with my Nolan N104 open, especially round town and when filtering, I never bother locking it open even though I should.