Just curious if anyone has or has used the HJC AC-12? Debating on that or the HJC CL-SP as that got a great review for the $$$, but the AC12 seems to be a model up and not much more, yet I can't find anything on it.
Mostly want something that has good ventilation, noise isn't much of an issue to me, but comfort and a good visor/anti fog venting is a must.
IMHO: I would go for a Shoei if you can find a good buy, then Arai, and I think HJC is the best bang for your buck. I have tried them on and they fit really good. Not as good as my Shoei X-11 but then again that is a $600 helmet vs. $150 helmet! I have a buddy who swears by HJC is loves them. Hope that helps. I'd also recommend looking at new enough.com they have awesome closeout deals! idea3.gif
i had a cl-12 it was pretty comfortable. and relatively quiet. i tried shades in it and found it really uncomfortable and tight. maybe get a tinted visor, they are pretty easy to swap out.
just bought an cl-sp, haven't actually used it yet. feels more comfortable on the head. i'll let you know about noise and such when i go out for a rip wheel.gif
superfunkomatic, May 19 2006, 03:57 PMi had a cl-12 it was pretty comfortable. and relatively quiet. i tried shades in it and found it really uncomfortable and tight. maybe get a tinted visor, they are pretty easy to swap out.
just bought an cl-sp, haven't actually used it yet. feels more comfortable on the head. i'll let you know about noise and such when i go out for a rip wheel.gif
Ah, by glasses, I ment prescription... But let me know smile.gif
AC-12 fitment is actually pretty close in size to a RF1000. As far as glasses are concerned, it really depends on how your head sits in the helmet. Most helmets have a gap between the cheek pads and the head pads where you can slide glasses in but all heads are different. Oftentimes the helmet may fit just right but when you put your glasses on they sit too high on your face or too low or whatever simply because not everyones eyes are in the exact same spot in our heads in relation to where the helmets' lines are.
I have a CL-SP, noise does not seam to be an issue. My glasses slide on just fine. This actually fit my head better than the AC-12, but everyones head is different.
I have had several AC-11's... love 'em. They fit my lumpy head great. They are a bit loud, but I wear ear plugs anyway.
I wear glasses, and have a problem getting normal ones on because the cheeks are snug, and the ear hooks (whatever they are called) are a pain. I bought some Nike prescription sunglasses with the straight flexible earpiece, AWESOME!
You can get a good deal on ebay for AC-12s, just be sure to check out the feedback and look for a reputable dealer.
Got my HJC AC-11 when I bought my bike. First adult bike, first adult helmet. It's a great lid for the money, but I wish I could get my prescription glasses on a bit easier with it on. I wear contacts most riding days, but there's always a day when I'm in too big a hurry to put my contacts in.
Anyway, if the AC-12 is a new and improved AC-11 you'll probably like it very much. Mine has decent ventilation and it's not too heavy. Plus the ACs are available in a lot of exterior designs to suit just about anyone.
I like buying locally to support the shops, but if you can't find what you need in your area, at least try on a few lids at the local shops so you know what fits your head and what size to order on the internet or via eBay.
I just got my AC-12 Carbon after a 6 month wait (My wife ordered it for me before X-mas). It fits a bit tighter than my AC-11 probably due to the age / stiffness of the foam. It is also better ventilated and a bit quieter which I think is due in part to a rubber lip that attatches to the bottom of the chin area to help keep air entering from underneath. The only thing that I don't like is that it is still so new, that I can still smell the carbon curing, so I have set it aside for a few weeks.
After much debate I picked up the HJC CL-SP and it will be arriving next week smile.gif I tried on a CL 15 and it fit like a glove, but I wanted the better venting and the bikeworld reviews said it was an amazing helmet for the money, I hope they are right, got that, some joe rocket phoenix 3.0 gloves, a timax jacket and some boots. I'm set 8)
Those were just banned at our local track recently due to 5 successive head injuries in lowsides which should not have been any problem. The safety directory apparently decided to take things into his own hands and ban them, racers were obviously pissed as they crash a lot and had been buying these helmets at $100 and thought they were safe enough.
Snell is apparently going to look into it.
If you must have HJC it is probably worthwhile moving up to one of the AC series helmets that has a composite shell like a Shoei or Arai.
Locally (here in MA) everyone has been talking about this like crazy, huge helmet debates at every MC gathering place.
benSV, May 26 2006, 03:23 PMThe CL is the plastic shell right?
Those were just banned at our local track recently due to 5 successive head injuries in lowsides which should not have been any problem. The safety directory apparently decided to take things into his own hands and ban them, racers were obviously pissed as they crash a lot and had been buying these helmets at $100 and thought they were safe enough.
Locally (here in MA) everyone has been talking about this like crazy, huge helmet debates at every MC gathering place.
Check out the Snell website. There are more than one Snell standard...one for motorsports and one for other. biggrin.gif
M2005 is the Snell standard that both race & street motorcycles should meet according to Snell.
SA is for cars, only difference between SA and M is SA is required to meet higher flame resistance standards since a race car driver can be trapped in a burning car.
The HJC helmets in question all meet the Snell M2005 standards, this is something new going on. It's not on the Snell website, but I emailed them last week and got a message back from one of the directors that they may be taking a look at it.
The question is why wouldn't you want your helmet to meet motorsports standards.. the HJCs should be fine unless something is really wrong but why would you ever want to buy a DOT helmet that can't meet the Snell standards and as such is banned at tracks.
Snell SA is also different from M in that an SA approved helmet must be able to survive several small impacts as may occur inside a vehicle with a roll cage.
JoeW, May 27 2006, 07:29 AMSnell SA is also different from M in that an SA approved helmet must be able to survive several small impacts as may occur inside a vehicle with a roll cage.
Joe
Snell 'M' also does not have to be fire proof/resistant. Fire seems to be a much bigger concern inside of a cage.
JoeW, May 28 2006, 06:43 AMThat was already mentioned so I didn't feel the need to reiterate.
Merely two posts above yours...but thanks for the snappy sarcastist reply.
I guess I missed that, but I was not trying to to be snappy or sarcastic, just trying to provide a little more info. Go for a ride, have a beer or find some other way to Chill out.
Well for what it's worth since I am picking the bike up tuesday, I've tries out the CL-sp just at home to see how it fits, and I have to say this helmet is really nice. Switching out the visor to a smoked was in under 10 seconds, and the interior is just plain sweet and well made, at least I think so. Just from having a small fan infront of it, you could tell the vents did their jobs and the defogging vents worked like a charm.
Getting my Black VFR ABS on Tuesday if all goes well (crosses fingers) and this guy picks up my WRX like he is supposed too.
May get an AC-12 later in a bright color, just need to work up the funds. Already broke after buying two jackets, gloves, boots and a helmet and have yet to get the bike, lol...
Just saw an AC12 carbon at my local dealer, darn nice helmet, but I have only had Shoei and Arai. The fit seemed good, but I am interested in it because I liked it, not to save any $$$. Cost is not an issue for me, so does anyone think that I will be disappointed in the long run?
i've got a cs-12 now, and it fits me better than any of the shoeis and arais i've tried on - but the whole 'it's been banned at racetracks 'cause people die wearing it' thing makes me want to upgrade.
does anyone know how the ac-12 compares, fit-wise, to the cs-12? i'd like one that fits as closely to the one i have now, but comes with less chance of paralysis.
chonsey, Jun 14 2006, 05:37 PMJust saw an AC12 carbon at my local dealer, darn nice helmet, but I have only had Shoei and Arai. The fit seemed good, but I am interested in it because I liked it, not to save any $$$. Cost is not an issue for me, so does anyone think that I will be disappointed in the long run?
From what I here the HJC's are drastically improving in leaps and bounds and are excellent helmets for the money, especially these newest versions like the AC12. beer.gif
Is a helmet too small for you if the pattern of the forehead padding rubs in a bit on you (IE red marks when you pull it off?)
I dont feel any pressure wearing the size I have, but it left a imprint on my forehead tongue.gif granted it wasn't raw or sore, I never noticed until someone pointed it out. But the helmet feels comfortably snug on me with minimal movement if I shake my head or nod in it to test if it slides.
i've gone on a few good long rides with the cl-sp now. make sure you check the fitment before buying any helmet. i bought mine online. it's really comfortable, but my head/melon is a slightly different shape than the helmet so air leaks under the ear flap area where the clasps are. i've just added some mountain bike helmet neoprene pads for adjustment under the ears and now it's completely silent ( i use earplugs). it's great.
no klingon forehead or red welts, really comfortable and quiet.
End of thread · 29 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 24 Oct 2006