Conclusion
Much of what was said in the closing remarks for the RF-1100 review can be repeated here. The new Shoei X-12 is an excellent design loaded with high-quality features. It's not revolutionary, but an evolution of the X-Eleven, a very popular race helmet.
The lofty price of the X-Twelve does justify a very close critique. Let's face it: a lot of issues can be overlooked on a $100 helmet that become very annoying when that helmet costs nearly $800.00.
The problems we are experiencing with the ventilation in the X-12 are surprising, as is the increase in weight, both should have been improved over the X-11 in what is supposed to be a top-of-the-line race helmet.
But it's not just the price of the helmet per se. Many riders might be willing to pay a lofty premium for a helmet that offered some outstanding features that were head and shoulders above the competition. For example, super light weight or extremely low noise or superior venting; something -- anything -- to justify the cost.
But I just can't find a single superior area where I can honestly say that the X-12 completely outshines any other motorcycle helmet. Thus, the X-12 has let me down in a number of ways.
It's a beautifully made helmet, absolutely. But it's very difficult to justify spending 2-3 times more on the X-12 than for other helmets that are just as satisfying.
I wish I could say that the price of the X-12 is justified, but for me it isn't. I am interested in hearing opinions from other X-12 owners and learning more about their decision tree in choosing the X-Twelve over other helmets.
