(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Currently Shoei is in the lead with 40 votes, Arai in second with 31 votes, and HJC in third with 12 votes. Scorpion is a close 4th with 10 votes (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/lurk.gif)
Brion, Nov 29 2006, 06:51 AMMake your choice and then tell me why you chose that brand? If you have a custom paint I would like to see the paint and know who did it. Thanks
Aria Quantum II
Started with Shoei (don't remember which model), but the Quantum fit my noggin better and was lighter.
After a T-bone with an SUV last year, the other driver's insurance provided me with a Quantum II.
Arai Quantum - 3rd one! Great fit, lightweight, quiet, Wore Shoei's for years until I tried my first Quantum - what a difference! (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)
It seems that my current AGV (X-Vent) is better than my previous AGV (Vento) for low-speed, head-first head-butting of the road. I had mild concussion after landing on my head last time, but felt nothing this time after face-planting on the footpath (sidewalk).
Right now I have a KBC VR-1, which has been a good helmet. Now that it's about 4yrs old I'm looking to upgrade. After trying on everything I could get my hands on I am saving up for a Shark RSX or RSR 2, depending on which I can find the best deal on.
Better technology for a third the price. It seems to have short sides so I think its noisier than others I've tried but I always use earplugs anyway so I'm not sure. I was worried about the build quality because of the low price but it turned out to have higher quaulity than much more expensive brands, IMHO. Very stable at high speed. and the VSR Chrome looks awesome. that will be my next helmet. Also I think I need a medium instead of a large because of the longish shape of my head.
My shoei X-11 is by far the most comfy and best ventilated helmet I have owned or tried on. I would highly recommend one....more so for $299 (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
My all time favorite helmet is the one I wore in combat, Loved it so much I used to sleep in it, HAHA!!!! OD GREEN KEVLAR,US ARMY AIRBORNE TYPE, HOORAGHHH!!!!!
Oh yeah, Ireally liked my Bell prostar back in the day.
LONG time Shoei wearer. I recently switched to ICON, but it wasn't available as a choice in the poll. They both fit my egg best, but the recent switch to ICON was made because it ventilated better and was a bit less expensive than the Shoei's. It's an ICON Domain, yes, with a cool spoiler for that little extra added down-force. Nothing at all against the Shoei's or any other helmet. I believe you should purchase the best level of protection you can afford and make sure it fits you properly. Don't but it solely on name brand alone.
My vote for favorite helmet goes to my recently aquired Buco RSG 9000M Carbon/Titanium weave shell, with special holographic, color shifting, fractal graphics, 2006 limited edition helmet. Great visibility and soooo comfortably light and airy.........like it's not even on my head when I wear it! FANTASTIC!
Beck, Dec 5 2006, 08:07 PMMy vote for favorite helmet goes to my recently aquired Buco RSG 9000M Carbon/Titanium weave shell, with special holographic, color shifting, fractal graphics, 2006 limited edition helmet. Great visibility and soooo comfortably light and airy.........like it's not even on my head when I wear it! FANTASTIC!
ARAI Astral-X. In a word, comfort. Not a really popular Arai, but by far the most comfortable lid I have ever had. I have a Scorpion too... that never gets worn now that I have the Astral
I had a Scorpion EXO400 till my accident last month. It protected my head so well i just went out and bought an EXO700. I love the fit and to me it is very quiet. Just my .02
I bought the helmet when I picked up my bike. I had been out of motorcycling for over 10 years and I could not believe how much it cost. I negotiated for a gear allowance and got them to knock 75 dollars off the price and I still thought they were sticking it to me. Now I know it wasn't a bad price and it is an excellent helmet.
Re: Daniel Paul Let me know if you try that out. It looks like it doesn't get a whole lot darker, and the only user review of it agreed, said it only got about 10$ darker than clear and took a long time to do so and was a waste of money. it sure would be nice not having to carry a clear and dark tinted.
Daniel Paul, Dec 5 2006, 02:33 AMdoes anybody know if any helmet manufacturer makes a "transitions" (sun activated tint) helmet shield?
cornercarver bought a Fog City Hyper Optiks insert a couple of months ago. It does the magical tint thing, plus it's supposed to be anti-fog. Main site: http://www.modernworld.com/
You can find it at many aftermarket retailers as well.
jstanwood, Dec 5 2006, 11:07 PMcornercarver bought a Fog City Hyper Optiks insert a couple of months ago. It does the magical tint thing, plus it's supposed to be anti-fog. Main site: http://www.modernworld.com/
You can find it at many aftermarket retailers as well.
Thanks for posting up the link. That looks like a good Xmas present for my son. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
I went back and looked also at the Pro-tint sunstrip that goes also on the inside of the visor. Does anyone know if you can apply the sunstrip first and then still use the anti-fog insert over top of that?
My Shoei X11 & X-tec are Lg & they both have a little slop. The X-11 has a great fog deterring breathing vent & the shields come off both lickety split. My new helmet is the rather new, most oval shaped Arai, called the Profile. It is a Med & fits real snug. The vents are okay, but the shield switcheroo was a bear, the one time that I switched 'em. It's the best fit I have found, better than all the Shoeis which I have so loyally purchased since '88. I figure a good fit all around the face, as I have in the Profile, is good & reasuring.
Had to vote for my old HJC... When I crashed it took a lick... I mean a Whollop! My head never hurt at all... not even a little. It could have been lighter... and had better noise control but it was comfy and did it's job.... I'm shopping for a new one now. I tried on a Shark yesterday and have to say I was impressed....
My girlfriend bought me an EXO-700 in matte black for christmas... she also got me the photochromatic face shield. It's a great healmet... a lot quieter then my old Fulmer, but there was a lot of wind that came right up the front a froze your face. I purchased the optional chin fairing which ended that problem. I don't know why they didn't just include it with the helmet.
Currently have a Caberg Rhyno, flip-up. I didn't realize it when I bought it but according to their web page, it comes under the "Junior" category. That is to say it's for kids!! I was in a hurry when I bought it and wasn't sure whether it was just the initial tightness of fit or whether the padding that covers the cheek area was a little high or not. I figured I'd buy it, as tight as it was, so that once the padding had compacted it wouldn't flop around like the previous one was starting to do before I left it on the sidewalk overnight in a fit of absent-mindedness. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I now realize why it feels a little high up. Like, duhhh even!! (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
It has a tad too much wind-lift effect once I get up to decent speed, which I figure is due to the contouring across the back which you see a lot these days. My previous helmet didn't have the contouring and did more the opposite. I haven't modified the windscreen on the bike (hope to soon, I'm 6'4" and want to try the Sport-tourer number by Zero Gravity) so it must be the contouring. If the sides came down a little further I reckon it would be perfect. The air intakes in the chin area aren't closeable, but are filtered quite a lot so that's fine in winter to avoid fogging up and in summer keeps you cool. It's got a mean fighter-pilot look to it and a flip-down tinted internal visor which eliminates the need for digging around for sunnies, which when you're wearing gloves is a blessing. It's light, if I'd got a slightly larger one, it would be real comfie, it's a little noisy but all of them are, it's almost perfect. If it were designed for adults it would be tops....Cost 150 eurons
The one before that was a Vemar. El Cheapo shite model, so I've improved. Just can't allow myself to spend 600 eurons on the Shoeies. Oh yeah, another curiosity, both are/were matt black, but all the finger and hand prints used to show up big time on the Vemar, and the Rhyno looks clean as clean can be.
No option for the ICON, so I voted for my Scorpion. Very comfortable, but not as quiet as the ICON I felt. Overall though it feels like a helmet that is at least twice it's actual price.
No AGV or Bieffe? I've had helmets from both that I liked at the time. One of the Bieffe's I chose mostly for the resemblance to the Star Wars storm troopers. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/goofy.gif) But when I put that Arai Astral on my head at Laguna Seca in the Cycle Gear tent, (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Loved it so much when I saw HobieDog selling one here in my size, I snapped that sucker up. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
I think the fit is the most important thing. And it was just right.
i have a Icon alliance, a HJC cl-14, a KBC VR-1 and a shoei Z-II and recently sold a Arai RX7. The Arai was a nice helmet but i change shiels twice a day and it was a pain in the arse...little lever popped of numerous times, the creaks and groans of the side plates drew fear. but mostly i was offered a great price (more than i paid for it) so i sold it. the icon and the HJC are both heavy (seeing they are nearly the same helmet and produced in the same factory) but the HJC has more chin bar clearance for some reason (too much for my taste). the Shoei Z-II is my favorite and has been perfect for about 4 years now? the KBC i just got and i have to say is a fantastic helmet. lighter than the RX7 and the shoei...easy change shields, comfortable interior. its just its not color coordinated. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) only faults with it is the ratcheting of the shield could be stronger.
Anyone have one of the Shoei Multitec Helmets? I've look and tried on probably 5 different Full Flip Face Helmets and can't find one that fits well and its comfy at all. A friend told me his dad has the new Multitec and he loves it. http://www.shoei-helmets.com/road/product_...h_multitec.aspx
tinyminds, Jan 21 2007, 09:46 PMAnyone have one of the Shoei Multitec Helmets? I've look and tried on probably 5 different Full Flip Face Helmets and can't find one that fits well and its comfy at all. A friend told me his dad has the new Multitec and he loves it. http://www.shoei-helmets.com/road/product_...h_multitec.aspx
years ago i had a syncrotech and actually like the helmet. great for that smoke at the long traffic lights (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif) the new design is far sharper looking
My first lid was a Shoei (RF800, I think)... not bad... but it was claustrophobic without any air flow. My second lid was an Arai RX7RR4 - Loved it! The air flow was plentiful! And the liner... yummy! My third lid was an Icon Alliance Mainframe... hated it. Had it maybe two months and the thing fell apart. The dealer (which shall remain nameless as a promise) graciously took it back on an exchange for FULL credit! (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif) Which leads me to the current lid... a Suomy Spec-1R. LOVE IT! Even though some think the shield changes are cumbersome, they really are quite easy. I just wish they offered the "transition" shield for all day riding like others do. You don't want to get me on a roll talking about my Suomy... so I'll just shut up now... (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
IMO it was pretty true to size. Then again, that may be due to differences in head shape. The cheek pads seem quite a bit plumper than others, so that may be a contributing factor as well. Nicely built helmet... doesn't have certain "cheap" factors like I had with the Arai. The chin deflector cover came off and the shield vents kept breaking off of my Arai.
Otherwise, my experience would rate the Arai with an "A" and the Suomy with an "A+". That, of course, being based on my personal taste and comfort. Thankfully, I've never had to test any of my lids for their main purpose. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
VFRiderGal, Jan 21 2007, 11:55 PMIMO it was pretty true to size. Then again, that may be due to differences in head shape. The cheek pads seem quite a bit plumper than others, so that may be a contributing factor as well. Nicely built helmet... doesn't have certain "cheap" factors like I had with the Arai. The chin deflector cover came off and the shield vents kept breaking off of my Arai.
Otherwise, my experience would rate the Arai with an "A" and the Suomy with an "A+". That, of course, being based on my personal taste and comfort. Thankfully, I've never had to test any of my lids for their main purpose. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
had the same shied vent issues with my arai too. thanks for the suomy info (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
Bell Pro Star in the Bubba Shobert WRB colors. Saved my skull in 1986. Thank you Bell !!! (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
First two that I had when I got back riding were Arai RX7's and I liked them alot. Just recently bougha Shark RSR2 and like the fir and make - haven't had it out for a spin yet since its -25 right now (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/pissed.gif) Guess first real test will be when the sun finally returns!
Fixer still hasn't seen the light on the Arai shield swap, even after I made a video of me swapping mine out while wearing the lid in a matter of seconds. Sure, it's not quite as easy as the Shoei, but it's still very easy when you know how to do it and it's much more robust than you think (so long as you do it right). Fixer probably either had an already damaged part to start with or he used his mekaniking skillz to change the shield and fubar'd it for all future changes. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Most of us won't change shields twice a day, so the Arai is fine in that regard. However, since Fixer does have the commute into the sun one way and at night the other, I don't blame him for going with another lid considering that he needs lots of alcohol to do anything even remotely mechanical very well. Just think of Fletch (Chevy Chase) with his ball bearings and you will get the idea. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
I've heard of people losing vent pieces, but I still have all three of my Arai helmets and have never lost a vent. I did send my most recent lid back (free of charge) for the voluntary recall to get the base piece re-glued. Going by the tracking number, it was recieved, repaired, and sent back out on the same day. I sent and received it in less than a week. It is my understanding that they will send you new vents free of charge if you lose one, but in my 20 years of experience with Arai helmets, I've never had to find out for myself. (Now I will go home and find the cat playing with a brow vent.) (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/goofy.gif)
Daniel Paul, Jan 21 2007, 02:04 PMMy girlfriend bought me an EXO-700 in matte black for christmas... she also got me the photochromatic face shield. It's a great healmet... a lot quieter then my old Fulmer, but there was a lot of wind that came right up the front a froze your face. I purchased the optional chin fairing which ended that problem. I don't know why they didn't just include it with the helmet.
I voted HJC, mostly because it's what I wear. I know it's not the lightest or best ventilated helmet out there, but it fits. And any helmet, like HJC and KBC, that is easily affordable is good b/c it eliminates cost from being a factor in whether new riders buy helmets or not.
Some of you guys buy a lot of helmets...I've only ever used HJC so my opinion is useless...except for the opinion that some of you guys seem to collect helmets like beer cans. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Unlike many others I know that seem to have 15 helmets I have one. It is a Shoei, it is black, and has reflective stickers I put on myself. It serves exactly the purpose I bought it for!!!
Should your favorite be the one your wearing? I have worn a Shoei RF-1000 for three years and like it alot. Just tis week I was able to go to Shoei.com and order replacement cheek pads and some other small parts that had worn out. I have replaced helmets before because they got loose so with the ease of getting parts for just 20 bucks it seals the deal for me for the next two years.
I never knew this but learned last year that helmets have an expiration date. They expire about 5 years after they are made.
tbzep, Jan 25 2007, 09:11 AMFixer still hasn't seen the light on the Arai shield swap, even after I made a video of me swapping mine out while wearing the lid in a matter of seconds. Sure, it's not quite as easy as the Shoei, but it's still very easy when you know how to do it and it's much more robust than you think (so long as you do it right). Fixer probably either had an already damaged part to start with or he used his mekaniking skillz to change the shield and fubar'd it for all future changes. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Most of us won't change shields twice a day, so the Arai is fine in that regard. However, since Fixer does have the commute into the sun one way and at night the other, I don't blame him for going with another lid considering that he needs lots of alcohol to do anything even remotely mechanical very well. Just think of Fletch (Chevy Chase) with his ball bearings and you will get the idea. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
I've heard of people losing vent pieces, but I still have all three of my Arai helmets and have never lost a vent. I did send my most recent lid back (free of charge) for the voluntary recall to get the base piece re-glued. Going by the tracking number, it was recieved, repaired, and sent back out on the same day. I sent and received it in less than a week. It is my understanding that they will send you new vents free of charge if you lose one, but in my 20 years of experience with Arai helmets, I've never had to find out for myself. (Now I will go home and find the cat playing with a brow vent.) (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/goofy.gif)
I am very happy with my Arai Quantum II - it is very comfortable, has excellent venting, and works great. I had some difficulty for awhile (a few months) with the shield changes when I first got it and had some buyers remorse but once I got the hang of it, I could change shields in just a few seconds. It was helpful to download the video on shield changes from Arai.
awlittle, Jan 25 2007, 11:08 AMSome of you guys buy a lot of helmets...I've only ever used HJC so my opinion is useless...except for the opinion that some of you guys seem to collect helmets like beer cans. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Four lids in 20 years for me (plus one for the kid)...that's not collecting. (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
End of thread · 60 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 26 Sep 2008
