There's now a SNELL certified modular helmet - LS2 FF394 "Epic"

[Surj]

The lack of SNELL certification often seems to be big concern in the discussions of modulars 'round here. WBW says the LS2 FF394 is the world's first Snell certified flip-up motorcycle helmet.

There are definitely some oddities here - WBW says helmet is only available in size large and up. The liner is good and the helmet is mostly pretty awesome but they can't see any obvious differences that would make the LS2 FF394 more likely to pass SNELL certs.

The FF394 hasn't been tested by SHARP yet, but one of their previous modulars (LS2 FF369 Delta) only stayed closed 70% of the time in testing and has mediocre impact results, while the other one tested by SHARP (LS2 FF386) stayed closed 100% of the time and had much better impact results.

I've had several modulars - Nolans and now a Shoei Neotec - and the lack of SNELL cert never really bothered me. A lot of modulars do very well in various - more extensive - European tests. I consider a combination of factors - obviously DOT cert, reviews (noise, long term comfort, etc), SHARP ratings and most importantly fit on my noggin.

So have we not had any SNELL modulars yet because Shoei, Schuberth, etc don't submit their modulars for testing by SNELL? This new Chinese-made LS2 is $300 - seems like if they can pull it off, premium lids like the Neotec and the Schuberths should be able to pass. Will the LS2 SNELL helmet force Shoei, Schuberth and Nolan to submit for SNELL certification so all the "it's not SNELL certified" folks can stop worrying about that?

 

[MC BumSlap]

Fox News: Some say SNELL rating is overrated.

 

[RightCoastBias]

My A's hat is SNELL certified. I always feel safe whilst wheeling across the bridge at 80.

 

[TTTom]

Fox News: Some say SNELL rating is overrated.

This.

Find an online copy of the article "Blowing the Lid Off" from Motorcyclist Magazine June 2005

 

[Burning1]

This.

Find an online copy of the article "Blowing the Lid Off" from Motorcyclist Magazine June 2005

Is an article from 2005 is going to apply to the snell 2010 certification?

 

[Surj]

Fox News: Some say SNELL rating is overrated.

This.
Find an online copy of the article "Blowing the Lid Off" from Motorcyclist Magazine June 2005

I already have that. I thought I was pretty clear in my OP that I don't worry too much about Snell cert. For those of you who haven't read it, here's a PDF. Good stuff.

I'm much more curious if the existence of SNELL modulars changes the opinion of any of the "modular haters" or forces Shoei, Schuberth or any of the other companies who produce safe, premium modulars to worry about SNELL cert.

There had been an attitude amongst some folks that modulars wouldn't pass or weren't safe because they lacked the SNELL sticker. SNELL says here "At present the Foundation has not had the opportunity to test any of the flip up front type helmets for certification. We do not find any fault with these designs as long as they are used according to the manufacturers instructions and meet all of the requirements of the standard." I think thats kind of a non-answer that's been interpreted a lot of different ways.

We now know that modulars will pass - in the WBW article I linked to it's also noted that a Roof modular was independently tested and passed the SNELL tests a few years back. If it's really a matter of manufacturer's not submitting, I think it'd be pretty weird if Shoei continues to care about SNELL on their full face lids but not the modulars.

Is an article from 2005 is going to apply to the snell 2010 certification?

Hot tub time machine. Look it up on Lougle.

 

[louemc]

Someone that would wear a modular helmet, is certifiable

 

[ElectricPrunes]

Is an article from 2005 is going to apply to the snell 2010 certification?

Every World Championship racer chooses to race in an ECE helmet for a reason. Even American riders, riding in American brands. Ben Spies' HJC? ECE. Hayden's Arai? ECE. They could and would choose Snell if it was superior. It's not. Also for consideration: if Snell was better, would brands like Arai sell helmets in its own domestic market that were inferior? Japanese Arais aren't Snell for a reason too. By asking for a snell-rated modular you're asking for a helmet that's bigger, heavier, and inferior in a crash.

 

[davidji]

Is an article from 2005 is going to apply to the snell 2010 certification?

More than I'd like. Apparently even with Snell 2010 the lids are heavier than non-Snell, and I think they still transmit greater force to riders head for some common scenarios too. But don't ask me to back up that last part. My current Arai lid is Snell 2010. But if I could have the same fit and features, minus 100+ grams and minus the Snell sticker I'd be all over it--ECE would be nice though. Losing the 100+ grams is more important to me than whether it's Snell or not. But the excess weight comes from it being designed to pass Snell.

For people who don't trust modulars in general what they want is a helmet that meets full-face helmet standards. The article wasn't clear about that--did it pass Snell full-face helmet tests? There are Snell certified open-face helmets too. There have been modular helmets that meet full-face helmet standards, but most don't.

In fact most modular helmets open during the Sharp helmet testing. Despite there being no impact to the chin bar.

 

[RaptorFA]

I have to be honest; lack of a SNELL cert was a bit of a concern for me before committing to purchasing the Neotech. I didn't think I was going to like a modular. Until I actually saw it, felt it, checked out the build and put it on. The minute it went on my noggin, SNELL was no longer a concern.

The folks at shoei know how to build a lid, and for me the Neotech is working out splendidly. The build quality is excellent, the features are first-rate and I actually like wearing it. It's very aero efficient and the pinlock visor is now something that every helmet I have moving forward will have.

There is also a certain mobility that this helmet affords me out on the road that a straight full face just doesn't. And I feel just as protected. I don't think this LS2 lid stacks up; I'm just not feelin' it.

 

[wsmc831]

Someone that would wear a modular helmet, is certifiable

Really? So, the one I bought for a ride through Alaska in 2007, and Costa Rica in 2010 is worthless, or I'm just ridiculous for using it at all?



...oh...wait...nevermind, your opinion is irrelevant in everything motorcycle related.

 

[Clem Kevin]

I have to be honest; lack of a SNELL cert was a bit of a concern for me before committing to purchasing the Neotech. I didn't think I was going to like a modular. Until I actually saw it, felt it, checked out the build and put it on. The minute it went on my noggin, SNELL was no longer a concern.

The folks at shoei know how to build a lid, and for me the Neotech is working out splendidly. The build quality is excellent, the features are first-rate and I actually like wearing it. It's very aero efficient and the pinlock visor is now something that every helmet I have moving forward will have.

There is also a certain mobility that this helmet affords me out on the road that a straight full face just doesn't. And I feel just as protected. I don't think this LS2 lid stacks up; I'm just not feelin' it.

I'm interested in the Neotec for some big trips and wanted to know, what helmet did you have before and how do you find fitment? I have a bit of a narrow head and the only helmets I find fit are some Shoei's and the Bells.

 

[Beauregard]

The BMW guys are going to cum their panties.

 

[RaptorFA]

I'm interested in the Neotec for some big trips and wanted to know, what helmet did you have before and how do you find fitment? I have a bit of a narrow head and the only helmets I find fit are some Shoei's and the Bells.

Hey Kevin. I have had an Icon SSR which was OK but didn't quite fit right; A Scorpion EXO-1000 that fit rather well but it fell apart on me after 1.5 years. Those were both large, and I am smack in the middle of medium and large, just slightly over 58 cm. I consider my head shape to be slightly more narrow than an intermediate oval, but mostly an inter-oval.

My primary lid has been my Shoei RF-1100. By far the best lid I've had prior to the Neotech. I got a large and I should have bought a medium, but I fixed it by getting thicker cheek pads and a medium headliner. Those adjustments made the RF-1100 ultra comfortable and a perfect fit.

The Neotech is a medium. It's fitment gives you slightly more room than the RF-1100, so it may be less oval. But because there is a bit more room the medium ended up fitting perfectly. I had it on for a good 25 minutes at Road Rider before I decided to go with it just to make sure it didn't develop any hot spots. It's just great. The Sun visor is fantastic and is easy to find and easy to operate with a gloved hand. It vents very well and yet is more quiet than the RF-1100. I love 'em both and will pretty much stick with Shoei moving forward. The new GT Air looks interesting...

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Clem Kevin]

Anything helps. My first helmet was an exo1000, now that I've bought two helmets that fit me really well I can't wear it any more because of the pressure on my forehead. Had you ever tried on an X-11/X-12 or any bell helmets? My head seems to fit those best.

 

[RaptorFA]

Anything helps. My first helmet was an exo1000, now that I've bought two helmets that fit me really well I can't wear it any more because of the pressure on my forehead. Had you ever tried on an X-11/X-12 or any bell helmets? My head seems to fit those best.

I have tried the X12 and the medium fit me perfectly. The only reason I did not buy it was, well, the cost; and the fact that it was a race helmet and I am a sport tour rider, more upright and the venting would not really be proper. But the lid itself fit perfectly.

 

[Clem Kevin]

I have tried the X12 and the medium fit me perfectly. The only reason I did not buy it was, well, the cost; and the fact that it was a race helmet and I am a sport tour rider, more upright and the venting would not really be proper. But the lid itself fit perfectly.

Good to hear. While the X12 fit me well, the X11 is still a better fit, but I think the neotec should be okay.

 

[Surj]

I have to be honest; lack of a SNELL cert was a bit of a concern for me before committing to purchasing the Neotech. I didn't think I was going to like a modular. Until I actually saw it, felt it, checked out the build and put it on. The minute it went on my noggin, SNELL was no longer a concern.

The folks at shoei know how to build a lid, and for me the Neotech is working out splendidly. The build quality is excellent, the features are first-rate and I actually like wearing it. It's very aero efficient and the pinlock visor is now something that every helmet I have moving forward will have.

There is also a certain mobility that this helmet affords me out on the road that a straight full face just doesn't. And I feel just as protected. I don't think this LS2 lid stacks up; I'm just not feelin' it.

These are pretty much the same reasons I bought the Neotec. It's a really good helmet.

 

[Outta Control]

These are pretty much the same reasons I bought the Neotec. It's a really good helmet.

I know that the Neotec claims to be one of the quietest helmet next to the Schuberth C3 Pro and I tried one on at CG but was unable to road test it.

Is the Neotec quiet enough to reduce road noise down to safe levels and that you may not need to use earplugs?

 

[Surj]

I know that the Neotec claims to be one of the quietest helmet next to the Schuberth C3 Pro and I tried one on at CG but was unable to road test it.

Is the Neotec quiet enough to reduce road noise down to safe levels and that you may not need to use earplugs?

I don't think any helmet is quiet enough to not use earplugs. I was choosing between the Neotec and the Schuberth, but the Schuberth didn't fit me right. It's supposedly a bit quieter.

The Neotec is definitely the quietest helmet I've ever had, but I still wear plugs. I ride a naked bike with a small screen. For comparison, I've been wearing a Qwest for the past 1 1/2 years and it's a bit quieter than that lid overall. I wore it on my commute home one day without plugs and wouldn't do it again - the rumbling/wind noise is still pretty loud. Quite pleased with the noise levels, though.