What's the quietest helmet for under $500?

[Ruralman]

When I bought my bike back in March I bought an HJC flipfront helmet (it was the more expensive of the 2 models they had, I think around$450 but it was part of a package where I bought everything from boots up)
While I like the convenience of the flipper I am very disappointed with the amount of wind noise. I do wear earplugs (and I have looked at a recent post on these which had some good ideas) but these tend to come out and aren't that successful at eliminating the problem. I've also tried stuffing some more padding in to places in the helmet without success.
I suspect the only solution may be to buy another helmet without the flipper front. The trouble is when I go in to bike shops there doesn't seem to be a noise rating or anything to guide you. I also need an xxl size which they don't often have in the model you want to look at, but to get one in you really want to know if its any good noise wise.
So please all experience from here would help - what helmets have you found are good for wind noise, preferably without needing plugs, and preferably under $500.
I ride under 120km most of the time. I do have a high screen on the T/A but the noise was better after I put this on.

[Toast]

Noise ratings would be a mission, since much depends not just on the volume of wind, but on where the wind hits.

Anyway, simple answer: For near $500 you can pick up a Shoei Raid 2 with a whisper kit, which is apparently one of the quietest solutions around.

[Squeak the Rat]

But make sure it fits! It's better to wear earplugs than to wear a helmet that gives you a headache.

I tried on some Shoei's the other day - they felt very nice but were too tight for me in the forehead.

[James Deuce]

Even the quietest hemets are in the late 80dB range which is loud enough to need plugs.

3M make plugs that are 3 domes on a shaft and you can get two pair for $5. They reduce dB and spl so you don't lose upper frequency noise like you do with the foam ones. They are washable and reusable.

If you don't wear plugs, one side benefit is that you won't be able to hear your grandchildren at 70, OR your wife.

[Squeak the Rat]

Even the quietest hemets are in the late 80dB range which is loud enough to need plugs.

3M make plugs that are 3 domes on a shaft and you can get two pair for $5. They reduce dB and spl so you don't lose upper frequency noise like you do with the foam ones. They are washable and reusable.

If you don't wear plugs, one side benefit is that you won't be able to hear your grandchildren at 70, OR your wife.


Agreed. The downside is you can't enjoy a beer at a noisy pub with your mates anymore.

Wh-ear do you get these 3M plugs? I was at the safety shop the other day and couldn't see any such beasts.....

[XP@]

Ha, I was looking at lids today...

The Nolan N102 there was also another guy in the shop looking at the same lid (and he bought it).

He had the HJC flip-up and really did not like it, too small I think squashed cheeks and could not fit ear plugs.

I Have a warn out BMW Syste, I need ear plugs to do the 25km's to work :-(

The Nolan N102 is reputed to be quieter than the N101. I don't know if this is with the sun-visor up or down. I would be really interested to hear about the N102 with sun visor up?

The N102 does look cool, and although I did not buy today, it is not because The price was not right ($550!!!) it was because I did not want to run the risk of it not being 100% for the 1000miler this weekend, I will stick with what I know for now.

[sAsLEX]

Went and did some investigation at NZ Safety
<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43726&d=1160527909>
From left to right at the back
Rockets Earplug - reusable cord 4.27
Bilsom reuseable cord large 5.10
E.A.R push ins with grip rings 0.84

and in the front is the old 3M foam ones I used to use but found these gave me a headache after not long.

Initial fitting showed the Rockets most comfortable, with the bilsoms being a bit big(could try the small size) and the EAR ones being rather to large.

Advantages of the first two is they come with the little storage box for off the bike storage and are billed as reusable and can be cleaned between uses.

[James Deuce]

Agreed. The downside is you can't enjoy a beer at a noisy pub with your mates anymore.

Wh-ear do you get these 3M plugs? I was at the safety shop the other day and couldn't see any such beasts.....

Pharmacies - They come in little (2.5cm x 1.5cm) white trapezoidal rubbery plastic cases.

[Matt]

The Shoei whisper kit is supposed to bring the decibels down to ~78 at 100kph - don't feel the need to wear plugs with it...

Matt

[XP@]

After loosing about $30 of "good" earplugs.
A couple of years ago I splashed out and bought a box of 500 from NZ safety. Now i can loose as many as I like, and they still work!
All I do is grab an handful every couple of weeks and keep them as long as I can.

[BNZ]

Ha, I was looking at lids today...

The Nolan N102 there was also another guy in the shop looking at the same lid (and he bought it).

He had the HJC flip-up and really did not like it, too small I think squashed cheeks and could not fit ear plugs.

I Have a warn out BMW Syste, I need ear plugs to do the 25km's to work :-(

The Nolan N102 is reputed to be quieter than the N101. I don't know if this is with the sun-visor up or down. I would be really interested to hear about the N102 with sun visor up?

The N102 does look cool, and although I did not buy today, it is not because The price was not right ($550!!!) it was because I did not want to run the risk of it not being 100% for the 1000miler this weekend, I will stick with what I know for now.


I bought a Nolan N102 last week. Pretty damm quiet, can hear my ipod at 100+ easy with the NCOM speakers. The sunvisor is pretty bloody noisy above 120-130ish if it is up, although it doesnt have any "pull" effect. If its down its quiet. To remove the Visor is a 30second job also.

[Nutter34]

We used to have the 3M foam ones at work and just about everyone I know complains about them.
We now have the 'Spark Plugs' from Moldex. HEAPS better. They are class 5 rated... I've used them on the bike ever since...

[Forest]

Ear-plugs should have an attenuation factor rating on the packet (measured in dB).

I generally go for foam ones rated around 27dB.

I learned a really good trick a few years ago. After you roll the earplug, pull the top of your ear upwards and hold it there while you insert the earplug into the ear canal. It makes a huge difference to the attenuation, and makes it almost impossible for the earplug to come out accidentally.

[Lou Girardin]

The Scuberth C2 is the quietest - 86.5 db. But it's a bit more than $500.
Get some Alpine earplugs. I use them with my Nolan N101 and noise is not a problem.

BTW I can't tell the difference between the VPS visor up or down.

[Jantar]

The quietest helmet is the one that fits the closest around the jaw and under the ears, ans also has the fewsest gaps in its own fittings. I find the Nolan brand suits me and gives the quietest ride.

However before concetrating on the helmet, check the aiflow around you faring and windscreen. Turbulent air hitting your helmet will be noisy despite having the quietest helmet in the world, and sometimes all that is need is to raise or lower the windscreen a few cm, or to change the angle by inserting a washer at an appropriate joint.

On the Vstrom I have greatly reduced (but not eliminated) wind noise by fitting a madstad bracket. http://www.stromtrooper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5889&highlight=madstad

[Ruralman]

I went in to Honda Otago today and the guy I spoke to highlighted the same issue as you do Jantar - the Transalp shield, and the Givi one I have replaced it with, don't let any air through so they create a low pressure zone behind then that buggers up the airflow and causes turbulence around your helmet which raises the noise (doesn't mean your head necessarily gets shaken about).
He showed me the new screens on various models and how they let air flow underneath the base of them.
He reckoned, knowing that he was losing a helmet sale, that the first step was to try to address this and if that didn't work then look at the helmet & plugs.
Tonight when I got home I started shaping some 3mm polycarbonate sheeting with the idea of screwing & gluing a shaped scoop to a low part of the screen with some holes made behind it. If it looks alright when I've finished modelling it I might have the balls to drill and cut holes in the screen and then attach it over the top. It will piss me off if it makes no difference.
I do notice that when it rains the raindrops run down my visor, not up or across (very obvious when you've use rainex) . This sort of reinforces to me that the airflow could be a big part of the problem.
Watch this space and thanks for you input and keep it coming.

[NighthawkNZ]

Ha, I was looking at lids today...

The Nolan N102 there was also another guy in the shop looking at the same lid (and he bought it).

He had the HJC flip-up and really did not like it, too small I think squashed cheeks and could not fit ear plugs.

I Have a warn out BMW Syste, I need ear plugs to do the 25km's to work :-(

The Nolan N102 is reputed to be quieter than the N101. I don't know if this is with the sun-visor up or down. I would be really interested to hear about the N102 with sun visor up?

The N102 does look cool, and although I did not buy today, it is not because The price was not right ($550!!!) it was because I did not want to run the risk of it not being 100% for the 1000miler this weekend, I will stick with what I know for now.

I bought the Nolan 102 and its a pretty quiet helmet compared to my old BMW. But I haven't had the sun visor up over 100km yet so I can comment on that. But the trip to Ashburton and back I was very suprised how quiet it was ... also make sure the helmet is a snug fit a helmet that is too loose will be very noisey

[XP@]

I bought the Nolan 102 and its a pretty quiet helmet compared to my old BMW. But I haven't had the sun visor up over 100km yet so I can comment on that. But the trip to Ashburton and back I was very suprised how quiet it was ... also make sure the helmet is a snug fit a helmet that is too loose will be very noisey

I think it is getting higher on my list, will wait for this tears bonus to come through from work (or at least the opportunity to fib about it)
In the mean time could you do some test at higher speeds... 110, 120, 130 ... 180. If you meet a cop on the way, just say XP@ said it's ok :-)

Seriously, I would be really interested to know what it is like at 110kph in to a 70kph headwind (I live in wellington :-)

[XP@]

Tonight when I got home I started shaping some 3mm polycarbonate sheeting with the idea of screwing & gluing a shaped scoop to a low part of the screen with some holes made behind it. If it looks alright when I've finished modelling it I might have the balls to drill and cut holes in the screen and then attach it over the top. It will piss me off if it makes no difference.

Am I too late...?
But what about using "washers" to lift the screen without modifying it?
Maybe it will give you what you need without destroying anything??

[SARGE]

i use these ......


<img src="http://www.hzjl365.com/pro_images/2006327113942.jpg">

crank the volume up to 11 and you hear no wind noise at any speed

[Zapf]

I have been meaning to do this for a long time but haven't gone around.

What they do in wind tunnels to test aerodynamics and visualise the air flow is to attach little strings to the surface, so that you can see what the strings do... as they move in the direction of the wind.

[Ixion]

Hm.Little strings, you say. Like, as it were, tassels ? So, Mr Scumdog should be an expert. And Harley Davidsons very aerodynamic ?

[Macktheknife]

As for helmets try the Shark range, I have found them pretty good and have friends who swear by them. You can also get special latex ear plugs that tailor to your ear, about $25 from selected chemists, apparently they work really well too.

[Ruralman]

Am I too late...?
But what about using "washers" to lift the screen without modifying it?
Maybe it will give you what you need without destroying anything??

I had wondered about that but the screen is mounted on the inside of the front cowling so making a gap wouldn't make any difference and putting it on the outside would just look f'ing awful. Its not too late but by the end of the day it might be.

[Ruralman]

Hm.Little strings, you say. Like, as it were, tassels ? So, Mr Scumdog should be an expert. And Harley Davidsons very aerodynamic ?

Hmmm - he lives very close, I wonder if he would lend me his jacket????? - would need to be a very dark night so no one could see me though - would I still see the tassles????

[sAsLEX]

Ear-plugs should have an attenuation factor rating on the packet (measured in dB).

I generally go for foam ones rated around 27dB.

I learned a really good trick a few years ago. After you roll the earplug, pull the top of your ear upwards and hold it there while you insert the earplug into the ear canal. It makes a huge difference to the attenuation, and makes it almost impossible for the earplug to come out accidentally.

ummm thats how you should always put in ear plugs and it says that on the packet of nearly all of them next to the attenuation thingo, cept most people dont read instructions do they....


I have been meaning to do this for a long time but haven't gone around.

What they do in wind tunnels to test aerodynamics and visualise the air flow is to attach little strings to the surface, so that you can see what the strings do... as they move in the direction of the wind.

Smoke is better as it shows up turbulence alot better and you can move the smoke source about the vehicle without stopping the airflow or rolling road to get an idea of the flow around various bits

[The Stranger]

As others have said, I have found small alterations to the screen can stop some of the noise.

I also fitted a whisper kit to my Shoei. That stopped a lot of the higher pitch noise, but left the low pitch noise unchanged. Was a little odd, but now I am used to that.

The reason I fitted the whisper kit was not for noise reduction but for warmth. It is excellent at reducing the ingress of cold air.

[sAsLEX]

As others have said, I have found small alterations to the screen can stop some of the noise.

I also fitted a whisper kit to my Shoei. That stopped a lot of the higher pitch noise, but left the low pitch noise unchanged. Was a little odd, but now I am used to that.

The reason I fitted the whisper kit was not for noise reduction but for warmth. It is excellent at reducing the ingress of cold air.

I use a <img src=http://www.kathmandu.co.nz/managed_images/product/nz/large/Neckgaitor.jpg>

much cheaper than buying a shoei and a whisper kit


One thing I have found though after wearing plugs every ride for the last two weeks is how much I use sound to moderate my speed, and am finding I am going in to corners and cruising a little faster now, so will have to readjust to the new sensor input range!

[Forest]

ummm thats how you should always put in ear plugs and it says that on the packet of nearly all of them next to the attenuation thingo, cept most people dont read instructions do they....


Does it really say to pull the top of your ear upwards and hold it there when inserting the earplug?

This is the thing which makes all the difference.

[sAsLEX]

Does it really say to pull the top of your ear upwards and hold it there when inserting the earplug?

This is the thing which makes all the difference.

yes

check it out http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs666vQ2COrrrr Q-

[Ruralman]

quick update - I've drilled the holes and shaped them with one of those saw drill bits and glued and temporarily screwed the scoop over the top to help force air up through the holes.
Tommorrow the glue should be set enough to test it out (I'll take the screws out) on a trip down to Milton to get a new tyre on the back. Meant to be bloody windy everywhere over the next few days so I should get some idea if its made a difference.
I have taken some photos but I'll only put them up if it does work.
Thanks for all the helmet and plugs info - I like the look of those Nolans and you guys seem to rate them well. I'll try with some better earplugs first though. I've just been using those foam ones with mixed results, and it looks like I have also been guilty of not reading the instructions so my technique for putting them in will change!
Cheers

[slimyxylofone]

To all those who wear plugs, how much noise does it cut out?

I'm worried about damaging my hearing in the long term but certainly don't want to lose the ability to hear what is happening around me.

How have you found wearing ear plugs affects your ability to react to the sound of other vehicles, horns etc?

[sAsLEX]

To all those who wear plugs, how much noise does it cut out?

I'm worried about damaging my hearing in the long term but certainly don't want to lose the ability to hear what is happening around me.

How have you found wearing ear plugs affects your ability to react to the sound of other vehicles, horns etc?

Nah can still hear alot around you, but cuts down things like wind noise rather substantially

[Squeak the Rat]

Slim - wearing earplugs is safe as.

You can get different rated ones if you're concerned. Start with a lower rating (there are some that you can get from Safety Shops that come in a small yellow paper-ish packet (per pair) - might be a good start).

Trust us old farts - protect your hearings!

[XP@]

There were a few friders on the 1000miler using the N102's. (triumph speed triple, tenere and ???, all good riders, keeping up a decent speed)
After quizzing them I am happy that the lid is quiet enough, even with the sun visor up. But I am not expecting it to be as quiet as a fixed chin lid.

A good price for this would be $550, but i think $600 is normal and $650 is too much.

As soon as I con my boss in to giving me that bonus I will be making a trip to the bike shop :-)