Quiet down helmet with foam or tape or something?

Beta480RX wrote:

Problem with talking to any dealer, even a mom and pop type shop, is you are needing specific results from actual wearing of multiple helmets back...

Problem with talking to any dealer, even a mom and pop type shop, is you are needing specific results from actual wearing of multiple helmets back to back. Unless the individual behind the counter has personally worn all the helmets (incredibly doubtful) you are getting the same anecdotal responses there as you are here. I've been behind the parts counter in a shop before, and even then I would only wear the helmets we carried for quick spins around the block. So at the time I could tell someone about an Arai VX-Pro3, Shoei VFX, Fox, or HJC but that was it. I had no first hand knowledge of any other helmets that was based on my own experience.

As you are well aware, lots of factors play into it with the most important being the shell construction, ventilation (and where), ear pockets, liner cloth material, and fit.

For me personally, Arai is the quietest hands down. Couple of reasons from engineering standpoint as to why. #1, the shell. It's round. No ridges or edges to cause turbulence over the shell which is noise. #2, it's not a mips style of helmet, so the crush liner is tight to the shell which removes an air gap that can amplify noise. #3, the cheek pads have a minimal ear pocket and that pocket is lined with foam and cloth same as the rest of the pad and no venting channel around the ear.

Fly Formula was close (I had the OG way back when), but what killed it was the fit wasn't right for my head shape. The cheek pad cloth was so soft and supple that it made a huge difference, but then the helmet would rotate down on my head and the airflow ruined it. I've tried the Fly on recently (about a month ago) and the fit is still off for my head. Which is a bummer, I want to like that lid.

Bell Moto10 Spherical may be the worst. The ear pockets are wide open, and there is an air channel right next the eyeport that goes directly past your ear and that open pocket. Even my noise canceling Shure ear monitors can't make a dent in the noise that helmet makes at speed, so it's moto only with earplugs (Howard Leight NRR33 disposables). Frankly, I like the Moto9S Flex better than the 10-Spherical. Lighter and slightly quieter.

Klim helmets are also very loud, again, due to the venting. The Koroyd crush liner adds to it. Not as big of a deal when I'm snowmobiling with the added insulation liner, but too hot for that on the dirt bike.

Those are the helmets I've had on my head in the last 3 years while riding so I can't speak to anything else.

WhatsStoppingU wrote:

Apple Air Pods cranking Hatebreed! Works for me!

TheGetFresh wrote:

Ear plugs again. You’ll get used to them. Your ears equalize pressure through your Eustachian tubes. The pressure between your ear drum and the plugs won’t...

Ear plugs again. You’ll get used to them.

Your ears equalize pressure through your Eustachian tubes. The pressure between your ear drum and the plugs won’t change after you’ve adjusted internally.

ithinkitsbroke wrote:

Switched to ear plugs a couple years back. Took a couple weeks to get used to them. These are the best I've tried by a wide...

Switched to ear plugs a couple years back. Took a couple weeks to get used to them. These are the best I've tried by a wide margin. Super comfy / low profile and easy to clean. Your helmet won't knock them loose.

No experience with the newer Arai helmets, but can confirm the Fly formulas are super quiet if you absolutely can't get used to ear plugs.