Noise levels - new helmet required

[GavJ]

Had the better half out on the TT on Saturday, normally I wear plugfones plugged into my Scala with music bluetoothed from my phone... I thought I better not that day, better to be able to hear her talking  when we stop at lights. I happened to have a set of foam plugs from a recent visit to a Michelin factory so I popped them in. Riding really gently, changing up at about 4k, small throttle openings etc boomin ell, this thing is noisy... sounds brill on full throttle even changing up about 6k. The last 5 miles up the motorway, 70mph with cruise on was painfully noisy.

Sunday, back out on my own, riding normal, plufones in and it sounds great. If you've come from a japanese 4 cyl you must think this is going to explode, luckily I had a Tiger 1050 before and it was the same....

I am about due a new helmet... well actually well overdue, my Shoei is about 7 yrs old.... Ive heard that the Schuberts are quiet but anyone super happy with their helmet? any recommendations (apart from louder music  ) dont really want to splash £400 plus, £200 would be great but recon i need to spend £250+ .

[john348]

Schuberth are ok.  I had a full face and it was (actually still is) very quiet.  But i nowmhave a c3pro and definitely not as quiet.  I have read some are not very quiet.  I put it down to me fitting like and speakers which tends to pull the neck band around a bit.  But recently I have realised it is the visor that does not fit right.  On the other hand it is about 5 years old now so getting time for a change.

But much more expensive than 250??.   

[GavJ]

Thanks John, just had a look online at a few helmets.... how much 

Never had to rely on my helmet thankfully, don't want an inferior one but is the difference in price relative to the quality? I see HJC helmets from £70 - £400? I'm not really up to date with helmet technology... I assume fiberglass / composites are still the preference..

[OK_Trophy]

I think my Shoei Qwest helmet is pretty quiet.  It is a full face one.  I have the Sena 20s bluetooth system installed and it all works well.  Usually I wear ear plugs when I ride on the highway, for extra wind noise deadening, but I can still hear the Sena.  I think I paid $350 for the helmet.

[1675]

As the Bell advert from the 70s said, "if you have a ten dollar head, wear a ten dollar helmet"

[Shemogolee]

 I have a Shoei Neotec. Combined with my custom fit earplugs it deadens everything down but still allows me to hear traffic, sirens and engine speed. I'm due for a new helmet and will stick with the Neotec.

[HACKLE]

I'm with shemogolee on the Shoei Neotec. I wear earplugs and also find this helmet to be adequate. I can still hear the wife talking to me at highway speeds. And the price in Australia is $900.00 dollars. Use it on all my FarRides and IBA distance rides.

[Coconut]

I just bought a new Nolan EVO N104 flip up for £245.

Good reviews and excellent safety rating for the price.
( SHARP Helmet Safety Scheme )

The wind noise of my previous N104 is acceptable ( to me ),
though I haven't expereineced the difference bewteen it
and the more expensive makes such as Shoei.

The integrated N-COM Bluetooth kit that was salvaged from the old helmet
also transferred over to the new helmet, and works well with the Trophy audio system.