New Reviews! Arai and Kriega

These are long overdue reviews that I'm finally posting. The first is of my beloved Arai Vector 2 Helmet. If you want to step up your game and invest in an incredible helmet, then you can't go wrong with Arai.

The second one is the Kriega Universal Tailpack System. I love this system because for those of us with tiny rear seats, saddlebag systems can be too wide or just not a perfect fit. They can also add width which interferes with swerve clearance and can redistribute the weight. I love these for my SV650 and I think you will too.

"Quiet" Motorcycle Helmets

Riding down Geary Boulevard in San Francisco back in 2013

I had a really difficult question this week emailed to me from a rider in Australia about which helmets are quieter, full face or modulars? 

Questions:

• What is the quietest full face flip top (modular)?
• What is the quietest full face?
• And are the flip top (modular) as quiet as the full face?

Answer:

Generally speaking, perceived noise levels will vary depending on the individual. Noise can be caused by many factors, including helmet fit; the type of motorcycle and windscreen; wind speed and direction and even the type of clothing that is being worn. Also assuming that you are wearing the correct size/fit for your head, this will also greatly affect perceived noise levels We also always recommend wearing high quality ear plugs to minimize wind noise as well. One of my favorite resources for an exceptionally large selection is Earplug Superstore.

That being said, I am thrilled to share my personal experience with you, as well as that of many of our customers with our most popular helmets for overall noise reduction.

Many will agree that Schuberth makes one of the quietest modulars (also commonly referred to as flip up) starting with their popular C3 Pro.

My old Shoei Qwest Goddess

Schuberth made the first modular helmet and they say that the C3 and C3Pro are the quietest models available. They have wind tunnel tested both of these models starting at “82db at 62 mph on an unfaired motorcycle”. If you search for reviews of these models, you will find many riders agree that the Schuberth helmets are very quiet, relative to other makes/models. I have a C3ProW (women’s specific model of the C3Pro) and can definitely tell a noticeable reduction in wind noise in comparison to the other two helmets I own, which are the Arai Vector-2 and Shoei Qwest. As a side note Shoei claims a 2.2db reduction in overall wind noise from it’s predecessor, the TZ-R. I definitely think my Qwest is quieter than my Vector-2.

Many will also argue that modulars are noisier than full face helmets. That is true with a few exceptions including Schuberth, who has mastered the design and engineering of their helmets to eliminate as much noise as possible. Since Schuberth introduced the C3 a couple years ago, there are more premium modulars that have been released since then to compete including the Shoei Neotec and HJC RPHA Max that also are trying to provide a quieter riding experience. However, if you compare something as premium as the C3Pro to a basic full face helmet at a <$100 price point then the C3Pro is very much quieter than that one.

Alternatively, if you compare the C3Pro to other premium, high end full face street helmets such as the Arai Defiant or Shoei RF-1200 which have both been designed to greatly minimize wind noise, you may find they all come somewhat close to each other. 

The Defiant and RF-1200 have been very popular models among riders who are seeking full face helmets that can greatly reduce wind noise levels. Since Schuberth greatly publicizes their perceived noise level in decibels, I think you can safely assume that the Schuberth models might be a hair quieter than it’s competitors. It’s difficult to say which one is the quietest, but these definitely fall into the ‘more quiet than others’ category.

You must also take into consideration the fairing / windscreen setup of your motorcycle. My bike has nothing, so even the quietest helmets will still be noisy because I have nothing in front of me. Depending on what kind of setup you have on your bike, that will certainly affect overall wind noise as well.

UPDATE 2016: 

Since this post, I've purchased a Shoei RF-1200 which I find to be almost as quiet as my Schuberth. However, I do think the windscreen on my old SV made a difference in reducing noise as well. My current Triumph has nothing! 

Catching up, Review of the Shoei Qwest.

Read my review of the Shoei Qwest helmet!

http://gearchic.com/reviews/helmets/shoei-qwest/

Most comfortable motorcycle helmet.

Is this the most comfortable motorcycle helmet? For me, YES! 

For me, and my small, intermediate oval head (XS, 53-54cm), the Arai Vector-2 is a perfect fit. It cradles my head so perfectly and feels like it was made just for me.   I chose Diamond White, which is a pearlescent white with little sparkly specs when it's in the light. 

The Vector was designed for someone who's head is longer from front to back vs. side to side. If you aren't sure where to start, you should measure your head (see helmet fitment guide link below) and start from there. Figure out which way your head is longer, side to side or front to back. 

When searching for  a helmet, especially your first one ever, I know how difficult it can be to find something that fits well and falls within your budget. That's the #1 complaint I hear about helmets is how expensive they are. But isn't protecting your head/brain worth that investment? 

Think about something you spent $400-$500 on recently. Was it a fancy kitchen appliance? Fancy speakers? A new chair or a computer? Why is it so easy for us to drop money on superficial items, but when it comes to our delicate heads, the idea of spending a few hundred dollars is simply ridiculous?  You don't have to spend more on an Arai, but consider spending a little more than the bare minimum. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to helmets.

After sporting the Shoei Qwest for a year and a half now, I'm excited to wear an Arai again. When I first started riding, I remember trying on an Arai Quantum and knowing that it was the perfect helmet for me. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $ on my first helmet so I settled for something less expensive yet Snell certified.  I knew that I was an Arai girl and I still am. Woop!

Useful Links:

Helmet Sizing

Helmet Fitment Guide