Flip-up chin-piece helmets?

**awa355** · 21st September 2009, 20:04

Has anyone heard of the helmets with the flip up chin breaking off in a crash?. A discussion we had the other day had one rider saying he has heard of a FFM with this function ripping off as a result of the plastic hinge brackets braking. It was only a slow speed off with no real damage done.

I believe the FFM is a entry level cost helmet while the BMW and Nolan lift up chin helmets have better hinge fittings.

I was looking at getting one of these styled helmets but not so sure now. Any advice based on experiences with the lift up helmets?? Cheers

**p.dath** · 21st September 2009, 20:21

Just make sure the helmet is locked down and you should be fine. The SHARP testing program makes a note of weather the helmet lid stayed locked or not, so you might want to check that out.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

**YellowDog** · 21st September 2009, 20:28

If you are racing on a track then no question, get the toughest full face helmet you can afford.

However for touring and general use, the flip up helmets are excellent. They pass all the crash tests with flying colours and I wouldn't let it concern you.

I have used the Nolan N102 for about 2 years and I will be switching to the Shark Evoline as soon as the price comes down a bit.

I have a full face HJC, which is now a spare.

**Hitcher** · 21st September 2009, 20:43

Flip fronts don't come in sizes larger than XXL (rated) which, for most manufacturers, is a size smaller than the rated size in a normal full face.

**Warr** · 21st September 2009, 22:36

140k + high-side unconscious before I hit the road. Helmet preformed as it should. Nolan N102
Stayed locked till the ambos decided what to do next.

**flyingcrocodile46** · 22nd September 2009, 00:18

Originally Posted by p.dath

Just make sure the helmet is locked down and you should be fine. The SHARP testing program makes a note of weather the helmet lid stayed locked or not, so you might want to check that out.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Yeah! good site. I checked it out and got a Caberg Rhino (Trip) after seeing Sharks Evoline opened on 30% of impacts and HJC's FS MAX & IS MAX opened on 53% and 60% of impacts

I was much happier with the Caberg at 10% and a 5 star rating.. internal sun visor, nice style and real light weight too. Fogging is a bit of an issue though.

**awa355** · 22nd September 2009, 09:01

Originally Posted by YellowDog

If you are racing on a track then no question, get the toughest full face helmet you can afford.

However for touring and general use, the flip up helmets are excellent. They pass all the crash tests with flying colours and I wouldn't let it concern you.

I have used the Nolan N102 for about 2 years and I will be switching to the Shark Evoline as soon as the price comes down a bit.

I have a full face HJC, which is now a spare.

Thanks for the feedback. I will look at the various models. Are the prices very similar?

**flyingcrocodile46** · 22nd September 2009, 09:13

The Nolan is a good safe helmet. The Evoline is a very nice looking and functional helmet........... that will unlock on 3 out of 10 impacts.

I have difficulty understanding how a helmet with a failure rate that high is allowed on the market.

**Bend-it** · 22nd September 2009, 11:08

Yikes, the KBC is pretty crap at 1 star!

And if you look here, you sure don't necessarily get what you pay for when it comes to helmet safety...
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/re...size=0&price=0

**Bend-it** · 22nd September 2009, 11:12

and this: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/re...size=0&price=0

gives you the cheapest 5-star helmets...

**flyingcrocodile46** · 22nd September 2009, 11:19

Originally Posted by Bend-it

and this: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/re...size=0&price=0

gives you the cheapest 5-star helmets...

Yup! The Caberg Trip (Rhino) is the second cheapest but has a 5 star rating and stays closed on 90 % of impacts. Nice light weight, stylish and comfy. Road noise is average but ok, but fogging is a bit of an issue due to poorly directed/volume of air ventilation.

**paddy** · 22nd September 2009, 11:30

Originally Posted by flyingcrocodile46

Yup! The Caberg Trip (Rhino) is the second cheapest but has a 5 star rating and stays closed on 90 % of impacts. Nice light weight, stylish and comfy. Road noise is average but ok, but fogging is a bit of an issue due to poorly directed/volume of air ventilation.

Where'd you manage to find a Trip in NZ? (Or did you import it?)

**flyingcrocodile46** · 22nd September 2009, 11:38

I was going to import a couple then saw someone selling Cabergs on Tardme
Chap named Alex is importing them 027 2728269

**george formby** · 22nd September 2009, 12:03

Originally Posted by flyingcrocodile46

Yeah! good site. I checked it out and got a Caberg Rhino (Trip) after seeing Sharks Evoline opened on 30% of impacts and HJC's FS MAX & IS MAX opened on 53% and 60% of impacts

I was much happier with the Caberg at 10% and a 5 star rating.. internal sun visor, nice style and real light weight too. Fogging is a bit of an issue though.

I have a Caberg, a little noisy & the internal sun visor fogs up too. Don't use anti fog on it. The screen turns white

Overall though, a very useful & comfortable helmet. They have sold truck loads in the UK & I have heard of no problems.