Automotive Blogger

Nolan N100E, I opted for the Titanium grey model

I finally picked up my Nolan N100E, so I thought I’d give it a quick review for anyone looking into a full face, particularly modular (flip up), helmet.

After about a years worth of research I decided to purchase, or have my girlfriend gift me as the case may be, the Nolan N100E for several reasons. First and foremost was its comfortable fit. My head is long and narrow and was really hard for me to find a helmet that fit me comfortably and that would slide on with ease, but the N100 being a flip-up style helmet made it much easier to pull on and off my big noggin, and even better when I tried on the 2XL size it fit me extremely well. The flip-up helmets also have the benefit of being able to take them on and off while wearing regular glasses or sunglasses.

Thanks to this opening chin bar the helmet actually fits over my massive dome

A closer examination of the Italian made helmet reveals a good quality product, the finish is nice, and nothing feels overly cheap or fragile. While this may not be a top shelf helmet, I would certainly put it in the above average category. The N100E sports some very nice features including a wide variety of colors and schemes, a three stage top venting system as well as a dual chin vent, a “Smart Lift System” which allows single-handed release of the flip face front, a lockable fog resistant visor second anti-fog insert included, removable and washable liner and a micro-lock chin strap system. It’s a pretty tidy and attractive package.

Common complaint of modular helmets are weight and noise, but the Nolan’s GE Lexan shell seems good and light and honestly my scooter is so loud that ear plugs are always recommended so I doubt noise will be a factor. I’ve also heard and confirmed that your chin sits pretty close to the front of the helmet and Jay Leno types might have difficulties shutting the chin bar, not an issue for me.


My girlfriend’s first gift, a super light helmet

The other incentive to buy an N100E is that Nolan is upgrading to a new N102 model meaning a lot of stores have great close-out deals on the N100. Prices should be from $200-$250 for this unit depending on colors and paint schemes as well as other accessories like helmet bags.

-Bill Mertz

helmet, Nolan, N100E, modular, flip up, full face, motorcycle, scooter