Well, I finally replaced my scorpion helmet (Due to it doing it's job.) And now I've been riding with my new Hawk helmet for awhile.
I ended up getting it for $80, the prices seem to vary pretty often. But anyway, here's the model I ended up with
http://www.leatherup.com/p/Hawk-Helmets/Advanced-Hawk-Aviator-Skull-Dual-Visor-Full-Face-Motorcycle-Helmet/56997.htmlFeatures:
-Flip up front face (not removable, just flip up.)
-Built in sun shade:
Pros:
- Anti-fog shield works better than my old scorpion.
- Excellent breath-ability, you get plenty of fresh air.
- clear visor with good field of view.
-lightweight
Cons:
- A little noisy. No whistles, just not sound insulated.
- Twist your head to the side, and it catches the wind a lot more
- Front vent on chin bar won't stay open. (Still breathes though)
Basic impression:
I like it. It's lighter, cheaper, and feels just as sturdy as my old Scorpion. Maybe I was just used to all the debri strikes on my old helmet, but the visor on this one was crystal clear and non-distorting. So mush so, that I have to poke it a lot to make sure that yes, I did actually remember to put it down. The field of view is excellent. The drop down visor is *slightly* more stiff to actuate than on my scorpion, but it's nice, and positively locks in place. It also covers almost all of your field of view, and has a better shading tint than on the scorpion. It actually seems like a pair of sunglasses rather than just dark plastic. It also comes down and covers your field of vision all the way down to the chin bar, leaving no distracting line in the middle of your line of sight. It is light, and a bit smaller than my old helmet, but that may be because my scorpion was a large and the hawk is a medium. I'm guessing the ventilation will make it a lot cooler in the winter, but for now, it's a blessing in the 90's temps we've been stuck at. As for that noise. like listed above, it doesn't whistle or make any other peculiar noises of it's own, but it's just like wearing no helmet at all as far as noise is concerned. I'm definitely wearing earplugs with this one (as often as I can remember anyway.) If you like the graphics, well, pretty much everyone who's seen it so far? The first word they said was "Wow." They're stickers with clear coat applied over them, and they look pretty sharp. But I did notice a few flaws in the paint. No one else has yet though. I'm just a nit-picker.
Conclusion? If you're REALLY noise sensitive, or want to use communications gear, maybe grab another helmet.
Other than that, it's pretty darn nice. I'd buy it again.
Happy Birthday!
