Flip-top lids?

[Gizzit]

Anybody had experience with the Nolan N102 or Shoei Multitec flip top lids ??
I have a really nice Shark FF, but as I wear glasses, I want to change to a flip top. I know they will no doubt be heavier and probably noisier, but I think if they are strong enough ... and don't fall apart after a year or so ....they are a good option for those of us who have to wear glasses ..... and NO ... I can't use contacts !!!!! Grrrr :shit:

Suggestions please ?

Cheers,
Grant.

[NighthawkNZ]

Anybody had experience with the Nolan N102 or Shoei Multitec flip top lids ??
I have a really nice Shark FF, but as I wear glasses, I want to change to a flip top. I know they will no doubt be heavier and probably noisier, but I think if they are strong enough ... and don't fall apart after a year or so ....they are a good option for those of us who have to wear glasses ..... and NO ... I can't use contacts !!!!! Grrrr :shit:

Suggestions please ?

Cheers,
Grant.

I use the Nolan N102, and love it... I now wear glasses, so the flip is good as well as the sun visor :)

I don't find it that noisy on short trips... (3 or 4 hours) but on the long hauls i do use ear plugs.. (im like that with most helmets anyway...)

[yungatart]

I have an HJC flip top helmet. Yep, like you I wear glasses and can't wear contacts either.
Its not particulaly noisy, or heavy.
Try them all on and find the one that suits your noggin the best.

[NighthawkNZ]

I have an HJC flip top helmet. Yep, like you I wear glasses and can't wear contacts either.
Its not particulaly noisy, or heavy.
Try them all on and find the one that suits your noggin the best.

me other half has hjc flip... she seems happy... though she wears contacts but likes the idea of the sun visor on mine... :)

[scracha]

Used a Shoe Syncrotec for donkeys. They're the shiz around town etc. Longer journeys I use a "traditional" skid lid due to the noise.

[NordieBoy]

I use a cheap Zeus flip front and love it.
Just upgraded to a KBC FFR and the style and features are great but the Zeus is a nicer fit.

[Pixie]

Anybody had experience with the Nolan N102 or Shoei Multitec flip top lids ??
I have a really nice Shark FF, but as I wear glasses, I want to change to a flip top. I know they will no doubt be heavier and probably noisier, but I think if they are strong enough ... and don't fall apart after a year or so ....they are a good option for those of us who have to wear glasses ..... and NO ... I can't use contacts !!!!! Grrrr :shit:

Suggestions please ?

Cheers,
Grant.

I've got a N102 and have an N100 which I used for 7 years.
They don't fall apart and replacement parts are available.

[Grub]

Anybody had experience with the Nolan N102 or Shoei Multitec flip top lids ??.

Nasty and I have the N102 and LOVE them. Ours have the comms and bluetooth kits for bike-bike comms. The details and pic in this post

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1039410&postcount=31

The thing is, they're amazing quality for an amazing price with RRP ay $599. The complete helmet and bike-bike setup costs us less than $1,000 which is just brilliant value for money

There's been about 5 threads about these and other helmets. Use the Forum Search tool and look for "nolan"

[Grub]

Used a Shoe Syncrotec for donkeys. They're the shiz around town etc. Longer journeys I use a "traditional" skid lid due to the noise.

I've posted this before, but hope I can spread the word and continue to help people.

The noise from a helmet is less from the shape of the case than the vortex created between the shoulder and the base of the helmet. Here's a simple test - as you're riding along, hold your hand up under your ear to block the air betwee it and your shoulder .... instant sillence (on that side)!

So, after much research, I have a simple $10 solution. By wrapping a scarf around your kneck you fill in the open area below your helmet and the noise all goes away. So again, it's not the helmet but the gap benath it. Add a set of earplgs and it's silent running (well almost)

Removing the Nolan sunshade makes no difference one way or another (except that you suffer sun-strike) as that's not where the noise is coming from. Our HJC's have the same noise level as the Nolans

I hope that helps somebody else protect their hearing and enjy nice quiet rides.

[Gizzit]

I use the Nolan N102, and love it... I now wear glasses, so the flip is good as well as the sun visor :)

I don't find it that noisy on short trips... (3 or 4 hours) but on the long hauls i do use ear plugs.. (im like that with most helmets anyway...)

That sounds good and I like the idea of the sun visor. I found trying both the Shoei and the Nolan, that the Shoei was slightly lighter and seemed to fit my head a little better, but the Nolan had better features.
And talking of ear plugs ... I am planning to get some earplugs on Saturday 15th Sept at Motomail when that crowd are doing the custom fit plugs. I'm a bit "mutt n jeff" already, so I can't afford to loose too much more hearing .... or I'll never hear my wife talking to me ! :laugh:

[Gizzit]

So, after much research, I have a simple $10 solution. By wrapping a scarf around your kneck you fill in the open area below your helmet and the noise all goes away. So again, it's not the helmet but the gap benath it. Add a set of earplgs and it's silent running (well almost)


I'm sure you are right Grub, and some helmets come with better cushioning around the neck ... like a skirt kind of thing that the Shoei comes with, that seals off so that less wind gets up into the helmet. Also I think you do get some extra noise from any opening that doesn't seal well, and why probably most flip tops are noisier than the ordinary FF helmets.

[aewilliam]

Not too keen on squeezing them glasses frames through the helmet? Maybe im just fortunate to have a pair of flexi frames that bend through my Nitro1200 lid...
Worked the same with an Arai, but didnt have the $800ish for THAT one.
Surprised no ones suggested DIYing your current lid into a fliptop? :2thumbsup

[Taz]

I've recently bought a Multitec and it's great. Comes with the pin-lock anti-fog shield and whisper kit. Definitely not heavy and in my opinion several steps above the nolan. Try them both on and choose the one that's the most comfortable for you. For me it was the shoei and I definitely don't need bluetooth gizmo's or music when riding. That's not what riding is about for me.
Andy.

[Nasty]

I'm sure you are right Grub, and some helmets come with better cushioning around the neck ... like a skirt kind of thing that the Shoei comes with, that seals off so that less wind gets up into the helmet. Also I think you do get some extra noise from any opening that doesn't seal well, and why probably most flip tops are noisier than the ordinary FF helmets.

I went from an HJC to a nolan .. and I get way less noise than I had with the FF ... I can ride without earplugs comfortably ...

[far queue]

I went from a Shoei XR800 to a Shoei Multitec. The multitec is definitely noisier than the XR800 was without earplugs. But I always wear earplugs, other than around town, so I'm not too worried about it. When I was looking for a new lid I tried not to be biased, so tried on every brand I could find, and still liked the fit of the Shoei the best. But that's just me, you may like something else better. I've had it about 6 months now and am still happy with it.

Positives ... The pinlock anti fog thingy is brilliant, the ventilation control is great, the comfort is great, the aerodynamics seem to work well (no buffeting), it comes with a clear and a tinted visor, it comes with chin and neck curtains to reduce wind noise, (I've used the chin curtain but not the neck curtain), it's light.

Negatives ... The chin piece is VERY close to my chin i.e. it's touches my chin while riding. I wear glasses and it usually pulls them off when I remove it. Increased wind noise over my last lid.

[mbazza]

I've used N100 for four years, still love it, but it's now looking a bit tatty. Tried the N102 and out of the box felt it was too heavy.
Wind noise with the N100 is different on different bikes, neck gator reduces this also.
Still on the lookout for a flip face to fit the glasses. Cheers. :msn-wink:

[carbacca]

i have a nolan n101 and it being my first helmet didnt really know what to look for. plonked it on my head and it just fitted perfectly. after i bought i compared it with other flip faces and the build quality of the nolan is far superior, even compared with the shoei multitec whcih is in a similar price range. it clicks in nicely and i love the quick release buckle, means you can put on and take off helmet while wearing gloves quite easily.

[Grub]

I just like the Nolan coz that's what Casey Stoner wears

Not really, but he does, and I'm cool too

[aroberts]

I have an N102 and I think it is great. The sun visor is really useful. I can put the helmet on without removing my glasses.

When I use one pair with very thin arms, I have to be careful as they move a bit, but the other pair with slightly thicker arms is never bumped as I put the helmet on.

I like the fact that I can wear the helmet when I go in to pay for petrol. Just flip it up.

[RDJ]

Have to say my overall best ever touring full-face is the Arai Vector (even better than the Arai Signet that it replaces).

But of the three flip-ups I have tried for round-town riding:
- The Shoei Multitec is far and away the 'nicest' - a little louder than the Schuberth, much better build quality than the Nolan.
- The Nolan is less quality but perfectly OK for city riding, just watch the wet weather...
- The Schuberth is nicely made indeed but noisy and just plain uncomfortable (at least on my head).

Good luck with your purchase.

[scracha]

Here's a simple test - as you're riding along, hold your hand up under your ear to block the air betwee it and your shoulder .... instant sillence (on that side)!
.

Wot he said as it's true with the Syncrotec. Unless I'm kicking about town I always wear disposable earplugs anyway.

[Krusti]

Have still got a Shoei flip front but wear my Shark full most of the time. Allways wondered how the latches would hold up under impact.

[fergie]

i have no complaints with my nolan, have had ongoing problems getting the intercom to work , but i think that is a setup prob more than a design flaw.

[Gizzit]

Have still got a Shoei flip front but wear my Shark full most of the time. Allways wondered how the latches would hold up under impact.

Well I tried on another Nolan flip top today, and the Shoei Multitec, and have ended up buying the Shoei as the Nolan was the wrong shape for my head (or visa/versa) ... anyway the Shoei fits perfectly so it will do the job I hope!

Thanks everyone for the input !!
Cheers,
Grant. :niceone:

[mstriumph]

thanks for the thread -
been thinking about it a while because of the squashed glasses thing
[have written off one pair already this year] - this is useful info for when i eventually get off my butt and do something about it

[Gizzit]

thanks for the thread -
been thinking about it a while because of the squashed glasses thing
[have written off one pair already this year] - this is useful info for when i eventually get off my butt and do something about it

Yes I know about the glasses hassles ..... hence my purchase today!! I'm hoping this will be an end to broken/twisted glass frames !!
Good luck when you go out and take the plunge!! Just need to try a few on ....
I liked the Nolan, but it just didn't fit my sweede !!! I'm not unhappy with the Shoei though, as its a very nice lid!
Cheers,
Grant.

[Taz]

Well done. A good choice.
Andy.