Classic Kit: Shoei Shoei Syncrotec Flip Front Helmet

4th April 2005

Kit: Shoei Shoei Syncrotec Flip Front Helmet

The first of what is likely to be many kit reviews comes from PaulG80, a man happy with his Shoei Syncrotec flip front helmet...

Visor down... Human heads are strange things are they not? All different shapes and sizes filled with all sorts of precious and important stuff. Our pastime dictates that we wear some sort of protection for our head, just in case we hit something immobile and all that the good stuff leaks out.

There are a few schools of thought regarding helmet choice, with three main ones being:

a) Buy the most expensive you can afford

b) Buy anything as it all meets the same Visor up... standard anyway

c) Buy a particular type 'cause it matches your bike/favourite racer

One that never gets mentioned much is; Buy One That Fits.

I suckered myself into the option "a" and ended up with an uncomfortable crash helmet.

Flip front flipped... The need to replace this with something comfortable for long distance riding soon became apparent. With the BMF show looming last year, I thought that maybe a bargain would come my way. I wanted a flip front lid, as SWMBW won't let me wear an open face, and a flip front would have the benefits of both. I tried the Caberg, the Laser and the Nolan but all of them pressed against my forehead in a major way.

Then I happened across a tent with piles of Shoei Syncrotec flip fronts (as worn by the police) all at an unbelievable £90. I tried one and it fitted ...but there's no flipping at the back. wonderfully; the joy of having a small head.

I've lived with it for about a year now and it's been very good. It's quiet - as in it muffles wind noise - but noisy as in it generates wind noise from draughty vents. It has a front mounted flip button which is operable with one gloved hand, but it's a bit difficult to find in the first few days.

The visor is easily removed without tools and has a handy ratchet action. However I don't tend to lift the visor as I find it easier to flip the front.

The visor doesn't seal completely against the surround strip but I am experimenting with adjustments.

It meets the relevant British standards but doesn't have a RAC/ACU gold star. It's comfy to wear on a long run, unlike my Roof Diversion which makes me wiggle my jaw around so much my face aches. The vents work but are a little fiddly to use on the move or with a glove on.

So the question is, am I happy with it?

Yes is the answer that comes to mind.

This is unfortunately no longer a current model, hence the bargain basement price, and the new type called, strangely enough the Syncrotec II, has had a few modifications; things like an extra channel in the lining for people that wear glasses, a washable, anti-allergenic lining and a modified cheek area. It also features a pin lock anti mist system (whatever that is).

In my opinion you can't go far wrong with one of these helmets but remember when trying helmets on, follow a few basic rules.

*Don't* buy one because it matches your bike/leathers/underpants. Think about colours when you've found one that fits.

*Do* try lots of different types and manufacturers as shell and lining sizes vary a lot, sometimes from model to model by the same manufacturer. For example, Arai Rapides used to have a bullet shape inner shell while Arai Gigas had a round one. Any excess pressure anywhere when you try a helmet on in the shop means it should be rejected. This is because a small amount of pressure can turn into a lot over a few miles. Ideally it should feel like someone has their hands around your head holding but not squeezing.

*Do* make sure you can operate the visor with a glove on. You'd be surprised how fiddly some can be. Also can you get your glasses/sunglasses on while wearing the helmet.

Lastly, have a think about the weight of a crash helmet. A heavy one will be more tiring to wear than a lighter one.

This isn't a definitive guide to buying a helmet but it may help.

Next episode: Keyhole surgery at the roadside…

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