helmet can be used with goggles without removing the visor , and there ’ s a fully integrated setup for Nolan ’ s N-Com intercom system ( I ’ ll be reviewing the N-Com system in the next road issue ). That ’ s a decent feature set for a mid-price lid , in fact , most top-tier lids don ’ t have all those features .
VENTING Ok , it ’ s Summer , you ’ ll probably want to know about the venting . It mostly works well . I say mostly because the three upper vents on the work very well . Open them up and there ’ s a very noticeable cooling across the top of the head . Most medium price helmets have mediocre venting at best , so top marks there . What ’ s not quite up to the same standard is the chinbar vent . Yes , it works to give a little visor demisting , but not much . On rainy days I was riding along opening and closing it repeatedly to see what it did . It has an effect , but it ’ s not a lot – keeping the visor cracked open a few millimetres worked better . On hot days , the mesh under the chin kinda holds the warm air in the chin area even though there ’ s a venturi-powered ‘ exhaust ’ hole on either side .
CONVERTIBLE If it gets real hot though ... just whip the chinbar off ! I was skeptical before trying it , but I ’ m a convert to the convertible . I ’ m loving being able to take the front off around town , when going into a petrol station , eating a quick snack or drink , and chatting to people . It ’ s quite amazing the difference in the way people talk to you when they can see your face . It ’ s a game-changer for me . It ’ s super easy to take on and off too . With a little practise it can be done with the helmet still in place . Just don ’ t do what I did on the Hakataramea pass in the heat . I looped it through the handle of my dry bag while I rode without it . A couple of kilometres down the road I looked around to realise it was no longer there ... and had to retrace my tracks very slowly in 30 + degree heat . Thankfully I found it , but it had a more
KIWI RIDER 63