Good but not as great as I?d hoped
This is my initial 200 mile review. The N100.5 is my first nice helmet, and definitely first one that cost this much. I wrecked my hearing in my younger days with open pipes and a half helmet, so I was interested in getting one this go around that is super quiet. Read all the reviews, and liked what this helmet and the more expensive Schuberth C3 had to offer as reports of a quiet ride.My head is 22.5?, and the medium is tight. Everything seems solid, and the cheek pads are beginning to break in. The helmet fits my head great, though it does take some adjustment once it?s on to get it fit right. Love the ratchet chin strap, and the vents, visor, and chin bar are easy to operate. I definitely feel protected in this helmet, and after a 2 hour ride I did not feel ... MoreThis is my initial 200 mile review. The N100.5 is my first nice helmet, and definitely first one that cost this much. I wrecked my hearing in my younger days with open pipes and a half helmet, so I was interested in getting one this go around that is super quiet. Read all the reviews, and liked what this helmet and the more expensive Schuberth C3 had to offer as reports of a quiet ride.My head is 22.5?, and the medium is tight. Everything seems solid, and the cheek pads are beginning to break in. The helmet fits my head great, though it does take some adjustment once it?s on to get it fit right. Love the ratchet chin strap, and the vents, visor, and chin bar are easy to operate. I definitely feel protected in this helmet, and after a 2 hour ride I did not feel fatigued.Disappointed that it isn?t more quiet. It is certainly quieter than my 15yr old Fulmer Modus AF-M, but I have to wear ear plugs, or the noise with the chin bar down is deafening. Disappointed that the pinlock doesn?t fit. Perhaps they sent the wrong one, but there?s no way that thing is going to fit. I will say this, the visor doesn?t fog up on me, so the pinlock isn?t a requirement?still aggravating. Tonight, when I went to clean the shaded retractable ?sunglasses? visor, it came off track and got jammed. I managed to fix it, but I can see it failing at some point, and I?m thankful Nolan offers a 5yr warranty.Finally m the way my head fits the helmet, there?s great circulation from the forehead vent, but there?s no circulation at my face. In the Houston hear and humidity, I find it necessary to lift the visor or ride with the chin bar up. Overall I think this is a good helmet, but it has not given any kind of wow factor, or made me feel like it?s THE perfect helmet for me. I probably could have gone with the cheaper Sedici and been just as happy.... Show more
Frank
originally posted on revzilla.com
Great bang for the buck, a very high quality helmet
2nd Nolan the first was a N104 that lasted 10 years and was still looking pretty darn good. I drank the new helmet every 5 years so went ahead when I saw the lower price at Revzilla and got a white one. If you first remove the Allen screw in the back of the helmet the whole lower black deal pulls out. Then remove the crown padding and then the sides. Now you can fit almost any comm system made in it easily. I use a 15 year old Sena SMH5. Still works great for 2 people to communicate. I used some Gorilla clear contact glue to stick the mount on the side. Great glue. Helmet is very quiet and great visibility. Padding is comparable or better to my Shoei Neotec II that I just sold. Very happy with this lid at this price. Same price as the HJC i100 but to me much higher ... More2nd Nolan the first was a N104 that lasted 10 years and was still looking pretty darn good. I drank the new helmet every 5 years so went ahead when I saw the lower price at Revzilla and got a white one. If you first remove the Allen screw in the back of the helmet the whole lower black deal pulls out. Then remove the crown padding and then the sides. Now you can fit almost any comm system made in it easily. I use a 15 year old Sena SMH5. Still works great for 2 people to communicate. I used some Gorilla clear contact glue to stick the mount on the side. Great glue. Helmet is very quiet and great visibility. Padding is comparable or better to my Shoei Neotec II that I just sold. Very happy with this lid at this price. Same price as the HJC i100 but to me much higher quality of interior padding.... Show more
Tedd
originally posted on revzilla.com
Helmet is great unless you want something other than NCOM
Let me start off by saying that this is a good helmet! My problems exist more with my choice of helmet coms than the performance of the helmet itself.The Nolan N100-5 is my second foray into the Modular helmet space. My first was a Scorpion that was purchased from a brick-and-mortar shop without doing a lot of research. That helmet did not last long and since then I have been using a 3/4 that I really like. Now that it is once again time for an updated lid, I chose to go back into the Modular world primarily for safety. I have a big chin, but I like it where it is currently located!The helmet is full of features. I have not used the Pin-lock yet, but it does come with a Pin-lock shield and that is great for a $400+ helmet. I am a huge fan of the internal sun ... MoreLet me start off by saying that this is a good helmet! My problems exist more with my choice of helmet coms than the performance of the helmet itself.The Nolan N100-5 is my second foray into the Modular helmet space. My first was a Scorpion that was purchased from a brick-and-mortar shop without doing a lot of research. That helmet did not last long and since then I have been using a 3/4 that I really like. Now that it is once again time for an updated lid, I chose to go back into the Modular world primarily for safety. I have a big chin, but I like it where it is currently located!The helmet is full of features. I have not used the Pin-lock yet, but it does come with a Pin-lock shield and that is great for a $400+ helmet. I am a huge fan of the internal sun visor/blast shield, and the vents seem to deliver enough airflow for my needs. With regards to the ratchet-style chin strap, I like it because I have never been able to get a cloth strap to stay tight. Weight wise, there will always be lighter helmets. With that said, for the price, this one compares nicely.In the 3/4 helmet space I generally wear a 2XL (I have a big noggin), for this helmet I went to a 3XL. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that I did! Stepping away from the “face squeeze” of a full or modular helmet, the shape of the N100-5 is just different, and the bigger size has made my transition easier.I mentioned that my troubles with this helmet stem from my choice of helmet coms and I think this may be helpful to others so I thought I would talk about it here. I know that Nolan has their NCOM system and while I am sure it is great; I have had multiple generations of Cardo gear and I know what I am getting. I ordered a PackTalk Bold for this helmet with the understanding that the NCOM compatibility of my new helmet would, at the very least, be an annoyance. The two biggest problems I have faced are where to mount the control unit and the ear-wells for the speakers. I mounted the control unit (with glue pad) partially over the pop-out tab where the NCOM controller would go. Others have said that this blocks access to the sun visor trigger, I do not have that problem. I am still able to use my sun visor with no difficulty. The second part of the problem has to do with the ear wells. When you remove the NCOM fillers (foam, plastic, and then foam again), you get a circular space (well/hole) about an inch in diameter at the top but truncated deeper into the helmet body. The Cardo PackTalk Bold has larger JBL speakers. I tried mounting these in the well and letting them stick out, but they still caused rubbing on my ears that was unacceptable. To solve that problem, I did cut some of the plastic and foam making the hole/well bigger. My speakers now lay nearly flush and the helmet fit is perfect for my needs. I am aware that I may have compromised the safety/security mechanisms of my helmet, but I am OK with that risk in this situation. Everyone must make that decision for themselves.... Show more
Justin
originally posted on revzilla.com
Huge if you are XL or bigger
I have to admit I was forced to buy the helmet in a hurry as I needed a full-faced helmet and I was just frantically flipping through quality options that were in stock and would ship quickly. The helmet did NOT ship quickly, I might as well have been more patient.Things I missed in my hurry:Safety: I was shocked that the only safety rating sticker on the helmet was the lowly DOT sticker. At this price point I was getting used to seeing ECE ratings and missed this. If this helmet meets ECE standards I haven't seen proof of it.Shell sizing: the N100-5 only comes in two shell sizes, one for S to L, another for XL to 2XL. Internally the XL is a good fit but the shell is enormous and I would say would only look good if you have an ample figure. Otherwise get used ... MoreI have to admit I was forced to buy the helmet in a hurry as I needed a full-faced helmet and I was just frantically flipping through quality options that were in stock and would ship quickly. The helmet did NOT ship quickly, I might as well have been more patient.Things I missed in my hurry:Safety: I was shocked that the only safety rating sticker on the helmet was the lowly DOT sticker. At this price point I was getting used to seeing ECE ratings and missed this. If this helmet meets ECE standards I haven't seen proof of it.Shell sizing: the N100-5 only comes in two shell sizes, one for S to L, another for XL to 2XL. Internally the XL is a good fit but the shell is enormous and I would say would only look good if you have an ample figure. Otherwise get used to the idea of looking like a bobblehead.Comm compatibility: related to the shell sizing issue maybe? (I haven't seen the smaller shell) The outer to inner shell thickness is so thick that the well-reviewed Chinese comm system I bought on Amazon wouldn't clip on and you would need to use the glue pads. The outer shell didn't have any flat spots in the area I could reliably stick the pads to and I didn't want to risk voiding my ability to return the comm system for a refund by experimenting. Questions on motorcycle forums on this issue (do I have any options besides Nolan comm?) didn't yield any results. The Nolan systems are just wildly expensive, I don't know how they attach and whether even they clamp on to the XL-2XL shell or require tape.Things I observed in use:Sun visor: on the road the spring activated sun visor got stuck half-open when trying to flip up and did it repeatedly. I pulled the inner shell and outer shell apart then reattached and it operates normally now, but there is something tight in there.Vents: I suppose they do something. Nice that they are there but you will still want to open your visor a notch, there doesn't really seem to be a click position that opens it just enough except for between zero and one.Really, it's a better helmet than this review makes it sound, everything else is great. But given a choice I would have preferred another helmet if my local stores had stock.... Show more
CrashAlpha
originally posted on fortnine.ca
Important Sizing Note
This is the most quiet helmet I've ever owned, including a recently-purchased Arai Corsair X. I needed a modular to replace my 16 year old Nolan N103 (which is still looks like new) and the N100-5 remains a relative bargain in the modular market. The Nolan sizing model seems to have changed along with the more-narrow head shape it caters to. I ordered my usual size Medium and found it uncomfortably tight. I liked the helmet design, however, so I decided to try the size Large and found it to be just right. Snug as a new helmet should be without pressure points. Venting control is three way: an easy to find mouth vent that channels fresh air inward and upward along the inside faceshield, a top-mounted inlet scoop that slides open with a tight click (best done with the ... MoreThis is the most quiet helmet I've ever owned, including a recently-purchased Arai Corsair X. I needed a modular to replace my 16 year old Nolan N103 (which is still looks like new) and the N100-5 remains a relative bargain in the modular market. The Nolan sizing model seems to have changed along with the more-narrow head shape it caters to. I ordered my usual size Medium and found it uncomfortably tight. I liked the helmet design, however, so I decided to try the size Large and found it to be just right. Snug as a new helmet should be without pressure points. Venting control is three way: an easy to find mouth vent that channels fresh air inward and upward along the inside faceshield, a top-mounted inlet scoop that slides open with a tight click (best done with the helmet off), and the most effective manner - simply popping up the faceshield a click for a blast of fresh air through its one inch opening. As others have noted, Nolan should have included a much smaller opening option. I think I might just clip a slit piece of rubber tubing to the faceshield's bottom edge to accomplish the same result. I chose the yellow/black color scheme and like that the majority of the rear head is faced with the bright color, while the front is mostly black. It puts the bright color in a postion that allows following traffic to see me sooner when I'm stopped or slowed, while my headlight takes care of the front. The yellow is definitely a straight-up shade of fluorescent yellow (would have matched my 2001 Audi A4 perfectly) without the greenish hue of the typical hi-viz yellow or the mustard hue of standard yellows. The inner sunshield has multiple detents to click through for just the right position. It easily clears my eyeglasses and positions just above my nose. The clear faceshield seals very tightly when closed, has very robust detent stops (about six I think) when opened, and rarely fogs up from my breath even without the included insert. I found the inner sunshield to be inadequate against sun glare in my late afternoon rides, however, so I installed an optional dark green shield. Looks almost opaque black when installed, but has very clear optics and offers good visibility even on cloudy days. Very happy with this purchase. Designed and made in Italy. Very easy to put on and take off. Good warranty. Smells like a new car.... Show more
Michael
originally posted on revzilla.com
Nolan helmet
Bought this helmet in 2023. I did the Dempster highway last year (2,000km of gravel). Since that trip, the sun visor no longer goes up by itself, even after deep cleaning; I have to do it manually, so when stationary. This is not a helmet designed for off-roading based on my experience with the Nolan N100-5 Plus. Also, the visor locking system never stayed in place. At this price, I will choose another company for my next helmet... Show more
Roger
originally posted on fortnine.ca
Nolan N100-5 review
7/29.2023I purchased a Nolan N100-5 consistency helmet in May, 2023. Because I liked the Nolan N-104 helmet had, which I wore for about 5 years. But when I took it out of the shipping box and opened the visor the small black tab that holds the visor down fall off. I contacted the service department and they suggested gluing it back on with super glue. That worked for a while, but then the small black tab fall out again. So, I tried epoxy (J-B weld) and so far that seems to be working. Overall: I like the features of the Nolan N-100-5 helmet (module construction, internal sun visor and microlock chin strap). But definitely have an issue with having to glue parts back on a new helmet.... Show more
Stephen
originally posted on revzilla.com
Nolan's are so quiet and such good designs, way better then AGV
Wanted the white but got the neon yellow and love it. Modular rocks.Like all my Nolan's it's the best quality and quietest by a huge margin. Too bad there almost none left in the US? grab one while you can. You will not regret it.One thing to note the integrated N-COMM system can be purchased with a light in the back of helmet that's a brake like for all DECELERATION, even engine braking or throttle release? so cool and safe & not big, dorky like aftermarket BS on FB, very cool but have to buy from UK site. N-Com B902-L hard to find in US.Makes me regret my AGV K6 I just bought, so loud, also bc couldn't find Nolan then Revzilla made my year.... Show more
Robert
originally posted on revzilla.com
Pretty awesome, but...
I have used this helmet for 15k miles.Pros:-It fits like a robot head. It is so close fitting, you have to open it to put it on. Most modulars are enormous. This is the opposite. Easily the best part of the helmet.-the materials are outstanding and comfy.-its quiet.-huge array of color and graphic options-pinlock included-drop down visor has a bunch of height settings-good price for what you get.-Excellent field of visionCons:-kinda heavy-the visor is pretty tricky to remove. Yes, it's toolless, but I am always afraid it's going to break.-the design of the helmet doesn't lend itself to the use of certain comm systems. I had to trade my packtalk slim for a bold.-i wish there was a carbon version.-if you open the chin bar with the visor open, it ... MoreI have used this helmet for 15k miles.Pros:-It fits like a robot head. It is so close fitting, you have to open it to put it on. Most modulars are enormous. This is the opposite. Easily the best part of the helmet.-the materials are outstanding and comfy.-its quiet.-huge array of color and graphic options-pinlock included-drop down visor has a bunch of height settings-good price for what you get.-Excellent field of visionCons:-kinda heavy-the visor is pretty tricky to remove. Yes, it's toolless, but I am always afraid it's going to break.-the design of the helmet doesn't lend itself to the use of certain comm systems. I had to trade my packtalk slim for a bold.-i wish there was a carbon version.-if you open the chin bar with the visor open, it scrapes off the paint on the front, and the paint sucks.... Show more
Tyler
originally posted on revzilla.com
Unlike any other helmet ...
After ordering a size too small ("large"), I utilized Fort Nine's free rtn. option & soon got an "x large".The modular helmet is required to be open / flipped up to put on - even then it takes some practice to put it on. Once all this is figured out though, it is a phenomenal helmet - fits like a 'second skulls. The chin padding keeps most wind off my neck, and the peripheral vision is excellent. The modular lock is easy to release, and when raised does not 'unbalance' my head.The only complaint is that the accompanying manual is pretty much useless - refers to diagrams that aren't in it! A minor issue though.... Show more
Brian
originally posted on fortnine.ca