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

[nzspokes]

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]

How pricey?

dunno - but google is your friend

[davebullet]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 as noise of helmets is something they grade.

[BMWST?]

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]

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/...s/Schuberth-C3

[Voltaire]

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]

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....

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.

[Maha]

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]

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]

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.