ADV helmet quandary

7kings

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
55
Location
North Port, FL
I'm looking for some feedback here on ADV helmets. Although I spend 99% of my riding on tarmac, I wanted an ADV helmet instead of a traditional FFH for a few reasons:

1. Airflow. I live in SW Florida, where it's stiflingly humid and hot most of the year, and I wanted a helmet with a large viewport that I could ride shield-open with sunglasses and get a ton of airflow while still maintaining the safety afforded by a full-face helmet.
2. Visor. Although I wasn't a big fan of visors initially, their utility in providing a nice shady spot for my face is undeniable, and I've come to appreciate their appearance as well (see point 3 below).
3. The aesthetic. I'm not going to lie - an ADV lid just looks right on an ADV bike.

I bought a Bell MX9 Adventure (MIPS) when I got my S10, and have been sort-of happy with it, except for a few points that are really beginning to grate on me. First, there are some sort of weird pressure points pressing against the back of the cartilage of my ears, resulting in soreness after 30-40 minutes of riding. I've tried the thinnest cheek pads Bell offers, and although it helped a little, the discomfort is still there. Secondly, the NOISE... Anything over 45mph sounds like I'm in a wind tunnel (it actually sounds as loud as a half-helmet - no joke). Even with the visor down, it's louder than I would expect and really begs for earplugs, which I'm not a fan of. Lastly - and this is my fault for not researching well enough, I guess - it's very difficult to get my sunglasses on with the helmet in place.

Okay, so that being said, I'm wondering if I just picked the wrong ADV lid and should have spent a few dollars more for something nicer, or if the crazy wind noise is just nature-of-the-beast and is something that I'd have to accept as part of life should I stick to an ADV helmet?

I know there are other, pricier ADV helmet offerings out there, such as the Arai XD4 and Shoei Hornet X2, which both seem to get piles of glowing reviews as great all-around helmets. I'm wondering if they really are that much better than the Bell and are worth the $$, or if it's mostly hype? I'm not opposed to buying a more expensive helmet if that's going to make me happy, but I don't want to end up with a $600 ornament just sitting on the shelf because it wasn't really any better than what I have now...

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
 

Earache

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2017
Messages
47
Al though I wear a Arai XD4, my next helmet is going to the Suomy MX Tourer :

Had a few Suomy road helmets and always liked their fit, finish and liners, slightly cheaper than the Arai, although that';s not really a factor in my selection, Just like their fit.
 

ADKsuper10

Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2016
Messages
286
Location
New York
I have an Arai XD4. Love it worth the money would buy again. I will replace with another someday if needed.
 

MFP

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2018
Messages
1,410
Location
NYC, NY
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
7kings,
I literally spent close to a month driving myself crazy trying to find a new helmet to go with my new to me ‘13 S10.
I tried on so many different lids both modular and ADV (with peaks) full face types.
AGV, Arai, Bell, HJC, Schuberth, Scorpion and Shoei. Shoei has always been my go to brand in my almost 30 years of riding street. My melon is a true intermediate oval which Shoei kind of caters to. Hands down the Shoei Hornet X2 was the best all around helmet in both features and fit. I have done about 20 hours of riding with my X2 since I got it in early August and I am thrilled with my choice. Here in the metro NY area the weather was quite hot & humid as August was winding down so I had some real world experience with the X2 both on the highway and in stop and go traffic riding into and out of NYC in quite warm weather.
The airflow was decent and at highway speeds the X2 was quiet enough and comfortable.
If you decide to go with a Shoei let me know before you buy.
 
Last edited:

DamMechanic

Active Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2015
Messages
279
Location
Lewis County, WA.
Well I’m a gear junkie so I have a few helmets. I have a Arai XD4 and a XC-W along with a Bell Mag-9.
It’s just my 2 cents but for where you live and what you are riding, get the Bell Mag-9.

ATGATT folks might bash an open face helmet but it’s a trade off of protection and comfort or not riding. For me anymore I’m flipping the coin on what I’m doing for the day. All highway it’s the XD4. If it’s mostly town and trail it’s the Bell. I would not waste the extra on the Arai Xc-W or it’s cousin.
 

loftybob

Active Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
146
Location
Australia
I am extremely happy with my Arai XD-4, it is very light, fits my noggin well, and is relatively quiet.

There is one big proviso, when the wind is blowing a gale, make sure you dip your head forward to prevent wind catching the visor when looking over the shoulder or to the side.

Regards Lofty
 

Jeff Milleman

Active Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2015
Messages
326
Location
Ft Lauderdale ,Florida/ N Georgia
I think we all have or had many Helmets in our riding days, Scorpion ,Bell ,Shoei , I have always liked and used but down here in south FL I just tried the SHARK( ONE ) which is a breakaway full faced and when it s in the open position it sits in the back as a wind deflector not hanging up top. In the dirt open it up on the Highway close for full protection . Speakers fit ,it seems Quiet and its priced well. I know some don't like this type Helmet but to me the price ,made well and its best of both worlds. I still use my Shoei but have gotten to like being able to chose on the fly with the Shark.
 

Boondocker

Uncommonly Sensible
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 21, 2011
Messages
497
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Trying on as many as you can is good advise. Just because Shoei fits me well doesn't mean it's right for you. My daily helmet is a Caberg, not sold in the US due to no DOT certification - it's only safe for Europeans. I got this model because of the features, got lucky with the fit. It's modular, has a drop-down sun visor, and a peak (that's the ADV looking part). The peak is totally worth it to me because it shades the visor thus removing a lot of glare. I wear glasses so the modular style makes it easy to put glasses on/off with the helmet on. This helmet has a lock to hold the chinbar in the up position creating an open face helmet. I would never wear it that way but apparently there is good reason for such a feature. Finally, the drop down, internal tinted visor is game changer and a complete spoiler. I will never buy another street helmet without a drop-down internal tinted visor. It eliminates the need for sunglasses and allows me to more comfortably ride with the main visor open for more airflow at lower speeds while still offering eye protection.

P.S. I find white helmets to be the most visible in traffic and I don't care if I look like a queball.
 

ace50

Active Member
Joined
May 19, 2015
Messages
640
Location
VA
I like my Bell MX9. $120 for a Bell I thought was pretty good too! Possibly a louder helmet but I've always wore ear plugs so it not a problem.
I don't like the silly visor, (wind grabber) so I just add a strip of electrical tape on the top of the shield for a sun stopper.
It was harder to put on my eyewear when I had wire frame glasses, now I have plastic frames with stiffer ear pieces and they go on fine now.
 

7kings

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
55
Location
North Port, FL
I like my Bell MX9. $120 for a Bell I thought was pretty good too! Possibly a louder helmet but I've always wore ear plugs so it not a problem.
I don't like the silly visor, (wind grabber) so I just add a strip of electrical tape on the top of the shield for a sun stopper.
It was harder to put on my eyewear when I had wire frame glasses, now I have plastic frames with stiffer ear pieces and they go on fine now.
I like my Bell, but it's as loud as a half-helmet and has pressure points on the back of my ears, so I think I need to find something different.
 

Riteris

Active Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2017
Messages
115
Location
Washington, DC
Generally speaking, spending more money does TEND to get a better helmet.

But, the best helmet in the worls will not work as designed if it does not fit properly.

Take your time and try and find the best fitting helmet you can afford.
 

7kings

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
55
Location
North Port, FL
I wish I had places around here that had a good selection of helmets to try, but unfortunately, the only two within an hour's drive have a very limited stock of helmets (and most are HJC and GMax road helmets). It makes it challenging to try a piece of gear before I order it, but at least Revzilla has a good return policy for anything that doesn't fit me or that doesn't meet my expectations. That's why I tend to do as much internet research and soliciting of first-hand opinions as possible to help me narrow down my list of likely candidates.
 

ace50

Active Member
Joined
May 19, 2015
Messages
640
Location
VA
One issue of just trying on a helmet, it's kinda like just sitting on a bike.
A little different than actually riding the darn thing.
 

7kings

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2018
Messages
55
Location
North Port, FL
One issue of just trying on a helmet, it's kinda like just sitting on a bike.
A little different than actually riding the darn thing.
Tell me about it. This Bell MX9 Adventure seemed perfect until I wore it a few times and put some time on it.
 

Wallkeeper

Paid Observer of drying paint and curing powder
Staff member
Global Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2016
Messages
1,158
Location
Minneapolis
The only comment I will make relates to wearing glasses with full coverage helmets. It may be my head shape and size but I have never been able to comfortably wear glasses with full coverage helmets. Modulars have been awesome for me since my glasses now fit comfortably and I still have the noise and projectile protection of a full face. I have had one Shoei and two Nolans. All have ventilated well for me and been comfortable on long hauls. My latest has an internal visor that works well. Long and short, they are a bit heavier but I suggest looking at a modular too
 

HeliMark

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2013
Messages
995
Location
Tennessee

Jeff Milleman

Active Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2015
Messages
326
Location
Ft Lauderdale ,Florida/ N Georgia
If you want somewhere that has a lot to try and is priced well come down to FT Lauderdale, I take you to Competition cycle they have all kinds. Then well go out to cafe 27 where everyone hangs out or stages for a ride. We can cruse Snake road on your way home .
 

ace50

Active Member
Joined
May 19, 2015
Messages
640
Location
VA
Iron Pony Motorsports in Columbus OH, biggest motorcycle store I've ever been in. Converted old Kmart store.
Huge! Never seen so many helmets in one place! I was visiting a friend, wished I could have gone shopping!
Even sold new and used motorcycles!
All my shopping is online, so you never get to try on anything.....
 
Top