Nolan N104 Helmet Review

Nolan N104 Action Helmet

Brand new for 2012, the Nolan N104 Helmet is a huge step forward from its predecessor, the N103, one of the most popular Modular Helmets on the market. For this iteration, Nolan has taken rider feedback and reacted by making improvements that are evident throughout the Nolan N-104 Modular Helmet. Some of the improves on the N104 Helmet over the N103 are lighter weight, lower profile, improved aerodynamics and a much larger shield for improved field of vision. The ventilation has received a dramatic upgrade and the entirety of the interior sees itself improved this year. We're big fans of this helmet, especially at the price point.

Check out our Nolan N104 Helmet Review:

Nolan N104 Outlaw Helmet

So far, we've glanced at some of the improvements, but now let's get into how they've actually made the improvements and detail them a bit more. The Nolan N104 Helmet is 7oz lighter than the N103 which has been done by reducing the profile of the helmet and making it more streamlined. They use two shell sizes which helps to maintain the smaller profile as you go up in the size range, and the shell is now built of injected polycarbonate GE Lexan. The brand new face shield comes in two sizes as well, which allows it to be tailored to whichever shell size you're using. The ultra wide eyeport of the shield is the largest of any Nolan helmet and each Nolan N-104 Helmet comes with a Pinlock insert, which guarantees fog-free riding.

Nolan N104 Helmet - Solid

The brand new Airbooster ventilation system features improved channels in the EPS in addition to improved intake and exhaust vents. The chin vent has added more channels of intake, there is a brand new brow intake that works in conjunction with the chimney vent for excellent airflow. There are also two individual exhaust vents at the top rear as opposed to the one rear exhaust found on the N103. There are plastic vent tubes within the EPS and that suck cool air through the interior of the helmet to keep your head comfortable. One complaint of the old N103 was the length/coverage of the interior sun visor. The brand new retractable VPS sun shield features longer coverage and a new push button release for instant retraction.

Nolan N104 Voyage Helmet

Inside the helmet, there are removable cheekpads, a top liner, neck roll and wind protector. All of the guts feature an antibacterial treatment, and everything is removable and washable. The comfort liner is notched to easily accommodate glasses-wearing riders. The neck roll can be taken out easily which is a great feature for warmer weather riding, and it features a reflective panel at the middle for night time visibility. The second generation of their Microlock retention system features an easily operable plastic opening lever and an aluminum tooth/retention mechanism. The Nolan N104 Modular Helmet is built to work with the brand new Nolan N-Com B4 Bluetooth System, an exclusive for the N104.

All in, for the price point, Nolan packed a ton of features and upgrades into the Nolan N-104 Helmet, and we have a hard time thinking it won't be an absolute monster this season amongst the modular-leaning riding community.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Nolan N104 Helmet Preview

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