Nolan 104 Absolute

[KiwiCol]

I'm in the market for a new lid, for reasons we won't delve into.


I've read the GT Air thread again (as that's what I've got), just a wee bit to add to that, my cheek pads (after 2 years or more) are still firm & the helmet hasn't 'loosened' at all.  It's good you UK guys get that swap parts service, not something I've come across here TBH. 
I'm def an XL head (61cm) but the stock size of GT Air at XL has too firm cheek pads, (been riding with it like this since new, thought that's just how it should be) tried on a xxl GT Air, just perfect, not too loose either. So, maybe in a GT Air, I need a XXL.


Anyway, I looked at the Nolan 104 Absolute, tried it on & first impressions were very favourable. To my eyes, there was a much wider field of view, horizontally & vertically. Fit was nice & firm without being too bulky in the cheek area.


What I'd like to know is if anyone has one, what are they like for noise? Does the padding soften up & make the helmet a loose fit after a while? Does their pin lock system work ok? How about the cooling vents? do they do a good job of keeping the air flowing & clearing the visor edges?


These are a flip front hat btw, any comments on that aspect would also be appreciated.


Thx.

[Sweaty]

After a lot of searching & trying on all types and price ranges of helmets available, I choose the Nolan N87 in xxl, (not a flip style) but a fantastic helmet & only $370 when I bought it 6 months ago. Felt a lot better and more comfortable than some of the $1000 jobs and has all the bells and whistles that others didn't

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0ahUKEwic4ICTz4HYAhWLebwKHT3kBp8QFggoMAM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.webbikeworld.com%2Fnolan-n87-helmet-review%2F&usg=AOvVaw0b-yghR0kfq94koenmLK0G
So, I can definitely recommend that one Col as an bloody good helmet for us big heads.

[Sweaty]

I went for this Fulgor style,would go nice with your black beast 

http://www.google.com.au/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjH-qa504HYAhWdBioKHWD2AlMYABAQGgJ0bQ&sig=AOD64_0qi37ZHF6cwM--Ye6Hs2isplIAYw&ctype=5&ved=0ahUKEwjP5KC504HYAhUMzLwKHf3pCW4Qwg8IDw&adurl=

[ARH]

Hi Col.... I have both the GT Air and the N104.   I tend to alternate between the 2, sometimes preferring the Nolan during hot weather cos its a flip up.  The N104 is great helmet... as you say better all round viz, pinlock works just fine and after 4 years the padding is still snug.   I also like the Nolan intercom that's specifically made for it... its actually better than the one for the GT Air!   Downsides for the N104?  Its heavier than the Shoei, and also noisier.   The lacquer finish on the Nolan is a bit thin compared to the GT... but then the GT is more expensive.   

Im sure the guys will come along with other proposals, but unless you are prepared to shell out for a Schuberth the Nolan is a great buy as a flip up...  would I buy another one?  Definitely....

Hope that helps!

[Batkwaka]

I have both the N104 Nolan and a Schuberth Modular Helmet as well.
The N104 has nicer Bluetooth sound than the Schuberth and is far easier to connect to other devices. The visor folds into the faceplate when you lift it up, I recently lost the Visor on the Schuberth because it doesn't always do so and was caught by a wind draft and ripped away from the helmet.
The drop down tinted visor is good but needs to be a shade or two darker. The Spring load on the sun visor is also good and can impress children when used.
It is slightly noisier than the Schuberth, a little bit heavier and slightly less quality of finish (the Schuberth feels a bit sturdier). With the Bluetooth it was 2/3 the price of the Schuberth.
My preference is for the Schuberth as it also interacts with the K1600 stereo system/intercom. If it wasn't for that I would probably have stuck with the N104.

[KiwiCol]

Thanks guys, I've read in the research I'm doing, the N104 is the highest safety rated modular helmet around, yes even better that Schuberth & Shoei. The N104 is the only modular helmet to get a 4 star Sharp rating.
Having said that, the N87 is no slouch either, think that safety rating is the same as the N104.  I want to try on both & compare, but I'm thinking the 104 has a wider & higher visor opening.