Full or Open Face Helmet?

[Stichill]

I've been wearing an Arai Vector-2 full-face for going on seven years. I bought it because at the time I believed that only the safest helmets had a Snell rating. That meant no modulars for me.

Turns out that the Snell M2005 standard allowed for much higher G-forces than either FMVSS 218 (DOT) or ECE R22-05, resulting in a new Snell M2010 standard that lowers the allowable G-forces to be more in line with DOT and ECE. Bottom line is that I'm no longer convinced that a Snell rating is a necessity for street riding, and can thus consider a modular for my next helmet.

For the last year I've been looking at products from the Italian helmet manufacturer [url=https://www.caberg.it/en/]Caberg. They make some very nice-looking helmets sold online at European outlets for prices that are surprisingly reasonable. I first heard about Caberg while browsing the UK's [url=https://sharp.dft.gov.uk]SHARP helmet safety test results when I noted that Caberg's modular latches were on average less likely to pop open on impact than many better-known brands.

I became fascinated by a new helmet Caberg introduced at EICMA 2017 called the [url=https://youtu.be/820m3d-QF4w]Levante. It was a lightweight modular with lots of feature such as channels for glasses, Pinlock visor, 82-degree vertical viewing angle, safety homologation when riding open or closed, and weight of 1.45 kg to 1.65 kg depending on construction (composite fiber or carbon fiber) and shell size (SM/LG), etc.

Throughout the winter of 2018 I waited patiently for the Levante to become available at retailers, and when it never appeared, I contacted Caberg for an explanation. They told me that the launch of the helmet was indefinitely delayed. My spidey senses told me it probably had something to do with an obscure patent or trademark challenge from another manufacturer that only appeared after the public launch, and the release of the helmet would have to wait until the issue (whatever it was) got sorted.

Well, here we are in 2019 and Caberg is back with the Levante, only this time they're calling it the [url=https://www.caberg.it/en/helmets/flip-up/levo]Levo.

The [url=https://www.motostorm.it/en/helmets/modular-helmets/modular-helmet-caberg-levo-white.html]composite fiber version is available from [url=https://www.motostorm.it/en/]motostorm.it for a amazing price of € 350,99 including VAT. If you export it out of the EU, the price is only € 287,70!

Even the [url=https://www.motostorm.it/en/helmets/modular-helmets/modular-helmet-caberg-levo-carbon.html]carbon fiber version is only € 431,99 including VAT and € 354,09 outside the EU. I figure shipping to the US would be about USD $40 so I could have the Levo in hand for a total cost of about $375 for the composite fiber or USD $450 for the carbon fiber. That seems like an amazing deal to me considering that the Shoei Neotec-2 costs USD $700 and the AGV Carbon Sport Modular runs USD $750-$850.

(As an aside, regarding the buying experience from motostorm.it, I have a buddy who has bought ADV gear and accessories from them and raves about their customer service. He had a problem with the application fitment of some side cases that was the fault of the manufacturer. Motostorm.it contacted the manufacturer on his behalf and the manufacturer responded by resolving the situation to my buddy's satisfaction.)

Even though Caberg doesn't distribute through retailers in the US, European retailers will ship them here. But here's the real catch: none of Caberg's helmets have a DOT rating. Even though it is a self-certification, they haven't done it, so their helmets do not have a DOT emblem. Caberg's helmets do carry the ECE rating, which I consider to be, if anything, better than DOT in terms of a safety testing scheme.

The one question I still have about all this: would you be willing to ride on US highways wearing a non-DOT-approved helmet that notwithstanding meets the credible and stringent European safety standards? What are the potential downsides in terms of police enforcement? Would there ever be a situation where a police officer in a state with a mandatory helmet law would take note of the missing DOT emblem and issue a citation? What about a situation where there was an accident and regardless of whether the rider was or was not at fault?

 

[the Ferret]

Personally.. I seriously doubt that anyone would look for a dot sticker, especially on someone wearing full gear. They look for drivers lic, insurance, and financial responsibility.... and in the case that they did, showing them the European sticker and explaining that the helmet came from Europe who has much stricter safety requirements than the dot requirement would suffice. In other words, I certainly wouldn't worry about not having a dot sticker.

The worst that could come out of it, again IMO, is a equipment failure ticket, which would be cheap and not carry any points.

 

[suhawk305]

Many “replacement” helmet DOT stickers are listed on eBay, like this set for $2.00. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-DOT-D-O...hash=item3d1d6c703a:m:mIrCwr7l0tHW4G410xJem2g

DOT stickers are know to become unattached from helmets during import transit. :rofl:

 

[the Ferret]

:rofl: that's another option

 

[Stichill]

Ha! I did consider the eBay option but I almost wonder what would be worse: a missing DOT emblem or an obviously fake sticker?!

Many “replacement” helmet DOT stickers are listed on eBay, like this set for $2.00. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-DOT-D-O...hash=item3d1d6c703a:m:mIrCwr7l0tHW4G410xJem2g

DOT stickers are know to become unattached from helmets during import transit. :rofl:

Now there's an idea! "Well, it is DOT certified, officer! I had no idea that the DOT emblem had come off the back. :huh:"

I'll bet many officers aren't even aware of / looking for DOT on helmets, especially like you said ferret if the rider is ATGATT. Heck, I had a state highway policeman in Kentucky ask to see my motorcycle license after I'd already handed him my Kentucky driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement on it! I had to point it out to him. The goof didn't even understand something that was so fundamental to his job duties.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Maybe another thing to consider: Helmets, like underwear (opened package non-returnable) and jeans (that fit thang), I hope the fitment works out - if bought sight unseen.

 

[Stichill]

That is a good point that I neglected to discuss. Fortunately the Caberg sizing specifications match the familiar Arai exactly:

Size___Arai_______Caberg
2XS____51-52cm____N/A
XS_____53-54cm____53-54cm
SM_____55-56cm____55-56cm
MD_____57-58cm____57-58cm
LG_____59-60cm____59-60cm
XL_____61-62cm____61-62cm
2XL____63-64cm____63-64cm
3XL____65-66cm____N/A

If I'm wrong, it's going to be an $80 round trip to exchange it for a different size. Given the potential savings, maybe a worthwhile risk.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

That is a good point that I neglected to discuss. Fortunately the Caberg sizing specifications match the familiar Arai exactly:

Size___Arai_______Caberg
2XS____51-52cm____N/A
XS_____53-54cm____53-54cm
SM_____55-56cm____55-56cm
MD_____57-58cm____57-58cm
LG_____59-60cm____59-60cm
XL_____61-62cm____61-62cm
2XL____63-64cm____63-64cm
3XL____65-66cm____N/A

If I'm wrong, it's going to be an $80 round trip to exchange it for a different size. Given the potential savings, maybe a worthwhile risk.

Arai helmets are my favourite. If Caberg is correct, then fit risk is nicely mitigated. If you commit, please feel free to share your success with the Forum. This is interesting.

In terms of the "underwear" metaphor, stores I visit won't accept a helmet return once it leaves the premise. I am curious how that works online.

 

[the Ferret]

Might be worth a thread on a BMW forum to see if any US/Canada riders have tried a Caberg and see if sizing/shape is comparable.

 

[Stichill]

That is a good point that I neglected to discuss. Fortunately the Caberg sizing specifications match the familiar Arai exactly:

Size___Arai_______Caberg
2XS____51-52cm____N/A
XS_____53-54cm____53-54cm
SM_____55-56cm____55-56cm
MD_____57-58cm____57-58cm
LG_____59-60cm____59-60cm
XL_____61-62cm____61-62cm
2XL____63-64cm____63-64cm
3XL____65-66cm____N/A

If I'm wrong, it's going to be an $80 round trip to exchange it for a different size. Given the potential savings, maybe a worthwhile risk.

Arai helmets are my favourite. If Caberg is correct, then fit risk is nicely mitigated. If you commit, please feel free to share your success with the Forum. This is interesting.

In terms of the "underwear" metaphor, stores I visit won't accept a helmet return once it leaves the premise. I am curious how that works online.

I definitely will report back. Might have to wait a while for them to become available, but I will be ordering as soon as they are. I bought my Arai from revzilla.com. They allow helmets to be returned if they are undamaged and placed carefully back in the original packaging with all paperwork and materials intact. I think most online retailers have to make such accommodations.

Might be worth a thread on a BMW forum to see if any US/Canada riders have tried a Caberg and see if sizing/shape is comparable.

Good suggestion, ferret.

 

[x(why)z_imp]

I just picked up an ultra hipster Bell Bullett Carbon. It is so pretty, but kind of useless for days when it may rain, or long distance touring. But for early fall Sunday afternoon blasts through the forest roads, it's perfect. And a great addition to my HJC 3/4 and Shoei 1200.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I just picked up an ultra hipster Bell Bullett Carbon. It is so pretty, but kind of useless for days when it may rain, or long distance touring. But for early fall Sunday afternoon blasts through the forest roads, it's perfect. And a great addition to my HJC 3/4 and Shoei 1200.

Is the issue leaking? Doesn't breathe? Too noisy?

Impression is it appears light.

 

[cblais19_imp]

I love my Arai Defiant-X. Specifically made for naked bikes, and they’ve got a metallic red color scheme that’s a perfect match for a bike like the cb1100.

 

[Doug Shepard_imp]

I went with a full face

 

[Haggard Rider_imp]

I've got a Caberg Duke II Legend in red/white. Flip front, but only use that when fuelling or otherwise off the bike.

No leaks but a fair bit of wind noise and, for me, a distinct whistle from the left side when at or above 70mph and you turn your head to the right.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

It is hard to manage all wind noise in modular type helmets.

 

[Roper_imp]

I've used HJC, Bell, and Shoei. The one which fits me best and has the best combination of function and form, is my Shoei RF-1200. I've used it in every season, and with the right vents open (or closed), it's been all good.

 

[Stichill]

I think a lot of noise comes from turbulence around the opening at the bottom. When I'm wearing bulky winter gear, I get a pretty good neck seal and noise is reduced. But I ride with NoNoise Motorsport plugs so in general wind noise isn't too much of a concern either way.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

(+1) Gotta wear plugs or hear nuttin' in retirement.



(Eh sonny? Say that ah-gan?)

 

[cblais19_imp]

Chin curtains help with that. I use NRR33 foamies because they’re cheap and super effective, and I can still hear the music on my Cardo with em.

Can’t imagine not using a full face, especially on a bike with minimal wind protection like a CB. One look at the jaw impact stats decided me!