Ralphie
 
 
 
Ralphie's stats
 
  • Review count
    4
  • Helpfulness votes
    1
  • First review
    November 18, 2011
  • Last review
    March 18, 2013
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.8
 
Reviews comments
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    0
  • Helpfulness votes
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  • First review comment
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  • Last review comment
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  • Featured review comments
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  • Question count
    2
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    February 28, 2013
  • Last question
    February 28, 2013
  • Featured questions
    0
 
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Ralphie's Reviews
 
Shoei GT Air Helmet - Solid Colors SHOEI introduces the GT-Air, a lightweight full-face helmet with improved ventilation, a fully removable noise-reducing interior, a built-in sun visor and a distinctively stylish shell that is as good looking as it is integral to its performance while on the road. Aerodynamic Shell Design Aerodynamic properties are maximized through extensive wind tunnel and professional riders feedback Multi-Piece EPS liner enhances impact absorption and ventilation Three shell and four EPS liner sizes provide increased fit options that help to comfortably fit most head sizes Molded air spoiler reduces drag and lift, as well as diminishes pressure on the riders neck while riding at speed Sun Shield Visor System Built-in QSV-1 sun shield gives riders instant relief from sun glare in one quick motion Visor meets ANSI Z80.3-2010 standard for non-prescription eyeglasses Large and easy to reach switch activates the 3D injection-molded inner sun shield Distortion-free shield blocks 99 of harmful UV rays Forehead area of the outer shell is raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun shield, helping allow for the integrity of the helmets inner EPS liner to remain intact Ventilation System Upper Air Intake Vent is positioned to maximize air volume into the helmet interior Large upper intake vent positioned to maximize performance behind wind screens Easy to operate large lower intake vent Lower air intake/defroster vent reduces shield fogging and increases ventilation The rear/neck vents allow for effective air exhaust Breath guard and chin curtain included Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) High performance fiber materials are combined with elastic organic fibers to create a shell structure that is ultra-lightweight, rigid and resilient Interior System 3-D Max-Dry center pad and multi-layered, polyurethane foam cheek pads Chin curtain prevents wind entry and reduces noise Cheek pads are replaceable or removable for maintenance Eyeglass compatible interior E.Q.R.S. (Emergency Quick-Release System) allows emergency medical personnel to easily remove the cheek pads from the helmet of a rider involved in an accident, in turn making the helmet more easily removable Standard Chin-Strap Clip Neatly secures chin strap CNS-1 Shield System The CNS-1, three-dimensionally curved shield is both wider and taller than the CX-1V it replaces Includes new redesigned Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens for more coverage of the CNS-1 shield Dual-Ridge window bead increases contact with the shield to reduce wind noise Scratch-resistant shield coating 99.9 protection from harmful UV AB rays Safety Certification DOT-218 Note Due to manufacturer restrictions, Shoei products can only be shipped to addresses within the United States
 
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Very Good Helmet
PostedMarch 18, 2013
Customer avatar
Ralphie
State:NY
Rider Type:Road Warrior
Bang for the Buck 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Style 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
5 / 5
5 / 5
I've been a Shoei guy since 1990 when I bought a X-9 helmet. About a decade later I purchased a X-11 and when the X-12 came out I was sure I'd grab the X-12 but the RF1100 worked better for me. The RF1100 is a fantastic helmet. After using the RF1100 for a couple of years I found the helmet met all of my needs but I wished it had some of the features that were starting to become standard on many helmets such as fog free or Pinlock visor and drop down sunglasses. I could have purchased a PInlock visor for the RF1100 but the cost of the Pinlock shied was so high that I decided to wait to upgrade the RF1100 when the time was right.
Last spring the time seemed right when Neotec came out. I'm not a huge fan of a flip helmet but the Neotec fit my head better than the Shuberth and I took the plunge for the Neotec. I really like the Neotec for group rides where it is nice to flip the front and talk but on other trips and commuting I wanted a full face with the features of the Neotec.
A couple of weeks ago I purchased the GT Air. Fit is just like the RF1100 and Neotec. Helmet feels light, style is beautiful to my eyes and all of the goodies seem to work very well. It will be a while before I get out on the road because we still have snow falling but wearing it around the house to break it in reveals this is an exceptionally comfortable helmet and very well made.
For what it is worth I have tried a few of the less expensive offerings from Scorpion to see if their fog free coating worked and if I would be happy with a helmet at a lower price point. I was impressed with these helmets, especially for their price point. However, the fog free coating does go away in about 6 months to 1 1/2 years and you are back to a shield that fogs up. With a Pinlock the Pinlock does not lose the fog free properties. Also, while the quality of the Scorpion and other lower priced helmets is very good to excellent for the price point, they are not up to par with the Shoei's. If the budget is tighter I would not hesitate to look at some of the lower cost models. However, if you can stretch your funds a bit further, if you take long trips or if you ride where fogging is a common problem I would consider paying the extra for this Shoei. This helmet does it all and it is all integrated into one helmet. No stopping to change shields, no fogging, no fog free treatments. Just a quality helmet that looks, feels and works great.
Rides: 2009 BMW K1200GT
Yes, I recommend this product.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Nolan N90 N-Com Modular Helmet The new Nolan N90 Helmet has both full face and jet-helmet style capability. The chin bar can be opened or closed with the external shell made from polycarbon. The visor part has a rapid release function, and features solar tinting and anti-scratch material. The internal lining of the Nolan N90 can be removed and washed, and is made from Clima-Comfort material with antibacterial treatment. VPS (Vision Protection System) Short dark shield mounted on the inside of the shell and moving independently from the clear shield. As thick as a regular faceshield, it provides real eye protection when used independently from the clear shield. Also available in Light Blue, Smoke, and Amber. Easily operated by a slider on the side of the helmet. Ready for NCOM Communication System Aerodynamic polycarbonate shell with built-in spoiler for improved stability Safety dual-action Centromatic release system Fully removable and washable Clima-Comfort liner on snaps with extra neck roll for wind-noise reduction Reflective panels on the back of the liner and the chin curtain Dual top vent with exhaust grid in the rear spoiler and chinbar vents Optically correct, push-button quick-change Lexan faceshield, offers UV 400 protection Multi-position anti-scratch shield accepts NFR antifog insert Chin curtain included Microlock (adjustable) retention system Sanitized anti-microbial hypoallergenic interior Velour chin-strap padding DOT Approved Antifog Insert Included Read more about the Nolan N-COM Bluetooth Communication System
 
Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Great Value
PostedMay 29, 2012
Customer avatar
Ralphie
State:NY
Bang for the Buck 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Protection & Durability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Air Flow 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Features 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Slightly Loud
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round Oval
Round
This helmet is a great value for a modular helmet. It is not as comfortable or effective as my Shoei Neotec but it is about 1/3 of the cost. For the really long rides it is worth considering the Neotec. For those who don't travel the long stretches this Nolan is worthy of consideration.
I was not able to find a good mounting point for my Sena headset. The headset mount came too close to the flip sunglasses lever, the clamp for the headset could not slide into the inside of the helmet due to the helmet collar and there is little effective roomf for the adhesive for the Sena mount to attach to if I chose the adhesive mounting vs. the clamp meaning neither the adhesive mounting nor the clamp mounting of the Sena was really possible without doing some cutting to the collar of the helmet.
If the price of the Neotec scares you off this is a great option as long as you do not intend to use aftermarket bluetooth headsets. If you use wired headsets from an Autocom or other manufacturer or would be happy with Nolan's N-Com this may be the helmet for you.
Yes, I recommend this product.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
 Held Rainstar Gloves
Held Rainstar Gloves
Held Rainstar Gloves An extremely versatile glove excellent for mild-warm weather touring or commuting. With no thermal lining, the Held Rain Star is an excellent summer waterproof glove. With the Gore-Tex waterproof liner this glove will work well in late fall or early spring as well. Outer shell Goatskin palm Supple cowhide back Lining OUTLAST lining (100 polyester), phase change material (PCM) helps regulate temperatures Pique push-pull lining (100 polyester) Membrane GORE-TEX waterproof / breathable membrane (100 polyester with 100 polyurethane coating) Features Special flat seam Velcro adjustment at wrists and cuffs Elasticated leather panels on back, thumb and fingers Perforated leather back Visor wipe Protection Leather covered hard plastic knuckle protection Highly abrasion-resistant stingray leather, underlaid with shock-absorbing gel on ball of thumb 3M SCOTCHLITE reflective piping
 
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Worth the price.
PostedJanuary 9, 2012
Customer avatar
Ralphie
State:NY
Bang for the Buck 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Features 
5 / 5
5 / 5
This is my sixth pair of Held gloves. When a long ride for me was 100 to 250 miles most gloves were acceptable for me. When I began riding longer distances the seam location, fit and overall feel of many lower priced gloves felt worse as the miles added up each day. This led me to try a pair of Held gloves which were on clearance and the improvement in the feel and quality of the glove was very noticeable. I was suspicious any glove could be worth 2-3 times more than what less expensive gloves cost but with thousands of miles with Held gloves I find the extra comfort and performance these gloves offer is worth it for me.
It will be a few months before I get to try these specific gloves on a long ride due to winter weather setting in. What I know sitting in my living room is these fit like gloves should fit right out of the box and if the on road performance is anywhere near what I've gotten from Held gloves in the past I'll be very happy with these gloves. I was looking for a cooler alternative to my Held Warm and Dry gloves which always keep me warm and dry but were too hot for warm weather rain. I am hoping these keep me as dry as the winter gloves but cooler for the warm and rainy days when touring.
Yes, I recommend this product.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex Boots D-Axial jointed anti-ankle twist back system in TPU Nylon toe TPU rear shinguards TPU heelcounter Nylon heel Cowhide leather D-Stone fabric Elasticated bellows Elasticated inserts Internal regulation with Velcro Closing with zipper at the back Waterproof / Breathable Gore-Tex membrane High grip TPU inserts Padded insert for gear shifter guard Reflective inserts Non-slip sole Italian patent pending Microelastic elasticated inserts(PCT Patent Pending)
 
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great boot. Great value.
PostedNovember 18, 2011
Customer avatar
Ralphie
State:NY
Bang for the Buck 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Last year I bought a pair of Alpinstar Super Tech Touring boots when in search of boots which fit more securely to my feet than most zip and velcro secured boots offer. The Super Tech is a great boot but a bit cumbersome getting on and off when I use them for daily commuting.
I purchased these TRQ-Tour boots for commuting and find them every bit as customizeable as the more expensive Super Tech's and at a lower price and a bit more comfort. The rear zipper makes it easy to get on and off and the velcro adjustments are very effective at making the fit more or less snug. These are excellent boots.
Yes, I recommend this product.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Ralphie's Review Comments
 
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Ralphie's Questions
 
The Gerbings Lighted On/Off Switch acts as a budget alternative to a temp-controller (for Gerbing's products).
 

Cord length?

How long is the cord with this switch?
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Customer avatar
by
Ralphie
State: NY
 
Gerbing's Heated Vest Liner The Vest Liner is designed to keep the core of the body warm in cold weather conditions whether it be on a motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, boat or in an automobile. It heats the chest, back and collar which warms your core and helps send warm blood to your extremities and other parts of the body. It is made with form-fitting patterns and sized for men and women to fit snugly and easily under your outer garments. The incorporation of the New Microwire Heat System makes this the most durable heated vest on the market. FEATURES Heating pads on the chest, back and collar Compressible, water-repellent, durable, Thinsulate insulation Teflon coated, wind-resistant, soft nylon shell Inside and outside pockets Form-fitting patterns and sizing for men and women to fit snugly and easily under your outer garments Lifetime warranty on the heating elements SPECIFICATIONS Heat Microwire Heat Techno ogy Source 12-volts DC Current 4.5 amps Watts 54 watts Surface Temp 135F +/- 5F at 32F Please Note Gerbing's has eliminated the Power Distribution Unit found on previous versions and replaced it with individual connectors that can be stored in a zippered, internal pocket.
 

Does the vest include the glove connection as the jacket does?

The Gerbing jacket has the power connection for gloves near the cuffs eliminating the need to snake a power cord for gloves through your jacket. Does the vest have the same or similar feature or will you need to use the power cord supplied with the gloves snaked through your jacket to power the gloves with this vest?
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Customer avatar
by
Ralphie
State: NY
 
Ralphie's Answers
 
Ralphie has not submitted any answers.