Nolan is one of the most popular brands amongst bike riders when it comes to helmets. The company provides many flip up and full face helmets in its Absolute range. The N104 is one of their top best selling models of all time, being the most comfortable and secure of them all. The helmet comes with two shells, a wide visor, and an internal sunshield for added protection from the sun.
The Nolan N104 Absolute Helmet also provides an exclusive opening in the chin guard, along with microlock double lever retention system intact with the helmet. The company takes utmost care of the comfort of its customers and thus, provides them with things like inner comfort padding that is most suitable for longer trips. However, if you wish to know more about Nolan N104 Absolute Helmet, this full length review has it all.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Structure and Style
The Nolan N104 Absolute Helmet has a round structure that is suitable for most heads. However, it can also be made for some rare sizes. The size of the helmet can vary from 2XS to L in its smaller shell or from XL to 3XL in its larger shell, giving it a range of 2 shell sizes for everyone to use.
The helmet puts comfort and functionality above everything and is therefore loaded with material like soft inner liners, internal sun shield, exception for people who wear glasses, etc. This makes the ride smoother for all kinds of people and in all sorts of weather.
Advanced Features
Polycarbonate Outer Shell
The composite outer shell of the helmet keeps it lighter than most helmets out there. This, in turn, doesn’t strain the back and the neck of the rider and makes the riding smoother. These helmets also happen to cut through the wind, making the ride faster as well.
2 Shell Sizes
The shell size of the helmet varies to accommodate all sorts and sizes of head. This is done to keep the weight of the helmet. This, in turn, keeps the weight and volume of the helmet in proportion with the size of the rider, thus eliminating the extra weight off its shoulder.
Face Shield
The ultra wide face shield of the Nolan N104 Absolute helmet provide extra area for the riders and expands their line of vision for a safer ride. This makes the ride better and helps them especially for longer distances and badly lit areas.
Inner Sunscreen Shield
Apart from the ultra wide face shield, the helmet also comes with an inner protective shield that promises to protect the rider from the harmful sun rays. The inner shield can be easily rolled down, thus reflecting the harmful rays of the sun. The shield, apart from being protective against the sun also happens to be scratch resistant and fog resistant, making it more durable than many other helmets in the market.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Ventilation System
The proper airflow needed by the rider inside the helmet is maintained with the help of exclusive Airbooster technology by Nolan. This ensures optimal ventilation inside the helmet by providing it where the rider needs it the most. The airflow is also maintained along the chin guard which contains specialized air intake and rear extractors keeping the front and back flow of the air going in the helmet.
Chin Guard Rotation
The chin guard of the helmet comes with an elliptical trajectory motion that allows it to rotate and makes the support more flexible as per the user. The dual action guard also keeps off moving while the shield is up and provides extra support to your chin.
Eyewear Adaptive
The helmet has an exclusive system designed in itself to accommodate the riders who wear glasses by making an additional space for them. This allows them to be able to ride efficiently and wear their glasses even when the protective shield of the helmet is down.
Microlock Double Lever Retention System
The microlock system is an added safety feature on the helmet that locks both the shield and the chin guard to keep them from moving while riding. This keeps the helmet off from vibrating through the ride and is much safer for the biker.
Bluetooth Communication System
The Nolan N104 Absolute Helmet comes with a specially designed N-com Bluetooth Communication System. This can be set up with the helmet, making talking to people over the phone, etc. a lot easier during the rides. Though sold separately, this feature has made the helmet very popular amongst riders and is in great demand.
Pros
- The helmet is lightweight and also comes with a removable neck roll to support the back of the rider.
- The internal sun shield of the helmet protects the rider from the harmful UV rays.
- The eyewear adaptive technology makes the helmet perfect for the riders who wear glasses.
- The Bluetooth communication system works as an added advantage and is a great feature for bike tourers.
- The helmet is also on the quieter side and is able to cut out almost all outside noise to help the rider concentrate on the road.
Cons
- The Airbooster technology doesn’t work as well in the helmet as it claims to do. It doesn’t give the appropriate moisture free environment to the rider.
- The fit of the helmet lies on the tighter side and you might want to opt for a larger size than yours to get a perfect one.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
To Buy or Not to Buy
The helmet seems to fit most scales, if not all with its excellent features like wide face shield, internal sun shield, chin guard, and eye wear comfort. The added features of the chin guard lock and the microlock retention gives it an extra safety edge for the longer and difficult rides. However, the bad airflow and the fit of the helmet turn out to be a big letdown in this case. But, if you’re into longer rides and are interested in hooking up a Bluetooth communication system in your helmet itself, this could prove to be a great buy for you.