Motorcycle Helmets (HJC): CL-16 vs IS-16

[z1ggy]

Looking at getting a new helmet. Both of the mentioned helmets seem like good values. Neither seem to be amazing, but I can't afford much more then these right now. I like the looks of the IS-16 and the flip down shades, but the CL-16 seems to be the same other than that, and is like $40 less. That means I could get the CL-16 plus a cool mirror or dark smoke shield for the same price as just the IS-16. Any experience with either of these??

 

[T2urtle]

why limit yourself to HJC? are they the only ones available in your area to try on?

HJC were the only ones in my area to try on. While most felt nice in stores. I borrowed my friend's helmet to take the MSF course he had a CL16, i didn't like it too much. Just overall noisy and etc. I opted for a Scorpion 700, for slight cheaper then the HJC locally.

I've only tried on HJC, icon and scorpion 400 and my 700. I prefer both brands over HJC.

 

[jlee]

Have you tried them on? Scorpion doesn't fit me properly..HJC and Shoei do. Depending on your head, you may not be happy with HJC.

 

[pauldun170]

HJC are price point helmets but they get the job done.

OP - What brands have you tried and which brands fit your head the best?
Also, where are you buying this from and for what price?

As for the flip down shades, I've found them handy on my Scorpion EXO-1000. However, a lot of companies cheap out on them and the optics can suck on some so be sure to inspect the helmet carefully.

If i had to choose between JUST the two you mentioned, I'd go with the one that had better venting and the better padding layout.

Some of the prices I found..
HJC CL-16 - $78
Scorpion EXO-700 - $110-130
HJC IS-16 - $140
EXO-1000 - $160


My opinion is that if you can afford a motorcycle, you can set aside cash for a decent helmet. If your budget is under $200, forget useless crap and focus on comfort + quality of construction first.

 

[pauldun170]

Have you tried them on? Scorpion doesn't fit me properly..HJC and Shoei do. Depending on your head, you may not be happy with HJC.

I have a Shoei (forget the model but it was a higher end) sitting on the helmet shelf. Seems nice....fits like crap. I only keep it for the occasional passenger.
Scorpion fits me fine, as does KBC.

 

[z1ggy]

Currently, I have an HJC CL-14. It was a bit noisey, but overall I was pleased. I have tried on HJC, Scorpion, Shoei and Arai. The scorp was good, but felt a bit snug. The HJC fit me well.. but not amazing. I have a more narrow (long) face/head shape. Color wise, I am looking to get the matte black look, with a silver mirror shield, and probably a dark smoke one, too.

PS, where did you find the CL-16 for $78???

 

[pauldun170]

Currently, I have an HJC CL-14. It was a bit noisey, but overall I was pleased. I have tried on HJC, Scorpion, Shoei and Arai. The scorp was good, but felt a bit snug. The HJC fit me well.. but not amazing. I have a more narrow (long) face/head shape. Color wise, I am looking to get the matte black look, with a silver mirror shield, and probably a dark smoke one, too.

PS, where did you find the CL-16 for $78???

My Scorpion was snug at first too but once I broke it in its fine.

Closeout deal on CL-16 (Depending on size\color combo)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets

 

[jlee]

I have a Shoei (forget the model but it was a higher end) sitting on the helmet shelf. Seems nice....fits like crap. I only keep it for the occasional passenger.
Scorpion fits me fine, as does KBC.

I'll trade you a Scorpion for the Shoei..haha I think I have a used EXO400 (M) and a worn-once (or twice) EXO400 (L).

 

[z1ggy]

My Scorpion was snug at first too but once I broke it in its fine.

Closeout deal on CL-14 (Depending on size\color combo)
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets

In your previous post, you said CL-16.. not 14. I already have a CL-14. I will look on motorcyclesuperstore.com and see what the evo700's and 400's look like. I don't know why though but I just really like the look of the clean matte black. I know I am a medium in HJC and that the helmet is of good quality. Worth the risk to order a scorp if I haven't tried one on in a while?

 

[angry hampster]

Z1ggy -- order from Motorcyclegear.com if you're unsure of fitment. Their return policy is outstanding and they have ridiculously good customer service. I shipped back and forth three different FirstGear jackets (large and heavy) a few years back trying to find one that fit me. They were very accommodating and I only paid shipping once.

 

[pauldun170]

In your previous post, you said CL-16.. not 14. I already have a CL-14. I will look on motorcyclesuperstore.com and see what the evo700's and 400's look like. I don't know why though but I just really like the look of the clean matte black. I know I am a medium in HJC and that the helmet is of good quality. Worth the risk to order a scorp if I haven't tried one on in a while?

oops
Typo in my post. Closeout deal is still on cl-16

 

[JulesMaximus]

Might check your local craigslist too. You can find barely used helmets on there for half what you'd pay for a new one sometimes.

I say try them all on and get the one that fits you best. If you buy a helmet and realize it is too tight in certain areas and gets uncomfortable after 20-30 minutes you just wasted your money.

Another word of advice, get the correct size too. Many guys make the mistake of getting helmets that are way too big for their head. Put the helmet on, it should press against your cheeks quite snugly. Do up the strap and then try to twist the helmet around on your head. If you can twist it around, the helmet is too big.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

I need a new helmet too. I read your supposed to change them out every 5 years. New Enough is awesome but they take forever to ship. If you're unsure about size you could order one of each and just return the one you don't need. That way you won't get screwed over in case they run out of stock.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

Some guy on this reddit thread gave a quick review on the is-16.

http://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/selql/scorpion_exo1000_or_maybe_500_vs_hjc_is16/

 

[z1ggy]

I watched a youtube video from the same guy rating the CL-16 and a separate one rating the EVO-400. Seemed like he favored the scorpion, even though it wasn't a head to head comparison. I think I am going to take angry hamsters advice and buy from that website, and return if it doesn't fit right. I think I am leaning toward the evo because the guy rating commented on it's awesome anti-fog system. I will be riding a lot in the early morning, so this will be very important.

 

[WackyDan]

I have three HJC's Two SYMAX II's modular full face... one for wife and one for me... Liked the fit *For my head. They were not the bargain basement HJC's.

I also picked up an IS-MAX full face modular when one of the guides for the integrated flip down shades broke. That part is not available online... And I'm having trouble getting it through a dealer. If I had known that HJC would be such a pain in the ass to get a part that they use on all their helmets with a flip down shade I would not have bought another one.

Nice enough helmets, but next helmet will be a different brand... Hopefully I'll find more with the modular full face and the flip shades, as right now HJC seems to be one of the few brands that offer it in several models. Shuberth has some, but they are stupid expensive.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have three HJC's Two SYMAX II's modular full face... one for wife and one for me... Liked the fit *For my head. They were not the bargain basement HJC's.

I also picked up an IS-MAX full face modular when one of the guides for the integrated flip down shades broke. That part is not available online... And I'm having trouble getting it through a dealer. If I had known that HJC would be such a pain in the ass to get a part that they use on all their helmets with a flip down shade I would not have bought another one.

Nice enough helmets, but next helmet will be a different brand... Hopefully I'll find more with the modular full face and the flip shades, as right now HJC seems to be one of the few brands that offer it in several models. Shuberth has some, but they are stupid expensive.

Modular helmets are popular with the filthy dirty smokers but there really is no benefit to them and some possible safety issues... at least from what I've read.

I wear a Shoei RF-1100. Prior to that I wore the RF-1000 and I've owned 2 of those (still have 1 of them). For daytime riding I have one of their spectra shields (mirrored) and they are just fantastic at reducing glare without compromising what you can see. Smoked shields just don't compare. I wouldn't use one at night though obviously.

My only complaint about the Shoei helmets is fogging. They vent well when moving so fogging is only an issue when moving slowly or stopped. Other than that they are quiet, they are as light as any full face helmet, they are comfortable, and safety is top notch.

I think the X-Twelve will be my next Shoei helmet.

 

[pukemon]

I have an HJC CL-16, it's a decent full-face helmet and gets the job done, and if you buy retail and in person, they're usually around the $100-120 mark depending on whether they're on sale or not. While not the lightest, the construction is solid for its price point and the ventilation is good while moving. Not so great while at a stop though, especially in colder, dryer weather. It fits my head very comfortably, but it may or may not for you.

 

[WackyDan]

Modular helmets are popular with the filthy dirty smokers but there really is no benefit to them and some possible safety issues... at least from what I've read.

I wear a Shoei RF-1100. Prior to that I wore the RF-1000 and I've owned 2 of those (still have 1 of them). For daytime riding I have one of their spectra shields (mirrored) and they are just fantastic at reducing glare without compromising what you can see. Smoked shields just don't compare. I wouldn't use one at night though obviously.

My only complaint about the Shoei helmets is fogging. They vent well when moving so fogging is only an issue when moving slowly or stopped. Other than that they are quiet, they are as light as any full face helmet, they are comfortable, and safety is top notch.

I think the X-Twelve will be my next Shoei helmet.

No benefit to them? Really? Because I love them and I do not smoke. I ride with the face down, but for getting off the bike and running into the store or for pumping gas, or for taking a quick drink at a red light you can't beat them and they are perfectly safe and rated so.

I would have thought the same before I got into motorcycle touring... all my other bikes were bomb around town bikes and I always wore full face anyway. I take trips where I put on over 5k miles in two weeks easy... the modular flip ups are perfect for touring.

 

[JulesMaximus]

No benefit to them? Really? Because I love them and I do not smoke. I ride with the face down, but for getting off the bike and running into the store or for pumping gas, or for taking a quick drink at a red light you can't beat them and they are perfectly safe and rated so.

I would have thought the same before I got into motorcycle touring... all my other bikes were bomb around town bikes and I always wore full face anyway. I take trips where I put on over 5k miles in two weeks easy... the modular flip ups are perfect for touring.

None of my bikes have ever had cup holders and I just raise the visor when I'm pumping gas. I never remove the helmet to do that.

 

[pauldun170]

None of my bikes have ever had cup holders and I just raise the visor when I'm pumping gas. I never remove the helmet to do that.

I use a camelbak for longer rides but other folks carry other beverages in their tank bags or what ever they use for storage.

Modular helmets are handy to non smokers for plenty of occasions. As long as they are DOT\SNELL approved they are fine. Its not like there hasn't been progress on the design since they first came out.

 

[pauldun170]

I take trips where I put on over 5k miles in two weeks easy... the modular flip ups are perfect for touring.

What do you ride?

 

[WackyDan]

None of my bikes have ever had cup holders and I just raise the visor when I'm pumping gas. I never remove the helmet to do that.

Good for you?

 

[WackyDan]

What do you ride?

The last three years, the Can Am Spyder GS/RS in my sig. Might move to the new BMW 1600 depending on what the next Spyder refresh looks like in 2014.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Good for you?

I just assumed you were a smoker because those are usually the people I see wearing the modular helmets. I was just giving you some crap about it. :biggrin:

No offense intended.

Check out the 2012 Ducati Multistrada for a really sweet ride.