Thanks for the review, you missed a couple of things about the helmet, 1. The vents above the visor to reduce fogging and 2. The chin curtain that is pushed with a spring to avoid getting stuck.
Wow. Some brutal comments here. I have had the 90S for a year and find it to be an excellent helmet. I do have hearing issues so I just ordered the 91. I saw an extensive helmet test where it came in third behind the Shoei and Schuberth out of the top ten modulars. With my hearing issues the most important factor was that the HJC was the quietest helmet of any type they had ever tested. As a bonus it is $2-300 cheaper as well.
FWIW, the cheapest helmet ever made is whatever helmet you wear ear plugs with. You can compare brand to brand, take wind tunnel tests etc (even though they are never going to replicate the on-bike experience). Or for $5 buy a box of ear plugs to remove the harmful wind noises from your ride. We'd 100% recommend this, especially if you already have hearing issues.
Yeah people obsessed about helmet noise probably don't know they should use earplugs. Though it still nice to have it quieter even with plugs or for quick around city rides when u don't need plugs
I have tried all types of ear plugs, from foam cheapies to expensive custom audiologist made ones. All of them lose their seal to varying degrees. My best success is with swimming plugs called water dams. Even with them I have to use an ear plug gel first to get any hope of a seal. If you are thinking I am being dangerous blocking all traffic noise, it is not true. With a good seal I start hearing noises and rattles in the bike that were undetectable previously. I can hear car tire noise very well. Some low frequencies come through that I could not normally hear. Hearing damage is no joke and it may still drive me away rom riding motorcycle. Even riding a bicycle produces wind noise above 85 dB at only 10 mph. I wear ear plugs when riding bike.
@@BradinManheim hey brad, i totally feel what you've written down. i've got hearing damage aswell, and even though i'm wearing custom molded plugs, the wind noise still gets to me riding a motorcycle. For 99% of the people, riding with a 50 dollar helmet and a pair of foam plugs works a treat, but this unfortunately isn't the same for some of us. I've recently purchased a new motorcycle, to try riding again after years of not riding, due to said hearing damage, but my current helmet seems to not do the job for me noise wise unfortunately. I've just now received my RPHA 91 helmet, and really hope that it's more doable riding my bike with this helmet, ofcourse including ear plugs. How is the helmet treating you?
@@Cydro12The 91 helmet works fairly well in conjunction with ear plugs called Water Dams. I have to use a gel with the plugs to get them to seal. Even then they sometimes break seal and I have to pull over, take the helmet off, and start over. Wearing glasses as well, which have their own issues, it is a lot of fussing. Riding at 60 mph or less helps. I am thinking of giving up, just too much trouble.
Yeah, unfortunately we have to avoid it apart from our own anecdotes. We've seen the other brand-videos but they have a very misleading conceptual flaw to them about wind noise, which is also why no helmet manufacture (save 1) gives them dB ratings either. Wind noise in helmets has more to do with: bike aero, windshield heigh, arm length (to determine your torso lean angle to the bars), torso height (to determine where your head sits behind the windshield), neck length, riding position determined by your unique bike, etc. The list doesn't stop which is why we seldom address it because the bike we test it on, our test ride, and all the other features are likely not the same as yours. This is why most helmets have both reviews of "this is quietest ever" to "louder than a plane taking off", because its just too subjective. Besides, ear plugs will make any helmet quiet and will save your ears in the long run, all for $5 at your local pharmacy for a 10 pack.
I purchased the RPHA 91 about a month ago, $950 Canadian. There is an issue that only one reviewer has shown, the outer shield closes and slams closed on its own at anything over 45 mph. The retention mechanism that keeps it in the open position is weak. I have never had an issue like this in 35 years I have been riding on the street. I reached out to HJC and they sent to their quality control dept. I have not hear anything despite two follow up emails to HJC. Very disappointed with their customer support and I am sorry I purchased this helmet. Since HJC has not provided me any support I will not be buying another one of their products…
Hi, same hear. bought HJC RPHA 90S Carbon about a year ago. This outer shield is a nightmare. Will see with the shop what to do about guarantee but not expecting any honesty from them. BTW I bought a Cardo intercom to mount it on. The helmet is definitely not made for it. This experience cost me hundreds of euros to know that we have to run away from HJC.
@@MrSirPicsou After several emails and numerous posts with my story on numerous TH-cam reviews, HJC channels I finally made progress. They contacted the dealer where I purchased the helmet and authorized a full refund. I am now looking at the Shoie neotech 3.
@@donpetryna4356 glad you got a solution. and what a chance. I went to my local dealer today where I purchased my helmet. he fixed the issue by replacing the base plates. He told me HJC could take it under guarantee but It would take few weeks to send them the helmet and getting it back fixed. So I paid 14€ and the vendor did kindly everything in a few minutes. He told me new HJC helmets are OK, but the one I bought was in fact kind of a rip off. Premium price for low cost quality. Understanding I will never trust this brand ever again, he told me next time I should go for the Shoie Neotech 3. Even more affordable than Schubert for a better experience. That's what he said. Let me know about your feed back on shoie.
You guys are killing it with lots of reviews lately, and that is much appreciated! My question relates to safety certifications; since there are many helmets that are sold globally, can one assume that these helmets are constructed the same way to meet the current standard of each region? For example: the RPHA 91 sold in Europe meets the ECE 22.06 standard, and is also P/J certified. This same helmet sold in the US, indicates that it is only DOT certified. Can I assume that the DOT helmet would also meet the ECE 22.06 standard even if there is not ECE sticker on the helmet? Thanks.
@@redeyedfreaksActually yes. The helmet that is ECE certified has to be sold exactly as is. So even if the screws are changed, it'll have to be recertified. The US market version might have a different cheek pad, or chin liner, etc. and all the safety features are the same, but "technically" not the same helmet that was ECE certified. Basically, I doubt there would be any major safety changes between markets.
Planning ahead for a new helmet, and this was the only one I was satisfied with price range wise, and aesthetically - then I saw that it is has that bit specifically for SENA headsets. Super annoying. I know I can probably still use my CARDO headset, but it would just bother me in the back of my head.
Helmet is quiet, and I can get it over earbuds. However, its too oval and it sits low on my forehead. The cheak pads are tight and so I don't think I can go down a size. The odd positioning on my head is causing my quick detach to touch by neck.
After way to much research, almost as badcas buying a car, i think iam going with the rpha91 but dam my xlarge dome piece lol, got always have a giant helmet!😂 but thanks for the review Joe manganelo!!😂
It's likely because the US market still overwhelming prefers the DD-ring closure instead of the Ratchets systems. Ratchet systems, while able to save a few milliseconds when removing, do add bulk and weight to the helmets. There are plenty of US helmets with micro-ratchets, but brands like HJC typically bring whatever majority of the market are still looking for.
I'm between this one or the rpha 12, I know that the two are not in the same category because one is modular and the other isn't, that doesn't matter, im searching the quietest and safest. Taking this into account, which do you think is the best?
Inherently, full face helmets are safer than modular helmets since there isn't any hinges / compromises to the shell. So if that is a key aspect, go full face. As for noise levels, pick a helmet based on your needs and wear ear plugs underneath and it will make it as quiet as any helmet out there. Noise in a helmet has more to do with your dimensions, your bike's aerodynamics etc moreso than it has anything to do with the helmet. So pick the helmet you want features-wise, full face if protection is key, and wear ear plugs and you will have your two priorities lined up.
Cena only is a deal breaker for me. I already have a Cardo unit and I'm not spending another $400.00 for a Cena on top of the $700.00 for the RPJA 91 Carbon. Too bad, I've heard good things about this helmet. 😡
I just got RPHA 91 and it seems that chin bar have slight movement (like it not closed all the way) in closed position is it just mine or they all flimsy?
@@fernandopeco317 did you have any experience in heavy rain? Or is it make difference in sound isolation? I just trying to decide keep it or send it back I haven’t tried it on the road?!
@@di1301 Quietest helmet I have owned so far, agreed does seem to have some movement, although does not appear to cause any issue with noise or water ingress so far. This replaced an Arai as I wanted a modular, also tried the Neotec 2 which was better build quality but was not as comfortable for my head and as I write this is still only 22.05 certified. I would say currently the Shoei Neotec 2 is the benchmark if it fits you, so try one, if they bring out a Neotec 3...
Shoei neotec 2 still the benchmark, years later. There’s a reason every Shoei helmet comes with stickers that say “Made in Japan” on each side of the shell- it means they’re the best. HJC is the Hyundai- Shoei is the Bentley.
And I'd get it if it was lighter. Rpha 90s is already heaviest I can accept so for me it was easy choice. But for quality yes hjc is average at best, doesn't feel like premium helmet at all. Should be cheaper. Still, decent lid
@@onoes9646 Agreed. I asked Revzilla because the HJC RPHA 90s is the same way and they said the same thing. I emailed HJC but haven't gotten a response in two weeks, I was curious what their changes were between EU and American markets.
If you’d like the integrated version yes. I have the i90 of Hjc and just added my cardio system to it without issue. Only cables are not as tidy but still no complaints
@@Martijn841 I currently have the i90 with my Cardo system installed. My biggest gripe about the i90 is the poor ventilation. I was hoping that the RPHA 91 would improve upon that.
Shield slams shut at low speed. After a recent trip I learned the shield leaks during rain. Non of our group who had different helmets had this issue. No support after 3 emails. Garbage helmet and absolutely no support from HJC.
Hi, same hear. bought HJC RPHA 90S Carbon about a year ago. This outer shield is a nightmare. Will see with the shop what to do about guarantee but not expecting any honesty from them.
Not so much heavier that it weighs much more than most modular helmets not made of carbon fiber. Good compromise for the price and the latest ECE 22.06 rated.
Learn more about the HJC RPHA 91 Helmet rvz.la/3WzBqrL
Thanks for the review, you missed a couple of things about the helmet, 1. The vents above the visor to reduce fogging and 2. The chin curtain that is pushed with a spring to avoid getting stuck.
Wow. Some brutal comments here. I have had the 90S for a year and find it to be an excellent helmet. I do have hearing issues so I just ordered the 91. I saw an extensive helmet test where it came in third behind the Shoei and Schuberth out of the top ten modulars. With my hearing issues the most important factor was that the HJC was the quietest helmet of any type they had ever tested. As a bonus it is $2-300 cheaper as well.
FWIW, the cheapest helmet ever made is whatever helmet you wear ear plugs with. You can compare brand to brand, take wind tunnel tests etc (even though they are never going to replicate the on-bike experience). Or for $5 buy a box of ear plugs to remove the harmful wind noises from your ride. We'd 100% recommend this, especially if you already have hearing issues.
Yeah people obsessed about helmet noise probably don't know they should use earplugs. Though it still nice to have it quieter even with plugs or for quick around city rides when u don't need plugs
I have tried all types of ear plugs, from foam cheapies to expensive custom audiologist made ones. All of them lose their seal to varying degrees. My best success is with swimming plugs called water dams. Even with them I have to use an ear plug gel first to get any hope of a seal. If you are thinking I am being dangerous blocking all traffic noise, it is not true. With a good seal I start hearing noises and rattles in the bike that were undetectable previously. I can hear car tire noise very well. Some low frequencies come through that I could not normally hear. Hearing damage is no joke and it may still drive me away rom riding motorcycle. Even riding a bicycle produces wind noise above 85 dB at only 10 mph. I wear ear plugs when riding bike.
@@BradinManheim hey brad, i totally feel what you've written down. i've got hearing damage aswell, and even though i'm wearing custom molded plugs, the wind noise still gets to me riding a motorcycle. For 99% of the people, riding with a 50 dollar helmet and a pair of foam plugs works a treat, but this unfortunately isn't the same for some of us. I've recently purchased a new motorcycle, to try riding again after years of not riding, due to said hearing damage, but my current helmet seems to not do the job for me noise wise unfortunately. I've just now received my RPHA 91 helmet, and really hope that it's more doable riding my bike with this helmet, ofcourse including ear plugs. How is the helmet treating you?
@@Cydro12The 91 helmet works fairly well in conjunction with ear plugs called Water Dams. I have to use a gel with the plugs to get them to seal. Even then they sometimes break seal and I have to pull over, take the helmet off, and start over. Wearing glasses as well, which have their own issues, it is a lot of fussing. Riding at 60 mph or less helps. I am thinking of giving up, just too much trouble.
Another channel tested many helmets for noise. This one is, by far, the quietest.
Yeah, unfortunately we have to avoid it apart from our own anecdotes. We've seen the other brand-videos but they have a very misleading conceptual flaw to them about wind noise, which is also why no helmet manufacture (save 1) gives them dB ratings either. Wind noise in helmets has more to do with: bike aero, windshield heigh, arm length (to determine your torso lean angle to the bars), torso height (to determine where your head sits behind the windshield), neck length, riding position determined by your unique bike, etc. The list doesn't stop which is why we seldom address it because the bike we test it on, our test ride, and all the other features are likely not the same as yours. This is why most helmets have both reviews of "this is quietest ever" to "louder than a plane taking off", because its just too subjective. Besides, ear plugs will make any helmet quiet and will save your ears in the long run, all for $5 at your local pharmacy for a 10 pack.
@@RevZillaDo you find that more true with modulars or holds the same for all helmet types?
ibought A RPHA91 and in my case it is extremely loud on my speed twin
I purchased the RPHA 91 about a month ago, $950 Canadian. There is an issue that only one reviewer has shown, the outer shield closes and slams closed on its own at anything over 45 mph. The retention mechanism that keeps it in the open position is weak. I have never had an issue like this in 35 years I have been riding on the street. I reached out to HJC and they sent to their quality control dept. I have not hear anything despite two follow up emails to HJC. Very disappointed with their customer support and I am sorry I purchased this helmet. Since HJC has not provided me any support I will not be buying another one of their products…
Hi, same hear. bought HJC RPHA 90S Carbon about a year ago. This outer shield is a nightmare. Will see with the shop what to do about guarantee but not expecting any honesty from them. BTW I bought a Cardo intercom to mount it on. The helmet is definitely not made for it. This experience cost me hundreds of euros to know that we have to run away from HJC.
@@MrSirPicsou After several emails and numerous posts with my story on numerous TH-cam reviews, HJC channels I finally made progress. They contacted the dealer where I purchased the helmet and authorized a full refund. I am now looking at the Shoie neotech 3.
@@donpetryna4356 glad you got a solution. and what a chance. I went to my local dealer today where I purchased my helmet. he fixed the issue by replacing the base plates. He told me HJC could take it under guarantee but It would take few weeks to send them the helmet and getting it back fixed. So I paid 14€ and the vendor did kindly everything in a few minutes.
He told me new HJC helmets are OK, but the one I bought was in fact kind of a rip off. Premium price for low cost quality. Understanding I will never trust this brand ever again, he told me next time I should go for the Shoie Neotech 3. Even more affordable than Schubert for a better experience. That's what he said. Let me know about your feed back on shoie.
I just went on a long ride. I had no issues with the "outer shield" (I assume the part that turns it into 3/4 helmet) slamming shut.
@@michaelknight2897pretty sure he meant visor, not helmet opening
You guys are killing it with lots of reviews lately, and that is much appreciated! My question relates to safety certifications; since there are many helmets that are sold globally, can one assume that these helmets are constructed the same way to meet the current standard of each region? For example: the RPHA 91 sold in Europe meets the ECE 22.06 standard, and is also P/J certified. This same helmet sold in the US, indicates that it is only DOT certified. Can I assume that the DOT helmet would also meet the ECE 22.06 standard even if there is not ECE sticker on the helmet? Thanks.
No. There are slight changes market to market.
@@redeyedfreaksActually yes. The helmet that is ECE certified has to be sold exactly as is. So even if the screws are changed, it'll have to be recertified. The US market version might have a different cheek pad, or chin liner, etc. and all the safety features are the same, but "technically" not the same helmet that was ECE certified.
Basically, I doubt there would be any major safety changes between markets.
Planning ahead for a new helmet, and this was the only one I was satisfied with price range wise, and aesthetically - then I saw that it is has that bit specifically for SENA headsets. Super annoying. I know I can probably still use my CARDO headset, but it would just bother me in the back of my head.
Helmet is quiet, and I can get it over earbuds. However, its too oval and it sits low on my forehead. The cheak pads are tight and so I don't think I can go down a size. The odd positioning on my head is causing my quick detach to touch by neck.
After way to much research, almost as badcas buying a car, i think iam going with the rpha91 but dam my xlarge dome piece lol, got always have a giant helmet!😂 but thanks for the review Joe manganelo!!😂
I'm an XL too. Did you get the RPHA 91? Is it massive?!
I still haven't found better modular helmet rather than Schuberth C3 PRO.
Do a video putting neck piece back in.
Sux aZz
The Euro & Aussie versions have quick detach. Why are we still stuck with double D rings?
It's likely because the US market still overwhelming prefers the DD-ring closure instead of the Ratchets systems. Ratchet systems, while able to save a few milliseconds when removing, do add bulk and weight to the helmets. There are plenty of US helmets with micro-ratchets, but brands like HJC typically bring whatever majority of the market are still looking for.
I hope that HJC have a version with Cardo comms ready integration. This rpha 91 probably hard to use with Cardo comms.
Cardo hard to fit in HJC. I can confirm as RPHA 90s owner.
I'm between this one or the rpha 12, I know that the two are not in the same category because one is modular and the other isn't, that doesn't matter, im searching the quietest and safest. Taking this into account, which do you think is the best?
Inherently, full face helmets are safer than modular helmets since there isn't any hinges / compromises to the shell. So if that is a key aspect, go full face. As for noise levels, pick a helmet based on your needs and wear ear plugs underneath and it will make it as quiet as any helmet out there. Noise in a helmet has more to do with your dimensions, your bike's aerodynamics etc moreso than it has anything to do with the helmet. So pick the helmet you want features-wise, full face if protection is key, and wear ear plugs and you will have your two priorities lined up.
please make a full compilation for hjc because they dont make sense and i stay away because its ovwrwhelming trying to figure out their product page
I've had one since 1992, HJC RPHA 91 is the best helmets. 🛸
Kathlyn Field
Cena only is a deal breaker for me. I already have a Cardo unit and I'm not spending another $400.00 for a Cena on top of the $700.00 for the RPJA 91 Carbon. Too bad, I've heard good things about this helmet. 😡
I already wear audiologist made earplugs. And a balaclava and an aftermarket windscreen. I need all the help I can get or I will have to quit riding.
I just got RPHA 91 and it seems that chin bar have slight movement (like it not closed all the way) in closed position is it just mine or they all flimsy?
Mine is the same
@@fernandopeco317 did you have any experience in heavy rain? Or is it make difference in sound isolation? I just trying to decide keep it or send it back I haven’t tried it on the road?!
@@di1301 it is my first helmet ever and I haven't got my bike yet so definitely not the right person to ask...😆
@@di1301 Quietest helmet I have owned so far, agreed does seem to have some movement, although does not appear to cause any issue with noise or water ingress so far. This replaced an Arai as I wanted a modular, also tried the Neotec 2 which was better build quality but was not as comfortable for my head and as I write this is still only 22.05 certified. I would say currently the Shoei Neotec 2 is the benchmark if it fits you, so try one, if they bring out a Neotec 3...
Do you still need to size up with the RPHA line? I'm a size large but an XL with the RPHAs.
I'm M and rpha 90s m is perfect for me . But I'm have pretty slim jaw so I imagine for more typical face it can be too tight on cheeks
Shoei neotec 2 still the benchmark, years later. There’s a reason every Shoei helmet comes with stickers that say “Made in Japan” on each side of the shell- it means they’re the best. HJC is the Hyundai- Shoei is the Bentley.
And I'd get it if it was lighter.
Rpha 90s is already heaviest I can accept so for me it was easy choice.
But for quality yes hjc is average at best, doesn't feel like premium helmet at all. Should be cheaper. Still, decent lid
I thought these conformed to ECE 22.06--is the US version different from the European one, or do they just not promote that to the American market?
The US DOT-version is different than the EU version to conform to local laws/mandates.
@@RevZilla Damn, that's disappointing.
@@onoes9646 Agreed. I asked Revzilla because the HJC RPHA 90s is the same way and they said the same thing.
I emailed HJC but haven't gotten a response in two weeks, I was curious what their changes were between EU and American markets.
No ECE 22.06 rating on the US version is a deal killer. I'll pass...
What about the HJC i100?
th-cam.com/video/EvelMiX3luY/w-d-xo.html
Liliane Flat
The fact that this helmet forces you to use Sena comms kills it for me.
If you’d like the integrated version yes. I have the i90 of Hjc and just added my cardio system to it without issue. Only cables are not as tidy but still no complaints
@@Martijn841 I currently have the i90 with my Cardo system installed. My biggest gripe about the i90 is the poor ventilation. I was hoping that the RPHA 91 would improve upon that.
Shield slams shut at low speed. After a recent trip I learned the shield leaks during rain. Non of our group who had different helmets had this issue. No support after 3 emails. Garbage helmet and absolutely no support from HJC.
Hi, same hear. bought HJC RPHA 90S Carbon about a year ago. This outer shield is a nightmare. Will see with the shop what to do about guarantee but not expecting any honesty from them.
Heavier, larger, uglier, more expensive than the previous version... Okay...
On the plus side it’s much quieter, in fact it’s been tested as the quietest helmet on the market
Not so much heavier that it weighs much more than most modular helmets not made of carbon fiber. Good compromise for the price and the latest ECE 22.06 rated.
Too heavy....
Tell that to neotec or even worse for schubert
Heavier - thats not progress, not interested
I will never understand why someone would want such inferior helmet
Why?
What would you suggest as a better helmet in that price range ?
@@RaphYkunif “price range” is your dictating factor when buying a helmet, you probably should just go without.
Because price is an indicator of safety @@tg8150 🙄