Time for a new lid... C5 or Quantic

[andym2]

I'm not really getting on with my GT Air 2, so considering these two. Anyone tried either yet? Probably just as bad as asking about tyres of oil, but maybe someone has a good reason not to get either of these other than fit.

[richtea]

Bruno (Glen) has a Quantic, which he rated very highly last time we met in October.
Hopefully he'll be a long to give us an update.

[NIBS]

Not sure about this but I believe Arai don't have a single drop down integrated sun visor system in their range, Schuberth helmets obviously do. If that's important to you then that could also be a factor in your decision. You may not want to stop and swap visors or wear sun glasses under your helmet.

[raesewell]

Also they are two completely different types of helmet one being a flip front. Arai don't do sun visors or flip fronts.
The C5 is not readily available just yet, there is some stock coming through but still a bit scarce.

I would sit back and wait for Shoei to respond to the new standard.

[richtea]

Not sure about this but I believe Arai don't have a single drop down integrated sun visor system in their range, Schuberth helmets obviously do. If that's important to you then that could also be a factor in your decision. You may not want to stop and swap visors or wear sun glasses under your helmet.

Arai don't do integrated sun visors because it's compromises safety - in terms of physical design.
However, not being able to see is also pretty high up on the risk scale.  literally

I would think a light-sensitive visor is a good compromise on safety, if you can get one for a Quantic:
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/59472

[Phmode]

I haven't worn a fixed front helmet since the mid 80's (silly minor claustrophobia syndrome) and have had Schuberths with sun visors for almost two decades.

In all that time I reckon I have used the drop down sun visor about a dozen times. I do wear photochromic specs (much less tinted this year than in the past) which makes a big difference, but still for some irrational reason I wouldn't want a helmet without the sun visor.

To me, much more important than the sun visor is a sun blocking strip across the top of the outer visor, like the sun-blocking visors on cars as opposed to the now standard tinted strip across the top of car windscreens, which equates to the drop down visor in my helmet.

All my helmets have either a fancy patterned strip off fleabay on the top of the visor or a strip of electrical tape in an emergency. The ability to totally block low winter sun or more often setting summer sun is vital for me. And then of course, riding into a low sun on wet roads means you need a glare-blocking strip along the bottom of the visor, it's never ending... 

[Bruno]

I'm not really getting on with my GT Air 2, so considering these two. Anyone tried either yet? Probably just as bad as asking about tyres of oil, but maybe someone has a good reason not to get either of these other than fit.

Andy - I am very happy with the Quantic.  It fits my head shape well, is reasonably quiet, and has the usual ARAI build quality.   I do however, miss the drop down visor from my previous lid, and will be buying either a light sensitive or dark visor when they are available.

[NIBS]

I have never tried a light-sensitive visor and although it sound like a great solution how quickly do they react to light changes? I can imagine entering and leaving tunnels in bright sunlight might be an issue.

[kfrogzx7]

I wouldn't restrict myself to a choice of two lids, as good as those two are, have a look at several and cross reference them to their SHARP ratings if you find a comfortable one.

I'd recommend at least a look at a Bell Race Star Flex DLX, for me it's the best I've ever had in terms of comfort, features , quietness, ventilation,  build quality, design / looks .... and that photo reactive visor.  Oh, and it's a Bell.

On the visor, the darkening / lightening doesn't react quickly enough for the first 100yds of a tunnel, but after that fine, you need to be aware of it that's all. The massive advantages of a legal dark visor that'll get you home safely after the pub at night is enormous.

[Bruno]

I wouldn't restrict myself to a choice of two lids, as good as those two are, have a look at several and cross reference them to their SHARP ratings if you find a comfortable one.

I'd recommend at least a look at a Bell Race Star Flex DLX, for me it's the best I've ever had in terms of comfort, features , quietness, ventilation,  build quality, design / looks .... and that photo reactive visor.  Oh, and it's a Bell.

On the visor, the darkening / lightening doesn't react quickly enough for the first 100yds of a tunnel, but after that fine, you need to be aware of it that's all. The massive advantages of a legal dark visor that'll get you home safely after the pub at night is enormous.

Does the Bell meet the new standard?

[raesewell]

The only two helmets on the market at the moment that meet the new standard are the Quantic and the C5. I'm sure the other manufacturers are working away frantically.

[richtea]

The only two helmets on the market at the moment that meet the new standard are the Quantic and the C5. I'm sure the other manufacturers are working away frantically.

There are more than two announced, but not necessarily available immediately:
https://bikerrated.com/gear/helmets/ece-22-06-helmet-guide/

Shoei has the NXR2, for example, at a sensible price:
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/536419#/23681,2923,1083

Worth waiting a month or two before purchasing, I'd say, if you're after a ECE 22.06-compliant one.

The other top-end helmet standard worth noting is the FIM one:
http://www.frhp.org/circuit-helmets/homologated-helmets

As far as I understand the FIM is more stringent, but with limitations on design (no modular helmets, no sun visors, metal D rings only, etc).
Those limitations are for a reason on the track, but in the real world the comfort over many hours also matters a lot, i.e. helmets passing the FIM homologation may not be ideal for touring.

[andym2]

Excellent advice from you all as usual. Thanks everyone.

I was possibly too distracted by the bells and whistles on the GT Air 2. The sunshade and the integrated comms are great but, like Brian, I rarely use the sunshade. I generally don't have a need to talk to people while I'm riding, so probably won't miss the comms either. I did try a few Bells before I got the Shoei, but decided they're not for me.

So, I ordered a Quantic yesterday and it was delivered this morning. In the end I think it's actually the D rings that make all the difference.

[richtea]

In the end I think it's actually the D rings that make all the difference.

To what? (Quality? Comfort?)

Oh, and do tell us how you get on with it! Ta.

[raesewell]

The D rings would have pushed me towards the C5.