clothing special The modular helmet test A new generation of helmets storms the market. Smaller and lighter than a traditional flip-up, they cannot be simply defined as jets, and the flip-up chin guard in some cases earns them dual homologation: jet and full-face. We tried them out to see just how easily they transform and if they really are multipurpose. BY Max Carani PHOTOGRAPHS Delta LET'S DO IT
STRANGE All the helmets featured in this month's special share a common characteristic: they are just that little bit 'different' from more traditional solutions. Above all they are modular in a new way, either because of their original design, or the way they open. The 'canonical' flip-ups are generously sized, often larger than simple full-face helmets, and are not designed for use with the chin guard up. Although the situation is now changing, until today most flip-up helmets were certified as full-face helmets. As such, in theory, use of these helmets with the chin guard open, was considered improper, with the unaware rider even potentially liable to incur fines for riding without a helmet. The helmets we propose use different, innovative solutions for the chin guard. In some cases it is removed, in others it rotates, splitting into two parts, or is positioned behind the neck, forming a single piece with the shell. The other feature that stands out is that their modular nature means that they can be worn in all weather: open in the summer and closed when it rains or in winter, with the advantage that the operation is easy, immediate and always possible, making this the only helmet the rider ever needs. In this case, we need to evaluate whether the chin guard is removed, meaning that we need to find space on the motorcycle, scooter or in our rucksack, in which to keep it, or whether in some way it remains part of the helmet. Some boast dual homologation, as jet and full-face, thereby avoiding all red taperelated issues.
SIZES To work out your size, use a tape measure (the important thing is that it is fully flexible) to measure the circumference of your head (approximately 2 cm above your eyebrows, from your forehead all the way round to behind the nape of the neck). The measurement given in cm is that specified on the back of the helmet or on the packaging. The table below compares the size given in letters with the measurement in cm. This relationship may vary from make to make. In any case, it is always best to try a helmet on carefully in order to find the one that best fits your personal shape. Many companies also offer cheek pads and differentiated thicknesses of padding allowing you to customise the fit of a helmet to your face. WHAT THE LABEL TELLS YOU, IF YOU KNOW HOW TO READ IT To better understand helmet homologation, simply read the white label usually sewn onto the strap. Example SIZE E3 indicates the country of the homologation body (not necessarily where the helmet was manufactured) 05 the regulations of reference 58919 number of approval of homologation procedure P= type of protection: in this case protective chin guard (see table for other letters) -0044361 is the helmet serial number In some cases, to the left of the E3, we find another letter + number: these specify how the helmet was tested in order to obtain homologation HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE FROM / TO CM XS 53/54 S 55/56 M 57/58 L 59/60 XL 61/62 XXL 63/64 USE AND MAINTENANCE WATCH THE HELMET DOESN'T FALL The first recommendation is to read the instructions in the packaging. Not only do they provide detailed information and photographs as to how to assemble and remove the various parts (visor, interiors, chin guard), but they also explain how to take care of your helmet. Generally speaking, the outer shell should be cleaned with a damp sponge and, if necessary, a little neutral soap. Do not use aggressive products that could damage the paint or, more importantly, the material with which the helmet is made. Flies or residues that are difficult to remove should be softened by covering the surface to be cleaned with a damp cloth, leave for half an hour and then remove using a microfibre cloth that does not leave fluff. The same applies to the visor, which should never be left soaking for long periods of time, at risk of damaging the antiscratch and fog resistant treatment. Once the interiors have been taken out, wash by hand in warm water with neutral soap. Do not leave to dry in the sun or near heat sources. Use a damp cloth to clean the inner polystyrene shell. Finally: when you get off the bike, do not hang the helmet on the mirror. Not only will this dirty the interior, but it will deform the padding. All helmets should be replaced after having suffered an impact. They are designed especially to deform, thereby absorbing the energy of violent impacts. As such, although externally they may not seem to be damaged, it may no longer be suitably shock resistant. So be careful not to let it fall! TABLE SUMMARISING LETTERS INDICATING TYPE OF PROTECTION OFFERED BY THE HELMET: P = helmet with protective chin guard (therefore full-face) NP = non-protective chin guard J = jet helmet without chin guard. P/J = helmet with dual homologation as jet + full-face LIST OF CODES SPECIFYING WHERE HOMOLOGATION WAS ISSUED E1 - Germany E6 - Belgium E13 - Luxembourg E2 - France E7 - Hungary E14 - Switzerland E3 - Italy E9 - Spain E16 - Norway E4 - Netherlands E11 - Great Britain E17 - Finland E5 - Sweden E12 - Austria E18 - Denmark APOLOGIES At the time of this test, two helmets with similar characteristics were not yet available: the Dainese jet Stream Tourer Face (above) and the GiVi X06. They will be analysed as soon as they become available.
CABERG DOWTOWN S REVERSO Ideal for all year round scootering. Allows you to deal with cantankerous weather conditions quickly and practically, without the issue of where to put the chin guard, which conveniently splits into two halves that rotate and fasten at the sides, thanks to a pretty practical system. PROS Light with good visibility. CONS Noisy, aerodynamic resistance. Reported weight: 1,420 grams. Fit: very easy, both open and closed. Comfort: very good, high quality materials and good inner shell size. Strap opening/closing: some difficulty in releasing the bayonet coupling. Ease of visor opening: excellent, even when wearing gloves, thanks to the side vane. Snaps into place. Visibility: excellent thanks to the combination of a large visor and small chin guard. Noise: fairly noisy, some whistling and significant aerodynamic hissing. When closed, the chin guard, acting as a front spoiler, would seem to significantly increase air resistance. Handling with gloves: excellent. The large upper slider controlling the inner sun visor is very convenient. Opening/modular system: instructions are clear and describe the 6 easy, guided moves to open and close the chin guard. The mechanism allows you to position the two shells (seemingly of no great substance) into which the chin guard divides, to the side. Impossible when wearing the helmet, as the chin guard interferes with the neck and shoulders during rotation of the two halves towards their respective housings. They can also be removed completely, transforming the helmet into a 'classic' jet, although this is a little more complex. With the helmet open: the two halves of the chin guard, folded back along the sides, increase noise as speed increases. The large visor provides good shelter from the wind. Visor removal: simple. First remove the side plates (no tools required), in the same way as for the visor. Liner removal: simple. Accessories: - Type of homologation: J=jet. Outer shell: thermoplastic material. Inner lining: removable and washable Sanitized fabric. Visor: transparent scratch-resistant and fog resistant. Inner sun visor: dark smoke, scratchresistant with central control on the shell top. Type of fastening: quick release buckle + ring antitheft system. Ventilation: 2 front air intakes + 2 rear extractors. Declared weight: 1,400 +/- 50 grams. Colours available: matt or metallic black, silver, titanium. Sizes available: from XS to XXL Production site: not specified. Price: 215.00
Marks It might look like a classic modular helmet, but it's really a jet, the only one with NP homologation, that's to say helmet with non-protective chin guard that rotates to be positioned behind the nape of your neck. Some of the finishes could be improved, although considering the price, they are entirely acceptable. PROS Light. CONS Aerodynamic hissing. The visor does not close perfectly onto the chin guard, leaving your face exposed to draughts. Reported weight: 1,480 grams. Fit: easy, both open and closed. Comfort: fair. The top part of the shell is fairly small: evaluate size. Strap opening/closing: very simple. Ease of visor opening: fair: the vane scoop, at the top centre. Movement is continuous but not very fluid. Visibility: good lateral visibility, less towards the ground due to the size of the chin guard. Noise: loud hissing, also due to imperfect visor closing. Despite this, fogging is not prevented. Little or no whistling. Handling with gloves: excellent, even with winter gloves and with regards to release movement. Opening/modular system: both release buttons must be pressed at the same time to open the chin guard. This makes it impossible to do whilst riding. The mechanism is easy and simple to use. The visor must be raised in order to lower the chin guard, otherwise movement is blocked. With the helmet open: the chin guard stops at the top, behind the nape of the neck, trapping very little air that does not cause any disturbance nor generate deleterious turbulence. The visor does not extend far, with the lower margin only just covering the eyes, providing partial coverage for the face and leading you to re-lower the chin covering almost immediately. This, differently to opening, can be done whilst riding. Visor removal: simple, but requires a flat-head screwdriver to remove first the chin guard and then the visor screws. Liner removal: this is very simple and limited to the cheek pads fixed with automatic fastenings. Accessories: - Type of homologation: NP = helmet fitted with non-protective chin guard. Outer shell: composite fibres. (Thermoplastic resin chin guard) Inner lining: Coolmax. Only the cheek pads can be removed. Visor: transparent scratch-resistant. Inner sun visor: no. Type of fastening: micrometric regulation buckle + ring antitheft system. Ventilation: 2 air intakes on the chin guard + 2 adjustable intakes on the shell. 2 rear extractors. Declared weight: 1,450 +/- 100 grams. Colours available: black, silver. Sizes available: From XS to XXL Production site: not specified. Price: 198.
Its strength lies in its modularity, in the truest sense. A good all-rounder. Perfect for scooters, especially if sporty, or for allweather bikers looking to keep just one helmet. Open, it guarantees high comfort levels, almost as much as when closed, giving you the security of a full-face helmet. Excellent quality/price ratio. PROS Ventilation system. Quality of materials and assemblies. Detailed instructions. Double homologation. CONS With the chin guard on, chin space is limited (you end up touching it). Reported weight: 1,580 grams (+ 70 grams, peak). Fit: similar to that of a full-face helmet when chin guard is on. When off it becomes somewhat easier. Comfort: high comfort levels guaranteed by quality materials and manufacture of internal parts. Strap opening/closing: simple. Ease of visor opening: excellent. The lower vane is always within reach, even when wearing thick gloves. The hollow created for the chin guard helps. Continuous movement. Visibility: excellent both to the side and downwards. Noise: no whistling, some hissing but not of any consequence. With the chin guard down, the helmet is comparable to a good full-face, even up to very high speeds. Handling with gloves: excellent. The upper sliders for the air intakes and that for the dark inner visor are easy to operate. Opening/modular system: the chin guard is easily removed and replaced, even when wearing the helmet. There is no point doing so whilst riding, however, because the guard must be stored elsewhere. The 6 different (real) configurations can be easily obtained with no need for tools. Despite this, the box does contain a plastic tool that helps lift the plate enclosing visor movement mechanism. With the helmet open: the large visor guarantees high wind protection, almost as much as is provided with the chin guard on. When installed, the chin guard projects just a few centimetres down, like a spoiler, thereby further helping air outflow. Visor removal: simple. Simply remove the 2 side ring nuts. Liner removal: not that easy, particularly when inserting them again, due to the rather complex shape of the linings. Accessories: visor and inner visors available in different colours; Bluetooth N- COM communication system. Type of homologation: N+J= full-face + jet. Outer shell: thermoplastic material. Inner lining: removable and washable Clima Comfort fabric. Visor: scratch- and fog-resistant, and deep visor (large) type UV protection, ready for NFR. Inner sun visor: Lexan scratch-resistant and dark smoke, with lateral control. Type of fastening: buckle with micrometric regulation. Ventilation: front air intake + 2 adjustable top air intakes. Rear extractors. System of air ducts inside the polystyrene shell. Declared weight: up to 1,665 grams, depending on the accessories. Colours available: wide choice: see website. Sizes available: From XXS to XXL. Production site: Italy. Price: 229
ROOF BOXER V Presented 10 years ago, this is one of the first modular helmets that has gradually been refined, and is now available as this 5th version. Very unique design and the only one of the batch with the shell entirely built from fibres. The fasten/release system holding the chin guard in place is less obvious than you would expect. 2009 helmets will be available with dual homologation. PROS Original design. CONS Fasten/release system is not immediately clear. Price. Reported weight: 1,700 grams. Fit: simple, but only possible with chin guard open. Comfort: very comfortable due to the size of the inner shell that is perhaps even too wide. Evaluate size. Strap opening/closing: simple. Ease of visor opening: fair, a little central peg in lieu of the vane. Continuous movement. Visibility: very good to the side. Limited downwards by the shape of the chin guard. Noise: no whistling, some hissing but not of any consequence, even as speed increases. Handling with gloves: limited, not so much for the ventilation sliders, as for the chin guard release mechanism buttons. Opening/modular system: the chin guard fastens to the shell by means of two plastic flaps, fitted with automatic safety buttons. These can be released by pressing the red device. Once open, the chin guard is freed up to slide over the head and stop behind the nape of the neck. Not overly comfortable and definitely not recommended whilst riding, as best done with both hands. To avoid interference, the visor must be raised in order to lower the chin guard. The refastening system is also not immediately clear. More detailed instructions would certainly not go amiss. One of the two flaps, with the button holding the chin guard in the closed position, broke. With the helmet open: noise increases and turbulence is felt, due to the fact that the chin guard, when lifted to its position behind the helmet 'gathers' the air flow, despite not creating the 'sail' effect of classic modular helmets. Visor removal: screwdriver required. The most difficult part is replacing the visor in its housing. Liner removal: just a little difficulty with the release system of the front part. Accessories: - Type of homologation: full-face (+ jet for helmets manufactured in 2009): Outer shell: fibreglass. Inner lining: hypoallergenic, removable and washable. Visor: lightly smoke-coloured, scratch- and fogresistant. Inner sun visor: no. Type of fastening: quick release buckle Ventilation: 2 adjustable air intakes + extractors on the chin guard and Venturi effect ventilation system on the upper part. Declared weight: 1,650 grams. Colours available: black, matt black, aluminium, steel, metallic blue, red, pearly white + 2 V8 graphics. Sizes available: from XXS to XXL Production site: not specified. Price: 369 (389 for V8 graphics)
Looks like a jet, but boasts sought-after solutions such as the protective hanger, the 'panoramic' visor, and the adjustable ventilation system that includes various different positioning of inner padding. These features partly justify the price, which although high, is in line with the utter comfort it guarantees. PROS Quiet, comfortable and high aerodynamic coverage for a jet. Very detailed instructions. CONS The cheek pads and their padding cannot be removed. Price. Reported weight: 1,560 grams (+ 50 grams tubular chin guard). Fit: not overly simple due to the inclusion of the Anti Roll Off System (A.R.O.S.) and the shape of the cheek pads, which need to be gently pushed aside by hand. Comfort: very comfortable and close-fitting, with prominent cheek pads giving you the feeling of high face protection. Strap opening/closing: simple. Ease of visor opening: excellent. Two side flaps accessible with both hands in any condition. Snaps into place. Visibility: excellent both to the side and downwards. Noise: the research into aerodynamics and aero acoustics in the wind tunnel was well worthwhile. The inner visor slider may lead to slight whistling. Handling with gloves: excellent, even with winter gloves, thanks to the large sliders. The upper air intake acts as adjustment: when backwards, it is open, when forwards, closed. Opening/modular system: the hanger is assembled just as easily as it is removed after having pressed both red buttons. The manufacturers advise releasing it when putting the helmet on and taking it off, in order to reduce rigidity in the area of opening, and help fit. This can, albeit rather uncomfortably, be done even if left in place. With the helmet open: no appreciable difference with or without hanger, invisible to rider. Best to make use of the greater safety provided, given that, according to the manufacturers, it: "allows for the distribution of forces generated in the event of impact to the chin area, throughout the whole shell, protecting the face... a series of tests have shown a power to absorb energy equal to that of outer shells of full-face helmets". Visor removal: incredibly easy, no tools needed. Liner removal: very simple. Only a thin crown and 3 strips can be removed. Cheek pads are fixed. Accessories: refracting inserts on neck padding and occipital area triangles. Various different shapes and shades of visors and inner visors available from the catalogue. Type of homologation: J=jet. Outer shell: in S.T.R.O.N.G. fibre (Schuberth patent = duroplast + fibreglass reinforcement). The tubular chin guard is also in glass loaded plastic. Inner lining: different density materials, all hypoallergenic, removable and washable. Visor: scratch- and fog-resistant, and UV protection. Inner sun visor: dark smoke, scratch- and fog-resistant, with lateral control. Type of fastening: quick release buckle Ventilation: adjustable front air intake, Venturi effect inner channel system. Rear extractors. Declared weight: 1,485 grams. Colours available: silver, polished black and matt black. Sizes available: From XS to XXL Production site: not specified. Price: 456 silver (438 polished/matt black).
The first helmet ever to have obtained dual homologation, and also the first of the batch that comes in closest to the concept of a classic modular helmet, were it not for the dual opening movement and the unusual position of the chin guard when open. High quality materials and manufacture of internal parts. PROS Comfortable, very soft velvet interiors. Low aerodynamic noise (even when open). Double homologation. CONS Weight, price. Reported weight: 1,900 grams. Fit: very easy, both open and closed. Comfort: very high, due to high quality materials and good size inner shell. Strap opening/closing: excellent, the ratchet on the release means that it is immediate, even with thick gloves. Ease of visor opening: once you have become familiar with the vane scoop, at the top centre, this is a simple matter, even with winter gloves on. Snaps into place. Visibility: very good with helmet closed; improves with helmet open. Noise: no whistling; some lateral hissing due to opening system with external grooves. Handling with gloves: simple, both for sliders and chin guard. Opening/modular system: opening/closing is simple and intuitive, and can be carried out one-handed. Can be done whilst riding, although instructions advise against this. After having pressed the central release button, the chin guard is pulled forward and then lifted to rotate around the shell. Movement is guided and the chin guard then integrates into the helmet design, effectively providing very little aerodynamic resistance. The dual movement (Tech Move System, Shark patented) ensures greater safety, because the closing mechanism works in the same direction as impact. With the helmet open: noise does not significantly increase. Some whistling but only with the visor up. No turbulence caused by the chin guard, which is positioned in such a way as to be well integrated into the helmet design, thereby perfectly sheltered from wind. No sail effect. Visor removal: extremely simple and immediate, with the use of a sharp object (even a key). Liner removal: simple. Accessories: - Type of homologation: N+J= full-face + jet. Outer shell: injected thermoplastic resin. Inner lining: Meryl, fully removable, washable and adjustable. Visor: scratch- and fog-resistant. Inner sun visor: dark smoke, scratch-resistant with central control on the shell top. Type of fastening: buckle with micrometric regulation. Ventilation: front air intake + adjustable top air intake. System of air ducts inside the polystyrene shell. Declared weight: 1,900 grams. Colours available: silver, bronze, grey, black, white. Sizes available: from XS to XL. Production site: not specified. Price: 359.00.
A very light jet with an innovative design, such as the unusual shape of the visor and rear extractors. When fitted with its chin guard, available for separate purchase, but which is advisable for greater practicality of use, it takes on a more aggressive note. PROS Original design. Price. CONS Without the chin guard, your face is very exposed to the wind. Dark smoke inner visor slider function. Reported weight: 1,340 grams (+170 grams, chin guard). Fit: fairly simple without chin guard. When chin guard is on, this becomes difficult and you need to pull the two straps down forcefully in order to widen the opening, which is made significantly more rigid by the chin guard protection. Comfort: fair. Limited due to thickness and quality of inner padding. Strap opening/closing: very simple, thanks to the further fabric grip on the release. Ease of visor opening: excellent. Two side flaps accessible with both hands in any condition. Snaps into place. Visibility: excellent when open, worsens downwards due to the shape of the chin guard, when this is mounted. Noise: hissing, but more than acceptable given the type. Slight whistling from the front air intake when in the closed position and travelling at speed. Handling with gloves: generally good with the exception of the inner visor slider, which is not very ergonomic, even with bare hands, and is very small. Opening/modular system: the chin guard latches in and can be removed easily, but to do so you have to apply force to two lock/release levers almost at the same time. Impossible to do whilst riding, as it is difficult to do at all with the helmet on. On the other hand, it would make little sense to do so, given that the guard would need to be housed somewhere anyway. The rider must decide their configuration before starting off. With the helmet open: the visor does not extend far, and there is a marked central flare, leading to annoying turbulences that direct the air right into your eyes, with no advantage gleaned even when using the dark smoke inner visor. If using a motorcycle, or a scooter without a functional windshield, the optional chin guard comes highly recommended, as it guarantees appropriate coverage, as well as seeming solid. Visor removal: incredibly easy and immediate, no tools needed. Liner removal: very simple. Accessories: the chin guard is available as an optional extra. Price yet to be finalised, but around 25. Type of homologation: J=jet. Outer shell: ABS. Inner lining: fully removable, washable and breathable Sanitized fabric. Visor: dark smoke, scratch- and fog-resistant. Inner sun visor: yes, dark smoke, scratchresistant with lateral control. Type of fastening: micrometric regulation buckle + ring antitheft system. Ventilation: adjustable upper air intakes + air intake on chin guard. System of air ducts inside the polystyrene shell. Rear extractors. Declared weight: 1,150 +/- 50 grams. Colours available: pearly white, black, light blue, pink. Sizes available: From XS to XXL Production site: China. Price: 149.00.