Flip your lid

For the road rider and tourer, Flip-front helmets are the best thing since sliced bread (or perhaps, twist top stubbies). With the safety of a full face and the convenience of an open face, this style of lid has rightly taken over this segment of the market. Shoei entered the segment with the Multitec, which has been a very big seller for the Japanese company. A bugbear of this style, poor ventilation, has been successfully addressed with the Multitec, which features a chin vent and a top vent to provide an even flow of cooling air throughout the helmet. Both can be operated easily while wearing gloves. The outer, clear visor can also be raised by degrees for more air, and snaps firmly closed so there are no annoying leaks for air or water ingress. Inside is a drop-down tinted visor which is operated via a slider on the left side. Typical of the brand, the Neotec is superbly finished and plush inside, and this comfort is important in a helmet that the touring types are likely to wear for many hours on end. OK, the Shoei Neotec is pricey, but quality always is. And in the flip-front category, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better helmet. Shoei Neotec TC-10: RRP: $899.00. Distributed by McLeods Accessories.