Bell Vortex Helmet.

[skymasteres]

You know, I guess the noise of a helmet is an intensely subjective thing. I had a Bell Vortex and found that it "boomed" terribly. Of course I'm really sensitive to helmet noise. (I use custom molded ear plugs)

I did find that the RS-1 is considerably quieter. Almost vents as well as the Vortex and the transitions visor still fits.

[rktmanfj]

Lotsa variables there... differences in head shapes, helmet shapes, fairings, and where one's head ends up behind them.   

[the fan]

I have been using the Bell Star for the past few years and absolutely love the fit and ventilation. I have the SolFx shield and it works great. Transitions in less than 10 seconds from full tint  to clear. Its not quite as heavily tinted as the dark smokes I ran in the past, but does fine for me.

Might pick up a Vortex as a backup when I order my next Star before the spring rally. My star is over 5 years old now and I need to pick up a new lid for the track as it is now outdated. I had planned to keep it as my street lid, but may pick up a vortex to see if it is quieter. Pretty sure my first gen Star amplifies the wind noise....

[ribbert]

I thought it was universally agreed that you don't choose your helmet, it chooses you, that you head shape dictates your options.

Last time I bought a helmet I went shopping armed with a list of potential lids, after much research, only to discover I couldn't wear any of them, not comfortably anyway.
I just kept trying on helmets until I found one that was a perfect fit. It was nothing like the one I really wanted, but it was obvious the second I put it on that it was the right one.

Do not kid yourself that the helmet you really want but doesn't fit will "wear in"

Noel

[aviationfred]

Noel,

You are absolutely correct. I really like my Icon Domain II, and the fit is OK, no hot spots or fit issues. I put the Vortex on and WOW  The fit is amazing.

Fred

[Zwartie]

I thought it was universally agreed that you don't choose your helmet, it chooses you, that you head shape dictates your options.

I agree. No matter how many great helmets there are out there, I always find that Shoei fits the best. No 'break-in" period required, no discomfort at all and always quiet. They just know how to make a helmet that fits all four corners of my head (I am Dutch, after all).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbjksQapIfg

Zwartie

[yamaha fj rider]

I had been wearing Shoei helmets for over 20 years. Switched to a Bell RS1 last year and have been very happy with the helmet and shield. Carrying only one face shield for day and night is great. I still wear a light smoke sun glasses during the day. The drawback is the cost of the shield, ouch over a hundred dollars for the shield. Other than that no complaints.

Kurt

[ZOA NOM]

Fred, any followup opinions about your Vortex? I'm looking at hats, and it's on my list. I'm thinking about the Revolution Evo modular, as well, but I'm concerned about the noise. I really like the transition face shield idea.

[aviationfred]

I'm concerned about the noise. I really like the transition face shield idea.

I love my Bell helmet. It is not the most quiet helmet on the market, but it fits my head perfect. I did a simple mod to quiet the noise a little. There is a small vent right behind the ears. I pulled back the liner and used a pair of foam ear plugs to stuff the holes with. It did make a difference. On trips out of town I also use an ear plug speaker set up that cancels out pretty much all the noise.

The transitions face shield is incredible. It is also very durable.

Fred

[ZOA NOM]

Cool, thanks for the feedback. The more I look through the options, the more I think I'm gonna stick with a simple full-face, and skip the modular. I really want the transition visor, so I'll look through all the Bell models and try to find the quiet bang for the buck.

[ZOA NOM]

Went with the Vortex on sale from Revzilla. Got the Transition shield too. First impression while wearing the helmet sitting on my couch to "break it in" is that it is very form fitting, but lighter than I thought it would be. Rode to work with it tonight, and the transition shield is spectacular, both in vision and fog. I didn't have to keep it cracked to be able to see, which made it far quieter than my old hat. Nothin but love so far.

[FJmonkey]

Yes, if it does not kill you in the first 30 min then it will likely conform and fit your head. Padding has a way of making things fit, to some extent. Glad you have a proper lid. My current helmet was worn for over 30 min in the store while I shopped. It seemed too tight and I was thinking of not getting it. Not to mention, feeling kind of stupid while shopping with a helmet on for 30+ min.... I am quite happy with the fit and it turned out to be a really good fit. Let your helmet choose you. You will be much happier.   

[ZOA NOM]

Update - Got the Vortex outfitted with the transition shield, and added the ProGrip universal stick-on fog shield, then got the Sena SMH5-FM Bluetooth setup. The commute will never be the same. It's 39 degrees, and I'm takin the FJ!