I don't think I would like that style
I prefer D-rings
D-ring straps on motorcycle helmets is what I have known since I started riding in the early 1980's. Sometimes its a pain, and not even possible to use with gloves on. So not long ago I bought a new Nolan helmet that uses the ratchet device instead of the D-rings. In some ways it is simpler to use, but I found it uncomfortable most of the time. The bigger mechanism that holds the ratchet sitting right below my chin seemed much more annoying than the slim double D-ring holder. So the newest helmet that I bought has the "old fashioned" D-rings and I am back to being happy again!
FWIW, my new helmet is an HJC i100. I bought it because I really like the idea of being able to wear a modular helmet that can fully cover my face when I need it to, but where I can lift the chin bar and push it all the way back to where it is behind the helmet and thus allows me to use this helmet as a 3/4 face open helmet in hot weather. And unlike the Shoei helmets that I have worn most of my riding life, this HJC was half the price of a new Shoei. And it is about a pound lighter than my last Shoei Neotec helmet which I still have. The only downside that I can see right now is that the helmet is big, and wider than any helmet I have ever owned. I don't think it will make a difference at all while riding, but just looking at it makes me realize that this is a really big helmet. I'm thinking that this helmet will be my go-to for daily use, giving me the option of having both an open face and full face helmet all in one package.
FWIW, my new helmet is an HJC i100. I bought it because I really like the idea of being able to wear a modular helmet that can fully cover my face when I need it to, but where I can lift the chin bar and push it all the way back to where it is behind the helmet and thus allows me to use this helmet as a 3/4 face open helmet in hot weather. And unlike the Shoei helmets that I have worn most of my riding life, this HJC was half the price of a new Shoei. And it is about a pound lighter than my last Shoei Neotec helmet which I still have. The only downside that I can see right now is that the helmet is big, and wider than any helmet I have ever owned. I don't think it will make a difference at all while riding, but just looking at it makes me realize that this is a really big helmet. I'm thinking that this helmet will be my go-to for daily use, giving me the option of having both an open face and full face helmet all in one package.
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@vito I'm with you on the D-ring straps, but I'm not a modular helmet guy. As a teenager I rode with no helmet. As a 30 year old dad, I wore a 3/4 helmet. When I switched from standards to sport bikes I switched to Snell approved helmets. I'm a fan of compact, aerodynamic shells to minimize drag and wind noise.
Does the strap go thru the round part, or the flat part?
One of the sails on the sail boat, the clew ( the part where the sheet, rope, is tied to ) has a large D ring, with webbing thru the flat part and sewn to the sail. Under load, the ring turns so the sharp corner is in the webbing. A round ring works much better when under load. It is easy to put more the 200 pounds of load on the line. The winch handle is about 1 foot long, and the primary ( the big ones doing this work ) have different gears.
If you were in the movies, you would not need to tighten the strap, or pry open the helmet at the bottom. Or smooth your eye brows, because some make up person trimmed them.
One of the sails on the sail boat, the clew ( the part where the sheet, rope, is tied to ) has a large D ring, with webbing thru the flat part and sewn to the sail. Under load, the ring turns so the sharp corner is in the webbing. A round ring works much better when under load. It is easy to put more the 200 pounds of load on the line. The winch handle is about 1 foot long, and the primary ( the big ones doing this work ) have different gears.
If you were in the movies, you would not need to tighten the strap, or pry open the helmet at the bottom. Or smooth your eye brows, because some make up person trimmed them.
I love the ratchet type connector. So much so that I have converted D-ring types to ratchet. It's so quick and easy and I don't notice any discomfort.
EMT's will probably cut the chin strap instead of fiddling with the D-ring. I don't know what they'd do with a ratchet closure. Years ago while I lay in the road they cut off my chin strap and all my clothes.
At my one and only motorcycle accident they left my helmet on as I was transported to the ER by ambulance. Once there someone carefully removed my helmet and when I returned to riding the helmet was still intact and usable. As a precaution I disposed of it and bought a new one, not being sure if the interior had been compromised when I hit the ground. If I'm lying on the ground after a crash, I think the helmet will be the least of my concerns.EMT's will probably cut the chin strap instead of fiddling with the D-ring. I don't know what they'd do with a ratchet closure. Years ago while I lay in the road they cut off my chin strap and all my clothes.
They left my helmet on as well until in the ER at the hospital. That might be the policy these days.
Could be. The helmet had an emergency quick release for the cheek pads. I was unconscious when the EMTs arrived, but I was conscious without my helmet in the ambulance. I think they used the quick release because the cheek pads were separate from the destroyed helmet.They left my helmet on as well until in the ER at the hospital. That might be the policy these days.
For sure....If I'm lying on the ground after a crash, I think the helmet will be the least of my concerns.
I like the D rings better too. The new helmet I bought last summer has the ratchet, and for some reason I have a heck of a time getting it lined up to engage and have to fight with it all the time. It feels bulky, and is equally awkward to open up. I can never do it with gloves on. And yeah, when I was an EMT we were taught to leave the helmet on unless it blocked access to the airway.
My helmet is modular and I like being able to pull the chin bar out of the way to get a quick drink of water without having to take the helmet off.
My helmet is modular and I like being able to pull the chin bar out of the way to get a quick drink of water without having to take the helmet off.
I don't like D ring type chin straps and have always bought the snap type fasteners and converted my helmets. I'm not sure if this is the same style as the ratchet type you folks are referring to.
Put me in the "not sold " on the modular, but the D-ring -- yes, yes. It has been around for a couple of millennia because it is the simplest, strongest, and best.
I wear a variety of helmet and neck insulation.
The D-D setup allows me easily adjust perfect tightness every time.
The D-D setup allows me easily adjust perfect tightness every time.
It's been standard paramedic procedure in Oz for many years now.They left my helmet on as well until in the ER at the hospital. That might be the policy these days.
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