GMAX GM17 SPC Solid Open Face Helmet 2009

Comments about GMAX GM17 SPC Solid Open Face Helmet 2009:

First this helmet is nice style and a fair price. The fit of the xxl is a bit smaller than I expected but is wearable. I was hoping the large clear shield would be about 2 inches longer than it is. Maybe it's my head shape but the shield is just short of my chin and I would like it to be just below my chin. I tried to get the shield length before ordering and was unable to get the dimensions. It is very useable and maybe I was just used to my former shield. I do notice that external sounds are not muffled very well but I do not mind that and it's not unbearable. I love the built in speaker pockets in the ear area. I took a regular pair of over the head headphones and removed the speakers and mounted them in the speaker pockets. They stay secure and the sound is not affected by the pocket itself. The matte black finish is what I was looking for and seems to hold up well. The chin strap has a snap to attach the excess so it's not flapping againt your face in the wind. The strap is also padded just a bit and tightens well against the chin area. The helmet is easy to put on and remove and when tightened down it hold secure and does not come loose at high speeds. I really like the idea of the sun shield and well lowered it does block out the sun and also make the whole helmet take on a different look. No need to wear sun glasses unless you choose to. I was able to wear my RX glasses and they stayed secure even at higher speeds. The issue I have with the sunshield is that it is mounted on the outside of the main clear shield. This is not an issue if you have the shield lowered into place and it looks good mounted on the outside. Problem is since the shield is mounted on the outside, when you raise it up for whatever reason you decide it is exposed to the full force of the wind when riding. At lower speeds this is not really an issue but for me when speeds reached 50+ the shield would be caught by the wind and it's noticeable. Several instances at those speeds I could not keep the sunshield in the up position and it would seem to want to lower. I really do not enjoy having to readjust it while moving down the road but if I wanted to keep it up that is what I've done several times. Now for the price of this helmet I could not find a similar one with sunshield and at a higher price the retractable shield go up into the helmet itself and being caught in the wind is never an issue. So if this is something of a concern I reccomend spending more and getting the retractable sunshield that is on the inside of the main shield. I am on a budget and overall I am happy with the helmet and I'll deal with some of the minor issues. I do like the vent system and with a simple push on the vents you can open or close the incoming air. I don't care for the rather large gmax logo right on the front of the lid but that was easily taken care of by using a sticker I put on all my helmets and this covered it easily and enhanced the appearance of this already styleish helmet. Overall if I had to buy again I would buy this helmet if keeping the cost down. However if I hit the lottery I would spend more and get the helmet with the sunshield that retracts into the helmet and not above it. But since the winning lottery ticket seems to avoid me I have this helmet and I'm ok with that.
Thanks for letting me ramble on and I hope this will help someone make a decision about head protection. I need my head so my ex-wife has something to tell at.

Comments about GMAX GM17 SPC Solid Open Face Helmet 2009:

Overall a good helmet. Love the style. I also like the two piece visor. Love the snap on the strap to keep it out of the way. My main complaint is that the helmet is just a little bit too snug. It's not uncomfortable, just a little more so than my other helmet. I guess helmet sizes vary a little between manufacturers.

Comments about GMAX GM17 SPC Solid Open Face Helmet 2009:

great fit at the right price

Comments about GMAX GM17 SPC Solid Open Face Helmet 2009:

Good Helmet that runs a little small but great buy for the money