Well, I’ve decided to switch to a full-face helmet. The modular (flip-up) helmets are convenient, but I’m not convinced that the convenience outweighs the safety factor of a full-face helmet. The other issue is a weighty one – the weights of modular helmets are climbing and that doesn’t make sense to me. Materials for constructing helmets are lighter and stronger this year than last, and yet the weights continue to climb – high enough that I won’t buy another one until the weight comes down. I had planned to look at HJC helmets at the bike show in Chicago, but didn’t find any to try on. So, I used the backup plan of a tape measure and a web browser. I ordered an FS-15 helmet in the size their fitment chart indicated, and it arrived fairly quickly. It fit OK, not great, but since I can’t go for a ride now (it’s still February in the midwest) an actual ride report will have to wait.
The quality of the helmet was very good. The paint and graphics are very well done, and the helmet liner is comfortable. it is fairy easy to slip my glasses on after donning the helmet. The only issue with the helmet is not actually an issue with this helmet, it is an issue with any full-face helmet. Convenience. With the modular helmet, I could flip it up when stopped at a light in town, or to take a drink from the butler cup while riding the Goldwing. I guess the tradeoff for convenience is lighter weight and better protection. So for now, I will forgo convenience – but I hope the manufacturers figure out a way to make the modular helmets lighter and more importantly, to submit modular-style helmets to the testing labs to demonstrate their ability to protect the wearer.
Protecting the wearer is really what their all about, right?