HJC Helmets Forum

So you’ve decided that price isn’t a factor, you’re going to get a helmet that fits well and is safe. Now you’re faced with more questions…full face or half helmet? Unlike the price of a helmet, there is a lot to consider when deciding between a full or half face.

A full face helmet generally offers more protection than a half face. In recent studies, it was found that 35 percent of crashes had a major impact on the chin area. Well, if you’re only wearing a half helmet, then you’re really only utilizing 65 percent of the protection available to you.

Ventilation is clearly much better in a half helmet, though there isn’t much protection from the elements (think: rain, wind, bugs, road debris). While full face helmets do offer ventilation systems, it usually isn’t enough to keep you from sweating in ridiculously hot conditions.

In case it wasn’t already clear, full face helmets are going to have better safety ratings than half helmets. Half helmets are only DOT rated, while full face helmets can be both DOT and Snell rated. This should mean something to you.

While many people do wear half helmets and swear by them, its important to think about what you want and what kind of protection you are willing to sacrifice for a little extra air on your face.

-Julie

If you’ve ever purchased a motorcycle helmet, or been shopping for one, you know that there are about as many varieties as there are days in a year. But there are also very different price points too. Some helmets retail at under $100, while others cost as much as a mortgage payment. So what’s the difference?

Expensive helmets tend to be lighter and more comfortable. This is especially important if you plan on taking long rides. Some claim that expensive helmets are quieter than cheaper ones, but that’s a matter of opinion for the most part. The liner in higher end helmets is usually removable and may be moisture-wicking or have a cooling feature. Ultimately most people seem to agree that higher end helmets will give riders a better fit. Most importantly, expensive helmets are typically made from a better, more durable material, and have higher safety ratings, including Snell.

Cheaper motorcycle helmets are made from a less durable material and can be uncomfortable and much heavier. The heavier the helmet, the quicker you are going to get tired while riding. This may not be a factor though if you don’t plan on riding long distances. Lower end helmets are made with a memory foam liner that quickly adjusts to your head, but quickly loses the molding when it’s removed.

Aside from cosmetic and comfort reasons, many will argue that there isn’t much reason to buy a super expensive helmet when you can buy one for half the price. Regardless of which you prefer, it is important to make sure that any helmet you buy is DOT rated, and preferably Snell rated. Make sure that the helmet fits YOU good and that you have a good field of vision when wearing it. Try each helmet on before purchasing, and make sure to do research.

More important than the look and features of any helmet, is the protection it will give you and the way it fits your head.

-Julie

HJC offers their helmets at three main price points. The CS helmets are the value line. Most are only DOT approved and are made from a thermoplastic shell. One of the cheapest HJC helmets is the CS-R1. While there have been some great reviews on this helmet, you have to wonder what HJC is trying to accomplish. While many HJC helmets feature great quality and craftsmanship that many people have come to expect, the CS-R1 seems to undermine that theory. While the helmet may be good, producing low end products can be risky.

The CL line is the most popular of HJC helmets. These feature high end products and materials that one would expect to find at a higher price. Most of the CLs are reasonably priced, and have attractive features. The CL-SP is constructed from a polycarbonate shell and is both Snell and DOT approved. Many of these features of the CL-SP are born from improvements made from the CL-14. The CL-SP is a comfortable, quality helmet that most would expect to pay top dollar for.

Finally, HJC has the AC line, created from the best materials, and at a higher, yet still affordable price. The top of the line helmet in this category is the AC-12 Carbon. This helmet is super lightweight, has a good look and great features. Many AMA Superbike and Superstock racers also wear this helmet. The AC-12 Carbon has been rumored to be a difficult helmet for HJC to mass-produce, causing limited availability. This is also one helmet that HJC probably loses money producing.

The AC-12 is a great helmet from HJC. Similar to the AC-12 Carbon, this helmet features the Aqua Trans “open cell” liner, which wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and cool. The ventilation system is also excellent. The AC-12 is pretty lightweight, slightly heavier than the Carbon.

The AC-12 has large eye port openings for a good field of vision, and is available in 2 shell sizes. The anti-fog systems keeps the face shield clear, even during changing weather.

The AC-12 is both Snell and DOT approved. As one of the top of the line helmets from HJC, this is definitely a great buy!

-Julie

The HJC CL-15 is both Snell and DOT approved and is available in a variety of colors and designs.

This helmet is very comfortable and has good ventilation. As with many other HJCs, the CL-15 features a removable liner, easy to remove face shield, and it is lightweight. The CL-15 also comes in 3 shell sizes, for maximum comfort.

There has been some slight fogging of the face shield, but nothing too major. Definitely a good helmet from the CL line.

-Julie

Similar to the CL-Max, the HJC Sy-Max is a flip-face helmet with some great features.

The hinged chin bar is easy to open with one hand, and makes getting gas or running errands easy to do without removing the helmet. The helmet is relatively light, slightly lighter than the CL-Max.

While the Sy-Max has good, sturdy vents, the air flow is not great, and often air blows up the chin guard, making for a chilly ride. The Sy-Max is a comfortable helmet, as most HJCs are, and is a great choice for those who prefer to wear glasses while riding.

Again, as with the CL-Max, the Sy-Max is only DOT approved, and can be a little noisy. Additionally, the largest size offered is 2XL, which some have complained is still too small.

Overall, a great flip-face helmet.

-Julie

Here we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 complaints we hear from riders about their helmets, and offered a solution from HJC.

1. My helmet is really noisy.
For this we suggest the HJC CL-SP. This is by far one of the quietest HJC helmets on the market. Though riders should always wear ear plugs when riding.

2. I am having trouble finding a comfortable helmet.
Most HJC helmets are extremely comfortable and come with nice liners and cheekpads for extra comfort. Those that we’ve found to be the most comfortable are the CL-SP, CL-Max, AC-12 Carbon, and the Sy-Max.

3. I’m looking for a helmet with good air-flow.
Most HJC helmets come with adjustable vents to regulate the amount and direction of air flow. The best seem to be the CL-SP and CL-Max. The CL-Max has a hinged chin bar, and although it is not supposed to be up when riding, opening it when parked allows for good air flow.

4. I want a super light helmet to prevent fatigue.
One of the lightest helmets on the market happens to be the HJC AC-12 Carbon. Made from carbon fiber, this helmet is lightweight and also very safe. In addition, this helmet is both DOT and Snell approved.

5. I can’t seem to keep my visor from fogging.
The HJC CL-SP has a visor that has been treated with anti-fogging solution, so it keeps the visor pretty clear in just about all weather types.

-Julie

The CS-R1 is one of HJC’s cheapest helmets, yet comes with some good recommendations from riders.

The helmet is relatively lightweight, and comes in some really good bright colors, which can be hard to find in other helmets. Though the liner seems a little thin, it is removable as the other HJC helmets feature.

The helmet fits well and is pretty comfortable. It is slightly noisier than some other helmets, but not unbearable. Again, as the other HJC’s feature, the CS-R1 has a visor that is easy to remove.

There are some cons though. Some riders complain that the visor fogs easy and the hard to open vents cause poor air flow. Also, the helmet is only DOT approved.

With this helmet, HJC is competing at the lower end of the market. For riders who are used to wearing higher end helmets, this may not be a great helmet for you. But for those who are looking for a less expensive helmet, with many of the comforts and features of the higher line, you really can’t go wrong with the CS-R1.

-Julie

There are two main ratings that are used on helmets, DOT and Snell. So what’s the difference between the two?

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) rates helmets based on a few standards, including impact force. The catch here is that there is NOT always actual testing on each helmet. A manufacturer can advertise that their helmet is DOT rated if the manufacturer believes that the particular helmet meets the DOT standards. Every so often, helmets are randomly purchased by DOT and tested. Surprisingly (or maybe not), there are quite a few helmets that DO NOT pass the DOT testing, even though they may have previously been rated as DOT approved.

Another, more stringent rating is Snell. Rather than passing a series of standards, helmets with this rating are actually tested in 7 different areas including impact, penetration, and flame resistance. Snell testing is voluntary, and the manufacturers pay for the helmet to be tested. It is also important to note that Snell recommends that all helmets, regardless of their rating, be replaced every five years.

Clearly, there is a huge difference between only having a DOT rating and have having your helmet approved by Snell. Personally, I’d rather have my brain protected with a Snell approved helmet.

-Julie

This is one of HJC’s best helmets. Made from Carbon Fiber, this helmet is super lightweight and very durable. As with many other HJC helmets, the AC-12 features easy to change face shields, and a comfortable fit. This helmet is also available in two shell sizes.

The helmet sports an Aqua-Trans liner which is moisture wicking, removable and washable. This, in addition to the venting system helps to keep the rider cool on hot days. The helmet also boasts a built in communication cavity speaker system.

This is certainly one of HJC’s prize helmets. Good craftsmanship combined with comfort and luxury.