In Search of the Perfect Helmet

[John Anthony]

Well, it's not perfect, but I really like the new Arai Profile I picked up last weekend. I have Ross Perot/Mr. Spock like ears and they'll get sore on a long ride if I don't take regular breaks. I've always used a clear shield in the past, but this time I opted for Arai's mirror/heavy tint and have been very pleased so far. It's also nice that their cheek pads come in various sizes (12mm, 15mm, 20mm, and 25mm). I went down from a 25 to 20 and the fit is darn near perfect. The bigger ear pocket fits me like a "T". Dealer gave me 15% off the helmet and 10% off of the Arai accessories we needed and tossed in a clear replacement shield for my other Arai so I thought we came out in pretty good shape. The discounts/freebies amounted to over $100.

John

[HankSTer]

Hey John,
congrats on the Arai. I love my Quantum II. Here's an additional thing I've been using at all times:

http://www.schampa.com/Item.asp?IID=912

Even during the summer heat in Florida, these help to keep me cool. And keep any perspiration from accumulating and smelling things up. I highly recommend them.

I never wore anything like these with my Arai Quantum f, eventually resulting in having to wash the inside with a garden hose trying to remove the smell.. uggghhhh

regards,

[KJM]

I have checked the local bike shop's and all that is available is Shoi, HJC, &Vega? not sure about the last brand there. Before I spend several hundred on a helmet I would like to try it on? Any suggestions?

[HankSTer]

I have checked the local bike shop's and all that is available is Shoi, HJC, &Vega? not sure about the last brand there. Before I spend several hundred on a helmet I would like to try it on? Any suggestions?

KJM,
There's really only 2 things you can do. Travel (call first), to where ever you have to, to try the sizes you want. Or take a chance buying on Ebay without trying on.

I would strongly suggest you travel first. Arai makes 3 diff helmet shapes, and ofcourse many sizes. And if you do find some in a store to try on, wear it for at least 30 mins! yes in the store. It takes that long for "hot spots" to develop, which help tell you which is the right "shape" for your head.

But I would also mention, the most important part of a helmet is that it fits well, and if you find one locally, diff brand, taht fits, I would go with it personally.


good luck,

[John Anthony]

Hey John,
congrats on the Arai. I love my Quantum II. Here's an additional thing I've been using at all times:

http://www.schampa.com/Item.asp?IID=912

Even during the summer heat in Florida, these help to keep me cool. And keep any perspiration from accumulating and smelling things up. I highly recommend them.

I never wore anything like these with my Arai Quantum f, eventually resulting in having to wash the inside with a garden hose trying to remove the smell.. uggghhhh

regards,
Hank - thnx. for the heads up. Looks like a good accessory at a righteous price! John

[Bigfish]

The Arai is a great helmet, So is my HJC SY-MAX, but they are both noisy with the shield down. I would like to find a quite helmet for a change. Any input? somebody?
Bigfish

[ironox]

I cut my wind noise in half by sealing up the top front vent hole on my Arai Quantum e. I know it will be a bit warmer, but the wind noise was killing me.

[timblanch]

I agree 100% with Hankster. You NEED to go to a shop and try on all the models and brands that interest you. This past weekend I was able to determine over a two hour try-on period that the Shoe X-11 (large) fit me better than any of the Arai's. I would never have known that without going back and forth between them. Yes, you will likely spend more money than on-line (except Arai won't sell on-line, from what I hear), but it's just plain STUPID to buy a helmet without sampling the competition and seeing what's best for your particular noggin, especially if you are already spending $400-$500.

If you are insulted by my comment, I only issued it after being STUPID myself once on this matter.

Go to a dealer that has both/all brands you are considering and spend time with a knowledgable salesman. And let your happy head tell you what to buy. It's money well spent.

Tim:biker:

[STOnkin'aussie]

hey Tim - you end up with the X-11? I have around 10 hours of ride time with my Vermulan Replica X-11 - a bit noisy if you do not wear plugs but what a wonderful lid...nice to actually feel the vents working - easiest visor change going round and with the irridium visor - just perfect. Sometimes you dont know why things are so good - you just know they are.

Angus

[emshaferii]

Agree with the comments above - best helmet for you is the one that fits you best and you will wear regularly.....Shoei X11 fit my fat head well....I just picked up another X11 for my wife....I've got the TC5 and picked up the TC3 Vermulen for the wife