Best Helmet Brand

[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.

[*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/ge...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.

[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/...&catalogId=237

They also make a "Modular 2"

http://www.swiderskipowersports.com/...&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.

[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.

[Keepitgreen]

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

That alone should be the whole Shoei marketing pitch!

HELLS YA!!

[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..

[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.