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Just purchased the Bell Vortex Band Helmet:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-...aQodEyQO5Q
Didn't really know how to gauge the 'noise level' rating Revzilla set out as this is such a subjective rating and Rev's description for this helmet really went out of it's way to say that the noise-reducing wind collar really helps. Put the helmet on and took the bike on the highway and the wind at high speeds (anything over 45mph) was really a bother as there was a constant whirring noise that was distracting. I've been wearing a Scorpion EXO-700 before this helmet and it's surprisingly a quality helmet for the price. Even the more elaborate ventilation system on my new Bell seems inferior to my Scorpion's.
With all this in mind, I really do like the comfort of my Bell helmet, but the wind noise is the only concern. Do products like this Windjammer really work?
http://www.amazon.com/WINDJAMMER-REDUCES...B003FHLNVK
I also just got the SENA intercom system (SMH10) and am told that the windjammer sleeve is probably going to go around it. How does that even work? I don't think I can get a refund for the helmet as I got it off ebay (brand new though) and mistakenly threw away all the packaging. Selling it will be a hassle too so trying to improve it would be fine with me.
Currently riding without a windshield, so I know this doesn't help, but my EXO-700 is quiet even in those conditions too.
TL;DR: I really want to keep this helmet but how do I lessen the wind noise?
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My tip is to wear ear plugs. These are the ones I use:
http://www.swim2000.com/20/product/macks...bfWlvlVhBc
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Geezer, I usually can't wear earplugs as I'm either listening to music, gps, or using my intercom. I paid way too much on my Sena to not use them most all the time
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It's amazing how much wind noise comes up through the base of the helmet. Scrunch your head down to your shoulders to hear the difference.
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The Vortex has (unnecessary) vents just below and behind where your ears are. I removed the liner and blocked those vents with duct tape then replaced the liner. I feel it reduced the noise slightly. Not a huge improvement but a noticeable one. I imagine if you were to take the added step of adding some foam in the area of the vents, then taping them up, it would help even more.
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Would the earbud adater for your Sena be a possibility? I usually ride with noise isolating earbud headphones (Shure Se425) and they block out most of the wind noise.
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(07-31-2015, 12:55 AM)CB4ME_imp Wrote: It's amazing how much wind noise comes up through the base of the helmet. Scrunch your head down to your shoulders to hear the difference.
When I rode with EarsOnWheels last week, he was wearing a scarf. I poked a bit of fun at him, but he explained that it keeps the wind noise way down. May need to get a scarf myself!
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(07-31-2015, 01:30 AM)Inhouse Bob_imp Wrote: (07-31-2015, 12:55 AM)CB4ME_imp Wrote: It's amazing how much wind noise comes up through the base of the helmet. Scrunch your head down to your shoulders to hear the difference.
When I rode with EarsOnWheels last week, he was wearing a scarf. I poked a bit of fun at him, but he explained that it keeps the wind noise way down. May need to get a scarf myself!
When I rode with EarsOnWheels last week, he was wearing a scarf. I poked a bit of fun at him, but he explained that it keeps the wind noise way down. May need to get a scarf myself!
No joke, it works! I don't wear a scarf, but use a neck warmer. Keeps a lot of wind from entering the bottom of the helmet. Also offers a bit of protection from bugs hitting the throat.
And custom earplugs from Costco. Best $65 I ever spent. You can also get custom earplugs that integrate a pair of earbuds. A bit more expensive, but also work extremely well.
All that said, I've discovered get much less wind noise when I stand up on the pegs. I think the Dart flyscreen might be sending turbulent air to my neck/head area. Obviously standing on the pegs isn't a solution, so I've just lived with it.
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I have the same exact Bell Vortex Band helmet. It's loud as he**. Even with earplugs, which I wear faithfully, the wind noise is noticeable, drowning out the Sena. In marked contrast to my Schuberth, which is so eerily quiet, you can hear your thoughts, and the Sena works fine. Only answer is the highest DB- killer plugs you can find, or use the helmet for lower speed around town riding.
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(07-28-2015, 05:08 AM)specialist8_imp Wrote: Just purchased the Bell Vortex Band Helmet: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-...aQodEyQO5Q
Didn't really know how to gauge the 'noise level' rating Revzilla set out as this is such a subjective rating and Rev's description for this helmet really went out of it's way to say that the noise-reducing wind collar really helps. Put the helmet on and took the bike on the highway and the wind at high speeds (anything over 45mph) was really a bother as there was a constant whirring noise that was distracting. I've been wearing a Scorpion EXO-700 before this helmet and it's surprisingly a quality helmet for the price. Even the more elaborate ventilation system on my new Bell seems inferior to my Scorpion's.
With all this in mind, I really do like the comfort of my Bell helmet, but the wind noise is the only concern. Do products like this Windjammer really work?
http://www.amazon.com/WINDJAMMER-REDUCES...B003FHLNVK
I also just got the SENA intercom system (SMH10) and am told that the windjammer sleeve is probably going to go around it. How does that even work? I don't think I can get a refund for the helmet as I got it off ebay (brand new though) and mistakenly threw away all the packaging. Selling it will be a hassle too so trying to improve it would be fine with me.
Currently riding without a windshield, so I know this doesn't help, but my EXO-700 is quiet even in those conditions too.
TL;DR: I really want to keep this helmet but how do I lessen the wind noise?
Yes, I've found that the Windjammer does help quite a bit at higher speeds due to keeping the wind from rushing in around the bottom portion of the helmet. However, the shape of Bell helmets (mine is a Bell RS-1) seems to create extra noise at very high speeds (75+ mph). That's when my ear plugs come in handy! BTW, my recently installed StreetShield EX reduces wind noise quite a bit as well.
