Help me find a quiet helmet
If you get responses then it based on different people with different heights and different screens at different speeds. I am a safety professional I have a noise meter we should do a real no BS test.
VFR_FLA, on Jun 17 2005, 11:09 AM, said:
This has been discused a lot. It's about issues with the windscreen and the helmet.If you get responses then it based on different people with different heights and different screens at different speeds. I am a safety professional I have a noise meter we should do a real no BS test.
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I am 5'8" with a 30" inseam, and get allot if wind at 75+ but little at slower then that. I was just looking for a well insulated and put together helmet. I hate to spend more then a couple hundred bux when your suppose to replaced your helmet every two to four years anyway.
Maxx, on Jun 17 2005, 11:15 AM, said:
At 85 MPH wind noise in any helmet will be high, some higher than others but either way damaging to your ear. I suggest using ear plugs, many riders use them and I find they really improve your ride.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I use plugs, that doesn't change what the mic picks up. I just want a general consensus.
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 02:31 PM, said:
I use plugs, that doesn't change what the mic picks up. I just want a general consensus.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fair enough, I can't tell you what's quiet, but I can tell you what not to buy. Don't pick up an Arai. I've had 3 and they are really loud, much than so than the 2 Shoei's I've had. I Just find the Arai's fit really well and I dig the paint scheme.
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 06:31 PM, said:
I use plugs, that doesn't change what the mic picks up. I just want a general consensus.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maxx is right, I've had many different lids and no matter what you wear, at 85 mph, anything will be noisy. I am now wearing an Arai Quantumf and it is by far the lightest and most comfortable helmet I've own, but for noise, it's all relevent to your height, windscreen, where your head is in the wind stream etc.
Go for comrfort.
fb
See www.schuberth.com.
pastyman, on Jun 17 2005, 02:01 PM, said:
All the bike mags over here (UK) say Schuberth is the quietest helmet. Haven't got one though.See www.schuberth.com.
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Interesting. I have a dealer here in town, I'll check them out.
I have a Shoei, and the research I did before buying it really seemed conclusive that it is one of the quietest around unless you're paying $600+ (USD). (I have the TZ-R, basically the same as the RF-1000 without the rear spoiler and vent.)
What I have not yet tried, but plan on, is the available "chin screen." It covers the big gap between neck and helmet rim, which is the source for a huge part of the air coming through the helmet and (I think) making noise.
If anyone else has already tried this, please do chime in... I may get the chin piece soon, but perhaps not, as I'm not in a huge rush.
Bob
That is what a "Quiet Rider" is. I have this one...
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_cata...leafCatId=40102
And it does help allot.
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 04:49 PM, said:
"If anyone else has already tried this, please do chime in... I may get the chin piece soon, but perhaps not, as I'm not in a huge rush."That is what a "Quiet Rider" is. I have this one...
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_cata...leafCatId=40102
And it does help allot.
Cool... I do plan on getting the Shoei one, as (a) it is cheaper :) , and (B) it's made for the Shoei, and seems easier to get on and off. I'll expect pretty much the same result, and post results one way or the other for general edification. :goofy:
Thanks for the info-
Bob
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 10:50 AM, said:
I have had several helmets over the years, and have improved the wind noise on every new purchase a little at a time. The problem is, you can't ride at 85 MPH when test fitting at the store. Tell me what manufacturer and model is the quietest for you. I use a radio, and would like to reduce the wind noise through the mic for both me and my wife. We already have a quiet rider, which helps allot, but is no substitute for a good helmet.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now I know why I thought you all were crazy when you said that the wind noise on a VFR @ 70+mph is over 90db.... :idea3: I just realized that I have a taller aftermarket windscreen that makes a HUGE difference over stock. I know for a fact that with my windscreen, the db's are not 90!
Try an aftermarket windscreen that deflects the air higher up. Take a trip out to the Puget Sound area and I will let you see for yourself... ;)
I've a Shoei X-11. It is VERY loud. I may try that Quiet Rider thing. Just what I need, something to make me even hotter.
I have been wanting to get another helmet in a different color/graphics. I've looked at the suomy helmets and they are very light. Anyone have any experience with these ?
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 04:49 PM, said:
"If anyone else has already tried this, please do chime in... I may get the chin piece soon, but perhaps not, as I'm not in a huge rush."That is what a "Quiet Rider" is. I have this one...
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_cata...leafCatId=40102
And it does help allot.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I found the product called the Windjammer II which was reviewed on webBikeworld. It fits similar to the Quiet Rider on the bottom of the helmet and drastically reduces the wind noise as well as stopping 90% of the cold air. I just tried mine out last night and I was very happy with the results. Glad I ordered two of them, one for me and one for my son.
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 02:49 PM, said:
That is what a "Quiet Rider" is. I have this one...http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_cata...leafCatId=40102
And it does help allot.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does the "Quiet Rider" make you too hot in the summer?
VifferPilot, on Oct 30 2005, 10:20 PM, said:
Does the "Quiet Rider" make you too hot in the summer?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not really. I have the regular cheap one, and I don't really notice more heat. I think it actually makes the helmet bents work better.
With earplugs in.... :lol: :lol:
Vato Viejo, on Jun 17 2005, 09:02 PM, said:
Schuberth also came out on top in Motorcyclist magazine's test of helmets a couple of issues ago. It and a much cheaper helmet...but that was for bonkworthiness, not noise.I've a Shoei X-11. It is VERY loud. I may try that Quiet Rider thing. Just what I need, something to make me even hotter.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually the Schuberth did very well, but it was not the best at limiting G forces to the head.
Here's the test: http://motorcyclisto...m/gearbox/hatz/
I also have a Shoei (Z-II) and it is loud and uncomfortable after about an hour. I'm going to seriously consider the Z1R ZRP-1 which allowed the fewest Gs of any of the helmets tested and can be had for < $100.
I always wear foam earpliugs, so I may not be the best judge of quietmess. I have found that a double-bubble or sport touring type of windscreen has far more effect on helmet quietness than the helmet type, though.
http://www.schuberth...m/s1/index3.htm
You can't go wrong with an Arai if you have the $$$.
JBY28, on Jan 8 2006, 01:03 AM, said:
You can't go wrong with an Arai if you have the $$$.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>My Arai Quantum II is _LOUD!_
...wind roar easily obscures the noise from my D&D can, even with half the packing blown out!
Maxx, on Jun 17 2005, 06:15 PM, said:
At 85 MPH wind noise in any helmet will be high, some higher than others but either way damaging to your ear. I suggest using ear plugs, many riders use them and I find they really improve your ride.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
after reading about using earplugs on the forum, i tried it this year. holy crap. what a difference in sound (obviously) but also in fatigue levels. i'm much less tired when riding.
i never really "noticed" how loud it was until i put in the earplugs.
wish i'd done that 5 years ago when i started.
i have an HJC helmet - CL-SP, seems pretty quiet to me and i sit just above the windscreen's protection on my bike (6'1").
For more good info on helmets and noise (and lots of other stuff), check out www.webbikeworld.com. They do helmet testing and even post recordings of the noise levels.
Still, helmet noise and fit are directly related and therefore your experience will be completely different from mine.
I like to get a helmet that has replaceable interior parts so that when the cheekpads are nasty and worn out, I can just get new ones for $10. For that, I chose the HJC AC 11 last time and I've been quite happy. YMMV of course.
Ride on! :beer:
I'll write up a review and let everyone know when i get it!
I put on earplugs for one ride and I don't like 'em! I felt like I lost one of my senses, even though it was much quieter. I'd rather put up with the noise and be able to hear everything going on around me... but that's me...
Beck
95 VFR
Luxury car interiors are around 70db.
The stock VFR is 80db @ 5800rpm per the DOT testing.
Earplugs are your friend.
I just got an Arai Profile too and it is pretty good. It has a ridiculous # of vents but if you close them all it's pretty darn quiet on the highway, and more importantly it keeps the noise at low frequencies where the earplugs can filter it out.
High frequency whistles and such are the annoying thing... the earplugs usually won't block them and they get on your nerves really fast.
benSV, on Jun 20 2006, 07:57 PM, said:
No friggin way I believe any helmet is 70db at highway speeds - unless they are talking about the helmet + some really freakin amazing earplugs.Luxury car interiors are around 70db.
The stock VFR is 80db @ 5800rpm per the DOT testing.
Earplugs are your friend.
I just got an Arai Profile too and it is pretty good. It has a ridiculous # of vents but if you close them all it's pretty darn quiet on the highway, and more importantly it keeps the noise at low frequencies where the earplugs can filter it out.
High frequency whistles and such are the annoying thing... the earplugs usually won't block them and they get on your nerves really fast.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually I'm not sure if it was right at 70, maybe more like 78. I'm just trying to remember what I've read about the helmet. Anyway, it seems to have been considered by a lot of testers to be THE most quiet helmet available these days.
Any owners out there care to confirm this?
Beck
95 VFR
Best venting goes to the Arai. I own a Profile down here in florida (and a old RX-7 Doohan back in the day) and it is the very best venting, fit and finish you can get.
Typically the more venting a helmet has, the louder it will be. But here in florida venting is a priority.
Actually I'm not sure if it was right at 70, maybe more like 78. I'm just trying to remember what I've read about the helmet. Anyway, it seems to have been considered by a lot of testers to be THE most quiet helmet available these days.
Any owners out there care to confirm this?
Beck
95 VFR
[/quote]
This is from the WebikeWorld review on the Schuberth S1 hlmet:
Noise
This is one area in which we're sorely disappointed by the S1. Not only is the S1 not the "quietest helmet in the world", it's not even close. The low-frequency booming noises that are usually a result of turbulence around a helmet's neck area are relatively well controlled, but the real culprit are the S1's top rear exhaust vents. They create a noisy, high frequency whistle that starts at around 30 mph. Placing a hand over the opening for the exhaust vents completely eliminates the noise, so there's no question where it's coming from.
Freddie Spencer school without the ear plugs so I could hear better and the other bikes got to me, but not the wind noise.
I'll wager all the loud helmets would go quiet with the Windjammer type of collar.
[image: View Post]JoeW, on Jun 20 2006, 10:39 PM, said:
Quietest helmet is probably the Shoei RF1000 and/or X-11.Best venting goes to the Arai. I own a Profile down here in florida (and a old RX-7 Doohan back in the day) and it is the very best venting, fit and finish you can get.
Typically the more venting a helmet has, the louder it will be. But here in florida venting is a priority.
The above is an older post but :+1: on the venting qualities of the Arai.
The most "noise" however is (in my case; my height, aftermarket screen, speeds I ride) coming from below. Wind hitting my chest and being directed upwards.
I found that by placing part of my hand in a specific location under the helmet, there is a significant reduction of the noise.
My lid is a brandnew Condor
[image: Posted Image]
That doesnot come with a mesh type under chin thingie.
But as I use these
[image: Posted Image]
I've no need just yet to start modding....
Oh - and I too found out that much of the wind noise comes from air underneath the helmet - specifically airflow over and around the neck of my jacket. I've fitted a free ($0!!) chin spoiler thingo (technical term) to the helmet which helps somewhat, and also keeps my face warmer in winter (at the expense of some airflow in summer).
my ' everyday' helmet is a Shark RSi - good in terms of noise, but the ' long oval' fit is very tight around ears, makes it difficult with glasses. My helmet for longer rides /vacations is a Quantum, fits much better with glasses, a little louder, but I wear earplugs on rides over 10 miles or so . . . get them in right, they make a big difference.
I just ordered a new Suomy Spec 1 - with 'old fashioned' simple racing stripe graphics ( Gardner, from early '90's) I hear they are on the loud side, again, more vents = more noise.
6 gen
std screen + Laminar Lip
foam plugs
collared Tecnic jacket
80mph 40 mile (one way) interstate commute
I have a Nolan N100E (flip up) that I noticed has a lot of noise reflecting around inside it. So I stripped it down and tried to remove the styrofoam crush lining, but I felt that I would have to bend it too far and possibly have it snap. If that happens I am out one helmet, so I put it all back together for another day.
Has anyone taken the styrofoam lining out of their helmet and sprayed the inside plastic / fiberglass shell with a sound deadening material?
Also, I noticed I have Arai ear canals to match my Arai head - oval shaped! Has anyone noticed the shape of their ear plugs when they pull them out? Too bad Arai doesn't make ear plugs - they'd fit me perfect.
Best,
- c bob
[image: View Post]ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 10:50 AM, said:
I have had several helmets over the years, and have improved the wind noise on every new purchase a little at a time. The problem is, you can't ride at 85 MPH when test fitting at the store. Tell me what manufacturer and model is the quietest for you. I use a radio, and would like to reduce the wind noise through the mic for both me and my wife. We already have a quiet rider, which helps allot, but is no substitute for a good helmet.Icon Hooligan Mainframe, reasonably quiet compared to my HJC CL14. Comes with a chin curtain that cuts down on noise but contributes to fogging of glasses in colder weather/too warm for riding with the curtain right now, southwestern BC is going through a heat wave. This helmet is also a bit more aerodynamic, don't get as much wind effect as the HJC when doing a shoulder check, ratchet mechanism works a bit better too (stays cracked open at speed, HJC slammed shut, scared the hell out of me the first couple of times it slammed shut. All being said seems the better aerodynamics cuts down on wind noise. For those that use radios the Icon has pockets built in for earphones. Final note; same helmet, same bike, same ergoes, different size/shape noggin equals different noise levels so what works for me may not work for you. Good luck in your quest for silence.
I wear earplugs as well and would still like it to be quieter.
I was running a ZG double bubble and found that to be quite a bit noisier than the Honda screen- the turbulence was hitting the middle of my helmet shield although I felt no buffeting.
I tried the windjammer and it helps somewhat, but it was a pita to deal with when removing the helmet.
I can complain about noise now that I sold my Harley!
[image: View Post]deetben, on Jul 10 2007, 11:11 PM, said:
I have the Shoei RF-800 ( a few years old) and a Shoei RF-1000. The RF-800 has pads over the ears and makes the helmet quiet compared to the newer RF-1000. I started noticing all kinds of noises from my bike after getting the RF-1000. But when I switch back to my RF-800, all the noises go away again. But the RF-1000 is a much lighter helmet. Just my 2 cents worth.:+1:
I have the RF-1000 as well. I used to have Arai and love them. However when I bought my bike, I didn't have a helmet and they only sold Shoei... :pissed:
[image: Posted Image]
Oh, sorry....I missunderstood someone said this is "quite a helmet" not "a quiet helmet". :lol:
As for me I ride with a Scorpion 700....noise moderate.....price can't be beat. Throw in ear plugs and you have the full silence effect!
[image: View Post]enzed_viffer, on Jul 11 2007, 03:52 PM, said:
My helmet (AGV X-Vent) is very quiet, and I love the features. Unfortunately, it's also slightly too small (it's 58cm ML, and my head is 59cm, which is L), so it makes my head hurt. I'm currently looking for a replacement, but not an AGV. I've had three now, and despite the features, the quality compared to say Shoei or Arai is not too good.Oh - and I too found out that much of the wind noise comes from air underneath the helmet - specifically airflow over and around the neck of my jacket. I've fitted a free ($0!!) chin spoiler thingo (technical term) to the helmet which helps somewhat, and also keeps my face warmer in winter (at the expense of some airflow in summer).
Is it OK to quote yourself?
Here's an update.
On Friday I bought a Shoei XR1000 Camber, for 399 UnZud ShekelDollars (~US$311). It was quite a revelation, after wearing AGVs for the past 13 years.
For a start (and it's a good start!), it fits my head (unlike my AGV X-Vent, which was 1cm too small, even after attacking it with a soup spoon).
I thought that despite Shoei helmets being a bit better built than AGVs, the overall quality of the fittings and materials looked cheaper: the padding on the straps and in the helmet looks like it is going to wear out fairly quickly being used nearly every day, and the brow and exhaust vents look cheap compared to either the AGV or the supposedly cheaper Raid my wife has.
The next thing I noticed was that a LOT more noise from the bike and surroundings was evident. Whether this is due to differences in padding and construction or what, I dunno, but it was a bit alarming at first.
Second impression: the dark-tint (greenish) visor is nowhere near as effective at cutting out glare as the mirrored and dark grey-tinted visor on the AGV. However, the field of vision was noticeably MUCH wider.
Ventilation: I dunno how many vents I had open (definitely the brow vents), but the amount of fresh air flowing through was several times that of the X-Vent, which has ALL the vents open all the time, as well as the visor (apart from at highway speeds). What with the extra noise, the visibility and the the airflow, it was almost like not wearing a helmet!
Despite more noise being transmitted, my first wee ride seemed to have less overall noise. The X-Vent is a fairly quiet helmet, but the way it interacts with the airflow around the neck of my jacket and from the windscreen makes for some noise. Plus the visor on the XR1000 shuts much more neatly than that on the X-Vent, sitting snugly against the seals. (Side note: the two visors I have for the X-Vent must've been made in different factories or summat - I can't adjust the hinges in order that both open and shut the same!)
This morning I commuted wearing the XR1000 for the first time, in 'real world' conditions (drizzle, stop/start traffic, etc.) and the most noticeable thing was that the visor fogged up pretty readily (the X-Vent's rarely fogged up) and took a while to clear when I opened it. Also, whereas the AGV has a fairly long padded piece on the strap, which overlaps so there's no possibility of the strap rubbing your neck/chin raw, the XR1000 has a gap between the soft strap cover thingoes (technical term) which meant the strap was a little uncomfortable against my skin.
I was also amazed at how much air was blowing over the top of my head, especially since the brow vents were shut. When I got to work, I discovered one vent was open just a tad (a metric one), so they really do work!
i've had the windjammer for a couple years, it makes a big difference, but anything over 60mph/100km/h and it's noisey.
i used earplugs, windjammer and ipod with headphone speakers to break the noise monotony.
[image: View Post]VifferPilot, on Oct 31 2005, 04:20 AM, said:
ratfink, on Jun 17 2005, 02:49 PM, said:
That is what a "Quiet Rider" is. I have this one...http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_cata...leafCatId=40102
And it does help allot.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does the "Quiet Rider" make you too hot in the summer?
[image: View Post]Hobie1dog, on Jun 8 2007, 08:55 PM, said:
NoiseThis is one area in which we're sorely disappointed by the S1. Not only is the S1 not the "quietest helmet in the world", it's not even close. The low-frequency booming noises that are usually a result of turbulence around a helmet's neck area are relatively well controlled, but the real culprit are the S1's top rear exhaust vents. They create a noisy, high frequency whistle that starts at around 30 mph. Placing a hand over the opening for the exhaust vents completely eliminates the noise, so there's no question where it's coming from.
Hello
Could you share more on the dimensions of the S1? Am considering getting this but since this has a built in sunscreen my concern is that the helmet will be relatively larger compared to the likes of Shoei and Arai.
Thanks.
Edit: Just realised that you were quoting from a magazine. Anyone has had access to the helmet before? Appreciate all your inputs. Thanks.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,83603...-S1-Helmet.html
a few left...
Peregrinus, on Jun 17 2005, 05:45 PM, said:
The Schuberths really look like fabulous helmets... way pricey, but excellent.I have a Shoei, and the research I did before buying it really seemed conclusive that it is one of the quietest around unless you're paying $600+ (USD). (I have the TZ-R, basically the same as the RF-1000 without the rear spoiler and vent.)
What I have not yet tried, but plan on, is the available "chin screen." It covers the big gap between neck and helmet rim, which is the source for a huge part of the air coming through the helmet and (I think) making noise.
If anyone else has already tried this, please do chime in... I may get the chin piece soon, but perhaps not, as I'm not in a huge rush.
Bob
I am using the 'shoei whisper kit' that I purchased online, cuz they are only sold in Europe (go figure). It works great. It includes the chin cover, but the real work is done by the rear add-on. In fact, I rarely use the chin part, more for the really cold weather. The rear part reduces the internal airflow a lot, so expect to run hotter in summer. It's great for the long haul rides, and goes ON/OFF in seconds.
http://www.hideout-leather.co.uk/folders/h...sper_strip_kit/
DDO-VFR