Comparison test flip-up helmets

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Comparison test flip-up helmets
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Comparison test flip-up helmets

Comparison test flip-up helmets
Open air performance

The popularity of flip-up helmets is constantly increasing, as is the range on offer. For just under 80 euros or a proud 450 euros, you can be there. MOTORRAD presented twelve candidates who had to prove themselves in an extensive laboratory and practical test.

Holger Hertneck

02/27/2007

Nowhere else are so many flip-up helmets sold as in Germany. In this country, motorcyclists are obviously particularly keen to be convinced of practical solutions. Especially those who wear glasses appreciate the fold-up chin part, which makes it easier to thread the temples. But also all those who do not take off their helmets at every short stop on the way (regardless of whether it is a pee or snack break, a tank break or fetching bread from the bakery), but still want to enjoy some fresh air.
Fresh air is also the keyword for everyone who stands at traffic lights or in a traffic jam in summer and folds up their chins to cool off. As soon as you drive again, however, the jaw should be closed. Otherwise the risk of injury increases immensely. Not only because of the unprotected face, but above all because of the risk of the flap getting stuck somewhere in the event of a fall. When the helmet is closed, the protection against accidents is just as high as with a full-face helmet. The same shock absorption limit values ​​also apply for ECE homologation.
Their verification was one of the many test criteria MOTORRAD faced with the twelve candidates from Airoh, Bayard, BMW, Held, HJC, Ixs, Lazer, Nexo, Nolan and Schuberth, Shoei and Vemar at TuV Rheinland in Cologne (see box on page 79). The design of the chin restraint was also part of the assessment of passive safety: cheap plastic slides are far less suitable than massive metal eyelets and metal locking mechanisms. A total of 20 out of 100 points are attributable to the shock absorption / safety test point. The other counters were there for the criteria listed below.
Fit (max. 20 points): Several testers evaluated the wearing behavior of the candidates and checked them for pressure point-free fit, tight fit, especially on the cheeks, the cuddle factor of the interior as well as the chin strap position and padding. The Shoei made the best impression. The Japanese manage to manufacture almost perfectly fitting helmets for almost all of their models. On the other hand, the fit of the Held, Nexo and Vemar was not very successful.
Handling (max. 15 points): How easy can the chin section be opened and closed, how functional is the button operation? In addition, the use of the chin strap and the ease of putting on and taking off the helmet are part of the handling. Only Nolan got full points in these criteria.
Aerodynamics and acoustics (max. 10 points): During test drives on the motorway, the MOTORRAD testers evaluated the air resistance forces at 150 km / h both when driving straight ahead and when turning the head to change lanes. In addition, there was the evaluation of the noise level while driving. The title ?? Quietest flip-up helmet ?? clearly allowed to Schuberth claim for yourself. In return, it develops slightly higher air resistance than candidates with a smaller outer shell such as, for example hero or Shoei.
Ventilation and button operation (max. 10 points): MOTORRAD function and operability of the ventilation devices also examined while driving. Head ventilation, which is particularly important in practice, was given just five of the ten points to be awarded. The remaining five were divided between the function of the chin / visor ventilation and the button operation. The latter only shows its true colors when wearing gloves. The sliders are often barely palpable or extremely hooked while driving. HJC show how it works in a practical way, Nolan and Schuberth, whereby the Schuberth together with BMW also offers the most noticeable ventilation.
Visor (max. 10 points): Under this heading, MOTORRAD evaluates the anti-fog properties, changing, operation, detent and locking options of the visor as well as the field of vision. In addition, two of the ten possible points are attributable to any sun visors that may be present. Models integrated into the helmet shell offer Airoh, HJC and Schuberth, a Nolan panel attached from the outside.
Leaning towards glasses (max. 5 points): one of the main reasons why many motorcyclists choose a flip-up helmet. But what good is it if the temples only disappear behind the ears with difficulty, even with the chin part open. Space is far too tight at this point at Ixs and Vemar. The temples on BMW, Nolan and Shoei slip under the helmet without any problems.
Processing (max. 5 points): Beaded seams on the inner lining, large gaps on the chin part and plastic parts that are not exactly fitting lead to deductions. If, as with the Nexo, the adhesive connections to the helmet shell loosen when the inner lining is unzipped for the first time, that doesn’t leave a positive impression either. The helmets from BMW, Schuberth and Shoei, on the other hand, are perfectly crafted. Just behind are HJC and Nolan.
Weight (max. 5 points): one of the most critical points of the flip-up helmet group due to the design. Compared to full-face helmets, the entire chin part mechanism weighs several additional grams. The sun visors on some models also add to the weight. Flip-up helmets under 1500 grams would be desirable, but there are even the lightest test candidates Airoh and Shoei over it. At over 1800 grams, the representatives of Held, HJC, Nexo and Nolan are far from this goal.
Conclusion: Some of the flip-up helmets tested are on par with comparable integral models in terms of wearing behavior. They just lag a little behind in terms of weight. The best overall impression in the present test was the Shoei-Multitec, which is surprisingly sporty for a flip-up helmet, followed by Schuberth, Nolan, BMW and HJC ?? all candidates that are also among the most expensive helmets in comparison. This clearly shows that it is not advisable to save when buying a flip-up helmet.

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Nexo tour star

Nexo tour star
Provider: Polo express delivery, phone 0211/9796699, www.polo-motorrad.de; Price: from 79.95 euros; Sizes: XS to XL; Colors: Bordeau metallic, black, silver metallic
Plus Comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with the chin section closed); Chin ventilation can be felt very well; very good visor change
Minus chinstrap insufficiently padded; sharp-edged opening slide rests against the chin; Chin part open and close with hooks; Head ventilation not noticeable; Drafts on the face; Visor fogged up; Control bar on the visor too small; not very suitable for people who wear glasses; moderately processed; very difficult; Chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion Although by far the most inexpensive test helmet passes the shock absorption test, that is largely due to the positive properties. Unsatisfactory fit, heavy weight and adhesive bonds that come loose when new are evidence of inadequate workmanship

inadequate

IXS HX 335

IXS HX 335
Provider: Hostettler, Telephone 07631/18040, www.ixs.com; Price: 259.90 euros; Sizes: XS to XXL; Colors: black, silver, white
Plus lies evenly on the head; Free space on the chin; cuddly soft; tight fit; Chin part easy to open and close; comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with closed chin section); relatively quiet; Fog-free visor; very good visor change; good shock absorption
Minus ventilation not noticeable; Pinlock double lens that is too small restricts field of vision; not very suitable for people who wear glasses; Chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion Almost identical to the FP-60 from Bayard, the Ixs has, for example, a different inner lining and a fog-free Pinlock double visor, which gives it a better result overall
satisfying

Lazer Grandville GL

Lazer Grandville GL
Provider: Buse, phone 02471/12690, www.buesemx.co; Price: 199.95 euros; Sizes: XS to XL; Colors: black, silver; Silver-black decor
Plus very cozy; pleasant to put on and take off; Fog-free visor; good suitability for glasses; good shock absorption; Metal chin part fastener
Minus pressure point on the chinstrap; Chin section difficult to open as the chin section is narrow and the push button is attached inside; Ventilation not noticeable, also impractical button for visor ventilation; Visor change not possible without a coin or tool
Conclusion In the laboratory, the Grandville GL impressed with the best shock absorption values; in practice, defects in handling and ventilation lead to point deductions. Out of date: The visor, equipped with a fog-free Pinlock double disc, is screwed on
SATISFYING

HJC FS-Max

HJC FS-Max
Provider: HJC Europe Germany, phone 02131/523560, www.hjc-germany.de; Price: 289.99 Eur; Sizes: XS to XXL; Colors: anthracite, black, silver
Plus lies evenly on the head; Free space on the chin; tight fit; Chin part easy to open and close; pleasant to put on and take off; very good head ventilation and ventilation buttons; Fog-free visor; perfect visor change mechanism; good suitability for glasses; well processed; integrated sun visor; Metal chin part fastener
Minus pressure point on the chinstrap; slight whistling noises when driving; Visor only closes forcefully on the right side; very difficult
Conclusion The newly developed FS-Max from the world’s largest helmet manufacturer has potential and shows some interesting details such as the mechanics of the sun visor. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to improve – above all to reduce the weight of the helmet
Good

Hero Sky II

Hero Sky II
Provider: Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held-biker-fashion.de; Price: from 115 euros; Sizes: XS to XL; Colors: black metallic, silver; Black-silver and silver-black decor
Plus lies evenly on the head; Chin part easy to open; comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with closed chin section); low air resistance due to the small outer shell; good visor change; good suitability for glasses
Minus Sharp-edged opening slide rests against the chin; Chin strap insufficiently padded; too little guidance on the cheeks; Close chin section, chin strap click lock and ventilation button on forehead can be operated with hooks; face drafts when driving; noisy; Head ventilation not noticeable; Visor fogged up; too small control bar on the visor; moderately processed; very difficult; Weakness in shock absorption test of the chin part; questionable chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion To offer a well-made, functional flip-up helmet for just over 100 euros is almost impossible. So it’s hardly surprising that the Sky II does badly
inadequate

BMW system helmet 5

BMW system helmet 5
Provider: BMW, phone 0180/5001972, www.bmw-motorrad.de; Price: from 450 euros; Sizes: 48/49 to 64/65; Colors: metallic red, magnesium matt metallic, manganese blue metallic, titanium silver metallic
Plus sufficient space on the chin; perfect chin strap padding; very cozy interior; Chin part easy to open and close; pleasant to put on and take off; quiet; Ventilation can be felt very well; very good visor change; Fog-free visor; very good suitability for glasses; very well processed; stable chin part closure made of metal
Minus push button of the chin strap click lock half covered; hooked ventilation buttons; Field of vision slightly restricted by high cheek parts; Weakness in shock absorption test of the chin part
Conclusion The most expensive and perhaps best-known representative of the flip-up helmets tested does not get off scot-free. The weakness in the chin part test, the high weight and the concealed click fastener do not match the otherwise top-quality and well-ventilated System 5
Good

Bayard FP-60

Bayard FP-60
Provider: Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.de; Price: 199 euros; Sizes: XS to XXL; Colors: black
Plus Fits the head evenly and without pressure points; plenty of space on the chin; tight fit; Chin part easy to open and close; comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with closed chin section); relatively quiet; very good visor change
Minus ventilation not noticeable; Visor fogged up; poor suitability for glasses; Chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion Slip in and feel good ?? this is how many who put on the FP-60 will feel. But the good fit is tarnished by many small flaws in other, important criteria.
Sufficient

Airoh Mathisse RS

Airoh Mathisse RS
Provider: Louis, Telephone 040/73419360, www.louis.de; Price: from 199.95 euros; Sizes: XS to XXL; Colors: black-matt; Black-orange decor
Plus comfortable to wear; plenty of space on the chin; cuddly soft; Chin part close smoothly; practical ratchet lock; comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with the chin section closed); small but smooth ventilation button on the head; Well ventilated visor; stable visor lock; good suitability for glasses; integrated sun visor; light weight
Minus Too little guidance on the cheeks; Chin part open hooked; when turning the head, drafts at the back of the head; extremely loud; Chin ventilation cannot be closed; Visor fogged up; Visor change with tools; Weaknesses in shock absorption; Chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion Its sleek design goes well with a naked bike or street fighter. Practical: the integrated sun visor. Significant weaknesses in shock absorption, ventilation and visor, however, set the Airoh back in the overall ranking.

Shoei Multitec

Shoei Europe,
Provider: Telephone 0211/1754360, www.shoei-europe.com; Price: from 399 euros; Sizes: XXS to XXL; Colors: anthracite metallic, blue, gray, red, black, black matt, silver, white
Plus great fit; flat chinstrap fastener (double-D); Chin part easy to open and close; low drag forces; quiet; very good ventilation of the visor; good head ventilation; perfect ventilation button on the head; Fog-free visor; Visor lock; very good visor change; stable visor lock; very good suitability for glasses; very well processed; light weight; good shock absorption; stable chin part closure made of metal
Minus free space on the chin a little tight; Chin part release difficult to operate with thick gloves; Ventilation button chin part hooks; Pinlock double lens restricts view somewhat; Control bar on the visor a little too small
Conclusion The sportiest representative among the flip-up helmets affords small flaws in detail, but not a real weakness in any criterion. The well-deserved test winner should also convince many previously inveterate full-face helmet wearers
VERY GOOD

Schuberth C2

Schuberth C2
Provider: Schuberth, Telephone 0531/380050, www.schuberth.de; Price: from 428 euros; Sizes: 52/53 to 62/63; Colors: anthracite metallic, red, silver, black, black matt; Decor in anthracite and blue
Plus plenty of space on the chin; Chinstrap perfectly padded; very cozy; Chin part closes well; red pins in the driver’s field of vision warn when the chin part is open; pleasant to put on and take off; very good ventilation and button operation; Fog-free visor; Visor operation and locking good; good suitability for glasses; very well processed; integrated sun visor; good shock absorption; stable chin part closure made of metal
Minus lateral chin part release impractical
Conclusion The classic among the flip-up helmets can keep up despite its age. Outstanding in the criteria of acoustics, visor and ventilation, Schuberth should pay more attention to a centrally located chin part control and some weight reduction in a possible successor

GOOD

Nolan N 102

Nolan N 102
Provider: Nolangroup Germany, Telephone 07159/93160, www.nolangroup.de; Price: from 299.95 euros; Sizes: XS to XXL; Colors: nine plain colors and five decors in a total of 16 color variants
Plus fits neatly on the head; very cozy; Chin part very easy to open and close; practical ratchet lock; comfortable to put on and take off (also possible with closed chin section); low drag forces; good chin ventilation; ventilation buttons that are easy to use; Fog-free visor; very good suitability for glasses; well processed; attached sun visor; good shock absorption; stable chin part closure made of metal
Minus low cheek guidance; too small control bar on the visor; Operation of the sun visor; comparatively fiddly visor change due to the sun visor; very difficult
Conclusion The N 102 is the only one in the test field to have a polycentric chin part mechanism, which ensures a low overall height when open, and a chin part lock that prevents unintentional opening. The attached sun visor works properly, but is not as high a rating as the models integrated into the helmet

GOOD

Classified information

CHIN PART
The different designs have one and the same goal: to unlock the chin part so that it can be opened. With the exception of Schuberth, who has a slider on the side, all pushing, pushing or pulling mechanisms are centrally located in the middle of the chin section. The pull-cord buttons such as those used by BMW and HJC are particularly practical. Not only are they easily accessible, they also make opening a single round movement. On the other hand, it is awkward when the push button intended for unlocking, as with the Lazer sits on the inside of the chin part and can hardly be operated with gloves. Particularly sophisticated: the Nolan system. Here two easily accessible buttons have to be pressed together with one hand. Unintentional opening: almost impossible. Tip for buying flip-up helmets: Operate the closing and opening mechanism at least ten times to check that it is user-friendly.
CHIN STRAP
As fast as click push or slide buttons may be operated? they always involve the risk that the belts, which have lengthened somewhat over time, are not readjusted in good time. If, for once, you are out and about without a wind collar or scarf, you do not have to readjust the strap length beforehand, you will therefore generally drive with a helmet that is much too loose and therefore insufficient protection against accidents. The so-called ratchet locks are particularly practical for this.After a one-time basic setting, they cover a belt length range of several centimeters and can also be readjusted while driving. This also applies to the double-D lock, which so far only Shoei has offered for flip-up helmets. Threading when putting on the helmet quickly becomes routine and ensures a tight fit at all times. In addition, it is much smaller than click or ratchet fasteners, which prevents unpleasant pressure points.

Shock absorption

MOTORRAD examined one of the most important test criteria, accident protection, in cooperation with TuV Rheinland in Cologne

It sounds paradoxical, but according to the currently valid test standard ECE-R 22.05, flip-up helmets do not necessarily have to undergo a chin restraint test. If this is not done, it must be marked on the corresponding model on the prescribed ECE sticker (usually attached to the chin strap). At the end of the multi-digit check number, instead of a ?? P ?? for ?? chin part tested ?? a ?? NP ?? for ?? chin part not tested ??. The twelve test candidates all have the desirable ?? P ?? on. As a result, in the shock absorption measurements carried out on the drop test stand of the TuV in Cologne, apart from the forehead, left and right side, crown and back of the head, the chin part was also one of the test points.
As far as the test parameters are concerned, MOTORRAD opted for the temperature range of minus 20 degrees Celsius and the flat anvil prescribed by the ECE. Under these conditions, the demands on the helmets are higher than with the second ECE permissible temperature of 50 degrees Celsius and an edge anvil. In general, the subjects hit the anvil at a speed of 7.5 m / s (5.5 m / s for the chin part). The probe, which is stuck in the helmet and equipped with sensors, records the accelerations that occur (limit value according to ECE: 275 g) and forwards them to a computer. This calculates the HIC value (Head Injury Criterion; limit value: 2400), a measure for the expected traumatic brain injuries.
The helmet experts at TuV tested the helmets based on the ECE. The determined data of the test persons are listed in the table below ?? including the MOTORCYCLE points evaluation. Exceeding the acceleration or HIC limit value at any one of the six test points is generally punished with one point deduction.
The overall impression of shock absorption / safety also includes the evaluation of the chin part fastener before and after the shock absorption tests. A chin part that cannot be opened after an accident is a clear safety risk.

Vemar Dual VXD College

Vemar Dual VXD College
Provider: TWS Central Europe, Telephone 07432/220595, www.haveba.de; Price: 229 euros; Sizes: XXS to XXL; Colors: decor in yellow, orange, red, black, white
Plus very tight fit; Chin part can be opened easily; low drag forces; very good visor change
Minus pressure points on the back of the head; very narrow entry / exit; Ratchet fastener too close to the helmet pad? can unintentionally unlock; Chin part difficult to close; Ventilation not noticeable also fiddly to use; Visor fogged up; not very suitable for people who wear glasses; Weakness in shock absorption test of the chin part; Chin part closure made of plastic
Conclusion Finally a manufacturer who brings cheerful colors into play and wants to put an end to the “gray mouse existence” of the flip-up helmets. In order to get into the fast lane from a technical point of view, Vemar still has to work hard and address numerous, sometimes blatant, weaknesses

INADEQUATE

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