nWo4Life's stats
- Review count11
- Helpfulness votes33
- First reviewFebruary 15, 2013
- Last reviewMay 25, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
- Question count4
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionFebruary 17, 2013
- Last questionMay 30, 2013
- Featured questions0
- Answer count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerFebruary 20, 2013
- Last answerMay 25, 2013
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Bell Vortex Helmet Nothing beats a solid color to highlight the stylish design of a helmet. The Bell Vortex is available in a choice of gloss black, matte black, white or silver four classic color choices in the riding spectrum. Developed in Bells state-of-the-art Santa Cruz, California design center, the Vortex borrows heavily from its big brother the Star. With a solid compliment of features the Bell Vortex is a great choice as a primary helmet for everyday use that can also transition to the occasional track day. A killer price rounds out the package and gives you a big bang for your buck. Features Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum stability and temperature control with minimal noise and buffeting Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Contour cheek pads (by means of stacked foam, not hand cut) Removable and washable, antibacterial/antimicrobial interior comfort liner Padded Wind collar to drastically reduce wind/road noise Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever Clear NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield. Dark tint and other shields available for purchase separately Padded chin strap with D-ring closure and strap keeper Five-year warranty Weight 1600g Certification Snell M2010, DOT Please Note Helmet ships with clear faceshield only. RevZilla's Opinion of the The Bell Vortex Helmet The Bell Vortex Helmet has grown to be one of the top selling and more ubiquitous 200 sport helmets in the RevZilla family. The light weight, Snell Rating and ability to use the Bell Photochromic shield allow the Bell Vortex Helmet to cover a lot of the bases the typical sport or track day rider is looking for in a reasonably priced helmet. Many times we see this type of functionality only available in helmets over the 300 mark. In the 3/4 or tuck position the Bell Vortex Helmet will provide a great solution in just about any spirited or sport riding scenario. If you find a graphic or color that suits your taste and you have an intermediate oval head shape, the Bell Vortex is a great option.
Overall rating
Almost perfect if you modify it
PostedMay 25, 2013
Bang for the Buck
4
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Air Flow
3
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round
Vision
Narrow
Wide
For my full review of the Vortex, look at the Flying Tiger reviews. This review is my solution to the unnecessary amount of wind noise.
In my previous review, I very snakily said "JUST WEAR EARPLUGS," But earplugs actually don't work. They block out everything BUT the wind noise. So foot in the mouth there. The wind noise is unbearable. It's so loud, my ear drums actually crackle at times. That's bad. That's really bad! I read somewhere that putting tape over the side vents eliminates the noise. So I tried it and it totally works.
But no one wants tape on their helmet. The answer: fill the side vents with caulk! You don't lose any ventilation. Bell very stupidly put them too far forward for them to actually work, hence the lack of ventilation and ungodly noise. I used clear Phenoseal. Get a small tube, not the big one meant for a caulk gun. Fill the vent from the outside only down to the mesh. You don't have to fill it to the eps. Just block the vent. Wipe away the excess and let it dry. It works perfectly. The Vortex is louder than my Custom 500. Yes really. Caulking the side vents makes it dead silent. The transformation is amazing. Do it!
Rides: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Icon Pro Shield Fog Free Face Shield for ICON Helmets The ICON Proshield (IC-02) is fitted with a helmet shield lock to keep your shield securely closed. Designed to work with Domain 2, Alliance, and Airframe Helmets Will NOT fit Alliance SSR, Mainframe, or Domain (1) helmets, (Icon Classic Shields available for these models).
Overall rating
Could be better
PostedMay 20, 2013
Bang for the Buck
4
/
5
Style
4
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Vision
Narrow
Wide
Definitely not fog free. Fog resistant, maybe. But on humid days, if you leave it down at a red light, it'll fog badly. It clears instantly if you crack it. But it's advertised as fog free and I have no trouble fogging it in the right conditions.
I went with dark smoke. I really wanted an RST mirrored finish but al the reviews of the poor durability of the finish scared me away from that.
It's a major pain to change out. So many other manufacturers have simple visor change systems. Icon's seems so archaic by comparison. Add the time of switching out the side plates and it's even more of a nuisance. I've gotten really quick at it and got extra side plates so I can leave them o each visor permanently. For a helmet company that makes such awesome fitting and looking helmets, Icon desperately needs to revisit their visor design.
Rides: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Tour Master Select Visor Bag 600 denier Carbolex outer shell and 300 denier Carbolex inner shell Adjustable waist strap allows rider to conveniently carry an extra shield Soft, brushed fleece lining Fits most motorcycle helmet shields 20 L x 6
Overall rating
Gets the job done
PostedMay 20, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Ease of Install
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Finish
4
/
5
Durability
4
/
5
Good basic visor bag. You can't just leave your spare visors lying around getting dusty or scratched and throwing them in a bad with other stuff isn't safe, either. This bad is the answer. Simple, cheap, and fits almost everything. Fits my Bell visor fine with extra room. My Icon proshield is taller, but it fits perfectly. As so many others have said, it would have been great if there was a version that held two or more visors. But for the price, I just got two bags. No big deal.
Rides: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Chin curtain fits Icon Domain and Icon Domain 2 helmets
Overall rating
Fits Alliance!
PostedMay 20, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
3
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
1
/
5
Features
3
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
I read a review elsewhere that this fits Icon's Alliance helmet. Desperate for a solution to bugs in my eyes from under the chin bar, I gave it a shot. This fits the Alliance PERFECTLY. If you've always wanted your Alliance to have a chin curtain, this is it. Buy with confidence. It makes the helmet a lot harder to get on, so put it on SLOWLY and be careful or it will hurt a little. Same with taking your helmet off. Just to slow and be careful as it passes your nose. Otherwise, it works perfectly and blocks all air from under the chin bar.
Rides: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Bell Vortex Flying Tiger Helmet The Flying Tiger pays homage to the 1st American Volunteer Group, a fighter group protecting China during World War II. Sporting elements of the Tigers' shark-faced fighter planes and the distinctive Flying Tiger insignia created by Disney, this helmet is a slice of history. Part of the Bell Vortex Helmet series the Flying Tiger posses a lot of features and functions you don't normally see in a helmet at this price point. The Vortex borrows heavily from its big brother, the Star, giving you a complete package at a killer price. Features Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum stability and temperature control with minimal noise and buffeting Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Contour cheek pads (by means of stacked foam, not hand cut) Removable and washable, antibacterial/antimicrobial interior comfort liner Padded Wind collar to drastically reduce wind/road noise Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield Padded chin strap with D-ring closure and strap keeper Five-year warranty Weight 1600g Certification Snell M2010, DOT Please Note Helmet comes with clear faceshield
Overall rating
Still Love The Vortex, Despite The Flaws
PostedMay 7, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Air Flow
1
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round
Vision
Narrow
Wide
Usually I write a long intro before my reviews but I'll skip it since you're probably concerned with 1 thing above all: The noise. Ill address the noise issue first before reviewing the rest of the helmet (which is quite exceptional). Is it as noisy as everyone says?
Yes.
The Vortex is pretty loud. My other helmet is an Icon Alliance. It's probably half as loud as the Vortex and it doesn't even have a chin curtain. So people complain in reviews and all over the net about how unbearably loud the Vortex is and wah, wah, wah... If you want dead quiet, buy a Buick and ride around and a big comfy cage. The solution is earplugs. While super annoying, the noise problem is a simple one to solve. JUST WEAR EARPLUGS. Oddly enough, the noise is actually at it's worst around 40-45 mph. At that speed, it sounds almost the same as sitting on an airplane at 35,000 feet. It's a low pitch, droning, unyielding bringer of pain. Speeding up increases the volume, but also the frequency of the sound so though louder, it's more bearable. I have an open face helmet (Custom 500) that is actually quieter at 40 mph than the Vortex. Yes really. I can't tell you how they compare at higher speeds. I won't wear an open face above 40 mph. Short missions around town only.
So it's the worst helmet ever, right? Far from it. Just wear earplugs and it's biggest flaw all but disappears. It's only other flaw, however, is one that can't really be solved. It doesn't flow any air. Well, it does, but barely. Even with all the vents open you still barely feel anything getting in. I was sweating after a short ride at dusk in 65 degrees. I imagine it will be murder in high heat. Looks like I'll be wearing my Alliance through the dead of summer.
Flowing almost no air isn't necessarily a bad thing. NOTHING is getting in there. With all the vents closed on my Alliance, I still have gotten bugs under the chin bar and even in my eye. That's actually what prompted me to purchase the Vortex. Fear of a bug in the eye at high speed. The Vortex will never allow anything into it. Unfortunately that also means air. I'm not sure if the chin curtain is removable. If it is, that would really improve airflow but since I intend to ride with it on regardless, I have to rate airflow as poor to nonexistent. In 65 degrees at 70 mph, you can feel the vents are open, but not in that "ahhh that's better," way. It's more of a "Eh, I guess. it's better than nothing," way. And while I'm whining about airflow, I have a VERY hard time opening/closing the chin and brow vents with gloves on. I managed it, but it took way too long trying to find the switches (and failing) before finally getting it. Maybe more time in the helmet will get me more familiar with it. And since the airflow sucks so bad anyway, who cares if they're open or not? Just crack the visor then, right? Sure, if you like a stream of air DIRECTLY into your eyes. The 1st detent is just a little too high. So instead of filling the helmet with welcome, cool air, it just directs it straight to your eyes. The airflow on the vortex is really a perfect storm of terrible. But all these ventilation issues probably add up to a huge positive in colder weather. So in that case, it might actually be flawless since no freezing cold air is getting through, either.
Now for the good and I swear there's a ton of good. The fit is incredible. I'm usually an XL in everything but I went with L this time for a more snug fit and I'm glad I did. It's perfect. Even better than my Alliance which I already thought couldn't be beat.
Vision is better than expected. Head checks are very easy and vision is wide enough to look all the way back over your shoulder with ease. The wind doesn't catch the helmet, either. It's also very light. I was very surprised at how much lighter it is than my Alliance despite looking like a bigger helmet. Comfort/fit wise, I can't find a flaw.
Changing the shield is nothing. I can't compare it to Icon because Icons system is some tout out of the Stone Age. Bells shield change takes seconds, literally.
The magnetic thing in place of the strap snap is cool but an unnecessary feature and all the reports of the magnet falling out have me being extra careful as I feed it through and back through the D rings. I suppose it will last if you're careful and don't just jam it through or rip it out before taking it off. I'll be taking full advantage of Bell's 5 year warranty if it falls off.
Overall quality seems great. I seems well made and the graphics are even better in person. It's a smooth, matte finish which means no fingerprints. You'll turn a lot of heads at traffic lights. Either from the awesome graphics or from drying of heat stroke. Either way, they'll take notice!
So after all that, I still recommend the Vortex. It's light, the vision is great, Snell and DOT, killer looks, noise is easily solved and 90-100 degrees sucks in ANY helmet. If you're thinking about the Vortex but are hesitant from the complaints, don't be deterred. Way more people rate it highly than rate it poorly and with good reason. It excels at all the I present stuff. Fit, safety, visibility... In all, it's a great sub $200 helmet for the rest of us that can't afford a Shoei.
Rides: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Yes, I recommend this product.
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2of 3voted this as helpful.
Firstgear Kathmandu Waterproof Boots The quintessential all-weather, go-anywhere, any-time, any-condition boot. Your feet will love you. Features Full leather upper Waterproof-breathable Hipora lining Dual cam-buckle closures Accordion leather fore-arch and Achilles heel panels Hard toe box and shin protection
Overall rating
Awesome and worth it
PostedMarch 15, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
3
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Air Flow
2
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Footbed
Narrow
Wide
As with everything I buy, I was torn between these and another option. That option, being the Kili High, also by Firstgear. Being that these were only a tiny bit more, I went with them due to the adjustability of the buckles vs. the one fit of the zipper on the Kili. I haven't tried the Kili so I can't compare them, but I can say with confidence that these aren't going back. They're staying right here with me where I will use and abuse them until I need a new pair.
Quality seems great but time will tell. I'm not 100% sold on the quality of the buckles but they should hold up fine. They're not meant to be slammed down super tight so if you're doing it right, they should last. Leather is all great quality and they feel slightly broken in from minute one.
Fit is pretty true to size. I wear an 11 because my left foot is slightly larger than my right. My right foot is just slightly larger than a 10.5. These probably run a hair small but it's not enough to make them uncomfortable. They're not too stiff, either. They feel pretty stiff in the toe box, which is expected, but they flex like they're already broken in at the ankle. So half the break-in is done for you. They're ready to go right out of the box. I don't feel I'll have to walk around in them for hours or days before I'm ready to get on the bike. I have wide feet and no arches, I'm totally flat footed and these are perfect. The arch is low so I can wear them with perfect comfort in the footbed. I'd feel right at home walking around in these for hours off the bike without needing to bring other shoes to change into.
So they're perfect, right? No. I do have 1 complaint and this really annoys me. There should be a tab or a loop sewn onto the back to help pull them on. They don't go on very easily at first and there's just nothing to grab onto to pull them on. It's really annoying, but not a deal breaker. It's nothing like a new pair of doc martens where a shoe horn, stick of butter, axle grease, wd-40 and a pneumatic press still aren't enough to get them on. It's just a little annoying and ill get over it fast.
So if you're torn between these and the Kili, you probably can't go wrong with either. Take a shot on the one you like best and if you change your mind, RZ will make the exchange quick and painless. Read my review of the River Road Raider jacket for my experience with their return process. Just remember these are more adjustable, have more shin and ankle protection and come higher up all for like $20 more. Do it.
Rides: 2013 Harley Davidson XL883N Iron 883
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
River Road Raider Jacket This waterproof, breathable, heavy-duty textile riding jacket offers superior protection from the elements. Features The snap down, external storm flap in front keeps water and cold air out 2 front intake vents and 2 generous rear exhaust vents provide maximum air flow in warmer temperatures Protection includes CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows plus an upgradable EVA foam back pad Reflective piping on front and rear provides increased visibility Features a neoprene lined collar for comfort Several interior and exterior pockets offer storage space for mobile devices and other personal items Removable, insulated, full-length liner keeps out the cold Side waist adjustments for a customized fit Includes a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Overall rating
Great Value... If It Fits.
PostedMarch 4, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
4
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
4
/
5
Features
5
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
I was pretty hesitant to buy this jacket since it's so new and there weren't any customer reviews yet here or on any other site. But RZ has such an easy return policy that it's literally zero risk buying from them. I'll comment on their return policy too, later.
RZ matched a much lower price from another site for me. Very simple process and they only took about a day to get back to me with the approval. There's no reason to ever buy anywhere else.
Using the size chart, I should be a Large with a 44" chest. I should be on the smaller end of a Large with a little extra room. Not even close. First of all, the big dude in the video also has a 44" chest, but he's wearing an XL. Granted, he's a lot taller than me. I chose to stick with the size chart and wow, what a mistake. I'm not a big guy. I'm 5'9", 220 with a slight gut but nothing serious. This jacket in a Large was so tight in the arms that it hurt to move them. There was no way I could have ridden in it. But in accordance with the size chart, it fit perfectly everywhere else! Now again, I'm not a huge guy. I don't work out. I don't have scrawny arms but I don't need a gun license either. I could barely bend my arms in a Large.
RZ return policy was painless and fast. Lightning fast. Sent back Thursday, confirmed received Friday, correct size sent Friday and received Monday. Had there not been a weekend involved, I'd have had the right size 2 days later. Incredible.
So the XL... fits in the arms! But I do have a little more room than I'd like everywhere else, but it's totally acceptable. The Raider has kind of a weird cut and you might find it fitting perfectly in one place while you make concessions elsewhere.
The quality is awesome. Seems good enough to last years. Don't let the sizing BS deter you. Try it out and send it back if it doesn't work for you. RZ will make it easy.
I'll skip the features since they're all noted in the video. I did really like that you don't lose the cell phone pocket with the liner removed. The same pocket is in the same place under the liner also.
The last thing I want to warn you about is removing the liner. It zips right out but also has 4 buttons holding it in place. 2 at the tail and one in each sleeve. I didnt know these were there when I tried to pull the liner out and then when I did realize it, I thought they were snaps. They're not snaps. If you yank at the liner expecting them to pop off, they rip right off. Take a guess how I know. They're not critical, though so don't sweat it.
Overall, awesome quality and really comfortable if you can get the size right. I'd order a size bigger than you should be on the chart. But even if you get the wrong size, RZ makes it too easy to exchange.
Rides: 2013 Harley Davidson XL883N Iron 883
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Icon Alliance Speedmetal Helmet It was once said that slow is good - but we all know fast is better. And so it is with the Speedmetal. The next generation of full coverage tonality from the Icon Alliance mind. A deviant interpretation of life beyond societies norm. Tracks spiraling out of control from the deepest thoughts of a riders mind on to their helmet. Tracks reminiscent of backbone - the kind of backbone found in spirited riders. Indeed...fast is always better and the Icon Alliance Speedmetal Helmet does fast. All world standard, meets or exceeds the following DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (Europe), SAI AS1698 (Australia) and SG (Japan) safety and testing standards. Does not ship with SAI or SG certification stickers unless purchased in that country. Injection molded Polycarbonate shell Wind tunnel tested and refined Molded twin channel supervent for increased cooling Rear exhaust ports prevent heat buildup Internal on/off cheek exhaust switches Removable molded breath deflector Chin venting system reduces shield fogging Fully removable/washable HydraDryTM interior Quick-change fog-free eye ProshieldTM ProLockTM secure shield locking system
Overall rating
Much better than expected
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
Bang for the Buck
4
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Air Flow
5
/
5
Features
4
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Weight
Light
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round
Vision
Narrow
Wide
I was originally looking at the Bell Vortex since it's arguably the best helmet in its price point, but I was concerned about all the reviews about how noisy it is. After finding the Alliance Product video here at RZ, Anthony said they always recommend either the Alliance or the Vortex for a $200 range helmet. I took a chance on the Alliance since the speed metal graphic was on close out and I'm really glad I did. Here's why:
It's exceptionally comfortable. It fits very snug out of the box. I went with an XL and should be at the smaller end of needing an XL. But it's actually extremely snug. I don't want to use the word "tight" because it's not too small, it's just very very snug. It's all from the cheek pads. It has potential to break in very, very nicely but time will tell. If not, I love this helmet so much I will try thinner pads if that's what it comes to. The inside is plush. Very soft. Much nicer than my Bell Revolver Evo.
The view is excellent. Can barely see any of the helmet on the sides. Vertically is far and away better than other helmets I've tried. The shield is described as anti-fog and definitely does the job. I couldn't fog it on purpose. The shield automatically locks when closed completely. Theres no latch or lever, it just takes slightly more force to open than other helmets. Not enough to be annoying. It's a really nice feature.
Ventilation is excellent. The chin vent is huge and very easy to open and close with gloves. Head vents are easy as well and can be opened halfway if desired. There are also 2 internal cheek vents that can not be opened or closed while wearing the helmet. They'll add some noise but the extra ventilation is worth it.
One thing I read about with this helmet is the difficulty of changing the shield. Some people complained it takes 10 minutes. Here's the most honest review you'll see about changing the face shield: It's definitely more difficult than other helmets. Where changing a Bell or Shoei takes seconds, Icon's system takes about 2 minutes. My biggest struggle was removing the side plates. It takes so much force to remove them, I was scared they would break. But there's no trick to them. You just have to force it till they pop off. Luckily reinstalling them is as easy as popping them back into place. Removing the shield isn't difficult, it's just not as simple as Bell. You just have to actually watch what you're doing. Don't let whiny reviews about the shield deter you from buying this helmet. It's not that hard.
I got the speed metal in blue. It looks awesome, but it's a deeper blue than the pictures show. I can't blame RZ since it's the same picture on every website. Because it's darker than expected, the graphics don't pop at all. That's a shame because the pattern is awesome. It might look better in some other colors, but in blue, the graphics are quite understated. I still think it's awesome, but was hoping for a brighter blue like it looks online.
I do have 2 negatives for this helmet. First, it really needs a chin curtain, especially for its price. I'm willing to let that go because I got the helmet on closeout. Lack of a chin curtain at the closeout price is more forgivable.
Second is reinstalling the cheek pads after removing them is unnecessarily difficult. It took me about 10 minutes to get them back in straight, the way they were out of the box. It's a major pain and I don't want to do it ever again. Sadly, I'll have to eventually.
Overall quality is excellent. It's really well made and very sturdy. Nothing feels cheap or rushed. If you're torn between the Alliance and the Vortex, I think the Alliance will provide a better fit, is lighter and quieter. The Vortex will be quicker and easier to customize and clean as far as shield changes and liner removal and installation. If performance while on the bike is paramount to all other features for you, get the Alliance.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet - Solid Colors Bell locked their RD team in the laboratory and didnt let them out until they had taken the Revolver helmet and turned it into a truly class leading modular worthy of the Bell name. When the engineering team finally emerged, the result was the Revolver EVO. With improved features like a redesigned eyeport seal to reduce wind noise, new chin curtain to keep cold air out, and an improved flip down sun shade, the Revolver EVO has truly taken Bell modular helmets to the next level in rider comfort and performance. Features Internal Sun Shade offers on the fly protection from the sun without having to stop and change face shields Velocity Flow ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum ventilation and temperature control Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Super stable aerodynamic signature resists buffeting and lift Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers Contour Cut Cheekpads for superior fit and comfort ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield New redesigned eyeport seal dramatically reduces wind noise Removable and washable interior for maximum comfort Exclusive Magnefusion magnetic strap keeper New chin curtain prevents cold air from entering the helmet Padded chin strap with D-ring closure Comes with clear faceshield only Five-year warranty
Overall rating
THE Modular To Get
PostedFebruary 20, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
5
/
5
Air Flow
5
/
5
Features
5
/
5
Fit
Small
Large
Weight
Light
Heavy
Shape
Narrow
Round
Vision
Narrow
Wide
After wearing the Revolver Evo a little bit just out of the box, it fits perfectly. Not sure how it will continue to fit after breaking in but out of the box, but brand new I couldn't ask for a more true to size and perfect fit. snug without feeling too tight.
I read countless reviews on this thing before finally pulling the trigger. If you're like me and read a million reviews across 10 websites, you've probably noticed that most reviews of this helmet all seem the say the same things, with the occasional reviewer who hates it or says it's cheap or uncomfortable. I'm writing this review to confirm that most of what you've read about the Evo is true. It's indescribably comfortable. Fits me so, so well. It is, however, impossible to put on or remove without first lifting the chin bar. This is a good thing, though. It feels like a really good seal under the chin once closed up. the modular mechanism feels good and has a very positive feel. it doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. several reviews have claimed you can open it too hard and break the stop allowing the chin bar to rotate all the way around. keeping that in mind, I'm being careful opening it.
The face shield is the easiest to install and remove of any helmet ever made. pull two levers and it pops right out in about one second or however long it takes you to pull two levers. to reinstall, put it in the same position it was in when you removed it and snap it right back into place. about 3 seconds.
speaking of the face shield, it's anti-fog... sort of... kind of... not really. I put on right out of the box after it sat on my porch all day freezing. it fogged instantly and completely. later, after warming up, it still fogged at the bottom while closed from breathing. cracking the visor, even while standing still got rid of it.
the drop down sun visor is great. the lever to drop it has a very positive feel. it feels smooth and not cheap. the drop down visor is also described as anti-fog, but I'm not sure on which planet. not earth. the drop down fogs worse then the face shield. a lot worse. I wouldn't even think about it in cold weather. you'd be blind. it's also not very dark. it looks dark from the front like it should do a great job but wearing it tells the real story. it's not strong enough to replace sunglasses. it will be great on a bright day, but direct sunlight will be too much. it feels like light smoke, but RZ has already confirmed it is dark smoke that comes with the helmet. so as it stands, this is as dark as it gets for this helmet as far as the drop down sun shield. good for bailing yourself out in a pinch but for an all day ride in the sun, don't let it be your only shades. a darker shield will still be a worthwhile investment.
Seems very well vented. the chin vent is substantial and the top vents have two settings for either a lot or a little. I'm concerned about the placement of the side exhaust vents right next to the ears. I haven't ridden it yet, but all the noise complaints are likely to be accurate from the placement of those vents alone. The first detent of the shield is just enough to get a rush of cool air and defog the inexplicably described "anti-fog" shield. there are also vents that will direct air right into your face, but not into your eyes. it seems bell thought of everything with this helmet... except the anti-fog treatment. they very clearly forgot that.
field of vision is excellent horizontally. very, very wide left to right. vertically isn't so good. glancing up is good to very good. glancing down is poor to very poor. glancing down to see your gauges might be impossible without moving your whole head. I'm not sure if this is common of all or most helmets but I'm noting it anyway.
I don't have many complaints about this helmet and can definitely live with the ones i do have. I'm definitely keeping it, possibly as my main helmet.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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Bell Custom 500 Retro 3 Snap Shield Retro snap shield fits Custom 500 helmets
Overall rating
Inspires Condidence
PostedFebruary 18, 2013
Bang for the Buck
5
/
5
Style
5
/
5
Comfort
5
/
5
Protection & Durability
4
/
5
Air Flow
5
/
5
Features
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
Loud
Weight
Light
Heavy
Vision
Narrow
Wide
The custom 500 is a near flawless helmet but has no facial or eye protection. This face shield is the answer. I was a little skeptical about the price but I just got an awesome helmet and wasn't about to pair it up with knock-off accessories (I'm looking at you, Biltwell). 20 bucks plus shipping if it's all you ordered might seem a bit steep, but that's because there's practically no description of the item when you check it out here. There's more to this shield than just a piece of plastic so the price is actually more than justified.
1. This is a big one... it's anti-fog. try to fog it on purpose and you can't. I had no idea it was anti-fog until I received it and read the sticker that came on it (it's a static cling and will leave no residue).
2. it has some vertical give to it after it's snapped on. Push it down and it snaps right back to center. Pull it up and let it go: same thing. this little bit of give is perfect because the wind can push it around quite a bit before any extra stress is put on the snaps. If it was completely rigid, it would fly off and/or vibrate badly.
3. It's thicker than I thought (that's what she said) and seems like if I can take care of it and avoid scratching it, it will last as long as the helmet.
If you got yourself a Custom 500 and are wondering if you should have gotten the shield to go with it, I say YES. Do yourself the favor and at least get the clear one. It's worth it and you can always take it off if you're planning a more leisurely ride. I was torn between this and the bubble shield but this one doesn't come as close to my face as I thought it would so that rules out the bubble for me. Plenty of room in there without looking like a big jerk. Get it, you'll love it.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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nWo4Life's Review Comments
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nWo4Life's Questions
Icon 29er Gloves Announcing the latest in Icons line of MX inspired street-specific, lightweight riding gloves. All our standard performance amenities are here such as a pre-curved palm and finger design, thermoplastic rubber knuckle armor, and a secure wrist closure system. Of course a street motorcycle glove isnt really a glove without a leather palm. The Twenty-Niner glove features an abrasion resistant premium grade goatskin palm capable of hand to hand combat with gravel choked asphalt. With its hi-flow mesh backhand the Twenty-Niner glove is perfect for spring and summer riding. Features Abrasion resistant premium grade goatskin palm Synthetic leather finger gussets Hi-flow backhand mesh Hook and loop wrist closure Pre-curved palm and finger design
Price?
Aren't these called the Twenty Niners because they're supposed to cost $29? Even the review video says $29. What's up with the $35 price tag?
2 weeks, 6 days ago
Fly Tourist Helmet - Solid Colors All new from FLY, the Tourist open face helmet is packed full of features and accessories making it an excellent choice no matter what the season. From Spring to Summer to Fall this helmet has you covered. Each Tourist motorcycle helmet comes configured with a clear shield and painted removable clip-in jaw piece. Features Lightweight thermo-plastic alloy shell 2 intake and 4 exit vents for maximum ventilation Included dark tint shield and peak for use without the shields or removable jaw Included soft fleece bags for the helmet, dark tint shield and peak Tool-Less design allows quick and easy shield and peak changes Removable jaw includes one-piece breath box / chin curtain for cold or wet weather Large eye port for improved range of vision Removable and washable Coolmax comfort liner and cheek pads Deluxe oversized ear pockets for better fit and comfort with communication systems DOT Approved
anti-fog?
Are the stock shields anti-fog or do I have to purchase the replacement shields for anti-fog?
2 months, 3 weeks ago
Icon Pro Shield Fog Free Face Shield for ICON Helmets The ICON Proshield (IC-02) is fitted with a helmet shield lock to keep your shield securely closed. Designed to work with Domain 2, Alliance, and Airframe Helmets Will NOT fit Alliance SSR, Mainframe, or Domain (1) helmets, (Icon Classic Shields available for these models).
How durable is the mirrored finish?
Several reviews here and elsewhere claiming the mirrored tints are so low quality you can wipe them off with the included cloth. Others claim any attempt to clean makes it flake off. Can anyone confirm?
3 months, 4 weeks ago
Battery Tender Junior Charger - 6V and 12V The Battery Tender Junior is much more than a trickle charger. It has a brain. It's lightweight, compact, and fully automatic very easy to use, especially in small spaces. It will keep your battery fully charged so that it is ready to go when you are! Features Perfect for all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and gel cell) Complete 4-step charging program (Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, Float Mode) Automatically switches to float / maintenance voltage after fully charging the battery If the battery voltage drops too far under load, full charger output power resumes Solid state two color LED indicates stage of charger Spark-proof Reverse polarity protected 12' output cord 5 year warranty
Does the wiring harness have an inline fuse or is that harness a separate accessory?
4 months ago
nWo4Life's Answers
Bell Vortex Helmet Nothing beats a solid color to highlight the stylish design of a helmet. The Bell Vortex is available in a choice of gloss black, matte black, white or silver four classic color choices in the riding spectrum. Developed in Bells state-of-the-art Santa Cruz, California design center, the Vortex borrows heavily from its big brother the Star. With a solid compliment of features the Bell Vortex is a great choice as a primary helmet for everyday use that can also transition to the occasional track day. A killer price rounds out the package and gives you a big bang for your buck. Features Velocity Flow Ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum stability and temperature control with minimal noise and buffeting Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Contour cheek pads (by means of stacked foam, not hand cut) Removable and washable, antibacterial/antimicrobial interior comfort liner Padded Wind collar to drastically reduce wind/road noise Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever Clear NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield. Dark tint and other shields available for purchase separately Padded chin strap with D-ring closure and strap keeper Five-year warranty Weight 1600g Certification Snell M2010, DOT Please Note Helmet ships with clear faceshield only. RevZilla's Opinion of the The Bell Vortex Helmet The Bell Vortex Helmet has grown to be one of the top selling and more ubiquitous 200 sport helmets in the RevZilla family. The light weight, Snell Rating and ability to use the Bell Photochromic shield allow the Bell Vortex Helmet to cover a lot of the bases the typical sport or track day rider is looking for in a reasonably priced helmet. Many times we see this type of functionality only available in helmets over the 300 mark. In the 3/4 or tuck position the Bell Vortex Helmet will provide a great solution in just about any spirited or sport riding scenario. If you find a graphic or color that suits your taste and you have an intermediate oval head shape, the Bell Vortex is a great option.
Is there a way to tone down the noise on this helmet?
I had one and loved everything about it, except for how loud it was. I had read somewhere where somebody put some foam in the speaker pockets and this helped....does anyone know anything about this?? what kinda foam and how much....
Fill the side vents with caulk! From the outside, fill it to the mesh. You don't have to fill all the way into the helmet. You just want to cover the outer opening. It works amazingly and makes the Vortex SILENT. I used clear Phenoseal. About $4 at the Depot. Took less than 5 minutes. The vents are too far forward for the vacuum effect to work so blocking them off doesn't hurt the ventilation. Trust me on this, it'll be your favorite helmet once you plug those stupid vents up!
3 weeks, 4 days ago
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet - Solid Colors Bell locked their RD team in the laboratory and didnt let them out until they had taken the Revolver helmet and turned it into a truly class leading modular worthy of the Bell name. When the engineering team finally emerged, the result was the Revolver EVO. With improved features like a redesigned eyeport seal to reduce wind noise, new chin curtain to keep cold air out, and an improved flip down sun shade, the Revolver EVO has truly taken Bell modular helmets to the next level in rider comfort and performance. Features Internal Sun Shade offers on the fly protection from the sun without having to stop and change face shields Velocity Flow ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum ventilation and temperature control Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Super stable aerodynamic signature resists buffeting and lift Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers Contour Cut Cheekpads for superior fit and comfort ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield New redesigned eyeport seal dramatically reduces wind noise Removable and washable interior for maximum comfort Exclusive Magnefusion magnetic strap keeper New chin curtain prevents cold air from entering the helmet Padded chin strap with D-ring closure Comes with clear faceshield only Five-year warranty
I wear glasses. Can you used the flip down sun visor with glasses on?
yes, with plenty of room to spare.
3 months, 4 weeks ago
Bell Revolver EVO Helmet - Solid Colors Bell locked their RD team in the laboratory and didnt let them out until they had taken the Revolver helmet and turned it into a truly class leading modular worthy of the Bell name. When the engineering team finally emerged, the result was the Revolver EVO. With improved features like a redesigned eyeport seal to reduce wind noise, new chin curtain to keep cold air out, and an improved flip down sun shade, the Revolver EVO has truly taken Bell modular helmets to the next level in rider comfort and performance. Features Internal Sun Shade offers on the fly protection from the sun without having to stop and change face shields Velocity Flow ventilation system with FlowAdjust for maximum ventilation and temperature control Lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell Super stable aerodynamic signature resists buffeting and lift Integrated speaker pockets for audio speakers Contour Cut Cheekpads for superior fit and comfort ClickRelease for the fastest, easiest, tool-free shield swaps ever NutraFog II superior anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protected shield New redesigned eyeport seal dramatically reduces wind noise Removable and washable interior for maximum comfort Exclusive Magnefusion magnetic strap keeper New chin curtain prevents cold air from entering the helmet Padded chin strap with D-ring closure Comes with clear faceshield only Five-year warranty
What shade is the stock internal sun shade?
I noticed they offer different shades and colors to the internal sun shade... Is the stock shade the light smoke or dark smoke option.
It's dark smoke but it's pretty weak. you need a tinted shield or sunglasses to handle direct sunlight.
3 months, 4 weeks ago