BILT Explorer?

[terrysig]

Long time Shoei wearer for street helmets using the X12 for the last bunch of helmets and it works well on the S10. Wear a Bell when out on my dirt bike or serious S10 dual purposing. Decided to look at the Hornet to try and bridge the gap as the Bell is in no way quiet at rode speed.

Visit Cycle Gear last night to compare the Horet against its competitors, AFCX, Icon, Fly and the Arai and was surprised to see BILT had just come out we a pretty good looking and feeling helmet. Fit and finish was on par with all others. The visor just might be the best outside of the Icon and the Arai. The Hornet visor seems flimsy in comparison.

For the $99 I lmost went for it but then I remembered the need for quiet and the adage that you get what you pay for!

Anyone try the BILT helmet yet?

 

[terrysig]

Darn...hate to answer my own posts but just spotted the thread titled "do you own one of these". Which gives a pretty good review.
AND points me directly back to the Hornet!

 

[jettcity1]

I almost bought the Hornet, I think you really cant go wrong with it but the price is a little too high.yeah, yeah, I know.
I bought the Explorer, blah, blah,blah..
I might get a Hornet someday....but until than, happy with the Explorer. ::002::

 

[terrysig]

...and i keep thinking it has to be worth 99 bucks?

is not having a tab to raise the visor an issue?

hows the noise level.

figure i go through so many helmets its probably worth it.

 

[coastie]

Sorry, cant help you on a helmet. Personally I have purchased Bilt gear in the past and have always been disappointed with the quality, I will not be buying one of their helmets. I'm sure others here have had a different experience.

 

[jettcity1]

The shield-though it has no tab, it has a flange that your glove can catch to lift it up. The noise is less than My Bell modular, I think the hoise is not excessive at all. The visor is solid too, very little flexing.
This helmet is nicer than you think, no I dont work there.

 

[Obrianmcc]

Raising of the shield without a tab isn't an issue.... lowering the shield on the fly without the tab is the problem IMO.

 

[jettcity1]

Rode in 40 degree temp with neoprene half face under and I was fogging up today, I think its from the moisture coming off the face mask. No worries, just slid the shield up and all good. I think the venting is good enough, I probably didnt need the mask, thought it was colder than it actually was. Once again, I really do like the Bilt Explorer. Running the OEM Yamaha tall windscreen and its about perfect as its gonna get. 2 thumbs up ::022::

 

[kballowe]

Sorry, cant help you on a helmet. Personally I have purchased Bilt gear in the past and have always been disappointed with the quality, I will not be buying one of their helmets. I'm sure others here have had a different experience.

I have the same opinion... However, I did just purchase one of their newest "Explorer" 3/4 jackets. MSRP $399, sale $199. Good fit n feel. Time will tell. The nice salesperson said that they have seen an upward trend in the quality of Bilt gear. Again, time will tell.

 

[jettcity1]

Your right, the clothing line looks very good too. I have First Gear and Olympia jackets and they compare exactly to these, stitch for stitch.
It looks like they come off the same assembly line. Snaps, velcro and liners are almost identical.
The quality is improving.

 

[nwryder12]

Just picked up my Built Discovery helmet for $69.99. Can't really go wrong. It seems like a decent helmet for the money. I only plan on wearing it for off-road adventures. I'll keep the Shoei for on road trips.

 

[UAVAV8R]

Just picked up the Bilt explorer offer at cycle gear. Pants, jacket, boots, gloves and helmet. Pants and jacket are awesome! Helmet is very comfy, low noise. No fogging issues. Great fit.

 

[thfraser]

I've had mine for a few weeks now. I'm happy with it so far. The suite and pants, IMO, are at least as good as the Tourmaster stuff, maybe a touch better. The standard gear does a good job keep me warm. I've commuted in 30F weather with the stuff, without electrics, just a T-Shirt and Freezeout shirt, and I was comfortable. The pants are more comfortable than the Tourmaster Venture ones. The kneepads in the Tourmaster ones' are lacking, the ones in the Bilt are much better for comfort.

I'll keep wearing this outfit and see how it performs in the long run. One nice bonus, it comes with a 5 year warranty.

 

[AVGeek]

I picked up the Air versions of the jacket and pants a few weeks ago as well. I'm really liking the jacket, haven't worn the pants on the bike yet (been mostly commuting when I'm home), and I definitely like the sunshield in the helmet (though it would be nice for it to be darker). I have had some fogging, but the main shield is easy to crack open to clear that up. It does take a two step move to close the shield from fully open, which is second nature now.

 

[justbob]

What grade is the deneir nylon material ?
From what I have gathered over the years and crash tested some of my own, 600 denier is the minimum weight required for adequate skid protection and 1200 is preferred in critical impact areas. The type of padding varies greatly also. foam is pretty much useless.
The pricepoint of the Bilt gear is excellent but I would hate to require a priceless skin graft trying to save a few bucks.
The quality of most brands seems to vary from year to year and from model style changes.
Most importantly is to have gear that you are comfortable wearing or you wont be wearing it !!
I have no experience with the Bilt brand so my questions are genuine, not bashing.

ATGATT

 

[thfraser]

Not sure what it really means, but the protectors are made in accordance with European standard EN 1621-1.

Their website lists the gear as 600 denier with 1200 for the shoulders and elbows.

The above is referrring to teh BILT Explorer H2O Waterproof Adventure Jacket.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/bilt_explorer_waterproof_adventure_jacket/web1011534

 

[HoebSTer]

I haven't read the whole thread on this, but after using off brand gear over the years, most will leak in time.

 

[justbob]

My experience has been that they will all leak in time unless its a gore tex product.

 

[AlsoRan]

I have the same opinion... However, I did just purchase one of their newest "Explorer" 3/4 jackets. MSRP $399, sale $199. Good fit n feel. Time will tell. The nice salesperson said that they have seen an upward trend in the quality of Bilt gear. Again, time will tell.

I went to Cycle Gear to have a snap fixed on a two year old "temporary" Built jacket and they offered an upgrade to the "Explorer". Paid the $99 bucks and so far it's pretty darn good. Have used it in 40 degrees to 80 degrees and it's working well. Opened up the front panels last week and it provides good air flow. Better fit and more mobil than some of the competitive options. I'm thinking of upgrading the armor and keeping it for a while. Will see how it holds up...

 

[joneil]

I went into a CycleGear store to buy my bro a battery tender. I ended up buying the package deal. Tan. White helmet. Seems like a nice set. Might upgrade the armor. I really need to start saving for my retirement.