Nolan N104 Helmet Preview

Just announced and slated for a January 2012 release, the brand new Nolan N104 Helmet is a graduation from the immensely popular years-running N103. Nolan has addressed many of the common quibbles from owners of the N103 and the Nolan N104 is a lighter helmet with a more streamlined design that results in better aerodynamics and a more comfortable ride over the long haul. Nolan has consistently been a leader in the modular helmet realm, and as they continue to innovate and iterate, their products get better and better, and the N104 represents their crowning achievement to date. Stay tuned for our detailed video review to come some time down the road, but in the meantime check out the upgrades and the full feature list below.

Nolan is now using an injected polycarbonate GE Lexan shell construction for this helmet. Lexan is a nearly indestructible compound that also lends lightness to this helmet, resulting in a shell that is expected to be 7oz. lighter than the N103. Another big complaint about the N103 was the noise which Nolan has also addressed in the Nolan N104 Helmet. The side pods have now been streamlined, eliminating the bulk interference from wind that caused so much of the noise in the N103. The Nolan N104 Modular Helmet is also using a brand new shield system, with an ultra wide and tall eyeport that is bigger than anything in the Nolan lineup. Each Nolan N104 also features a Pinlock shield, the leading anti-fog lens in the industry.

Upgrades abound in the new N104 which only jumps in price slightly from its predecessor. With all the new features and technologies, this helmet will be worth every dime. Look for the N104 to be available in the following versions: Nolan N104 Outlaw, Nolan N104 Voyage and Nolan N104 Action. Of course, the Nolan N104 Solid will also be available.

More news and reviews as they become available..

-RetroZilla

HJC Symax 3 Helmet: Brand New for 2011

The HJC Symax 3 Helmet is brand new for Fall 2011 and marks a big step forward from its predecessor, the Sy-Max 2. The main upgrade that we're seeing with this helmet is in the construction of the shell. This year's model is using a lightweight fiberglass and Spectra weave shell with a polycarbonate alloy and ABS chin bar. Spectra is a relatively new fiber being touted as one of the world's strongest and lightest fibers, offering 15x the strength of steel, higher durability and than polyester and strength that trumps aramid fiber by 40%. We're also seeing the Sy-Max 3 using a new shield, the HJ-17, which offers the Quickslide shield replacement system which is one of the fastest and simplest we've seen in the industry.

Lets check out the HJC Symax 3 Helmet Review:

The inner sunshield is now smoother and quieter in operation than the previous version of this helmet, the ventilation has been refined and improved, and the HJC Symax 3 Helmet is also completely compatible with the XBi2-H wireless intercom system. For HJC Helmets, the Symax 3 Helmet represents a big step forward in their modular lineup as it provides a great deal of bang for the buck in a sub-$300 flip-up lid. We will be getting our hands on one of these in the very near future, so make sure you stay tuned for our detailed video breakdown.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
HJC CS-R2 Helmet Preview
HJC RPS-10 Ben Spies Monster Helmet Preview

Schuberth C3W Helmet Review

The Schuberth C3W Helmet is the womens version of the bestselling modular helmet on the market. While it touts all the core features and functionality that have quickly ascended the Schuberth C3 Helmet up the ranks of the modular world (quiet, lightweight, stable, protective), the C3W integrates some crucial modifications that truly make this the first-class women's helmet on the market. In the video below we detail all the changes that were made to this helmet and after the video a few more words on the modifications that make the C3W so extraordinary.

Check out our Schuberth C3W Helmet Review:

In order to fully understand the changes that needed to be made to the C3 in order to make it as ergonomic and comfortable for a woman as possible, the team at Schuberth Helmets linked up with a famous cosmetic company. This company, whose name is forbidden from being mentioned, conducted a womens' head and facial shape study all across the world that lasted multiple years. Schuberth worked with them to get all the data and analyze the findings in order to make the C3W the best it could possibly be. To that end, the EPS liner was completely reshaped in addition to the comfort liner. Women's faces are natively narrower than men's overall; to that end, the profile of the EPS and cheek pads reflects this by increasing at the 

jaw bone to cradle the face. Schuberth also added a slight bump to the EPS in the back of the helmet to accommodate a woman's ponytail.

The liner materials are also completely different than the fabrics used in the C3. Knowing that women sometimes wear makeup when they're riding their motorcycles, the liner materials are a special microfiber fabric that is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and moisture-wicking. The antimicrobial and hypoallergenic parts are key here, as the liner can thereby be easily cleaned of any makeup but also is prevented from developing any bacteria that might come from the amalgamation of makeup with sweat over the course 

of long rides.

We've been impressed with Schuberth Helmets since day one and now that the C3W and Schuberth C3 Hi-Viz Helmet have finally arrived, it's clear that they're putting a stake in the ground and redefining how other modular helmets will be judged.

-RetroZilla

Related:

Schuberth C3 Hi-Viz Helmet Review

Schuberth C3 Helmet Review

Schuberth Helmets Sizing Guide

Arai RX-Q Helmet Review

Schuberth Helmets Sizing Guide

There has been some confusion swirling around the sizing of Schuberth Helmets since the Schuberth C3 Helmet became available in the US recently. It has been the assumption of some that you can use the same size that you wear in your old Arai or Shoei lid, and that it will accurately transfer over to the proper sizing in a Schuberth. In this video we show how and where to take the measurement of your head to ensure that you get the proper fit in your Schuberth helmet.

Check out our Schuberth Helmet Sizing Guide:



Relatively straightforward, it is crucial that you consult the Schuberth Helmet Size Chart before purchasing. There is definitely at least a centimeter difference between the Schuberth sizing and similar brands. And of course, if you're having any trouble, don't hesitate to contact us at 877-792-9455 or CS@RevZilla.com.

Below you can see our two-part Schuberth C3 Helmet Review and our Schuberth SRC Bluetooth System Review:







-RetroZilla

Related:
Schuberth C3 Helmet Review and Opinion
Schuberth Helmets at RevZilla.com

Bell Revolver Helmet Review

Bell Revolver Helmet - Rally Black

Continual innovation, extensive R+D, and a dedication to producing some of the most high-performance lids on the market at all price points has defined Bell Helmets since their inception many moons ago. For Spring 2011, they've delivered a helmet that is a first for the sport and street riding communities: a fully performance and sport-focused modular helmet. The Bell Revolver Helmet takes the concept of the Bell Star and Vortex makes some modifications, and becomes an industry revolution. With performance, function and comfort all kept in mind, the Bell Revolver is an exciting new product for this season.

Check out our Bell Revolver Helmet Review:

The Bell Revolver is a fully functional modular helmet utilizing a single push button with a chin bar that rotates on an aluminum hinge. It has an internal sun visor, a feature we've found to be extremely convenient and useful when the sun dips in and out of the clouds. The mechanism that operates the sun shield has clicking lock settings in both the open and closed positions eliminating the pesky rattling that plagues many competitors' sun visors. The shield is the same as the Vortex, Star and RS-1: Bell's Nutra Fog II anti-fog shield that features the Click Release fast-change mechanism. It also can accommodate the Bell Transitions Shield, an immensely popular photochromic shield that changes tint based on the ambient light, essentially eliminating
the need for shield changes based on light conditions.

Bell Revolver Helmet - Solid

The Revolver is a lightweight polycarbonate alloy shell with exceptional aerodynamic and ventilating properties. At Bell HQ in California, they have both a wind tunnel and a water tunnel in house, allowing for the best possible shapes, contours, and positioning of vents. The guts of the Revolver are fully removable and washable, antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and the cheek pads are contour cut for the highest levels of comfort. Bell's patented Magnafusion strap keeper makes flapping straps a headache of the past. Extraordinary comfort and ergonomics, with excellent ventilation and aerodynamics, subtle creature comforts AND being the first sport-oriented modular? The Bell Revolver Helmet is an absolute grand slam across the board. Just look at it; you'd never know it flipped up.

To see others in its class, visit our Modular Motorcycle Helmets page.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Bell RS-1 Helmet Review
Bell RS-1, Revolver, Moto-9 Helmet Unveiled
February 2011 Motorcycle Deals & New Gear
Bell Revolver Helmet Preview

Nolan N43 Helmet Review

Nolan N43 Trilogy Shade Helmet

Nolan Helmets has been enormous in the motorcycle helmet world for close to 40 years and they've recently been getting a ton of recognition in the industry for their modulars. Nolan holds over 50% of the market share in Europe currently and it's because they produce solid lids. Today we're focusing on the Nolan N43 Trilogy Helmet, which is one of our top 3 bestselling modular helmets. It comes with the necessary parts to be configured six different ways which is something most other modular helmets cannot claim. Check out our full video review below.

Nolan N43 Trilogy Motorrad Helmet

At first glance, you might think that the removable chinbar wouldn't be sturdy enough to keep you protected in the event of a get-off. But when you find out it's made of Lexan and meets the certifications of ECE 22.05, you realize that it is extremely protective. Lexan is amazingly strong polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that is nearly indestructible and it mounts to the helmet with extremely strong stainless steel latches. The shell of the helmet is constructed with a lightweight yet resilient polycarbonate that is aerodynamic and has increased stability due to the built-in spoiler. In addition to the extra-large shield that offers an enormous periphery and comes all the way down to the chin bar, there is a retractable Top-Gun-style sun visor operated easily with gloves using the rubberized slider
on the side of the helmet.

Nolan N43 Trilogy Outlaw Helmet

For configurations, Nolan includes a peak visor that can be installed. So for your six setups, you've got the normal, out-of-the-box full face; chin bar off; chin bar off with peak installed; chin bar off with peak installed and shield removed; chin bar off, shield off, peak off; chinbar on, shield off. That's the six possible configurations. Moving inside the helmet, you've got a Clima Comfort liner, which is removable and washable, antibacterial, antifungal and moisture-wicking. Great guts on this helmet. Another great Nolan feature is the Microlock adjustable quick-release retention chinstrap system, which is a ratcheting chinstrap closure mechanism. The chinstrap also features velour lining for comfort.

A couple of guys around the office have this helmet and swear by it. The ventilation is excellent and its multiple configurations offer a ton of versatility. The face shield changes quickly and easily with a knob-turn, and the helmet is built to house Nolan's NCOM Communication System. All in all, we think the N43 Trilogy is an excellent lightweight modular helmet.

To see similar helmets, visit our Modular Helmets page at RevZilla.com

-RetroZilla

Related:
Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Modular Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide