Helmets... Which modular ones are quietest?

[willowstreetguzziguy]

May look into another modular helmet in the next year. Anyone have experience/input with the quieter ones?

[Sykestone8886]

I have a shoei modular I like the quality but it's not as quiet as I'd thought it would be.

[LowRyter]

ear plugs are all that work for me

[Knuckle Dragger]

The seam lines in a modular helmet are an omnipresent source of high speed turbulence & noise, irrespective of manufacturer's claims otherwise.

AGV's premium-priced Sportmodular is easily the lightest modular available, & probably rivals the best (lightest) one-piece lids too.  But as previously stated it approaches Schuberth modular pricing levels whilst still not being especially quieter than any modular rivals either.  I've been using older AGV, Schuberth & Nolan modular models since '84, but personally prefer the new(ish) all-Carbon AGV these days.

[earemike]

Like my schuberth

[john fish]

I can't answer your question but. . .  as much as I like my Nolan N-104 it's not particularly quiet.  I have to use earplugs. 

I believe Schuberth is usually rated quietest.

[davedel44]

Fit is much more important to me than noise.  Noise can always be abated with earplugs.  My Shoei is quite than most.

Dave

[Dilliw]

Been looking at a new modular myself.  This will be my fourth modular since 2004 and the first models were a real crap shoot.  I think the market sort of packed up with  improvements around 2010 and now I'm hoping that there are some decent leaps out there in terms of weight, noise, and convenience.

I've also been looking at the technology side of these helmets but given I don't think you will ever get there noise wise I'm leaning towards an in-ear solution for that. The Gen 5 bluetooths are tiny if I can find one that doubles as a passive noise canceller and doesn't put pressure on my ears.  $40 vs. $200-$300 for an in-hat solution that you have to listen to through earplugs still seems like  a better plan.  I've got a couple of different designs on the way and will be testing under my current helmet before I move to the next step. 

Carbon seems like a weight saver but those models will have to be leaps and bounds better to justify the added expense.  I haven't tried any yet so still don't know.

[kingoffleece]

Our own Moshe Levy reported the Neotech II was very very good in a recent magazine review.  I saw him wearing it last year at the BMW RA rally in PA last July and he told me it was quite a bit improved over the first generation.

[kingoffleece]

And I saw gerryP Tuesday and Wed when I was at Hamlin Cycles.  He had a newish X-Lite that he preferred to a C3 he also had.
Seats, screens, and helmets.  hard to compare.

[LowRyter]

My Shoei Neotec is the best helmet I've ever owned and the most expensive helmet that I've ever owned.  It was well worth it.

I wear earplugs anytime I ride.

[brider]

The seam lines in a modular helmet are an omnipresent source of high speed turbulence & noise, irrespective of manufacturer's claims otherwise.

I found this to be exactly true last summer when I rode a LM IV all summer with a new (can't remember the model) Nolan non-modular full-face helmet. I have documented my disdain for wind-noise and tried different earplugs, but a simple test of covering the shield hinge location with my hand while riding (left or right) proved that the hinges/seams were a HUGE contribution to noise. It also helped me determine WHERE on my helmet the fairing wind-blast was hitting, so this might help determine what kind of helmet design to chose, if it were possible to select between helmets to optimize seam location.

I ultimately determined that I'd look for a different windscreen to get the windblast from hitting my helmet-screen hinge directly.

[Diploman]

The noise level of modular helmets is not a significant issue, IMO.  As noted above, the seam lines will by definition generate additional wind noise compared to a seamless full-face helmet.  However, there is a simple, low-tech solution to this phenomenon:  Quality ear plugs offer very effective attenuation of wind noise in modular helmets.  No problem.

Of more concern, IMO, is the widespread fitment of drop-down, tinted eye shields (ie, built-in sunglasses) to both full-face and modular helmets.  While the drop-down eye shield sounds like a good idea, the reality is that the pivoting mechanism that hides the shield in the forehead area of the helmet takes up space that otherwise could/should be utilized for additional shock-absorbent padding in an important area of the helmet (The additional padding is generally present in all other areas of most helmets.)  This represents an unfortunate and unnecessary safety compromise, but one that has a higher-tech, yet easy solution:  Photochromic shields which adjust to the brightness of sunlight or absence thereof.  No drop-down eyeshade needed, and full padding throughout the helmet is accommodated.  Some helmet makers offer these: eg.,  Shoei, Bell, Lazer and likely others.  Any helmet I consider for purchase - full-face or modular - needs a photochromic shield to make my shortlist.

[bad Chad]

I suspect there are many variables affecting how loud a helmet is for any particular rider.  I really like my N104 but it still requires me to use ear plugs for any ride of more than 15 min.  Like other great minds have said , fit is by far the most important aspect of any DOT plus lid.

[Sheepdog]

Most decent helmets have cheek pieces available by thickness. I need an XXL for fore & aft space, but it allows noise in on the sides. I bought cheek pieces sized for an XL and they perfected the fit. In my case, the helmet is an HJC IS Max II and the cheek pieces included a Sena uPad10 Bluetooth. For $350 I had a modular helmet with a sunshade, a Pinlock-compatible visor, integrated Bluetooth, and a semi-custom fit.

[Dilliw]

I suspect there are many variables affecting how loud a helmet is for any particular rider.  I really like my N104 but it still requires me to use ear plugs for any ride of more than 15 min.  Like other great minds have said , fit is by far the most important aspect of any DOT plus lid.

Like you my feeling is with any modular helmet I'm still going to want my earplugs and that adds a complexity if I also want some communication capabilities.  The question is can I replace my foam earplugs with a pair of the latest Bluetooth earbuds?  That to me is a better solution than in-helmet if you are still going to have something in your ears. 

And that's what I'll be testing next week.  I've bought a pair of CVC 6.0 active noise cancelling buds, a pair of non-active buds that are smaller , and a variety pack of Comply tips.  I will compare these to my current in-helmet Bluetooth/foam plug combination to see if I can come up with a better technology/noise solution.  If so than I can move noise down the list on what helmet to buy.

[Dilliw]

Like you my feeling is with any modular helmet I'm still going to want my earplugs and that adds a complexity if I also want some communication capabilities.  The question is can I replace my foam earplugs with a pair of the latest Bluetooth earbuds?  That to me is a better solution than in-helmet if you are still going to have something in your ears. 

And that's what I'll be testing next week.  I've bought a pair of CVC 6.0 active noise cancelling buds, a pair of non-active buds that are smaller , and a variety pack of Comply tips.  I will compare these to my current in-helmet Bluetooth/foam plug combination to see if I can come up with a better technology/noise solution.  If so than I can move noise down the list on what helmet to buy.

As a follow up I nixed the earbud theory.  The noise canceling ones worked ok but they ended up hurting my ears.  The other pair did little or nothing at all.

I've got a pair of No Noise earplugs coming and I will try them with my current lid as well.  I'd still like to have good technology (phone/gps) without having to turn it up higher and add more noise to the equation.

[Lannis]

Just bought a new Nolan N100-5 modular and took it on a long trip.

I "always" wear earplugs, but lost them halfway through the trip and didn't have any replacements.  But even without the earplugs, the Nolan was not overly noisy.   I think it's as quiet as any full-face helmet I've ever had.

Lannis

[jumpmaster]

Just bought a new Nolan N100-5 modular and took it on a long trip.

I "always" wear earplugs, but lost them halfway through the trip and didn't have any replacements.  But even without the earplugs, the Nolan was not overly noisy.   I think it's as quiet as any full-face helmet I've ever had.

Lannis

1)  I like my Nolan 104 because that model has been rated in the past as having the widest field of vision (i.e. widest eye opening).  That could have changed with newer models from other companies, but I 've never seen a newer comparison of these features. 
2)  I discovered, on a trip once when I also lost my earplugs & forgot to bring spares, that many drug stores carry disposable earplugs.  Not high-tech, but effective.  The only issue then becomes whether the drug store brands are comfortable enough for extended use as more motorcycle-oriented plugs.

[Lannis]

1)  I like my Nolan 104 because that model has been rated in the past as having the widest field of vision (i.e. widest eye opening).  That could have changed with newer models from other companies, but I 've never seen a newer comparison of these features. 
2)  I discovered, on a trip once when I also lost my earplugs & forgot to bring spares, that many drug stores carry disposable earplugs.  Not high-tech, but effective.  The only issue then becomes whether the drug store brands are comfortable enough for extended use as more motorcycle-oriented plugs.

My last helmet was a Nolan 43 (jet-helmet with removeable chin protector) which also had a very wide peripheral range.   My new Nolan does not have quite the vision range which is a little disappointing but it's still good compared to other makes and styles.

I've always had a problem with stuff-in foam plugs - the feeling of total isolation and of being in an old diving helmet is uncomfortable and disconcerting, and they start to hurt after a while.  I need to get something though, because I'm shooting in a SuperSporting/FITASC clay-shooting event this weekend and I can't get new molded ones made that quick ... and 200 rounds of 12-gauge will pound your ears as hard as it will your shoulder ... !!

Lannis

[sign216]

Although it's not a modular, the quietest helmet I've found is the Shoei GT-Air.  It curves in at the bottom, to make the fit is tighter there.  This helps w the noise level, but some people might not like that type of fit.

As for ear plugs, I've found the white mold-able "wax" ones to be the best in terms of comfort.  Available at any drug stores.

Joe

[Rick in WNY]

I'm seriously considering one of the new Scorpion helmets. They use an air bladder to seal the neck-roll, which is supposed to dramatically noise inside the helmet. I just need to find someplace that has one on the shelf I can try on, because I don't want to drop $350-400 on a bucket that doesn't fit my noggin...

[Madtownguzzi]

Modular helmets review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Jy_mcJLF0
Not modular but excellent review of helmets here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcbWohifbl8

[steven c]

 Always check webbikeworld.com
https://www.webbikeworld.com/wbw-recommend-best-modular-helmets/

[flower_king001]

I'm seriously considering one of the new Scorpion helmets. They use an air bladder to seal the neck-roll, which is supposed to dramatically noise inside the helmet. I just need to find someplace that has one on the shelf I can try on, because I don't want to drop $350-400 on a bucket that doesn't fit my noggin...

Sure it's the neck roll that has the inflatable bladder? I have the EXO-GT3000 and the check pieces are what inflates.

[Dilliw]

Just bought a new Nolan N100-5 modular and took it on a long trip.

I "always" wear earplugs, but lost them halfway through the trip and didn't have any replacements.  But even without the earplugs, the Nolan was not overly noisy.   I think it's as quiet as any full-face helmet I've ever had.

Lannis

Well my pick is in and I landed with the N100-5 as well.  And I agree with you it's quiet enough as is; I tested it with both my foam plugs and my "concert" models and I really won't need either except on long days. 

After the test ride I can confirm most of the negative things posted about it (whistle, visor positions), but IMO they are nits.  Overall this helmet is easily the best modular I've tried.  I've got the B901 Com kit to install before I can finish my evaluation, but at least on the initial ride she's a keeper and a recommendation for a quiet modular.

[Bigtime]

Sure it's the neck roll that has the inflatable bladder? I have the EXO-GT3000 and the check pieces are what inflates.

  I've been considering the EXO-3000. Do you like yours? Is the air bladder just a gimmick or is it useful? 

[Neogas]

Like my schuberth

I like my Schuberth too. Especially with the built in Sena comms

[LowRyter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Jy_mcJLF0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UkjD4Fo8nw

[Utrider]

I had used a Schuberth C3 Pro for the last several years and really like it.  This spring I made the "mistake" of trying on a Shoei Neotec II...........the Schuberth is now a backup helmet.

I really thought the Schuberth was the end all be all at the time, but this Shoei really is on another level.

I don't use the proprietary Sena comm system with it, as I have a 10c Pro and the angle of the camera is off.  I think I can make it work though.