Does anyone make a QUIET full face helmet?

6924 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Tam 212, Dec 13, 2006

wzuccarello

Discussion Starter · Dec 9, 2006

Hi all, i am in the market for a full face helmet with the least amount of wind noise. I hate having to deal with earplugs.
So if anyone can recomend a namrebrand or model number that is quiter than most, it would be greatly appreciated.
So far the only helmet that I have realy enjoyed for quietness was when I tried my ultralight flying helmet. Has earcups with speakers for the intercom. No wind noise at all. When you tighten the chinstrap, the earcups are pulled tighter to your head. Can still hear engine and traffic better than earplugs. Prob not safe or legal on a bike though.
Wayne

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Tam 212

· #2 · Dec 9, 2006

Even the quietest full face helmets like the Shoei RF-series result in 100+dB at freeway speeds.

Unfortunately, earplugs or some other similar type of hearing protection is the only way to prevent potential hearing loss over time.

Industrial_Grrrl

· #3 · Dec 9, 2006

might want to post this in the gear section instead. [thumbsup] Problem in searching for the quietest helmet is... do you want to sacrifice ventilation in warm weather? I have an Arai RX-7, great ventilation, but noisier than my flip-up Nolan!

silentbob

· #4 · Dec 9, 2006

If you put one of those neoprene neck gaskets, from cycle gear, on the bottom of the helmet, it will stop most of the noise. It is great in the winter, but will get a little warm in the summer.

test-reg

· #5 · Dec 9, 2006

Allegedly the quietest helmet on the market is the Schuberth S1. Quiet is also a result of fit.

Markus

· #6 · Dec 9, 2006

howie said:
Allegedly the quietest helmet on the market is the Schuberth S1. Quiet is also a result of fit.

I have a Schuberth S1. Not many miles on it as I just bought it in mid-October but I have ridden with it on the highway at sustaind speeds of 70+ mph. It's quieter than any helmet I've ridden with, but still not quiet enough for me to go without earplugs (i'm paranoid about hearing loss). Schuberth claims internal noise levels with the S1 are about 85db at highway speeds, but variables that affect airflow around and circulation through the helmet (ie. bike windscreens, neck gaiters, etc) have an impact on the sound deadening of the lid.

Howie is right that a helmet that fits well will be quieter than an ill fitting one. Look for a lid with minimal venting also.

socalrob

· #7 · Dec 10, 2006

Why hasn't somebody come out with a helmet with built in active noise cancelation like the bose headphones? Its not like its the 70's anymore.

silentbob

· #8 · Dec 10, 2006

socalrob said:
Why hasn't somebody come out with a helmet with built in active noise cancelation like the bose headphones? Its not like its the 70's anymore.

It doesn't work as well in a large uncontrolled area like a helmet. Now simply putting headphones in the helmet would work without any noise cancellation. I have a Blackhawk helicopter helmet that I am thinking of cannibalizing the headphones for my Arai.

anzalone22

· #9 · Dec 10, 2006

Tam 212 said:
Even the quietest full face helmets like the Shoei RF-series result in 100+dB at freeway speeds.

Unfortunately, earplugs or some other similar type of hearing protection is the only way to prevent potential hearing loss over time.

I first bought a Shoei TZ. I thought that was too loud. I passed it onto my wife. I bought an RF1000. I feel that t is loud. I was going to look for a quieter helmet next year but from the sounds of it......there's no such thing.

count

· #10 · Dec 10, 2006

The quietest helmet I have ever owned is my Nolan X-Lite X-801R. A lot of that can be attrbuted to the fit, as it fits better than any helmet I've ever owned.

Tam 212

· #11 · Dec 10, 2006

socalrob said:
Why hasn't somebody come out with a helmet with built in active noise cancelation like the bose headphones? Its not like its the 70's anymore.

Which frequencies would you attenuate and by how much? Noise cancelling headsets work well for flying but not so sure it's a good idea on the road. Perhaps, its also more of a question of liability.

I can see it now, excuses of how people wrecked because a noise canceling helmet cancelled someone's ability to hear that siren or those screeching tires...

Davesax36

· #12 · Dec 11, 2006

my new scorpion EXO-700 is pretty quiet, but I always ride with earplugs. I'm a musician and I have to take care of that stuff. I've had 2 different sets of custom ear plugs made. Apparently my left ear is really hard to fit.

Helmets work the same. If it fits your head and comes down far enough below your ears it will seem quiet. All spaces also have a resonant frequency. Both my helmets seem to amplify the sound my pipes make up to about 4000 RPM, above there it "seems" a lot quieter. I also have the NOJ quiet rider deluxe. that makes a huge difference. wind noise at highway speeds will damage your hearing in about 20 minutes.

Blueshark928

· #13 · Dec 11, 2006

Tam 212 said:
Even the quietest full face helmets like the Shoei RF-series result in 100+dB at freeway speeds.

Unfortunately, earplugs or some other similar type of hearing protection is the only way to prevent potential hearing loss over time.

+1.

My current RF1000 is no quieter then the HJC CL-14 it replaced. The fit is the same for my head with both helmets. I've been wearing earplugs for so long now that i feel insecure and nervous about the ride if i dont have a pair handy. To make sure that almost never happens, I buy those -30 decible orange plugs in the 50 pair for 10 bucks tub at the Rite Aid. The benifits of earplugs far outweigh any downside there may be to using them.

The neck gaiter thing really works. Next time you're riding put your left hand up to your throat like you're gonna choke yourself to block the bottom of the helmet. You'll be amazed at the volume drop.

Il n00b

· #14 · Dec 11, 2006

When it comes to helmet noise, there seems to be things that are known to cause noise: basically, anything that causes turbulence. Things sticking off the helmet (vents), and the curvature of the base of the helmet appear to be the two biggest factors. The helmet bib seems to mitigate wind noise, but I have ready few reports where the users say it works, but it doesn't stay on.
...and unknowns: how turbulent the wind is before it hits your helmet. So, your dimensions, windscreen, etc. Check out a windscreen vs no windscreen thread for an idea of the variety of experiences.
I would go with earplugs, since it is just about the only way you can protect your ears, and because there are too many variables when measuring "quiet"- a quiet helmet for rider X on bike Y may or may not be as quiet on rider A on bike B.
These guys are a pretty good source of info:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

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alex

· #15 · Dec 13, 2006

Tam 212 said:
Even the quietest full face helmets like the Shoei RF-series result in 100+dB at freeway speeds.

Unfortunately, earplugs or some other similar type of hearing protection is the only way to prevent potential hearing loss over time.

The Schuberth S1 is supposedly rated at 85db at 100kph, which would be less than half as loud as a typical shoei. They cost $600, but the idea of not needing to wear earplugs during anything short of extended freeway rides is really appealing!

I can't find a place to see them in person though. Post up if you know of a good place to get one.

Tam 212

· #16 · Dec 13, 2006

Is that 85dB behind the fairing of a BMW K1200LT? Wonder what the rating is at 70 - 80mph...[cheeky]

Try area BMW dealers. That's the only place I seem to hear people talk about Schuberth. Also can try contacting Schuberth for a list of dealer's in your area...

Failing this, perhaps a mail order retailer that has a good return/exchange policy is probably your best bet.

Good luck!

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