Well, you asked for it so here it is:

My opinion is that they are only for BMW riders.

 

I had the Shoei Syncrotec, which was supposed to be one of the better flip-face/modular helmets on the market. The wind noise, as you said already, is unbearable. It is just as bad as my full-flowing X11, but the Syncro hardly vents (unless you ride with it open). What's worse is that during the rainy season (in LA, that lasts about 5 days), the helmet would leak near the visor/flip seal. The helmet was also heavy, and was only DOT rated for its crash-worthiness.

The HJC modular ones seem to offer a lot of bang for the buck. If I was forced to buy one, I would look into the Caberg Justisssimo (http://www.helmetharbor.com/streethe...rg/opening.htm) or the Schuberth line (http://www.helmetharbor.com/streethe...h/opening.htm) because of the features. Some riders I have spoken with really like their Schuberth's, but they are quite expensive.

 

I've been wearing an HJC cl-max for about 1 & 1/2 years. It's no noiser than my previous arai's which aren't quite either but I use earplugs anyway.

It's probably just my particular model but it's the most comfortable helmet I've ever had (mostly shoei's and arai's). Even on day long rides, I typically won't take it off a gas stops. No hot spots or pressure points that eventually "burn" into your head at the end of the day.

Just like a microwave oven or a cell phone, you really don't recognize the convenience of the flip-up design until you have one. Great on group rides when you need to talk at a stop, get a lot more breeze/cooling at very low speeds (like cueing at a traffic light), at a long stop just flip it up to talk, eat, or drink. You don't even need to remove your gloves. I can walk in to a store and converse with people without a bunch of "whats?" and "huhs?" :-)

And then there's the safety factor. None are snell rated so you can't use 'em on the track but they are, of course, DOT and even Euro (some brands) certified. My thinking is if the helmet is subjected to a blunt force great enough to break the latching mechanism (either plastic or metal) it will break my neck too.

 

A friend of mine had a shubert and he really liked the features but it had some quality control issues and at the price it shouldn't have any. He now has a Caberg and thinks it's a better deal in the upper end market.

 

I didn't know about the quality issues. That definitely knocks them down a rung on my list.

 

Most of the guys I talked to wear glasses and say they work great with them. I have never worn one.
It would sure be easier to use with sunglasses no need to carry extra visor.

 

I got the Nolan (N102 I think it was) and liked the fit lot. Nolans are long ovals. It wasn't too noisy on a short test but I sent it back because their quick release chin strap had a really bulky buckle that dug into my throat. Swapping it out for a d-ring didn't look like practical thing to do. Too bad, I liked the helmet otherwise.