Considering a new helmet. A QUIET one! Any ideas? [Archive]

Jantar

22nd December 2011, 22:36

I find that no matter what helmet, there is wind noise once the speed goes up. I do not want to wear earplugs as I find they makes my riding suffer.

Any suggestion re a helmet that does not have wind noise and I can still hear what is going on around me?

The quietest helmet I've ever owned is a model that is no longer produced. It was the Nolan N27: Nice snug fit, and no air gaps around the base. I still wear Nolans, but none of my recent ones are as quiet as that old one.

KiWiP

22nd December 2011, 23:17

Wind noise shouldn't be your primary selection criteria. You should go first with fit to your head as all heads have got different knobbly bits and all helmets are different (even within the same range) If you're lucky you'll get a cheap one, if you're really luck you'll get a cheap good one (re SHARP ratings). If your really, really luck you'll get all that with the colour/graphics you lust after

Ear plugs shouldn't affect your riding as your primary sense source should be your eyes. If you're relying on your ears what happens in a storm, rain, heavy traffic when no matter how quiet a helmet the other noises are are going to merge into what you think you should be listening to.

I've looked into this a bit and I believe everyone should wear ear plugs to reduce the chance of long term hearing loss or tinitus.

I did successfully experiment with a wind dam under the helmet. get some 1mm neoprene from a wetsuit manufacturers ($1 or they just give you a bit from the scrap bin) cut to shape of helmet opening and glue to edge (I found double sided sticky tape worked well and was easily removed later). Then cut a small hole smaller than your neck (do really small to start with you can always make it bigger if you pass out due to restriction of blood to the head). Wear helmet. I found it made my noisey as a bucket of bees Shark s650 virtually silent save for the ringing of my tinitus. Downside was it got too hot for me. I was going to punch out small holes to increase airflow but had started wearing earplugs and haven't looked back.

ANyway if noise is still a criteria don't go for the S650

hope it helps

Owl

23rd December 2011, 03:42

Not that I've tried one, but I've heard the Shoei Qwest is fairly quiet?

nzspokes

23rd December 2011, 04:49

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/helmets/auction-433039858.htm

willytheekid

23rd December 2011, 07:19

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/helmets/auction-433039858.htm

Been looking at getting one of those for my noisey AGV...have you tried one?, love to know how good they work :yes:

nzspokes

23rd December 2011, 07:26

Been looking at getting one of those for my noisey AGV...have you tried one?, love to know how good they work :yes:

I to have a noisy AGV. I want one but not organised one yet. But have tried scrunching my head down to my shoulders(must look stupid) at 100k to block air flow under the helmet. It makes a huge improvement.

Will get one after xmas.

Jantar

23rd December 2011, 07:48

vifferman

23rd December 2011, 09:43

Wear earplugs, Dude - the cheapest and best solution. However (but!) another thing to look at is your bike. A lot of people who have too much wind noise fit a higher screen, figuring the less wind, the better. But (however!) this is sometimes counter-intuitive, as you end up with more turbulence behind it. F'rinstance, on the VFR, the wind over the windshield hits about shoulder level. If I sit up as tall as possible, it actually lessens the wind noise, so the answer for me (if I cared enough) would be to fit a lower screen, or cut the top couple of inches off the screen's top edge. Also, the screen has a moulded lip, so just cutting and polishing this off would also result in less turbulence and noise.
But... I'm lazy, so I just wear 77cent 3M earplugs. Problem solved! I don't even notice them in, and can still hear enough ambient noise that I don't feel isolated from my surroundings. Sure beats tinnitus, which I had for months after a long ride years ago (Christchurch to Tauranga) with no earplugs.

It's hard to find a quiet(er) helmet, as anecdotal evidence works only if the person offering it has the same bike, height and riding position as you. I've only once been able to test-ride a helmet before buying - a remarkable and helpful experience, which convinced me to buy the helmet. It had seemed too tight in the shop, but 20 minutes of wear, and it was just snug.

For my last helmet buy, I went from an AGV X-Vent to a Shoei XR1000. Initially, I thought the Shoei was WAAY more comfy (and it still is), but noisier, as there was more ambient noise. However, at highway speeds, it was actually quieter, as the aerodynamics were different.

Hope this helps somewhat; don't mean to sound preachy, just offering some advice...

KiWiP

23rd December 2011, 11:37

The ones that fit your head best ARE the quietest ones. Its the loose fitting and the gaps that cause the wind noise.

Not true I'm afraid. My shark is as close a fit to my head as I think I could get. The noise is produced by the uneven bits at the neck line. Compare Shark helmets to a 'quiet' helmet like a Shoei. Difference is the Himalayas to a salt flat. I've proved this by adding an air dam to my Shark so effectively removing all the turbulent bits. (please reread my post).

actungbaby

24th December 2011, 09:54

Looked at Hrc helemt yesterday was nice light think was 349.00 looked good to
had one at 599.00 or so and got sun visor inner piece quite trick and air pump face mads you can pump
up for better fit around that area

Wind noise shouldn't be your primary selection criteria. You should go first with fit to your head as all heads have got different knobbly bits and all helmets are different (even within the same range) If you're lucky you'll get a cheap one, if you're really luck you'll get a cheap good one (re SHARP ratings). If your really, really luck you'll get all that with the colour/graphics you lust after

Ear plugs shouldn't affect your riding as your primary sense source should be your eyes. If you're relying on your ears what happens in a storm, rain, heavy traffic when no matter how quiet a helmet the other noises are are going to merge into what you think you should be listening to.

i chouldint disagree more Sound is vital sence for my riding even on pushbike uses ever thing u can
for start even when walking its really important tool dont use ear plugs
I dont agree at all i been listening to music many many years and am deaf as a post.. opps no kididng
i just dont like ear plugs and thos bud ear phones are the worst to damage your ears , when they doing contrustion
at pak n save work out , even though lound sound much lounder than a bike gave me headaches after hours of it
Disliked the ear plugs so much, and go far to say chould affect your balance leave well alone
If your bike that noisey get better muffler isteed bunging things in your ear cannellls

I've looked into this a bit and I believe everyone should wear ear plugs to reduce the chance of long term hearing loss or tinitus.

I did successfully experiment with a wind dam under the helmet. get some 1mm neoprene from a wetsuit manufacturers ($1 or they just give you a bit from the scrap bin) cut to shape of helmet opening and glue to edge (I found double sided sticky tape worked well and was easily removed later). Then cut a small hole smaller than your neck (do really small to start with you can always make it bigger if you pass out due to restriction of blood to the head). Wear helmet. I found it made my noisey as a bucket of bees Shark s650 virtually silent save for the ringing of my tinitus. Downside was it got too hot for me. I was going to punch out small holes to increase airflow but had started wearing earplugs and haven't looked back.

ANyway if noise is still a criteria don't go for the S650

hope it helps

nzspokes

24th December 2011, 10:11

Been looking at getting one of those for my noisey AGV...have you tried one?, love to know how good they work :yes:

I popped over to get a jet for me motocrosser at cycletreads. They now stock a version of this which I just bought. Will fit it and try it out later today.

paturoa

24th December 2011, 11:36

Schuberth used to advertise one of their helmets as the quietest. i think that Cycletreads had/have them, but they are pricey.

Conquiztador

24th December 2011, 15:00

Schuberth used to advertise one of their helmets as the quietest. i think that Cycletreads had/have them, but they are pricey.

How pricey?

Hitcher

24th December 2011, 15:12

Ear plugs are cheaper. All helmets are noisy, particularly if you're wearing them at highway speeds for hours at a stretch.

nzspokes

24th December 2011, 15:37

I tried the Cycletreads version of the windjammer and it does reduce noise. By no way completely but enough for me to ride without plugs for a shorter ride. As my bike is very noisy I will still need plugs but I think the combination will be good. Going out to a BBQ that requires a m/way ride so will try both then.

Does increase heat in the helmet as you would expect and as today is very humid up here everytime I got below 60 I had to lift my visor a bit.

paturoa

24th December 2011, 15:49

How pricey?

dunno - but google is your friend

davebullet

24th December 2011, 23:42

Ear plugs are cheaper. All helmets are noisy, particularly if you're wearing them at highway speeds for hours at a stretch.

I thought that too until I tried a Schuberth C3 flip. The chin curtain wraps around your neck = zero wind turbulence. It really helps you focus on what you are doing and reduces fatigue. (PS: I also wear custom ear plugs).

davebullet

24th December 2011, 23:43

The C3 is about $1,300 retail. Overpriced if you ask me, but it fits very snuggly and comfortably. I'm quite happy apart from the fact it's not the be all and end all with the Sharp UK ratings.

Brian407

29th December 2011, 16:56

The quietest helmet I've ever owned is a model that is no longer produced. It was the Nolan N27: Nice snug fit, and no air gaps around the base. I still wear Nolans, but none of my recent ones are as quiet as that old one.

Well, there ya go.... I've also had an N27 for years, and years, and possibly some more years. Noisiest damn thing i've ever had on my head. To shut it up I wear a polar fleece tube scarf over my head (and ears), and on longer trips I wear ear plugs as well.

I'm about to experience an FFM M9, and i'm well aware of the many opinions here on them, but my daughter suprised me with it at Christmas, so I have very little choice. Going for a ride to Cromwell this weekend so will be able to try it out, and form my own opinion of it.

Jerry74

29th December 2011, 19:20

I had a FFM M9 quite comfy and not bad for noise until you get over 120km then it's quite loud , KBC was slightly better.
Have just bought an AGV K3 will see what that is like.

mulletman

29th December 2011, 23:36

Screens and mirrors are often the reason for alot of wind noise , tried diff screens on the 1400 all just a big fail as was the factory (normal) mirrors, bar end mirrors no screen sorted 90 % of noise.

I have a Shoei XR1000 and wear earplugs regardless of helmet.

grbaker

6th January 2012, 08:33

Ear plugs are cheaper. All helmets are noisy, particularly if you're wearing them at highway speeds for hours at a stretch.

+1 - Bang on. Either get use to ear plugs or get use to the noise.

That said if ya head shape fits a HJC then try a FG-15 (also known as FS-15)... lots of soft padding around the lower jaw and ear.. I think it is quieter than my older HJC CL-10 but about the same as my other HJC CL-SP.

Have a look c at WebBikeWorld - Helmet Reviews (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm) as noise of helmets is something they grade.

BMWST?

6th January 2012, 11:29

Ear plugs are cheaper. All helmets are noisy, particularly if you're wearing them at highway speeds for hours at a stretch.

agree.i am gonna try a whisper kit for shorter trips but any long trips ear plugs are a must

Maha

9th January 2012, 13:29

The C3 is about $1,300 retail. Overpriced if you ask me, but it fits very snuggly and comfortably. I'm quite happy apart from the fact it's not the be all and end all with the Sharp UK ratings.

Less than $600 here ----->> http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Categories/motorradhelme-Helmets/Schuberth-Helmets/Schuberth-C3

Voltaire

9th January 2012, 13:57

I to am in the market for a new helmet, my HJC is very noisy, so much that I feel fatigued after wearing it for a few hours, I tried out my old BMW system 4 helmet last week and it was very quiet in comparison. Main difference is the air gaps around the chin area. I no longer have a bike with a fairing so its not dirty air as such. I wear earplugs all the time ( bar commuting) as I have mild tinnitus from years of loud music, plantroom and maybe riding motorcycles.

I think the Schuberths are well over a grand.....

Leaning towards a Nolan or a Shoei with no graphics $500-$700 range....

nzspokes

9th January 2012, 14:13

Maha

9th January 2012, 14:42

What I did was while riding at 100 was put my hand under my helmet to work out where the noise was getting in. The cover thing I put on seems to have resolved 60% of the noise. I think i will do a review on it soon.

I cut the lid off an old beanie, I use it as a noise reducer...it was free.

Big Dave

9th January 2012, 14:51

Screens and mirrors are often the reason for alot of wind noise

Yep - the same helmet that is quiet on one bike can be as 'noisy as a rugby team in a brothel (Hitcher)' on another bike - depending on aerodynamic. Cross winds also make a difference.

Naked bikes are quietest inside a lid.

aderino4

9th January 2012, 16:20

Buy helmet that fits then get this: http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/coearplugs.aspx

Best earplug I've ever used.
You can still make decent conversation even with that on and the helmet on.

Can;t imagine how I survived the many years of riding without earplug in the past.

Kickaha

9th January 2012, 16:28

I to am in the market for a new helmet, my HJC is very noisy, so much that I feel fatigued after wearing it for a few hours,

Leaning towards a Nolan or a Shoei with no graphics $500-$700 range....

What model HJC?

HJC RPHA-10 would also be in that price range and I found it very quiet, awesome ventilation and lightweight as well

DrunkenMistake

9th January 2012, 16:46

Been looking at getting one of those for my noisey AGV...have you tried one?, love to know how good they work :yes:

They only prevent the whistling sound you get from air rushing under your helmet, they work alot better in winter for keeping your face a bit warmer

I have an HJC FG-15 and its the best helmet I have owned in the way of everything lol

jaffaonajappa

16th January 2012, 20:07

Quiet - with the visor up or visor down?

Bought a new Arai Axent last week - replaced my old shoei. With the visor closed, its quieter. At speed (unto around 130) on the motorway - its a Lot quieter.
But with the visor up, around town, its noisier than the old shoei was. Had a look at the cheek pad fittings, and the aria gap between the cheek pad and the upper pads, are at ear level/height. So theres a gap if you like, between the padding, thats in the same area as my ears - figure thats why its louder with the visor open?

Imagine a shop that let people take a helmet out for a test run?

Conquiztador

16th January 2012, 20:18

Quiet -
Imagine a shop that let people take a helmet out for a test run?

ANZA in PN do just that! Will be my next stop when I have had time to evaluate all this brilliant feedback you guys are giving me!:niceone:

iYRe

16th January 2012, 22:00

I've got a CNELL helmet (140$) and a 1TONNE modular helmet (165$) and the 1TONNE is great. It has a little bit of noise, but plenty airflow. I dont have anything to compare it to, in reality, but I dont find it driving me mad like the CNELL - which sounded like a thousand tormented demons at 120kmh. I now just get a gentle wooshing sound, and then I stop farting and ride and it its much the same.

psykonosis

17th January 2012, 09:29

Not that I've tried one, but I've heard the Shoei Qwest is fairly quiet?

The Shoei Qwest helmets are very quiet for wind noise and there are a few graphics to choose from too. The sound from the mufflers doesn't resonate in the helmet either. If you are willing to pay the $$ then go with the Qwest.

skippa1

17th January 2012, 10:30

rapid van cleef

17th January 2012, 11:09

i have a shoei xr1100. very comfy, snug and very quiet. the wind noise on the track is fine too, although i do wear earplugs aswell of course.

Reckless

17th January 2012, 11:52

Personally I Hate ear plugs, I pods or anything that interferes with my riding experience.
I like to hear, see and feel and anything that distracts or detracts from this isn't for me.
Engine note plays a large part in the pleasure and skill I reckon. But each to their own.

I learn't very early on that a helmet that fits is most important! Then buy the best you can afford :)
Had Several top range Shoei now have two Shark RSR2 helmets. I like them they are well vented and quiet but they do fit my particular head shape. Pull it on one wiggle to get my ears to flip up done! Because it fits there is a marked difference in noise between visor up or down!

BUT

I do like the look and workings of the Windjammer as my shark is also quite a bit quieter at speed if I put my hands flat up under it when riding.

Found a personal review of it here :) So you can get a better look at it. Just thought I'd share the utube clip. Might be on my buying list I reckon. Thanks for the heads up whoeva posted this! cheers!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IhGNmDMcoB8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

nzspokes

17th January 2012, 12:58

Personally I Hate ear plugs, I pods or anything that interferes with my riding experience.
I like to hear, see and feel and anything that distracts or detracts from this isn't for me.
Engine note plays a large part in the pleasure and skill I reckon. But each to their own.

I learn't very early on that a helmet that fits is most important! Then buy the best you can afford :)
Had Several top range Shoei now have two Shark RSR2 helmets. I like them they are well vented and quiet but they do fit my particular head shape. Pull it on one wiggle to get my ears to flip up done! Because it fits there is a marked difference in noise between visor up or down!

BUT

I do like the look and workings of the Windjammer as my shark is also quite a bit quieter at speed if I put my hands flat up under it when riding.

Found a personal review of it here :) So you can get a better look at it. Just thought I'd share the utube clip. Might be on my buying list I reckon. Thanks for the heads up whoeva posted this! cheers

Ive got the one which is a copy or something from cycle treads. They are great. I can now ride without plugs. but if its a long ride as my bikes nosiy I will use plugs. But wind noise is greatly reduced. :woohoo:

slofox

17th January 2012, 13:03

You might have a look at THESE. (http://www.motomail.co.nz/search.aspx?q=scorpion)

Supposed to be quiet.

Tell ya what, you go buy one and let me know if it is quiet...:devil2:

steve_t

17th January 2012, 13:34

The Shoei Qwest helmets are very quiet for wind noise and there are a few graphics to choose from too. The sound from the mufflers doesn't resonate in the helmet either. If you are willing to pay the $$ then go with the Qwest.

+1.....I have a Qwest, replaced my trashed XR1000 after a whoopsy. The Qwest is a nice comfortable helmet for my noggin and I find it quiet.

i have a shoei xr1100. very comfy, snug and very quiet. the wind noise on the track is fine too, although i do wear earplugs aswell of course.

I also have a Qwest and it's really quiet. Unfortunately, I also find its ventilation to not be quite good enough. Its vents are designed for upright cruisers, not sprot bikes. I'll look towards an XR1100 next time I think. It'll be a little more noisy but hopefully a lot better vented for me

rastuscat

17th January 2012, 13:43

Less than $600 here ----->> http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Categories/motorradhelme-Helmets/Schuberth-Helmets/Schuberth-C3

That's an amazing price. The C3 is one the lightest and best I've ever used, having used a few.

Maha

30th January 2012, 13:42

Ten days for the Helmet to get here...I will look even hotter now....:shifty:

Owl

30th January 2012, 16:18

Ten days for the Helmet to get here...I will look even hotter now....:shifty:

Does your helmet have flames?:laugh:

actungbaby

30th January 2012, 17:35

ANZA in PN do just that! Will be my next stop when I have had time to evaluate all this brilliant feedback you guys are giving me!:niceone:

Thanks for the heads up will check that out am in pammy i brought second hand arai of trademe its large

But notiched with last arai hlemet i brought also second hand it was reall tight fit , but tryed on new agv today and was same sizing 59. 60 cm and it was just right looked space age job too diffrent shape at the back , so that help with wind noise i guess . but l aways thought better to have smooth round shape for saftey reason means nothing going catch dig in
In case the worse case sitwation happeing , not ice car racing helmets completly diffrent i assume for this reason
Bike design car racing demands diffrent forms protection .

With emapsis on the out shell contruction in the adverts but its the simple inner soft shell that does the impact absortion good old polystrein
like have under modern car bumpers actually think thats diffrent material its yellow foam

The Outer shell is for foriegn object intruding into the helmet which is very remote but you have to have it there
of course you need the shell to hold toghter but its not the part stop your brain getting good work out .

I guess with the eltie brands your getting the comfort levels but i dont think means there any safer comes down

To what you do on the bike and bit luck hopefully none will ever have theres tested i know i never had major impact

On my head or helmet even damaged . think hjc looks good brand and design . your paying for branding alot of the time

I have notiched that modern designs are alot lighter which is good for saftey and comfort

back in the day i brought FFM locally made and found them to exellent aslo pro helmets too . think ffm still being made in

wanganui ? or imported just use the name ?

Damm on another subject had quick look for some gloves why so small l mean am 6.1 but dont have huge hands

But thought was ng at ladys sizes hehe and they where large .

Jerry74

30th January 2012, 20:32

Jerry74

30th January 2012, 20:35

actungbaby

31st January 2012, 10:08

I had a FFM M9 for a bit before, very good helmet as far as road noise ,function,comfort only small issue was that it used to fog up a wee bit when sitting a lights.
The FFM brand are made in Asia now but still conform to NZ safety standards.

I used to have that problem with my ffm too well that was in 1982-87 had red one good helmets

I think basically cant go wrong with new helmet brought here in nz for bike dealer . is the shell standred still the top
Standred was back in the daythen americans had the dot standred too thinl bell helmets adds mentioned them

Alot all brand names get made in asia these days as most mult natinal companys have factorys all around the world

Its good to those contrys need break and catch up to where we at know
and been at for decades

actungbaby

31st January 2012, 10:13

I have just bought an AGV K3 apparently they a a similar fit to an Arai, has anybody used or had any experiences with AGV K3's??
Noise at speed etc, seems very comfy and well ventilated for me.

I have yet to ride with it on, bike is having quake repairs done at the mo.

Dude i want ride my bike down to Christchurch once its got front end on it am from aranui /avondale

worked in riccarton all the best mate hope gets better sooner than latter your still got port hills take alot to shift them

babys..

my dad was worfie drove those contaners around in lytlton

Thanks so hopefull arai will be fine got pay for it and i should have it next week i want my bike to be

Going hard core not having one even worrse whe got one but not in one piece aghhhhh

Am a trapist monk

actungbaby

31st January 2012, 10:19

[QUOTE=Reckless;1130236601]Personally I Hate ear plugs, I pods or anything that interferes with my riding experience.
I like to hear, see and feel and anything that distracts or detracts from this isn't for me.
Engine note plays a large part in the pleasure and skill I reckon. But each to their own.

yes 100 % agree with you seintments but where just people that dont like are sences dulled
Not everone ones the same . mind you the gentlman did say on the track i think diffrent experice to the road
or dirt track so whould know on either counts

I didnt even like Music head[hones in my ears those inner ear ones are yuk and bad for your hearing too
Pity No helmet manfactor mad helmets with built in incom that whould be good for two up riding

But with my wife i want mute buttom hehe opps sorry love u hun..:cool:

actungbaby

31st January 2012, 10:33

[QUOTE=Reckless;1130236601]Personally I Hate ear plugs, I pods or anything that interferes with my riding experience.
I like to hear, see and feel and anything that distracts or detracts from this isn't for me.
Engine note plays a large part in the pleasure and skill I reckon. But each to their own.

I learn't very early on that a helmet that fits is most important! Then buy the best you can afford :)
Had Several top range Shoei now have two Shark RSR2 helmets. I like them they are well vented and quiet but they do fit my particular head shape. Pull it on one wiggle to get my ears to flip up done! Because it fits there is a marked difference in noise between visor up or down!

BUT

I do like the look and workings of the Windjammer as my shark is also quite a bit quieter at speed if I put my hands flat up under it when riding.

Found a personal review of it here :) So you can get a better look at it. Just thought I'd share the utube clip. Might be on my buying list I reckon. Thanks for the heads up whoeva posted this! cheers!

me too i look at those i got pay my ebay acocunt spent nz 1,00 on bike parts for vfer

Jerry74

1st February 2012, 15:31

Dude i want ride my bike down to Christchurch once its got front end on it am from aranui /avondale

worked in riccarton all the best mate hope gets better sooner than latter your still got port hills take alot to shift them

babys..

my dad was worfie drove those contaners around in lytlton

Thanks so hopefull arai will be fine got pay for it and i should have it next week i want my bike to be

Going hard core not having one even worrse whe got one but not in one piece aghhhhh

Am a trapist monk

Thanks mate, yeah the summit rd is still there sort of once all the rocks and shit are safely secured and off the road it is a good ride.

flyingcrocodile46

7th February 2012, 21:52

It's all about air flow around the helmet and how the helmet fits your head. Seems that different helmets give different results for different head shapes so what works for one may not be so good for several others. Trial of the helmets is the only way to know for sure.

As mentioned by others, the other big (biggest) factor is the airflow created by the bike, screen, mirrors, fairing etc and the distance your head is back from and up or down from the bike, screen, mirrors, fairing etc. as many combinations as their are bikes and riders. Gotta try them out to know