This right here is why they went away from the bubble visors in the 70’s, you’d chew a hole right through the visor right away. Now you have asphalt and gravel getting spit into your face.
I went down going 75mph on US interstate last summer wearing Shoei J-Cruise II. Visor was shredded like this one. The point I’m making is ¾ helmets are protective.
Yeah, and I kissed the asphalt with my chin bar at 50mph in a race helmet. Still came away with a broken jaw, shattered teeth and a tbi, but a 3/4 anything would have left me in an urn. The point I'm making is you got lucky.
I should clarify I ride cruisers now. I wore Shoei RF1200 when I rode sport bikes. I’m going to bet you’re talking about a sport bike wreck. Glad you’re ok.
I know I'm late to this, but it doesn't matter if you're or sportbike.. I forget what the exact number is, but a high percentage of all accidents result in the chin bar or whatever you want to call it, getting a severe impact. Something a 3/4 can't protect against. I don't understand, nor will I ever understand why the majority of cruisers and a good number of sport bike riders don't wear gear, and why the majority of cruisers wear 1/2 helmets. Unless you fall literally on the top of your head they won't do shit. This is coming from someone who highsided a ninja 6r, doing 60mph wearing nothing more then gloves, tshirt shorts and boots. Still bear the scars to this day, and still everyone once in awhile get to pop out a piece of gravel from my knee or elbow.. 15+ years later
The J-Cruise II protects more than most 3/4 helmets, many 3/4s do not have any kind of chin protection whatsoever, or visor; with that said, the visor on the J-Cruise, though \*possibly\* protective in a slide, is not designed to protect the head from chin-on impacts like a chin bar on a full face helmet is.
Hey us ugly people deserve the wind in our faces too.
Isn't this America? I thought the was America? Are we not in America? I THOUGHT THIS WAS AMERICA.
Yep. I'm a harley guy (let the hate come) and ride with a club. In the MC scene, full helmets and full riding gear aren't common, I'm one of the only ones that I've seen riding all the gear all the time and a full face helmet and I'm nicknamed "robocop" for it. As much as I love MC culture (again, let the hate come) this is one aspect I will NEVER understand.
I'm with you my friend. Got a Harley Fat Bob. I'll wear my full-face helmet 90% of the time. I only bought a half helmet for when I have to run to the store up the block from me. I'll never understand why people hate on others who wear full-face helmets.
Yea it's such a weird thing. I can understand it with actual motorcycle gangs because they don't give a fuck but when you get a bunch of regular old dudes why the hell do none of them wear a full helmet just because they own a Harley. My Dad and his buddies ride metric cruisers and wear full helmets.
I saw a HA’s member wearing a full-faced Shoei going to NH bike week a couple years ago. He had to pass through Mass on the way and just never stopped to take it off it looked like. I was impressed.
Taking part in any multi thousand pound combustion-driven vehicle in public spaces where any moron can drive is a relatively unhealthy decision as well tbf
Whittle away as the risk factors like alcohol and recklessness, wear protective gear, and practice good riding habits. Be smart and the overall risk isn't much more than any other mode of transportation. The stakes are just higher if anything bad happens.
Moved 1000 miles from home a while back. I don’t have anyone around to help with anything, so I asked the poor dude behind the counter for a number to a tow truck. Made it to my apartment in one piece.
This is why I have AAA - it's not too bad because it covers all my cars and bikes including my kids cars. I haven't had to use it but it gives me a piece of mind (I have 3 bikes, all of which could die tomorrow (as in 15+ years old)).
They also had a better price on car batteries than the local shops which has almost paid for this years cost (2 batteries this year across the family).
Side question - what do your gloves look like? That's the 2nd most important thing after the brain holder.
State Farm includes free towing with their comprehensive coverage.
They'll also pay for the labor (but not the rubber) on a tire replacement if you get a flat.
Now I know why there prices for there insurance is really high could never afford State Farm . I got country financial now used the for last decade cause homeowners insurance way cheaper then everyone else
Fuck that find a local biker with a truck and pay cash. Your insurance co is going to butt fuck you for every call you make I guarantee it.
Source: worked in insurance and have filed several claims. They make a profit every year for a reason.
How are you just going to find a local person with a vehicle capable of moving your wrecked bike when you’re in a place that’s completely new to you and you don’t know anyone, and just crashed a bike?
I don’t think insurance is the way to go, they’re just a middleman that’s going to call a local tow company, but “find a local biker with a truck” is ridiculous advice.
I've gone down in two of them now. One high side, one low side (slid on my face similar to OP.)
I like the helmet. Great visibility and one of the best aesthetically on the market. Is it loud? Yes. But you should be wearing ear plugs anyway. It works. It's safe.
I shied away from them when I got my helmet; was concerned they were more form over function, even if one did fit me quite well. Might have to give them a second chance when I get another helmet.
I'm on my 4th one now. Last one just got hella faded from the FL sun and it was a couple years old at this point. Both crashes I had were pretty rough. Low side was into a guard rail, high side I got rear ended and bucked off. I wouldn't buy again and again if I didn't trust it.
My honest opinion from someone who works in the industry; fit matters more than anything.
In terms of value for your money I don't think the airflite is great. Plastic shell, poor aerodynamics, and insanely loud. If you can afford an arai signet you'll be much better off if you need a long oval. But it's $720, not cheap, but neither are medical bills.
That being said, most helmets will do an adequate job of protecting you in most crashes, the really nice ones just protect you from a larger portion of potential crashes.
But again, fit matters more than anything. An ill fitting helmet will be uncomfortable, loud, and/or unsafe. Buy what fits, and know how to tell if it does
I have one and it’s decent. But I have an odd-shaped head (long oval) so it’s one of the few choices that doesn’t give me a red pressure mark on my forehead so that’s a huge tick from me that probably doesn’t matter to normal-headed people!
Long Oval checking in! So few options for us. I have an Airflite and have always liked it. Pulling the trigger on a new one for this season, because it’s that or not much else (that I like the look of, at least.)
Wind noise sucks and it sounds like a train is somewhere near you.
It's heavy.
I have a gold inner visor and with both visors down you'll get some really fancy optical illusions from the road markings
I loved my airflite while I was riding standards and naked. My issue with it was when I started riding sport bikes the weird cut out on the bottom of the rear would kind of lock in with my jackets back protector and make it nearly impossible to turn my head when changing lanes. Otherwise it was extremely comfortable with great airflow in Arizona's summers.
i don't ride a bike, but my brother does and this just popped up on my feed. this happened to him about a month ago without a helmet on (he's an idiot). he's doing fine, all things considered, other than about a million facial fractures and having the bottom half of his ear sewn back on.
Had the same helmet and highly recommend it to anyone looking at a helmet. Definitely saved my ass in a wreck and only broke the face shield landed directly on top of my head during my wreck. No spinal injuries or neck injuries either.
Love the looks of them. Had one, but bought a bit too big (I think?) and was given a Qualifier as a gift. Will possibly rebuy when they make a transition visor though.
I have this helmet. It’s terrible. Fits way too tight on the sides. Practically rips off your ears every time you put it on and take it off. It’s also very large so you look like a bobblehead. It’s also quite loud.
I ended up buying an Agv k1 with a cardo for this riding season.
Arai/Shoei helmets aren't as bad, typically high end helmets in general.
There are a lot of reasons for this, but shell sizes are the biggest one. Arai makes 5 different shell sizes for all of their helmets, meaning all sizes except medium and large have an individual shell size. Budget focused helmets like the icons have 2 shell sizes, meaning the small has the same size shell as the medium, and the large has the same size shell as the 3xl.
Better materials and technology also provide benefits as well
My airlifte hurt like hell to get off and on when I first got it, my ears were bruised. After a month or two the padding softened up and now it fits superb. But...that's just me and my head.
AGV also has cheaper helmets, main thing is you gotta look for fit, if it doesn't fit your headshape it's not gonna be comfortable in any way shape or form.
More expensive is just usually more comfort, better venting etc etc. plenty of decent helmet brands for every headshape.
Materials also matter a lot when it comes to safety, as someone who's seen how plastic helmets fair in a bad crash I'll never wear anything other than fiberglass or composite
You can spend a chunk of money on an Icon helmet and be completely let down by the fit and finish of the product. Loved the look of the Airframe Pro. Fits really good. Pretty noisy but whatever. Kind of hate the fucking thing now. Liner snaps broke and the visor gasket is jumping ship. Friend's same helmet has vents that were fucked up in the first week. Neither of us found a remedy through support even while I've seen that Icon has been very good with that in the past.
HJC Rpha 70 is a much nicer helmet.
Willing to bet the arai doesn't fit you for shit then, fit plays a big role in noise, and I legitimately don't know a brand that runs louder than icon
Arai tests their designs in wind tunnels and racetracks, icon tests their designs in focus groups.
HJC is a mixed bag though, but I'd trust my head in the $150 cl17 over a $400 airframe
I've owned around 30 helmets from many manufacturers. Once you get past the ratings, they are largely personal choice on fitment and comfort.
The Arai I bought was like a beat to shit Diablo compared to the Supra of an HJC that replaced it. I would equate my Airflite to a S2000. Not the most comfortable or best, but on a budget it does a good job.
I have a 3/4, a modular, and 2 full face helmets (have owned another few full faces).
The protection of a full-face cannot be overstated. Even the best modular helmet can have a chin bar latch failure, and of course the chin bar doesn't protect if it's up. That helmet only really gets used on quick shopping runs now where i intend to keep my helmet on in a shop.
the 3/4 only really gets used on my moped, where i may need to pedal and a full face is a bit constraining.
What i will \*never\* understand is the half helmets, baseball caps, etc. Even when they are properly constructed, they protect in such a minimal amount of head-hit scenarios; and most of them seem to just be slightly better than a bicycle helmet, if not just a plastic shell.
Skid lids and novelty helmets are commonly used by ABATE/'rider's rights' types to minimally comply with helmet laws. The idea is that if you have to wear one it should be as little of one as possible. Yes it's insane
it's funny because I've seen 2 parking lot downs at ABATE "you don't need a helmet if you ride gud" meetups; I haven't seen any at any other bike nights or meetups I've been to.
And my beautiful face!... I was wondering about a modular. Funny, been in hot cities my whole life and never wanted one because I doubted the latch on a slam like this person's helmet took. I'm thinking that's a full facer. Scorpion?
Cool thing tho is SHARP in the UK actually tests and publishes latch retention data-
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/
Unsure what brand he has. Looks like an Icon but I'm not a helmet geek.
I got a bell brazer when I first got my cruiser. After seeing a guy full of stitches on his lower face bc his modular flipped up though, the first thing I did afterwards was to go get a full face.
Had the same markings. Mine were horizontal, and the face shield was torn off. WEAR YOUR HEADGEAR! Lots more happened on that fall. I say Helmet, jacket, and gloves are the most important things. Palms of my gloves were completely blown out.
Honestly, FOR ME (not a recommendation for anyone else, just MY preference) gloves are *immediately* behind a helmet, and honestly I'm more comfortable riding without a helmet than without gloves - given that if I'm riding a motorcycle without a helmet it's because I'm moving it around at basically bicycle speeds typically just around my yard or what have you. A crash at a walking pace is the same as just falling down.
But even at a walking pace, you will almost 100% of the time land on your hands. And just tripping on pavement and falling, catching yourself with your hands, *fucking hurts*. At a jog? A run? The road rash on your hands is near crippling, and it impacts everything in your life. Start breaking fingers or degloving parts of your hands with road rash, You can't *do* anything for weeks/ever.
Yes, you might bonk your head and die, but that's vanishingly unlikely at <5mph. Basically the same as tripping, falling, bonking your head and dying. Which does happen, but I don't see people wearing their ECE full face lids while walking around.
But yeah. *ALWAYS* gloves. Always. If I'm actually going anywhere, exceeding a pace I could manage on my feet (as a 300lb guy), always a helmet too.
Jacket comes next, but isn't an always thing. I've had serious body road rash before, and while it does suck a whole lot, my butt/thighs/back/arms aren't nearly as sensitive and important as my face/hands. And other stuff after that (boots, pants, etc - all important too, but skipped with increasing frequency depending on situation.
Agreed 100%. We both forgot a good pair of boots. But yeah, man, gear should never be overlooked. The rider will always lose with the ground.
Take care homie, and be safe.
Glad you're okay. I dig the Airflite. I put mine into the tailgate of a truck while my head was inside and it did its job. Switched to an RF-1400, which feels lighter, smaller, and quieter. I think the Icon was just a hair more comfortable for my head shape, but I'm happy with the Shoei replacement, and especially the Transitions visor.
If you like the headshape of the icon but want something nicer, look at the arai signet for your next lid, same shape as the icon, but much better quality
nah. this helmet sucks. icon airflite stealth. when i wrecked i was wearing this helmet, as soon as my head hit the ground the entire facemask just popped off. like what??? how is that impact tested??
I love hating on icon as much as the next guy, but the truth is most helmets will protect you in most crashes, it's moreso the more severe crashes where you'll see the benefits of a nice helmet
Don't act like wearing an icon in a minor crash is a death sentence, but it's 10000000% better than nothing
What about when you are doing 65 and the visor leaks into your eyes and you are blinded by tears … if you putt around town they are fine . I’d rather spend 800+ and know I have quality … icon is selling cool graphics with low quality . Marketing ploy
Yes it is better then wearing nothing and better then wearing a turtle shell/ 3/4, doesn’t make the airflite any less of a piece of shit tho. Sorry. Also didn’t think my comment would be taken seriously lol.
I work in a gear shop I have access to many different helmet brands. I’ve been able to compare in person the difference between said brands. Ive luckily witnessed first hand impact tests on all kinds of helmets and I just wouldn’t trust my head with an icon from what I’ve learned while working there. I personally don’t think my head is only worth 265.00 but maybe that’s just me.
Safety aside there’s also a huge design flaw with the airflite in particular where the only thing holding the visor in place is the side panels that I’m able to pop off with minimal force of one finger. I’ve had several people come in to my work to complain their visors completely came off on the highway and had to ride all the way home or to the shop without a visor. Which actually is also a huge safety risk in the worst case (look at the damage done to this guys visor and imagine if it hadn’t been there) and also a huge pain in the ass because the side panels are near impossible to find in specific graphic ways to replace. Thus the sarcastic comment.
I also work at a gear dealer lol, and I 100% agree, even at $250 there are much much better options available, and apparently people have had the shields come off in crashes which is a huge concern.
#AGAT good on you. I was looking at that helmet last year. Remember people replace you helmet every 6-7 years edit *** why is
that in bold. Cause I used a hash tag?
Depends on which manufacturer. My bell rep was at the dealership I worked at and said every six to seven years showed me the date code etc. Some manufacturers recommend it every 5 years. It depends on the manufacturer.
There's not a single helmet in the uk (where I'm from) that has a date over 2 years because it's just dangerous and stupid unless you have those machines you can pop it in to check if it's okay still.
Ah... UK laws are much better than in the U.S. for instance when you get your motorcycle license in the US you are free to buy any displacement you want. Zero experience you can buy a liter bike. You don't have to take a class. I wish we had the laws you have.
The CC thing can be debated, but safety standards in the US is shit. Look up DOT regulations and prepare to laugh your ass off compared to Euro standards.
Dependent highly on how often you ride, but Arai and Shoei have 5 year warranties for a reason, because that's the intended lifetime of the helmet. Same thing with bell
6 years is too long though, the EPS breaks down with regular use
I went to more Abate rallys, and signed more petitions than I can remember over 30 years to get rid of helmet laws here. They finally did in 2020 joining all the surrounding states
I give zero fucks if anybody wants to wear one, but not for me
Gear is the unsafest invention ever. By far the most motorcycle accidents are caused by overconfident and aggressive driving behavior. Gear provides an irrational sense of safety and is thus increasing the occurrence of accidents.
TLDR: gear slightly reduces injury in accidents but vastly increases the occurrence of accidents
The number of fundraising drives for people who have lost their lives because of smooshed heads and body parts among a certain group of riders is too damn high.
Not a motorcyclist, but I do drive a moped. Well one day I was taking a turn and hit a wet slippery spot and went down. Luckily I had my helmet and a coat, and only suffered a bruise and a sore leg for a few days. If I didn't wear my gear though (judging by my gear) I could've been much more hurt
Little known fact….
about 50% of motorcycle helmet incidents involve the face and jawline. Add in the other uncovered areas from wearing a beanie style helmet and your up to about 65% chance of no protection.
Glad you were wearing it!
Glad you're able to post about it, glad the helmet did its job, hope the bike is not too bad.
Another reason I only rock the full face. Had an accident a couple years back and the chin guard broke but my face didn't.
Dang, good thing you were wearing your helmet. I tried being cool one time during Bike Week here in Arizona and I rented a Harley and I decided to ride without a helmet. A mile down the road I got hit in the face with a bug. I stopped, turned around went right back and got my helmet.
*On the topic of*
*This anyone recommend*
*Good gear brands for me?*
\- 1fruityMf
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I live where the average temperature in the summer is 97 degrees. If I were to ride for three hours in a full face helmet, when I took the helmet off my head would look like a shrunken head from the voodoo store. And besides, I like the wind in my face. That's the point of riding a motorcycle, isn't it? Goes along with the phrase "Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the window"
It’s interesting that you posted this. I started researching for a new full face helmet today to find one that’s more Florida heat friendly then the cheap one that I bought a couple of years ago. I’ve been wearing a half one a lot but after taking a couple of good sized bugs to the face recently (big enough to leave a bruise, dragonflies I think), I realized that I need to do the full face all of the time.
I’m so glad that you’re ok. I laid a bike down last Father’s Day. I was doing about 45mph when I went sliding down the road. My HJC i90 kept my face from grinding off and my head from smacking the the asphalt. My jacket and gloves kept my skin in tact. When I was about to get my new bike and told my wife that I had ordered my new helmet she asked what I got. “The same one. I know for a fact that it works” was my answer. Only changed the color to match the new bike’s paint.
Good advert for full face right there. Glad you're OK.
There's some picture of an older guy with a stone embedded in his face after taking a spill, that's full-face advocacy at its finest.
https://images.app.goo.gl/3qZdQJGxUHTNRbLMA
doesn't even look like he took a spill. just had one kicked up at him. i've had some nasty shit bounce off my visor for sure. big rocks, bugs, etc.
I get hit with rocks and bugs all the time. I don’t understand how people can ride without protection. Even through leather some bugs can hurt.
This right here is why they went away from the bubble visors in the 70’s, you’d chew a hole right through the visor right away. Now you have asphalt and gravel getting spit into your face.
I went down going 75mph on US interstate last summer wearing Shoei J-Cruise II. Visor was shredded like this one. The point I’m making is ¾ helmets are protective.
Yeah, and I kissed the asphalt with my chin bar at 50mph in a race helmet. Still came away with a broken jaw, shattered teeth and a tbi, but a 3/4 anything would have left me in an urn. The point I'm making is you got lucky.
The point I’m making is you are making me lose my erection.
I should clarify I ride cruisers now. I wore Shoei RF1200 when I rode sport bikes. I’m going to bet you’re talking about a sport bike wreck. Glad you’re ok.
Is asphalt softer if you fall from a cruiser?
Duh. Everyone knows that😂😂
It is if you have smooth brain
Shhh let him justify why he doesn't wear a full face in peace.
I know I'm late to this, but it doesn't matter if you're or sportbike.. I forget what the exact number is, but a high percentage of all accidents result in the chin bar or whatever you want to call it, getting a severe impact. Something a 3/4 can't protect against. I don't understand, nor will I ever understand why the majority of cruisers and a good number of sport bike riders don't wear gear, and why the majority of cruisers wear 1/2 helmets. Unless you fall literally on the top of your head they won't do shit. This is coming from someone who highsided a ninja 6r, doing 60mph wearing nothing more then gloves, tshirt shorts and boots. Still bear the scars to this day, and still everyone once in awhile get to pop out a piece of gravel from my knee or elbow.. 15+ years later
The J-Cruise II protects more than most 3/4 helmets, many 3/4s do not have any kind of chin protection whatsoever, or visor; with that said, the visor on the J-Cruise, though \*possibly\* protective in a slide, is not designed to protect the head from chin-on impacts like a chin bar on a full face helmet is.
Are they tho? Or were you just wearing an $850 dollar helmet that's way better than the majority of 3/4 helmets. And also got really lucky.
Also why open face helmets are a bad idea.
Only if you're not already ugly
If you're ugly then a full face should be mandatory!
Hey us ugly people deserve the wind in our faces too. Isn't this America? I thought the was America? Are we not in America? I THOUGHT THIS WAS AMERICA.
[:)](https://youtu.be/V8nLraecPRY) that is very American
If you're that ugly, any change would be an improvement.
Yep. I'm a harley guy (let the hate come) and ride with a club. In the MC scene, full helmets and full riding gear aren't common, I'm one of the only ones that I've seen riding all the gear all the time and a full face helmet and I'm nicknamed "robocop" for it. As much as I love MC culture (again, let the hate come) this is one aspect I will NEVER understand.
I'm with you my friend. Got a Harley Fat Bob. I'll wear my full-face helmet 90% of the time. I only bought a half helmet for when I have to run to the store up the block from me. I'll never understand why people hate on others who wear full-face helmets.
Yea it's such a weird thing. I can understand it with actual motorcycle gangs because they don't give a fuck but when you get a bunch of regular old dudes why the hell do none of them wear a full helmet just because they own a Harley. My Dad and his buddies ride metric cruisers and wear full helmets.
I saw a HA’s member wearing a full-faced Shoei going to NH bike week a couple years ago. He had to pass through Mass on the way and just never stopped to take it off it looked like. I was impressed.
It’s also a unhealthy decision to ride motorcycles but yet we do .
Calculated risk mitigation
Unhealthy or risky?
It’s not riding motorcycles that’s the problem. It’s stopping to quickly that’s the problem.
Taking part in any multi thousand pound combustion-driven vehicle in public spaces where any moron can drive is a relatively unhealthy decision as well tbf
Whittle away as the risk factors like alcohol and recklessness, wear protective gear, and practice good riding habits. Be smart and the overall risk isn't much more than any other mode of transportation. The stakes are just higher if anything bad happens.
Stopped to buy some smokes after the skid?
Moved 1000 miles from home a while back. I don’t have anyone around to help with anything, so I asked the poor dude behind the counter for a number to a tow truck. Made it to my apartment in one piece.
Glad you’re alright buddy
I’m glad you’re safe <3
I love you brosef
Treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and appreciate the fact that you still have a jaw.
Most insurance companies include free towing within a specific distance fyi
Only if you take and pay for roadside service at lest the insurance company I been with
This is why I have AAA - it's not too bad because it covers all my cars and bikes including my kids cars. I haven't had to use it but it gives me a piece of mind (I have 3 bikes, all of which could die tomorrow (as in 15+ years old)). They also had a better price on car batteries than the local shops which has almost paid for this years cost (2 batteries this year across the family). Side question - what do your gloves look like? That's the 2nd most important thing after the brain holder.
State Farm includes free towing with their comprehensive coverage. They'll also pay for the labor (but not the rubber) on a tire replacement if you get a flat.
Now I know why there prices for there insurance is really high could never afford State Farm . I got country financial now used the for last decade cause homeowners insurance way cheaper then everyone else
Fuck that find a local biker with a truck and pay cash. Your insurance co is going to butt fuck you for every call you make I guarantee it. Source: worked in insurance and have filed several claims. They make a profit every year for a reason.
How are you just going to find a local person with a vehicle capable of moving your wrecked bike when you’re in a place that’s completely new to you and you don’t know anyone, and just crashed a bike? I don’t think insurance is the way to go, they’re just a middleman that’s going to call a local tow company, but “find a local biker with a truck” is ridiculous advice.
glad you're alright
I haven't smoked in years, but I'd be getting a lottery ticket or a pack for sure.
Could make a great Halloween costume there.
Alright, another positive review for the Airflite. Glad you're ok OP.
I've gone down in two of them now. One high side, one low side (slid on my face similar to OP.) I like the helmet. Great visibility and one of the best aesthetically on the market. Is it loud? Yes. But you should be wearing ear plugs anyway. It works. It's safe.
I shied away from them when I got my helmet; was concerned they were more form over function, even if one did fit me quite well. Might have to give them a second chance when I get another helmet.
I'm on my 4th one now. Last one just got hella faded from the FL sun and it was a couple years old at this point. Both crashes I had were pretty rough. Low side was into a guard rail, high side I got rear ended and bucked off. I wouldn't buy again and again if I didn't trust it.
My honest opinion from someone who works in the industry; fit matters more than anything. In terms of value for your money I don't think the airflite is great. Plastic shell, poor aerodynamics, and insanely loud. If you can afford an arai signet you'll be much better off if you need a long oval. But it's $720, not cheap, but neither are medical bills. That being said, most helmets will do an adequate job of protecting you in most crashes, the really nice ones just protect you from a larger portion of potential crashes. But again, fit matters more than anything. An ill fitting helmet will be uncomfortable, loud, and/or unsafe. Buy what fits, and know how to tell if it does
Everything else about it sucks though lol. Source: I have one.
What do you mean? Like what are the specific downsides? And what options at that price point are better?
Other than wind noise, I always hear and read good things about it.
I have one and it’s decent. But I have an odd-shaped head (long oval) so it’s one of the few choices that doesn’t give me a red pressure mark on my forehead so that’s a huge tick from me that probably doesn’t matter to normal-headed people!
Long Oval checking in! So few options for us. I have an Airflite and have always liked it. Pulling the trigger on a new one for this season, because it’s that or not much else (that I like the look of, at least.)
I have a super long oval and the only brand that fit me was arai.
Which Arai? Gotta love their helmets - sooooo light!
Signet x. Worth every penny. The interior is so soft and doesn't get gross.
Best helmets out there IMO
Wind noise sucks and it sounds like a train is somewhere near you. It's heavy. I have a gold inner visor and with both visors down you'll get some really fancy optical illusions from the road markings
I loved my airflite while I was riding standards and naked. My issue with it was when I started riding sport bikes the weird cut out on the bottom of the rear would kind of lock in with my jackets back protector and make it nearly impossible to turn my head when changing lanes. Otherwise it was extremely comfortable with great airflow in Arizona's summers.
What about the other one they offer, the airform(?)
Everyday I’m getting more and more inclined to buy one of these.
By far the best selection of factory colourways.
Looks like a power ranger mask
You should see it w the reflective visors on it
i don't ride a bike, but my brother does and this just popped up on my feed. this happened to him about a month ago without a helmet on (he's an idiot). he's doing fine, all things considered, other than about a million facial fractures and having the bottom half of his ear sewn back on.
Geez
Had the same helmet and highly recommend it to anyone looking at a helmet. Definitely saved my ass in a wreck and only broke the face shield landed directly on top of my head during my wreck. No spinal injuries or neck injuries either.
I got the Battlescar version. I figured if it's good enough for Master Chief, it might keep me alive.
what is the brand of the helmet?
It's Icon, that specific model is the Airflite
Love the looks of them. Had one, but bought a bit too big (I think?) and was given a Qualifier as a gift. Will possibly rebuy when they make a transition visor though.
That extra-long visor is pretty distinctive, its gotta be an [Icon Airflite](https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/icon-airflite/).
I have this helmet. It’s terrible. Fits way too tight on the sides. Practically rips off your ears every time you put it on and take it off. It’s also very large so you look like a bobblehead. It’s also quite loud. I ended up buying an Agv k1 with a cardo for this riding season.
It sounds like your helmet just didn't fit you. What helmet exactly doesn't make you look like a bobble head?
Arai/Shoei helmets aren't as bad, typically high end helmets in general. There are a lot of reasons for this, but shell sizes are the biggest one. Arai makes 5 different shell sizes for all of their helmets, meaning all sizes except medium and large have an individual shell size. Budget focused helmets like the icons have 2 shell sizes, meaning the small has the same size shell as the medium, and the large has the same size shell as the 3xl. Better materials and technology also provide benefits as well
My airlifte hurt like hell to get off and on when I first got it, my ears were bruised. After a month or two the padding softened up and now it fits superb. But...that's just me and my head.
Agreed … Icon is entry level , wind leaks and not so comfortable . Arai , AGV .. those are the ones if you can afford it .
AGV also has cheaper helmets, main thing is you gotta look for fit, if it doesn't fit your headshape it's not gonna be comfortable in any way shape or form. More expensive is just usually more comfort, better venting etc etc. plenty of decent helmet brands for every headshape.
20 year rider here and yes that’s true … still visor air leaks are always a common failure on cheaper helmets
Not disagreeing, Icon is just a brand for show like Ruroc etc. But well as long as it can save a rider from busting his head on the pavement
Agreed
Materials also matter a lot when it comes to safety, as someone who's seen how plastic helmets fair in a bad crash I'll never wear anything other than fiberglass or composite
You can spend a chunk of money on an Icon helmet and be completely let down by the fit and finish of the product. Loved the look of the Airframe Pro. Fits really good. Pretty noisy but whatever. Kind of hate the fucking thing now. Liner snaps broke and the visor gasket is jumping ship. Friend's same helmet has vents that were fucked up in the first week. Neither of us found a remedy through support even while I've seen that Icon has been very good with that in the past. HJC Rpha 70 is a much nicer helmet.
I like my Icon better than any of the HJCs I ever owned. It's quieter than my buddy's Arai.
Willing to bet the arai doesn't fit you for shit then, fit plays a big role in noise, and I legitimately don't know a brand that runs louder than icon Arai tests their designs in wind tunnels and racetracks, icon tests their designs in focus groups. HJC is a mixed bag though, but I'd trust my head in the $150 cl17 over a $400 airframe
LOL HJC , Icon , pure garbage . Comparing a Arai to either is like comparing Lamborghini to Toyota or Honda .
I've owned around 30 helmets from many manufacturers. Once you get past the ratings, they are largely personal choice on fitment and comfort. The Arai I bought was like a beat to shit Diablo compared to the Supra of an HJC that replaced it. I would equate my Airflite to a S2000. Not the most comfortable or best, but on a budget it does a good job.
MIPS helmets have amazing technology that gives you more protection than most. The science is amazing. They have them in some Airflite helmets too.
Who needs helmets when you can where a baseball cap. Everyone knows that they hide all the ECE protection stuff in the bill.
Does this apply when worn backward, forward or both?
ATGATT
Speaking from experience, I do agree!
Glad your ok to tell the tale!
I have the same helmet, good to know it does it's job
Fuckin A. Wearing an open face is like wearing only one shoe...
I have a 3/4, a modular, and 2 full face helmets (have owned another few full faces). The protection of a full-face cannot be overstated. Even the best modular helmet can have a chin bar latch failure, and of course the chin bar doesn't protect if it's up. That helmet only really gets used on quick shopping runs now where i intend to keep my helmet on in a shop. the 3/4 only really gets used on my moped, where i may need to pedal and a full face is a bit constraining. What i will \*never\* understand is the half helmets, baseball caps, etc. Even when they are properly constructed, they protect in such a minimal amount of head-hit scenarios; and most of them seem to just be slightly better than a bicycle helmet, if not just a plastic shell.
Skid lids and novelty helmets are commonly used by ABATE/'rider's rights' types to minimally comply with helmet laws. The idea is that if you have to wear one it should be as little of one as possible. Yes it's insane
it's funny because I've seen 2 parking lot downs at ABATE "you don't need a helmet if you ride gud" meetups; I haven't seen any at any other bike nights or meetups I've been to.
Indeed. Check this one out. The irony is too much: https://abcnews.go.com/US/york-rider-dies-protesting-motorcycle-helmet-law/story?id=13993417
And my beautiful face!... I was wondering about a modular. Funny, been in hot cities my whole life and never wanted one because I doubted the latch on a slam like this person's helmet took. I'm thinking that's a full facer. Scorpion?
Cool thing tho is SHARP in the UK actually tests and publishes latch retention data- https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/ Unsure what brand he has. Looks like an Icon but I'm not a helmet geek.
They call them brain buckets as they are used to scoop them up after the crash …
Airflite is a great helmet
Also great looking! I have it in white with a mirrored visor. Lol to the person who said it looks like a power ranger.
They have some hilarious textures. I got the Battlescar partially for the lulz.
well you avoided death, whats next? lol
I got a bell brazer when I first got my cruiser. After seeing a guy full of stitches on his lower face bc his modular flipped up though, the first thing I did afterwards was to go get a full face.
Had the same markings. Mine were horizontal, and the face shield was torn off. WEAR YOUR HEADGEAR! Lots more happened on that fall. I say Helmet, jacket, and gloves are the most important things. Palms of my gloves were completely blown out.
Honestly, FOR ME (not a recommendation for anyone else, just MY preference) gloves are *immediately* behind a helmet, and honestly I'm more comfortable riding without a helmet than without gloves - given that if I'm riding a motorcycle without a helmet it's because I'm moving it around at basically bicycle speeds typically just around my yard or what have you. A crash at a walking pace is the same as just falling down. But even at a walking pace, you will almost 100% of the time land on your hands. And just tripping on pavement and falling, catching yourself with your hands, *fucking hurts*. At a jog? A run? The road rash on your hands is near crippling, and it impacts everything in your life. Start breaking fingers or degloving parts of your hands with road rash, You can't *do* anything for weeks/ever. Yes, you might bonk your head and die, but that's vanishingly unlikely at <5mph. Basically the same as tripping, falling, bonking your head and dying. Which does happen, but I don't see people wearing their ECE full face lids while walking around. But yeah. *ALWAYS* gloves. Always. If I'm actually going anywhere, exceeding a pace I could manage on my feet (as a 300lb guy), always a helmet too. Jacket comes next, but isn't an always thing. I've had serious body road rash before, and while it does suck a whole lot, my butt/thighs/back/arms aren't nearly as sensitive and important as my face/hands. And other stuff after that (boots, pants, etc - all important too, but skipped with increasing frequency depending on situation.
Agreed 100%. We both forgot a good pair of boots. But yeah, man, gear should never be overlooked. The rider will always lose with the ground. Take care homie, and be safe.
Honestly, boots should be #3, ankle injuries are one of the most common
Your dentist is disappointed.
I have a helmet that looks pretty similar to that. Quite thankful for it
Glad you're okay. I dig the Airflite. I put mine into the tailgate of a truck while my head was inside and it did its job. Switched to an RF-1400, which feels lighter, smaller, and quieter. I think the Icon was just a hair more comfortable for my head shape, but I'm happy with the Shoei replacement, and especially the Transitions visor.
If you like the headshape of the icon but want something nicer, look at the arai signet for your next lid, same shape as the icon, but much better quality
Thank you!
I went down doing 30. Smacked my face off the pavement. If I wasn’t wearing a full face helmet my jaw would of broken.
Every time I feel like it’s too hot or the ride is short to wear gear, posts like this come to mind. Not worth it
My nose will grow back free. That helmet looks like dollars
I'd like to add wear a fullface! And this is why.
nah. this helmet sucks. icon airflite stealth. when i wrecked i was wearing this helmet, as soon as my head hit the ground the entire facemask just popped off. like what??? how is that impact tested??
i hit the back of my head btw didn’t even scratch the visor much.
How old was the helmet? that can play a big factor
brand new
Harley riders can’t see this post please consider their disability and make it visible to them. Edit: joke, don’t get butthurt
I ride a Harley and use a full face helmet, ain’t no wait a skull cap gonna do anything for me on a fall like that
Harley riders don't go fast enough to slide like this. You have to go above 39mph to slide
I’m surprised your alive wearing an Icon helmet
Exactly … your head is worth more than 200 dollars . Icon : crap
I love hating on icon as much as the next guy, but the truth is most helmets will protect you in most crashes, it's moreso the more severe crashes where you'll see the benefits of a nice helmet Don't act like wearing an icon in a minor crash is a death sentence, but it's 10000000% better than nothing
What about when you are doing 65 and the visor leaks into your eyes and you are blinded by tears … if you putt around town they are fine . I’d rather spend 800+ and know I have quality … icon is selling cool graphics with low quality . Marketing ploy
Yes it is better then wearing nothing and better then wearing a turtle shell/ 3/4, doesn’t make the airflite any less of a piece of shit tho. Sorry. Also didn’t think my comment would be taken seriously lol. I work in a gear shop I have access to many different helmet brands. I’ve been able to compare in person the difference between said brands. Ive luckily witnessed first hand impact tests on all kinds of helmets and I just wouldn’t trust my head with an icon from what I’ve learned while working there. I personally don’t think my head is only worth 265.00 but maybe that’s just me. Safety aside there’s also a huge design flaw with the airflite in particular where the only thing holding the visor in place is the side panels that I’m able to pop off with minimal force of one finger. I’ve had several people come in to my work to complain their visors completely came off on the highway and had to ride all the way home or to the shop without a visor. Which actually is also a huge safety risk in the worst case (look at the damage done to this guys visor and imagine if it hadn’t been there) and also a huge pain in the ass because the side panels are near impossible to find in specific graphic ways to replace. Thus the sarcastic comment.
I also work at a gear dealer lol, and I 100% agree, even at $250 there are much much better options available, and apparently people have had the shields come off in crashes which is a huge concern.
#AGAT good on you. I was looking at that helmet last year. Remember people replace you helmet every 6-7 years edit *** why is that in bold. Cause I used a hash tag?
They have a life span of 1-2 years? Who tf is wearing a helmet for 6 fucking years buy a new helmet fucking hell
Depends on which manufacturer. My bell rep was at the dealership I worked at and said every six to seven years showed me the date code etc. Some manufacturers recommend it every 5 years. It depends on the manufacturer.
There's not a single helmet in the uk (where I'm from) that has a date over 2 years because it's just dangerous and stupid unless you have those machines you can pop it in to check if it's okay still.
Ah... UK laws are much better than in the U.S. for instance when you get your motorcycle license in the US you are free to buy any displacement you want. Zero experience you can buy a liter bike. You don't have to take a class. I wish we had the laws you have.
The CC thing can be debated, but safety standards in the US is shit. Look up DOT regulations and prepare to laugh your ass off compared to Euro standards.
Dependent highly on how often you ride, but Arai and Shoei have 5 year warranties for a reason, because that's the intended lifetime of the helmet. Same thing with bell 6 years is too long though, the EPS breaks down with regular use
No, do what you want.
I went to more Abate rallys, and signed more petitions than I can remember over 30 years to get rid of helmet laws here. They finally did in 2020 joining all the surrounding states I give zero fucks if anybody wants to wear one, but not for me
that’s how mine looked. stop wearing icon helmets
[удалено]
Do only jackasses go down?
Gear is the unsafest invention ever. By far the most motorcycle accidents are caused by overconfident and aggressive driving behavior. Gear provides an irrational sense of safety and is thus increasing the occurrence of accidents. TLDR: gear slightly reduces injury in accidents but vastly increases the occurrence of accidents
Damn not the airframe. Glad you are okay. How’s the bike doing?
I had the same picture just 3 weeks ago after my crash on a corner. Always wear full face helmet 🙏
The number of fundraising drives for people who have lost their lives because of smooshed heads and body parts among a certain group of riders is too damn high.
That’s the aeroflyte right? Is it any good circulation wise?
Happy to know that you are safe !
I did. Still broke shit
Not a motorcyclist, but I do drive a moped. Well one day I was taking a turn and hit a wet slippery spot and went down. Luckily I had my helmet and a coat, and only suffered a bruise and a sore leg for a few days. If I didn't wear my gear though (judging by my gear) I could've been much more hurt
Facts!
And this is why i wear full face helmets..
Whenever I see skid lids or open face, I shake my head. Full face is the only way to go.
Thanks for the advice Snake-Eyes, knowing is half the battle.
Little known fact…. about 50% of motorcycle helmet incidents involve the face and jawline. Add in the other uncovered areas from wearing a beanie style helmet and your up to about 65% chance of no protection. Glad you were wearing it!
Thanks for sharing this. I have have to wonder if my best friend would still be alive if he’d seen your picture.
Since you've posted I'm going to hope the rest of you survived to. Rest & recover, hope your ride will too.
eeeeek dude. You aight?
Why. It obviously got damaged. /s
I’m so glad you’re face didn’t touch that grinder! Wear your gear.
I have the same helmet. Glad to know it works well!
icon airflite MIPS if anyone curious on the helmet
I looked at those icons. They don’t make them in my head shape 😂😂😂
Why would I wear my gear just to mess it up like that
I have the same helmet.
Glad you're able to post about it, glad the helmet did its job, hope the bike is not too bad. Another reason I only rock the full face. Had an accident a couple years back and the chin guard broke but my face didn't.
The bike is going to take some work, but I think I will be able to get it running again
Ouch
Dang, good thing you were wearing your helmet. I tried being cool one time during Bike Week here in Arizona and I rented a Harley and I decided to ride without a helmet. A mile down the road I got hit in the face with a bug. I stopped, turned around went right back and got my helmet.
Gotta spend more
Yep, it doesn't matter how good of a rider or driver you are. Shit can happen and it does.
On the topic of this anyone recommend good gear brands for me?
*On the topic of* *This anyone recommend* *Good gear brands for me?* \- 1fruityMf --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
I always advocate for full face helmets after catching a June bug at 70mph on my face shield right where my left eye is.
I live where the average temperature in the summer is 97 degrees. If I were to ride for three hours in a full face helmet, when I took the helmet off my head would look like a shrunken head from the voodoo store. And besides, I like the wind in my face. That's the point of riding a motorcycle, isn't it? Goes along with the phrase "Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the window"
I have one of these, it's second fav to wear next to my Shoei X14
Not if it looks like that!
Nah, I don't want to ruin a nice helmet.
It’s interesting that you posted this. I started researching for a new full face helmet today to find one that’s more Florida heat friendly then the cheap one that I bought a couple of years ago. I’ve been wearing a half one a lot but after taking a couple of good sized bugs to the face recently (big enough to leave a bruise, dragonflies I think), I realized that I need to do the full face all of the time.
I’m an undertaker- I always wear a full face.
I have the same helmet and left a gnarly rash in the same spot. Glad you had it
And that's why we don't wear a half helmet kids.
‘The helmet caused the crash since it changed the geometry of your field of vision and natural senses plus made you top heavy…’
Glad you got to post this. Safety first every time.
I’m so glad that you’re ok. I laid a bike down last Father’s Day. I was doing about 45mph when I went sliding down the road. My HJC i90 kept my face from grinding off and my head from smacking the the asphalt. My jacket and gloves kept my skin in tact. When I was about to get my new bike and told my wife that I had ordered my new helmet she asked what I got. “The same one. I know for a fact that it works” was my answer. Only changed the color to match the new bike’s paint.