Triumphrat

wonderdog · 07-23-2006

Full face is my choice but must admit that the glasses off, helmet on, glasses on, ride, stop, glasses off, helmet off, glasses on routine at times tests my patience. Have any who have chosen the flip up chin bar full face helmets had the unfortunate experience of unexpectedly testing its reliability? I've looked at flip up helmets but shied away as I fear failure of the mechanism at that moment when it is really needed.

Dennis

bobmig · 07-23-2006

Flip-ups are great if you wear eyeglasses! I've got a Zeus 508 (the now unfortunately discontinued early model). I don't know the testing procedures, but wouldn't the DOT take that into account before approving a helmet? And I assume there are flip-ups which have passed the EU standard, which is apparently even tougher.

Bob

BonnyGuy · 07-23-2006

My HJC Symax is my all time favorite. I wear glasses too and it goes on (and off) over them just fine. The locking mechanism seems to be positive and firm.

Larry

SCbonneville · 07-23-2006

I've been very pleased with my Nolan flip face.

I bought it on the recommendation/write up by MCN who rated it tops in their testing back in late '04/early '05..

It has a stainless steel latching mechanism that they were unable to pry open in tests. The only one at that time...

Ventilation is good but not great. It may be just fine in Italy though! That's where they're made... ;-)

Fit and finish is top notch.... And it meets DOT/Snell/EU specs.

Overall I think it's a great helmet. The flip face is very handy for me as I work at a "secured" facility and I have to show my security badge entering the site. All I have to do is flip up the chin bar, show my badge and I'm off...

bgaz · 07-23-2006

Unfortunately, I wear glasses now.
I have a pile of helmets, 1st choice is a shorty that is to big for me, but its comfortable and for some reason is not noisy at speed.
For longer high speed trips I have a standard helmet, no shields an so on.
I have the fill face with the flip up shield, and I hate it, its hot, looks really stupid to me on a vintage bike, and the shield is a mess in no time with bugs, dirt, scratches, etc.
It also fogs up.

I got a pair of glasses, they fit close around the nose (not wire frame), darken in sunlight, have an anti glare coating, and seem to hold up real well, they clean up without scratches very well.

Brett

wonderdog · 07-23-2006

Thanks for the input guys. I'll probably get one.

Dennis

Psychlopath · 07-23-2006

If by testing them, you mean smashing into the ground at 40 mph whilst using one, then I did.

Right now, I cant think of the brand of it..it's out in the garage, but it performed well. I'll get it if you want...just far too lazy for an unprompted trip.

I've heard tale of broken necks because of these things, but mine worked well.

If i'm recalling rightly, it stuck shut but one of the hinges came out of the slot it's supposed to ride in. Fixed that easy.

The visor displaced and my sunglasses were knocked right down into my mouth, so it musta hit fairly hard.

I went right out and bought a Nolan afterwards...nice satin black.

I dont much like the ratchet thingy on it..and I cant figure out how to get this "anti fog" item installed...but I like the lid besides that.

mikeyland · 07-23-2006

A friend of mine had a very bad accident about two months ago. Air lifted to hospital. Shattered left knee,both ankles broken and pins,screws.You name it but he was wearing a Nolan flip helmet and had nothing happen to his head. Helmet took it all. Just came home three days ago ,will never ride again after over 50 years of riding .I was with him but I still can't wear a full face. Mikey

Psychlopath · 07-23-2006

It's a terrible thing that happened to him. Glad he's still able to motate.

And, although that's only an anecdote, it gives me confidence in the lid.

richb · 07-24-2006

I just bought a Schuberth J1. It's a 3/4 helmet, so lots of ventilation, no claustrophobia, flip down sunvisor if you need it, VERY quiet with the full visor down. The kicker is a chin-guard that follows the outline of a full-face.. it's essentially a steel bar in a u-bend that protects chin/teeth etc. I'm very pleased with it - best of both worlds. Unfort I don't think they're available in the US yet..