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I have a Bell FF with the auto-darkening face shield and I like it. Also, the FF units are a bit uncomfortable on really warm days but I feel they afford the best protection.
Some chick I know made a somewhat disparaging comment about wearing a FF helmet while riding a Road Glide. I figure that was more a statement about her than I.
Thank you for comment about shield. I am going to order both FF and half helmets due to heat. Earlier I used to wear off-road helmet without shield during hot summer days.
Currently I use old FF helmet (plain black Nolan), which degraded due to age of 7 years old.
I was going to buy some 3/4 helmet, looking at Bell 500 and Biltwell Bonanza. After trying to fit several Bell 500 on my head i found out what "mushroom head" looks like
Also I tried to fit sporty helmets from X-Lite brand, what is top lineup from same company as Nolan. I felt squeezed and suffering in them right at the moment. Tried one more simple Nolan - just OK, feels as usually.
I tried some half-helmet in H-D dealership and it was good! Actually, I had a half-helmet once with my first bike 9 years ago.
Therefore I mull about buying two helmet: one FF and one half.
Some questions:
- Is Bell Qualifier DLX used to be good helmet?
- What about ProTint photo-chromatic shield of Qualifier DLX MIPS?
I could not find a place to try these helmets in-store around my area, therefore I may try to take risk to order helmets without fitting, based on known size.
Regarding to half-helmet, i suppose that Bell Scout Air will be just fine for short slow rides around island.
IF you want to know if the Bell Qualifier will fit your head, I strongly suggest you go to http://www.lidpicker.com/ order their measuring kit and get their fit report.
I had a Bell Vortex that I loved, but was starting to get a little long in the tooth. Found a good deal on the Qualifier DLX with the photo-chromatic shield and figured a Bell Helmet was a Bell Helmet. But on long rides I would get headaches and when I took my helmet off I would have a big red dot on my forehead.
Found out about Lidpicker and ordered their kit. Measured my head and got their report. The Qualifier DLX was too round for my head. The Vortex was perfect fit according to their chart , but the Vortex isn't made anymore. But according to their chart the RS2 was a perfect fit for me. So I ordered one, no more headaches and my photo-chromatic shield from teh Qualifier DLX fits the RS2 perfectly.
I love the Photo-chromatic shield. Been using it for a couple years, I don't think it gets quite as dark as it used to, but it still works very well.
I will try to find some more places around, maybe will find it. My head circumference is 58 cm, that is on edge between M and L for most helmets, so it's hard to predict without fitting.
My head is between 58 and 59. According to the Bell sizing chart they recommended a large (Bell Star Mips). It was like wearing a C-clamp. I returned for an extra large and with the thinnest cheekpads it is still tight-ish, but acceptable. (I know after wearing a few miles/weeks it "wears in")
For a 1/2 I like these http://www.scorpion--helmets.com/exo1000.html
Have a 3/4 helmet from them as well.
Click on the EXO100 for the half helmet
Removable liners for cleaning or have ordered new liners when needed
If you ride long distances an ill fitting helmet becomes tiring and painful. I love Bell, but they dont fit me well. Arai works for my (odd shaped?) noggin, I recently bought a Schubert C4 modular, a very quiet, but hot helmet.
I wont buy a helmet without fitting it first, and taking my time to ensure it fits properly, and hopefully there is a properly trained salesperson to assist you with this.
my 2c....
Another Bell pit boss recommendation from me. Best fitting half helmet I have ever worn. They do run a bit small however. The adjuster on the back reminds me of a hard hat adjuster. If you’re considering going that route, I highly recommend trying it on first for both fit and looks.
For now I have ordered Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS and H-D Retro Tank Stripe 98177-17VX (effectively Bell), both in L size.
I will post results when they arrive.
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