Author Topic: Cheap modular helmets: which sucks the least? (Read 2041 times)

1KPerDay · « **on:** May 01, 2018, 09:56:10 AM »

HJC, Bell, or Speed and Strength? Unfortunately those are my price range right now.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/modular_or_convertible?page=1

ixxion · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2018, 10:37:09 AM »

We are not displeased with our HJC IS-Max helmets.

Seem pretty solid, not too heavy, and controls work. When lowering the sunshade, it hits my nose and is momentarily pretty damned uncomfortable. Otherwise, no issues. I have a rounder head shape that likes a Shoei RF shaped helmet and this also fits pretty well.

If its of any worth, the standard helmet mount for our Sena 10's fits and functions just fine. As I understand, some flip front helmets have to have all special mounts and stuff.

Troll Ebay for these helmets. There's often good deals on new helmets.

radon222 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2018, 11:03:25 AM »

My wife picked up a G-Max modular in Colorado when her Shoei got swiped. It's not a bad helmet and I think she would have been happy with it if it fit her a little bit better.

It's even got a blinky light on the back.

bungie4 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2018, 11:14:07 AM »

I love my non-modular Bell RS1. I've never had a helmet fit me that well. So when Bell brought out the Revolver, I was really eager to try it. What the holy hell? Who makes a modular helmet that is all but impossible to comfortably wear glasses with!? The foam by the temple, which in most helmets has a slot/joint to accommodate glasses, isn't present in the Revolver.

Then they revise it, surely, they've fixed this glaring shortcoming.

Nope.

In the meantime, my SO bought a Zox on sale for about a $100. It's tight on me, but for the price its a good deal. Two issues with it for me. It too is difficult to wear glasses with, and, I think they use one shell size and everybody looks like Kazoo wearing it.

I'm not willing to spend more than $300-400 on a helmet so that leaves out most of the 'name' brands.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2018, 11:44:35 AM »

I have a older Bell Revolver modular that's not bad. A wee bit noisy like all modulars, good air flow and the convenience of the flip. Head shape will be your key on what you get. The Revolver is more of a roundish head shape. I have no issues with glasses wearing mine. It also has a Sena 10R installed.

vfrrider · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2018, 12:49:23 PM »

Had the HJC Symax, liked it. Highly underrated as it was reviewed several researchers and found capable of passing any test.

Larry
VFRrider

1KPerDay · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2018, 02:02:18 PM »

Quote from: sleazy rider on May 01, 2018, 11:44:35 AM

I have a older Bell Revolver modular that's not bad. A wee bit noisy like all modulars, good air flow and the convenience of the flip. Head shape will be your key on what you get. The Revolver is more of a roundish head shape. I have no issues with glasses wearing mine. It also has a Sena 10R installed.

thank you. I'm more of a shoei, long-oval heed

I've said since I rode that LDR that my next helmet would be a modular. They are waaaaay more convenient for that kind of all-day riding. However I really need to try some on. Last ones I tried were way too close in the chinbar area. I guess I'll buy a $100 full face to replace the one my boy just broke and save for a Shoei Neotec or something.

thanks all for the info.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2018, 02:03:13 PM »

Quote from: bungie4 on May 01, 2018, 11:14:07 AM

I love my non-modular Bell RS1. I've never had a helmet fit me that well. So when Bell brought out the Revolver, I was really eager to try it. What the holy hell? Who makes a modular helmet that is all but impossible to comfortably wear glasses with!? The foam by the temple, which in most helmets has a slot/joint to accommodate glasses, isn't present in the Revolver.

thanks. I wear glasses now.

miles · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2018, 02:43:31 PM »

I have the Scorpion 920 modular helmet and I love it. It can be had for a touch over $200 at most retailers.

Would recommend.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2018, 06:11:02 PM »

Thanks I'll check it out. Meanwhile at (newenough) found a scorpion EXO-T1200 for $150 shipped. Can't beat that with a stick.

garry · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2018, 06:13:38 PM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on May 01, 2018, 06:11:02 PM

Thanks I'll check it out. Meanwhile at (newenough) found a scorpion EXO-T1200 for $150 shipped. Can't beat that with a stick.

I have an EXO-T1200. Like it a lot. That's a great price. I think I paid $199 for a $350 helmet.

naustin · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2018, 06:40:56 PM »

I’ve been using a Scorpion Exo-900 modular for 5 years. Planning to upgrade this year. Has been a goo lid. Not particularly quiet, but that’s just what you get in a budget modular...

HipGnosis · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2018, 08:47:11 AM »

I'm a value shopper.
I've had a few HJC helmets. All but one were good, for the price.
I tried a Speed & Strength - OMG it was terribly loud. I sold it on craigslist.
My current helmet is a Scorpion EXO900X neon, I'm quite happy with it

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2018, 09:13:15 AM »

Dont forget the full on convertibles. The Shark evoline I had was very cool. Extremely functional and you can ride at speed with the bar up/back. I couldn't get the fit just so because i have an enormous bean. Might have another some day. The

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2018, 03:32:36 PM »

Ride mag did a group review recently. Of the cheaper ones (!), HJC wins, although Shoei Neotechs can be found on special offer.

bungie4 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2018, 04:16:58 PM »

I bought my wife a Zox modular. Snell/DOT approved for about $145 Cdn. I've worn it a few times, but its to small for me. Even so. Next time they have a no tax event, I'll be picking one up to replace my 7 year old Bell RS1.

chornbe · « **Reply #16 on:** July 01, 2018, 04:32:26 PM »

I have a GPX I'll send you. On paper it's absolutely perfect, and I like it a lot. But with my neck fusion, I just can't do any helmets with any heft whatsoever.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2020, 01:42:16 PM »

And we're back with this again... I do love me a good thread revival.

Just ordered the Shark Evo One 2 in hi viz. Having lost a bunch of weight, I think the issue I had with the Shark will be resolved. Too much cheek meat basically. Anyway, I have to get my temp tooken every day coming to work and I currently have to pull over to the side of the bay (they're using one of the bays of the fire department), neutral, gloves off, shades off, helmet off cuz they gotta get me right around the temple. I'm figuring with the Shark, I'll be able to put the bar up and just scooch the helmet over a smidge to expose my temple without having to do anything but put the bike in neutral...if that.

Round 2, here we go. Results next week. If that doesn't work, it's still a cool helmet.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2020, 02:25:34 PM »

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets___street/schuberth/c3_pro_silver_helmets.html

been trying not to buy one of those

1KPerDay · « **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM »

BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #20 on:** June 02, 2020, 03:19:58 PM »

where's the like button?

Skee · « **Reply #21 on:** June 02, 2020, 03:54:50 PM »

+1 because I am looking for a new lid this year and Shoei and Aari have just gotten ridiculous.

Is that Cedar Breaks?

squeezer · « **Reply #22 on:** June 02, 2020, 05:06:59 PM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on May 01, 2018, 02:02:18 PM

thank you. I'm more of a shoei, long-oval heed

Keep Nolan off the list, then.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #23 on:** June 02, 2020, 07:24:40 PM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM

BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

You know that tab on the left side serves both as a shield lock in one position and as a shield “vent” in the other position, right?

Andrew · « **Reply #24 on:** June 02, 2020, 09:43:28 PM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:25:34 PM

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets___street/schuberth/c3_pro_silver_helmets.html

been trying not to buy one of those

Just buy it

one of my favorite helmets ever

1KPerDay · « **Reply #25 on:** June 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 02, 2020, 07:24:40 PM

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM
BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

You know that tab on the left side serves both as a shield lock in one position and as a shield “vent” in the other position, right?

what tab....

1KPerDay · « **Reply #26 on:** June 02, 2020, 09:59:03 PM »

Quote from: squeezer on June 02, 2020, 05:06:59 PM

Quote from: 1KPerDay on May 01, 2018, 02:02:18 PM
thank you. I'm more of a shoei, long-oval heed

Keep Nolan off the list, then.

Yeah, I tried on my dad’s Nolan and it was like wearing a fishbowl

zer0netgain · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2020, 04:01:05 AM »

Wow...I’ve been happy with my HJC.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #28 on:** June 03, 2020, 06:12:00 AM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 02, 2020, 07:24:40 PM
Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM
BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

You know that tab on the left side serves both as a shield lock in one position and as a shield “vent” in the other position, right?
what tab....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xqaWOk3rg4

Go to 3:26. It took me a long time to find this. I went through quite a few reviews before I found someone who mentioned this at all.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2020, 10:47:26 AM »

Revzilla has the Scorpion EXO GT3000 @ $185 now
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/scorpion-exo-gt3000-sync-helmet

1KPerDay · « **Reply #30 on:** June 03, 2020, 12:11:08 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 03, 2020, 06:12:00 AM

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM
Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 02, 2020, 07:24:40 PM
Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM
BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

You know that tab on the left side serves both as a shield lock in one position and as a shield “vent” in the other position, right?
what tab....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xqaWOk3rg4

Go to 3:26. It took me a long time to find this. I went through quite a few reviews before I found someone who mentioned this at all.

LOL thanks for the effort. Now that you mention it I did fiddle with that thing when I first got the helmet. I found it annoying when locked and not enough when cracked so I guess I forgot about it.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #31 on:** June 04, 2020, 09:14:07 AM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 03, 2020, 12:11:08 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 03, 2020, 06:12:00 AM
Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM
Quote from: Vulcanbill on June 02, 2020, 07:24:40 PM
Quote from: 1KPerDay on June 02, 2020, 02:31:59 PM
BTW I guess this is a good time to post my 2-year impressions of the Scorpion EVO T1200 I bought. I have worn it on a few multi-day tours and recently installed the Sena S20 bluetooth speakers/intercom so I could talk to my daughter on a recent tour of southern Utah. The intercoms worked great, and I could play Harry Potter from my phone to HER headphones but not to both hers and mine.

I may need a firmware update or some crap.

Anyway, the Scorpion had perfectly sized cutouts and wire-routing grooves in the foam, and it was easy to remove and replace the cheekpieces and lining. I really like the integral dark shades. The first time I wore it the chinstrap felt too far back (compared to my crusty Shoei RF1100) but now it feels right. The only complaint I have is that the first click up for the faceshield is too high up. I love Shoei's method of having a little tab that you can crack the shield just a little. On the Scorpion it's like an inch and a half to the first "detent".

Overall very pleased.

You know that tab on the left side serves both as a shield lock in one position and as a shield “vent” in the other position, right?
what tab....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xqaWOk3rg4

Go to 3:26. It took me a long time to find this. I went through quite a few reviews before I found someone who mentioned this at all.
LOL thanks for the effort. Now that you mention it I did fiddle with that thing when I first got the helmet. I found it annoying when locked and not enough when cracked so I guess I forgot about it.

The crack is plenty on a completely unfaired bike. I use it all the time.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #32 on:** **Yesterday** at 06:16:14 PM »

New Shark is in hand and on head. Initial impressions are very positive. Quality piece of kit. Significant upgrade from the evoline 2 I had a while back. Latching mechanism requires much less effort to engage. Ear holes are much roomier and softer. Sun visor is large and doesn’t touch my nose or really even get close. Shield has tabs on both sides of center. On and off will have to be in the jet position but I suspected that is how it would work anyway. And of course the hiviz is just dead sexy.

Will wear it tomorrow and report back.