The N86 is Nolan’s upgraded, redesigned version of their popular N85. Weighing in at 3.98 pounds, this polycarbonate headgear comes in a number of attractive, muted solid colors. With a stylish exterior, better ventilation scheme, and a more angular design, it is a great choice for daily commutes as well as sports and tours.
The improvements made to the N86 include better vents with easier controls and a better interior lining with more microfiber. The moisture wicking liner is also colorful and stands out against the solid hue exterior. The overall fit of the helmet has also undergone a change compared to the previous N85. While the latter was of the signature round shape that is associated with all of Nolan’s helmets, the N86 has a more neutral to intermediate oval fit.
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What Would You Love?
The N86 comes with a Bluetooth unit and cut-aways near the ear for easy installation of a speaker system. This allows riders to easily install a speaker without creating any pressure points. In addition to these, Nolan has added a number of features that make the N86 both user-friendly and convenient.
The Top Features to Look Out For
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the various benefits and features that the Nolan N86 has to offer.
Shell
Starting at the exterior, the N86 is compact, streamlined, and sleek. Its polycarbonate shell makes it both strong and durable. As mentioned earlier, the fit of the helmet is an intermediate oval one, and this should allow it to suit more customers as most sports helmets come in this shape.
The aerodynamic design of the helmet coupled with the optimal airflow provided by the ventilation system will allow for smooth, drag-free rides. This would be especially useful at high speeds and turbulent weather.
One drawback that the N86 has is that it only comes in one shell size. This shortcoming is somewhat made up for with an improved EPS, but it’s still a drawback. Customers who are used to the old round fit of the N35 might find it hard to find a good fit with this model.
At 3.98 pounds the helmet is a bit on the heavy side but it offers excellent protection and is suitable for all riding positions. The sporty look of the shell that’s complemented by the vents and the drop-down sun visor further add to the N86’s merits.
Visors
The N86 comes equipped with a Pinlock lens. The anti-fog visor has a silicone-sealed profile and an anti-fog insert. The visor can be easily popped off with a single press, it can also be effortlessly put back. This makes lens changes and cleaning hassle-free and quick.
The drop-down sun visor is easy to operate and can be controlled using a slider at the side of the helmet. This allows it to operate independently from the clear shield. It is UV protected and offers clear, glare-free visibility in all lighting conditions.
Ventilation
The ventilation scheme of the N86 is such that it provides optimum air circulation and keeps the wearer cool and comfortable.
The controls on the vents are easier to access and use than on the previous model. The style of the chin vents have been changed too. Towards the back of of the helmet there are venturi style exhaust ports. These maximize air-flow and provide a cool look to the helmet.
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.
Padding and Lining
The inner padding of the N86 is snug, comfy, and easy to remove. It is made of washable, anti-microbial material. It’s also composed of soft fabrics that are highly breathable. As a result, the helmet will be comfortable to wear for long durations. It’s perfect to take it out when you are going on those long journeys or road trips, and the hard but soft interiors ensure you don’t have any problems.
Furthermore, the inner comfort padding is cut in such a way that it allows users to comfortably wear eyeglasses. The shape of the padding will accommodate them without forming any pressure points. Also, the reflective insert at the center of the removable roll neck helps improve visibility at night.
Cutaways near the ear allow for installation of speaker systems and the moisture wicking lining will keep riders dry on hot sweaty days.
Customer Reviews
Most customers are quite happy with their purchase of the Nolan N86. There have only been complaints about minor things like difficulty in installing clamps. As for the shell size, since there is only one shell size for the model, smaller sizes have more padding in them to reduce the size on the interior. For this reason, some customers have found smaller sizes to be bulky and uncomfortable.
On the whole, the majority of its customers agree that the N86 is a solid product that is quite comfortable to wear. Some users have even pointed out that it is quieter than other helmets they’re used to.
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.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a full faced helmet for your journeys outside, this is a good bet. With durable materials, it is sure to last long. While you are limited by options in some regards, it’s a good deal nonetheless, especially since you’re getting a lot more in the helmet.
Nolan’s N86 has all the requirements for a full-faced sports helmet. From protection to comfort, all the features that Nolan offers make this a great long-term investment.