Vemar helmet - surprisingly good - Ducati.ms

**John** · Dec 7th, 2010, 7:09 pm

Picked up a Vemar (made in Italy) on special from Motowheels a few weeks back and decided to give it a run today on my naked bike. I've always been a Suomy guy, I have a Gunwind, Spec 1R and a Vandal, also a Shark. However, while on a ride last Summer with Martin at Motowheels I noticed he was wearing a Vemar while riding a naked Duc. I've always seen him with Suomys these past five years, first time wearing a different lid. I asked him he if liked it and his comment was basically there was less head bobble. The "bobble" thing really bothered me while riding my MTS mainly. It also occurred on the Buell, but less so until I hit traffic or over 65-70mph. I looked into other helmets and started to realize some manufacturers really put some effort into minimizing this, Vemar being one of them. I couldn't go around testing each one so as a baseline I started looking for one that designed their lids in a wind tunnel or had the distinctive spoiler on the back. I knew an aerodynamic helmet helps in minimizing buffeting so when this special came along I took advantage of it eventhough the model I bought did not have a pronounced spoiler as some other models did. I don't know the Vemar line so I suspect they were the higher end of the range they offer. Assuming this is true I can't imagine how they perform after I finished my little test below.

I took the bike on a brisk little run and was immediately impressed by the improvement compared to the Suomy (older models I might add). I don't want to understate the improvement, it was substancial. It felt like I had the protection of being on a Gold Wing, I was over the moon and it made my day. Even at speeds up to 90mph my head was steady, the only time that changed was in freeway traffic complete with trucks on either side of me. However, the effect was minimal for head bobble, it was my body that was being buffeted, so the helmet passed that little test with flying colors. Even when turning my head at speed it didn't feel like the helmet was going to be ripped off my head. I was wearing a textile touring jacket, not my leathers and its typical to get the parachute effect with sport tour gear compared to leathers, leathers just cuts the wind that much better.

On top of all that I forgot to wear earplugs and I'm glad I didn't because it gave me the opportunity to check out wind noise and I must report I didn't need earplugs, that damn helmet was as quiet as anything I have ever worn. It was pleasant, minimal wind noise, but I could still hear the purr of the motor, as if I had plugs in. I can't wait to wear earplugs just to see how that experience will be. It has to be good.

When I was trying on what was left in the Vemar line they had two different helmet shells to choose from. My head in the first the second fit my noggin well enough to buy it fortunately. Even if it was a little too large I would have bought it as a Winter lid while wearing a full balacava (sp) because the close out price was so good. Motowheels had very few of the helmets left and mostly odd sizes, I'm glad I wear an XL because they are more available than L or Med when helmets go on special or close out. However, with the experience I had I would have stepped up and paid the price, it would have been worth it.

Apparently the Vemar name hasn't yet gained market traction with all the established name brands out there. You can't beat the Suomy graphics and paint work either, this element being a sales feature you can't deny. The Vemar is not at that level yet, its nice and all but just not enough. I'm sure they will improve this aspect of their product as other brands have done.

As with any product, what might be outstanding for me might not be for someone else, especially in the fitting category. But if you ever get a chance to try one or if your in the market to buy a new lid, take a look at the Vemar.

bzr · Dec 7th, 2010, 8:09 pm

But do you like it???

**John** · Dec 8th, 2010, 12:02 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzr

But do you like it???

Hahaha, good one. Yeah, I guess you could say I do. Finally I don't feel like a bobble head doll.

bruce19 · Dec 8th, 2010, 3:35 am

Several years ago I had a couple Vemars and thought they were really nice helmets. Then importation stopped at a time when I needed a new helmet. I went to Suomy. But, I'd own another Vemar for sure.

va duc · Dec 8th, 2010, 4:09 am

They are no dealers in my area to try one on, I have heard the Suomy fit a little on the small side. How are the Vemar's as far as sizing does?
I wear a large Arai.

That carbon fiber one looks nice $$$

Thanks

bruce19 · Dec 8th, 2010, 9:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by va duc

They are no dealers in my area to try one on, I have heard the Suomy fit a little on the small side. How are the Vemar's as far as sizing does?
I wear a large Arai.

That carbon fiber one looks nice $$$

Thanks

:::...VEMAR Helmets...:::

Check left side of page for sizing chart. According to the chart I take a Medium which is what I recall having. I also take a Medium in Arai and Suomy.

moto · Dec 8th, 2010, 4:52 pm

The closeout Vemar helmets are pretty good deals for $100.
We have the other helmets as well but we wre not allowed to advertise at anything other than MSRP. You'll have to contact nick at discounts@motowheels.com to get pricing.

I just bought a BELL Star Helmet Carbon Cerwinske LE with the "sharpie" graphics.

My daughter got a hold of it and colored it in with colored sharpies:

This Bell helmet is very stable at high speeds and even comes with an optional spoiler for speeds over 150mph...

**John** · Dec 8th, 2010, 5:01 pm

The Bell is a contender as well because of that pronounced spoiler I think makes a big difference helmet stability at speed.

**John** · Dec 8th, 2010, 5:07 pm

[QUOTE=va duc;978550]They are no dealers in my area to try one on, I have heard the Suomy fit a little on the small side. How are the Vemar's as far as sizing does?
I wear a large Arai.

That carbon fiber one looks nice $$$

I wear an XL in Suomy and the Vemar I have is also XL. However, as I said there are a couple different shell shapes, one was too large for me. I almost feel like I could have gotten away with a L in the Vemar, almost like I'm a half size but the XL is comfortable within the limit for safety.

I think the Suomy fits a little on the larger size actually, at least with my noggin. I compared other brands and for example with the AGV I'm a L if not a little smaller. I guess it boils down to trying them on to make sure.

muffinmanXL · Dec 8th, 2010, 5:20 pm

Yeah, I have a Vemar Eclipse.. they fit a little small and are on the heavy side, but quality construction is evident and they are rock solid at speed

Vemar's US distributor's customer service is top notch as well.. can't remember the name but they also distribute SIDI products here.

..had a mishap / miscommunication, and now I have like 3x light smoked face shields for the Vemar Eclipse.. Let me know if anyone wants to buy one for cheap