Best Helmet Brand

[lovinCO]

Looking for a new helmet, thought I'd poll the group for what you wear/like. Who's your favorite helmet manufacturer? Vote!



I currently own a couple of old Shoeis. A '99ish X-9 and an old RF900. Ready for something new. :yumyum:

[dirkterrell]

I have worn Arai helmets for about 25 years. I have a Shoei RF-1000 and it's a nice helmet but the Arai fits my noggin better and is much better ventilated.

Dirk

[mtnairlover]

I've only owned Scorpions and have only been riding for 3 years. They've all served their purpose though...protecting me in a crash. I've heard the story that some guy from Shoei started Scorpion, cuz he said he could build a comparable helmet without the major bite out of the pocketbook. I've owned the Exo700.

[lovinCO]

I have worn Arai helmets for about 25 years. I have a Shoei RF-1000 and it's a nice helmet but the Arai fits my noggin better and is much better ventilated.

Dirk

I had a v nice Mick Doohan Arai, but it consistently left a mark on my forehead after wearage. I guess I have the wrong shaped noggin for Arai. Then I fell off and smashed it, so problem solved. :)



I've only owned Scorpions and have only been riding for 3 years. They've all served their purpose though...protecting me in a crash. I've heard the story that some guy from Shoei started Scorpion, cuz he said he could build a comparable helmet without the major bite out of the pocketbook. I've owned the Exo700.


Good info. Shoei treats me right fitwise, and I know it's a good helmet, but they are expensive! :scream1: Would be nice to find a quality alternative.

[Tipys]

I voted HJC Cause thats all I have ever had and I like what I have gotten so far. I have heard good things about Shoei, Suomy, and I like Arai but cost alittle much for me right now

[Aracheon]

My preference for longer distance riding (especially in summer) are the Shark helmets. They're VERY light and extremely well ventilated. The only tradeoff with a vented helmet is noise, however.

I'm considering an Arai, Shoei, or a Scorpion when I'm ready for a new one.

[dirkterrell]

I had a v nice Mick Doohan Arai, but it consistently left a mark on my forehead after wearage. I guess I have the wrong shaped noggin for Arai.


Yep, comfort and fit are crucial. Sounds like you needed the long oval rather than the round oval shape. Arai offers three different internal shapes. Not sure if any other manufacturers do that.

Dirk

[lovinCO]

Yep, comfort and fit are crucial. Sounds like you needed the long oval rather than the round oval shape. Arai offers three different internal shapes. Not sure if any other manufacturers do that.

Dirk


Thanks for the info! I was unaware of differnt internal shapes, may have to reconsider Arai if I can overcome the forehead pressure point...

[Nick_Ninja]

I wear the Shoei XP2 (this is the last year) in the winter as it is warmer.

http://thehelmetsource.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/02-037.jpg

The Scorpion Crackhead is the brain bucket of choice in the warmer weather.

http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/images/exo700_crackhead_silver.jpg

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

Some decent info found here on helmets and other gear...

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm

Also you can check helmet weight comparisons here...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm

And some info on helmet noise here...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

Enjoy!

[Sully]

I have a Suomy and a Shoei... The Suomy is comfy and very lightweight (which helps my neck not get so crunched) they do offer different sizes of padding.. I like my Shoei, great fit, sort of noisy and not as light.. I'm happy with both :)

[Mista Black]

Schuberth (http://www.schuberth.com). They are nice looking and comfy (in my opinion) but who cares. that's not a helmets job. it's job is to save your life and i KNOW my Schuberth will do that. and has.

[Bueller]

Schuberth (http://www.schuberth.com). They are nice looking and comfy (in my opinion) but who cares. that's not a helmets job. it's job is to save your life and i KNOW my Schuberth will do that. and has.
when? pray tell:)

[AshliRider44]

I'm surprised about the votes for Scorpion. I've seen two crashed Scorpion helmets at the racetrack and they were destroyed. :(

[pauliep]

I voted Scorpion because that's what my last two were. Crashed both of them and was happy with the protection. Granted they weren't some crazy hits they took but the comfort and fit were perfect for me too. I'm willing to try different brands on this season, but else fails I'm going back to Scorpion.

[sky_blue]

KBC - I had one of these, and after a few months, the padding was so packed out, it wiggled around on my head. Gave it to my dad and he likes it just fine.

Icon - Yeah, I bought a pink helmet. The padding is hard and it's pretty noisy. I keep it because it is tight on my head. My Arai starts to suck off my head at 100+ mph, where the Icon stays put. Also, with the silver faceshield on, I am in full attention whore mode, and passerbys assume there must be a hot chick under the helmet, and not just 30-something Jen. Rowr!

Arai - When I bought my Arai, I knew only vaguely that they made different shapes (round oval, long oval...). The one off the shelf in the store fit great! Course, it probably helped that a billion people before me had tried on that same helmet. I ordered mine, and when I got it, it never really sat on my head right. I switched out the internal pads to a different size, and that helped a bit. It's also nice that you can wash the internals. It's quiet, light, and soft inside, but at 100+mph, it starts to try to suck up off my head. I know it's not going to fly off, but it's annoying. Also, I wish I could see better periferally. I've always thought the sides of the eye hole were blocking my view to the sides a bit, and it gets worse when the helmet moves around on my head. Maybe this all has to do with the fit. Also, carrrying the helmet I bonked it into a wall, and the little vent tabby on the top broke off...now, if I turn my head just right in the wind I can hear it flap.

[Devaclis]

I'm surprised about the votes for Scorpion. I've seen two crashed Scorpion helmets at the racetrack and they were destroyed. :(

A helmets job is not to survive a crash. It is to make the person wearing it survive a crash. Just like the passenger compartment of a formula 1 car, they should absorb the impact and break away so their is less stress on the brain.

IMO, if you were in a major accident involving your head and your helmet did not crumple or the foam did not compress, then that helmet is dangerous. Remember, they are intended for 1 use only :)

[TFOGGuys]

Looking for a new helmet, thought I'd poll the group for what you wear/like. Who's your favorite helmet manufacturer? Vote!



I currently own a couple of old Shoeis. A '99ish X-9 and an old RF900. Ready for something new. :yumyum:
I've been a long time Shoei fan (riding in an RF1000 currently), and I replace my helmets every 3 years. I might go with Icon next time, but fit is more important than brand.

[Sortarican]

Personally I've never owned any of the more expensive brands.
I've had Bell, Scorpion, KBC, and HJC and in that price range the Scorpion is my favorite.
Pretty good on weight, noise, and features.

This summer I'll probably break down and pony up the extra bucks for a higher end lid.

[TFOGGuys]

I had a v nice Mick Doohan Arai, but it consistently left a mark on my forehead after wearage. I guess I have the wrong shaped noggin for Arai. Then I fell off and smashed it, so problem solved. :)





Good info. Shoei treats me right fitwise, and I know it's a good helmet, but they are expensive! :scream1: Would be nice to find a quality alternative.

Sometimes we can find Shoei closeouts at VERY attractive prices, usually about this time of year when the new styles come out. 40% discounts ar not uncommon (my RF1000 DuHamel replica was almost $400 LESS than the original price!)

[Devaclis]

My Icon is really heavy, ugly, fits just OK, and has little to no venting.

I purchased a Simpson. Had it custom sized for me. The damn thing thing started to fall apart in less than a year. It is REALLY light but kind of loud.

I had an HJC and it was heavy, loud, no venting, and after about 3 months the padding inside compressed so much it did not fit anymore.

I have yet to wear any of the more expensive brands but I have tried them all on. None of them fir me really well.

[dragos13]

You will find that different models fit different shapes of heads. first, get something that has been DOT and snell tested. I have heard horror stories of KBC's and Scorpions.

I just recently picked up a Shark helmet for the first time and I love it. Remember, you will get what you pay for. It sucks to have to crash test a helmet so read up on some reviews and see what they say. Of course you can't go wrong with Arai or Suomy, however they are pretty pricey.

[konichd]

Suomy hands down, I have a shoei x-11 and I don't care for it much.

[lovinCO]

Sometimes we can find Shoei closeouts at VERY attractive prices, usually about this time of year when the new styles come out. 40% discounts ar not uncommon (my RF1000 DuHamel replica was almost $400 LESS than the original price!)

Wow! I'd be interested in possible close-out Shoei's. :)


Will PM you for more info.

[Ghost]

Go with whichever brand fits YOUR head best.

For me, it's Shoei (street and dirt). I've had top-of-the-line Arai helmets but they just don't fit me properly w/o pressure points. I've had AGV and HJC but they're heavy.

Shoei helmets have removable liners (some models at least), the graphics are hand-laid, the helmets hand-made and they meet DOT and SNELL standards. I've crashed at the track in Shoei and swear by their quality construction. You can even send them into Shoei for free post-crash inspection. They're within ounces of weight with Arai, and in my experience they're quieter with far less wind noise than the Arai helmets I've had.

Anyway, find the one that fits you best in the price range you want with the features you need. Get SNELL approved if you can, DOT is a far lower standard.

[Priller_Nate]

I'm surprised about the votes for Scorpion. I've seen two crashed Scorpion helmets at the racetrack and they were destroyed. :(


Depending on the crash it could be that they did their job. I've seen Sharks destroyed too and they consistently get really high marks on the tests.

[Mista Black]

I don't care so much about test results. I care that my last Schuberth took a pile driving hit into the sharp corner of a gaurd rail post with my 200lbs behind it at over 80mph and I'm still breathing. That's the real world test and I prefer it for me. That's all I need to keep buying Schuberths.

And Bueller... it was July 23, 2000 on Monarch pass. We'll have to get together some time; I'll tell you the story. :lol:

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

Jeff-

I know you don't care much about test results, however, your Schuberth did very well in this particular test.

Another helmet that taught us a thing or two was the Schuberth S-1. The Schuberth is certified to the ECE 22-05 standard, which dictates impact energies marginally higher than the DOT standard. Like the Z1R ZRP-1 and the Fulmer AFD4, it has relatively large outer dimensions, leaving room in the shell for thicker, and presumably softer, EPS. And like the DOT-only lids, it soaked up energy like a sailor soaks up Schlitz. If you can't bring yourself to wear a $79.95 helmet just to get excellent energy management, you'll feel very comfortable with the Schuberth, which sells for $640 to $700.

It can be found in this article...http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/


I don't care so much about test results. I care that my last Schuberth took a pile driving hit into the sharp corner of a gaurd rail post with my 200lbs behind it at over 80mph and I'm still breathing. That's the real world test and I prefer it for me. That's all I need to keep buying Schuberths.

And Bueller... it was July 23, 2000 on Monarch pass. We'll have to get together some time; I'll tell you the story. :lol:

[arata954]

i was always a fan of arai, and thats what i own. my dad was my source of insparation for that. but last deployment (2005-2006) i read a review on shark and learned that they had better crash results from the amount of G's transfered into your dome than arai.. so next time i buy a helmet (2 years) im getting a shark.

[GSXRJOHNNY]

I own two Sharks and one HJC. The Sharks are the best I've ever had on my head, the HJC is well,,,cheap and I don't trust it. I've had Shoei's and they are also very nice, but not as light as the Shark.

[Rednarb]

I've got a fat-round head and low budget. The Scorpion EXO-700 fits me perfectly, both in noggin and in the wallet.

I definitely subscribe to the "get what you pay for" adage, but based on reviews and test results I've read, I think the Scorp is a fantastic buy. But I've yet to crash-test it myself thankfully! :)

[towneh]

my favorite helmet is a modular unit by Nolan. great for long distance riding for ironbutt. it protected my nogin for my Central City Parkway slide-for-life.
--great to be here--
bus_henry

[merlin]

I just bought an "other" this weekend, and if it works out, you might want to add it to the consideration list..


Ski-Doo Modular snowmobile helmet.

DOT rated, modular, has the slide-down sunglasses, a mask that fits over your mouth and nose to exhaust your breath out the sides of the helmet to keep the shield un-fogged- All the bells and whistles.

New they go for about ~$200-250 on E-Bay, I think a bit higher in the local stores. I got mine for $103.50.
http://www.swiderskipowersports.com/productdetail.htm?productId=2696942&catalogId=237

They also make a "Modular 2"

http://www.swiderskipowersports.com/productdetail.htm?productId=4527657&catalogId=702

Merlyn

[chad23]

I have the scorpion exo700 now and it fit a tad tight (i like it). I also have an hjc and it fits way to loose. I just ordered an icon and love the fit (just right). All are med.
I say to to a shop with a lot of different brands and try them on till you find the one that feels the best. Plus price is an issue
I vote for the scorpion, solid all around.Hell I'll sell you mine for $50.00 less than new

[slayermd]

You can flame all you want but........ I have had two Zox helmets and so far so good. Given I haven't smacked my head on the ground yet, they do fit good and are well priced. I am on the Zox Spectra as of now, going to get another one to match the bike tho.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1647/5db3d2ed16165df083cf116ok6.jpg

[Slo]

Suomy hands down, I have a shoei x-11 and I don't care for it much.

Wanna sell your X-11 to me???:(

[Mel]

I started out riding with Shoei's, replaced them every 3 years etc. etc. Then I crashed in one (I dunno, RF model, was a few years ago)...helmet held up fine, but I had a decent concussion from the hit as well as having knocked myself out. Definitely did the job, hands down (I mean, not dead, right?) but when I started looking into another helmet I fell in love with the Sharks. I am on my second Shark helmet (the shiny chrome paint on my first one started peeling so I got another one) and I love love it; I have yet to crash test it personally, but am most pleased with the fit, the weight, and the overall design that if I survive whatever I do when I crash test it, I will get another one.

[B_Ott]

I have a KBC TK 77 that I got for 50 bucks. It isnt bad for as cheap as it is thats for sure. It is very noisy and not well ventilated. It is DOT and Snell approved though so at least it will save my head if I go down, well I hope. Either way I said Arai was best

[Giianee]

Shoei RF 1000 . Went down @ around 60mph,,, and i can still get excited watching porn.:drink:

[Keepitgreen]

Shoei RF 1000 . Went down @ around 60mph,,, and i can still get excited watching porn.:drink:

That alone should be the whole Shoei marketing pitch!

HELLS YA!!:turtle:

[lovinCO]

So far this gang likes Arai Shoei Scorpion by far.


Although I've had several concussions in Shoeis I think I want another one. Doh.

[Keepitgreen]

I just got me another Arai Nakano model on Ebay for something like $560 shipped to the door. Same dude had a Pedrosa helmet for around $515.
That is the best price I had ever even heard of for an RX7 Corsair (replica).
The pictures below do not do the helmet justice. It is a sweet scheme with metal flake in it.

[Devaclis]

After owning my new RF1000 for a few weeks, it is the best helmet I have ever owned. Light, quiet, shiny, fits well.

The only problem is that it fogs up like the bay bridge.

[konichd]

Wanna sell your X-11 to me???:(

Eric Bostrom signed it, actually depreciating the value :(

[Keepitgreen]

DK, the jacket I have for sale would match that thing perfectly!
Think about it..
:drink:

[Xtremjeepn]

I have had several Shoei helmets. Liked them all for the most part. Fairly quiet, warm in the winter but hot in the summer.

Still have an old Bieffe (sp) sitting on my helmet shelf from years ago. (crap lid)

I have always REALLY wanted an Arai so when I needed a new helmet this time I got an Arai Profile UK. (long oval). Fits wonderfully!!! Lighter than my Shoeis, noisier but also MUCH MUCH cooler in the summer. The vents do a MUCH better job at keeping my head coola and dry.

Overall the Arai just feels more quality than the Shoeis I have had. (should for 2x the price).

All that said, I looked at a lot of the less expensive lids. Some of them were really nice lids for the price. (Scorpion for example). Seems like all the same features and quality as my Arai for much less money. (I have just wanted an Arai for so long I just had to have it this time)

[rybo]

Over the years I've had several brands, Here are some of my experiences. I like the light weight and fit of the Suomy the best, so that's what I'm wearing at the track this year.

Shoei- Great construction, fits me well, by far the best shield change mechanism I've ever had.

Arai- Great construction, fit and finish is probably best on Arai, lots of different models and shapes for different heads. Probably the worst shield change mechanism on the market.

AGV- Cool, Rossi wears em, light, doesn't fit my head as well and seems to sit further off the front of my face.

Suomy- Super light, fits me very well, ventilates better than most. Not a super easy shield change, but not too bad. Requires some kind of tool to accomplish.

[Dizzy D]

I have a great solution!

Let's ask Bob. He has crashed wearing most of the brands mentioned. He has first hand experience. He he.......

Sorry Bob, I had to say it. I have heard about the shrine you used to have when living with Joe.

[Ghost]

I have had several Shoei helmets. Liked them all for the most part. Fairly quiet, warm in the winter but hot in the summer.

Still have an old Bieffe (sp) sitting on my helmet shelf from years ago. (crap lid)

I have always REALLY wanted an Arai so when I needed a new helmet this time I got an Arai Profile UK. (long oval). Fits wonderfully!!! Lighter than my Shoeis, noisier but also MUCH MUCH cooler in the summer. The vents do a MUCH better job at keeping my head coola and dry.

Overall the Arai just feels more quality than the Shoeis I have had. (should for 2x the price).



I had two Arai Edward's Replica RX7-RRs, and both came out of the box with defective flip-vents. Instead of opening, they'd just stick. So, at my cost, I had to send them back to Arai to get them warrantied. Plus, even with my shaved head I never thought the vents did much other than create a ton of noise. And, as RYBO points out, the shield change is a major PITA.

You're experience may vary, but for the $$, I've never been impressed with Arai.

For about the same money, my Shoei X-SPII and my latest X-11 are far better. Even my "loaner" RF-1000 mid-range helmet is light, quiet, and well-made (according to those who've used it, I've never actually ridden in it).

And as for weight, good luck telling the difference:

Arai Corsair RX7-RR 3lbs 6.6oz
Shoei X-Eleven 3lbs 7.2oz
Shoei RF-1000 3lbs 5.4oz

Evaluation by Helmet Harbor:


Shoei has 2 wind tunnels, in-house. The helmet travels through the air with very little drag or buffeting. The X-Eleven seems to “cut the wind like a warm knife through butter”. Even crosswind buffeting is virtually eliminated. Also, our testing shows that the X-Eleven can handle speeds up to 160mph with little to no headshake.
Ventilation
Shoei developed a completely different way of making the X-11 vent, when compared to the rest of the helmet world. Shoei uses two separate layers of foam EPS and sandwich them together when the helmet is assembled. Between these two layers they incorporated channels, which allows air to move freely and effectively through the helmet. Kind of like duct work in your home.
Most helmet manufacturers still punch holes through the EPS foam and the outer shell. We can't count the number of customers who have walked back into our store during the Arizona summer months and thanked us for showing them the X-Eleven.
Noise Levels
“Okay, I have heard it said that race helmets are too noisy for riding on the street”. That is statement is somewhat misleading, especially in regard to the Shoei X-Eleven. It isn’t noticeably different than the majority of helmets on the market. We've ridden hundreds of helmets, many back to back, and the X-Eleven does an amazing job keeping the noise at bay. (Side note: We think everyone should ride with some sort of ear-protection no matter what helmet you choose).
What’s inside the X-Eleven?
The Shoei X-Eleven is one of the best fitting helmets we've tested. The padding is removable and internally customizable. The replacement pads are available in several different thicknesses, so getting that custom fit is easy to accomplish.
Shape
The X-11 is best described as a moderate oval in terms of shell shape. Shoei has done a great job of finding the perfect compromise between round and oval. Over 80% of those that try it on get a great fit.
The X-Eleven comes in 4 shell sizes
The X-Eleven comes in four distinct shell sizes. Most companies use 2 different outer shells for a specific model. The first being SMALL, the second being LARGE. They take the small and use 3 different thickness pads to create sizes XS, S, and M. They do the same to the large to create L, XL, and 2XL. This means a person wearing a size LARGE is wearing the same sized Shell as someone in a 2XL.
The Shoei X-Eleven gives you 4 rather than 2 (See Below)
Shell #1
X-Small and Small
Shell #2
Medium
Shell #3
Large
Shell #4
X-Large and 2X-Large





You’ll notice that size Medium and Large get their very own dedicated shells. The whole idea behind this concept is to give the rider the smallest and lightest helmet possible.
Visor Removal
We feel Shoei has one of the best visor removal systems on the market. You can take your visor off with just 1 finger and re-installing it is just as easy.
The X-Eleven ships with a breath guard chin curtain, a quality helmet sack to keep the helmet safe. They provide the customer a 5-year warranty and they stand behind it. The helmet is available in XS through 2XL and is offered in many graphics as well as solid colors.
Conclusion
The Shoei X-Eleven is a helmet in a league of it’s own. It's rare when we can't find a single fault with a product, but that's the case with the X-Eleven. Shoei got this helmet right in every possible way. The quality is outstanding. The venting is the best we've tested, and the aerodynamics are flawless.


Again, I'm not a Shoei rep nor sponsored by them, so I'm just stating my experiences as a source of information (and be aware that after my first Shoei years ago, I've become as brand-loyal as some Kawi fanatics on here are about their bikes).

So, as everyone's said, go try on a ton of helmets and decide for yourself (but I'll keep my my head inside a Shoei). ;)

[SupermotoMJ]

heres my brain bucket, replacing my Arai that ive had over 10 years! http://www.motostrano.com/enlarge.html?http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/motostrano_1996_18029533