Nolan N70-2 X helmet review

In response to a recent video review we did on the Shark OXO helmet, a customer challenged us by asking what had changed. Why were we now offering helmets whose internal parts were not changeable for a more customised fit, having banged on about how important custom fitting was to us? And I have to say that he's got a point. But the truth is that, whilst we sell a lot of Shoeis, we need a less premium offering, because not everybody can afford to spend £500 or more on a helmet.

And if this means that we've had a re-think, then so be it; perhaps we have. Does this mean that, as a business, we've changed direction? Well no, not in our view. Come into the shop, and we are still going to want you to go through a Shoei PFS fit to show you how comfortable a helmet can be. But if Shoei doesn't have the right motorcycle helmet for you, then we're happy to look at other options.

Options like the latest Nolan N70-2 X.

What kind of helmet is the Nolan N70?g

The first thing to say is that, conceptually, the N70-2 X is not new. It's been around for a while. What is new is that this version, which is now ECE 22-06 accredited; and quite simply that means that it's unequivocally a safer, more protective helmet than its predecessor. Frankly, with most brands having converted their ranges to the new standard, there's no case for buying a 22-05 helmet these days. If your noggin is important to you - and it should be - you should be wearing a 22-06 helmet. They are quite simply more protective.

In terms of what kind of helmet the N70 is, it is almost beyond classification.

With the chin bar in place, it's a certified, full-face helmet. With it removed, it's a properly-certified open-face helmet. Take the peak off, and you've got what might pass for a sport-touring helmet. Wear the peak, and you've got an adventure helmet. You can also wear the helmet with or without the peak, but with the visor removed; presumably so that you can wear goggles.

Let's face it, there are going to be better full-face, touring helmets out there, better adventure helmets, and probably better open-face helmets. But I don't think we've ever come across a helmet that, at a pinch, can fulfil all of these roles.

Perhaps, therefore, this is a helmet for somebody who has multiple bikes, but is not in the market for multiple helmets? I cannot quite put my finger on who would buy this helmet, but loads of people bought the old one; and I'm sure the new one will be just as popular.

The Nolan N70-X 2 in detail

The most obvious feature on the N70, obviously, is its removable chin bar. And there's nothing fiddly about removing it, or replacing it. Importantly, when the chin bar is inserted into its slots, the helmet qualifies as a full-face helmet.

And this is significant because, very shortly, Schuberth will be bringing its removable-chin bar J2 helmet to market, but on the Schuberth helmet the chin bar doesn't meet the homologation requirements for a full-face helmet under 22-06. The Schuberth is probably a better helmet in most respects, but for those who like to tick boxes, the Nolan will tick one that the Schuberth cannot.

One other point on the removable chin piece. The red tabs tell first responders that the front section can be removed to allow access to a rider's airways. This is crucially important because it takes at least two, trained, medical personnel to remove a full-face helmet. It's one of the reasons why many people consider flip-lid helmets safer to ride in than full-face helmets. Well, the same logic applies here to the N70.

The main visor is pretty large, implying a very good field of view. In the up position, tucked under the peak, it does not impede that view. And the detente mechanism is pretty impressive too. What is less impressive is the Pinlock 70 anti-fog visor. Nothing shouts corner cutting and penny-pinching louder than a Pinlock 70. We would have preferred a Pinlock 120. Obviously.

In terms of venting, you get a simple open and closed arrangement on the chin. On the brow, there's a two-position vent in the centre, and two similarly adjustable ones to either side of it. But they feel a bit cheap and flimsy, and trying to work out the halfway position with a gloved hand will not be easy. Obviously there's an exhaust vent at the back of the helmet.

The N70's got a drop-down sun visor that has a clever ratchet mechanism just like the one on the Shark OXO; and perhaps that shouldn't surprise us as both brands are owned by the French Trophy group.

The peak is easy enough to remove. You don't need any tools. And you get blanking plates to cover up the visor mechanism, to reduce the wind noise if you want to run the helmet without the main visor. The peak can be adjusted.

The N70 is no lightweight, but at 1800g. in size Medium it's about what one would expect. The chinstrap features a micrometric clasp. You also get a removable, chin curtain.

There's nothing really not to like about the N70, provided you accept it for what it is. With its Lexan shell, (another another name for Polycarbonate or plastic), this is not exactly a premium helmet. As is also attested to by the fact that it only comes in two shell sizes. In places, the helmet does, it has to be said, feel a tad plasticky. It feels like a helmet that has been made to a price point, which of course it has been.

The N70 is, and you would expect us to say this, no Shoei helmet. But then again Shoei doesn't offer a helmet with this kind of versatility. Heck, right now, they don't even have a helmet with a peak!

Comms. capability

The new N70 has a very neat, integrated comms. facility or capability, although it's not the very easiest we've come across in terms of installation. They come in a number of configurations; and they are all powered by Sena.

The N-Com M951 R series, as it is known, is Mesh only. Obviously, Mesh is the future, and in some situations it's better, but if you want to be able to talk with friends on a Sena Bluetooth system, you won't be able to.

There is a slightly less expensive Bluetooth-only version, but of course you cannot talk to anybody with a Sena Mesh comms. with this one. This unit is known as the N-Com B902.

There's a third unit, which is designed purely for rider to pillion communications. This goes under the model designation N-Com B602, and you can get it in a twin-pack version for a reasonable saving.

The point we would make, of course, is that it would have been nice to have a unit that could transfer between Mesh and Bluetooth. And if that's what you would like, then we would recommend the Interphone UCOM 16. It won't integrate into the shell as nicely, but it's still a very low-profile unit.

For all the Nolan comms. units you will find the full spec. on the website, obviously. And don't forget that if you buy a comms. with a helmet you won't have to pay the 20% VAT on the comms..

In conclusion

The Nolan N70-2 X is what it is. It's a very clever package. This is not a high-end helmet, but then again it's not a budget helmet. So it's not a helmet that anybody needs to be embarrassed about wearing.

Given that it's 22-06, if you liked the old version, this is logically the one to upgrade to, because 22-06 helmets are more protective than 22-05 ones.

In terms of fit, whilst the helmet is new to us, we can instantly recognise that it has a pretty oval fit; and that will be the issue for some, because there's nothing we can do to alter the fit either around the head; or in the cheek area. If the N70 fits you out of the box, then great. But if it doesn't, walk away. It's somewhat of a myth that a helmet will wear in over time. In fact, in some ways it's quite the contrary. A helmet that is not totally comfortable in the shop will often feel far less so after an hour or two's riding.

In terms of price, it has to be said that you get a lot for your money with the N70. The dullest blacks and greys cost £280 at the time of going to print in early 2025. The nicer colours cost £300; and there are some really nice plain colours. The graphic treatments come in at £330.

If, by the way, you watch our video review, the prices are wrong. They are all quoted with a 5% discount, which used to be the Nolan policy, but is no longer. Anyway, apologies; our bad as some grammatically-challenged individuals are wont to say!

Of course, we will still beat any competitor's reduced price by a full 10%, so even though our website is not permanently daubed with red ink, we will, as ever, always be the cheapest. Unlike John Lewis, we really won't be undersold. For terms and conditions of our 10% Price beat guarantee, click here.

You can buy a Nolan N70-2 X helmet with free next day UK delivery online, or visit our store in Guildford to try it one on.