Tried to buy a new helmet

[DK Custom Products]

I'm currently using my second Nolan Modular helmet. The first one served me well, and this second one has also.

The first one got set aside after it saved my noggin during a 150 foot slide along the interstate.

The second one is 6 years old, and the liner is getting a bit worn after over a quarter million miles. Plus, I think most MFG.'s say to replace them after 5 years.

So...I began my search about a month ago. Settled on the new Nolan 104 Absolute. They said they had changed the shape of the helmet recently, so I measured my noggin, looked at their sizing chart, and ordered accordingly...a medium.

It arrived and was MUCH too small. But it fit Mary well, and her helmet is at about the 5 year mark, so it is now hers.

I ordered another one. This time a large. It was too small (even though their chart says a medium will fit me). Sent it back.

So, I ordered a third time, an XL. It arrived, and was close to fitting, & with a bit of work it would be comfortable. But while trying it on it seemed Really big (the outside, not the fit).

Went and weighed it, and set it beside the other helmets...it is huge, and it weighs more than my current XL.

Here are a couple of photo's-

The center one is my current XL size, the white one is Mary's new 104 Absolute...maybe just a tiny bit larger than my current. The black one, on the left, is the XL 104 Absolute....MUCH larger than my current XL.

Here's another shot-

I'm sending the new XL back. Already started working on fixing up the lining on my current XL, and will continue to use it for the foreseeable future.

Kevin

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I went with a Shark module convertible. It's pretty comfortable, but, just slightly noisier than my nolan 104.







You can see where it is full face, and 3/4. When 3/4 the chin bar goes all the way to the back. It has a retractable face shield and sun shades.

I really like it (and I hate helmets)

 

[Hot Rod 1]

After wearing an Arai Classic the last 7 seasons, I bought a Shoei J Cruise. I bought the Nolan XLite for my wife. With the weather we’ve had , we haven’t had a chance to try them.

 

[Marc H]

I've got to do the same.Mine is 6 yrs also but i've only had it 3 or 4. Watch the build date when you buy.Anyway I will say this about sizing.Our heads have different shapes and different model helmets made by the same company do to for the most part.For example if you have an oval head and try a round helmet by the time you get one to fit its way to wide.Webbikeworld and Revzilla give you an idea of the shape of each one to help you choose.Yes I hate helmet shopping.

 

[1dn5up]

Got 2 Scorpion Exo-C110 , they state that the XL and 2XL are the same shells with diferent liners. The amount of padding in the liner determines the size. Being the XL was tight and rather return it, I ordered a 2X liner.

The featchure I like is the retractable visor for rain and night bugs.

It also has ear pockets for speakers that you got to modify as I have not found any small enough to fit the pockets.

Shopping for helmets and handlebars have got to be the worst !

 

[Bronson512]

I too am looking for a couple helmets. I had an Nolan and liked it but I did have a hot spot. It was replaced with an LS2 because of some nice reviews. My head really had hot spots with the LS2. I’m wearing a Arai Classic now an it is without a doubt the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn but I really like a modular. Going to keep looking for a modular that fits.

 

[paws]

I've got to do the same.Mine is 6 yrs also but i've only had it 3 or 4. Watch the build date when you buy.Anyway I will say this about sizing.Our heads have different shapes and different model helmets made by the same company do to for the most part.For example if you have an oval head and try a round helmet by the time you get one to fit its way to wide.Webbikeworld and Revzilla give you an idea of the shape of each one to help you choose.Yes I hate helmet shopping.

Totally agree with this post. Webbikeworld does have a lot of detailed reviews on helmets and “fits”. I have even seen a chart showing the weight of helmets. And yes... helmet shopping is not fun - there are SO many and most are NOT readily available in your hometown so that you can have a hands-on try-on - making internet shopping a necessary gamble..

 

[Marc H]

I have been blessed to not have to internet shop for helmets yet.When I started back riding The first shop I stopped at had GMAX the 68 and the 48 bot fit me perfect now the new ones are a round oval its a no go for me.I currently have a Scorpian EXO 900 but had to go up 1 size and its not as secure feeling same with the Vega Altura.

 

[ultrafxr]

That XL is crazy large Kevin. Don't blame you for returning it. I would also.

I know everyone has their favorite helmet . . . it's kinda like and oil thread, lol.

My current go to helmet for the last several years has been my HJC IS-Max. I think they have a newer model now HJC IS-Max II. It fits well, is comfortable, has great peripheral vision and is not expensive. Sierra Electronics https://www.sierra-mc.com/ is my go to place for helmets and head sets.

 

[DK Custom Products]

I talked to Nolan about getting the XL insides in the smaller shell. They said no go.Nolan has changed their helmets to accommodate a more oval head...and turns out I have a rounder head. So, probably no more new Nolan helmets for me.I will stop by some shops over the next month or so and see if I can find a comfortable one for my ROUND head. lol I've finished sprucing up my liner on my old helmet last night. Rode with it today. Back to feeling like new.I know the shell is old, along with the crushable foam as well...but it is going to do until I find a more comfortable new one.

The bigger helmets may be good for absorbing more impact...but just trying that other one on was hurting my neck...and it was no heavier....just the weight being further out from my head/ and/or being less balanced, was putting more strain on my neck.

Kevin

 

[RdKnB]

I feel for you. Helmet shopping to me is the worse

 

[DK Custom Products]

I feel for you. Helmet shopping to me is the worse

Yeah, well because of that, I am not shopping anymore. I fixed my liner up, have already ridden over 500 miles with it. Fits like new.

If I'm in a store, I'll try one on...if I happen to find one that feels good, has good visibility, great. If not, then I'll just keep wearing the one I have.

Kevin