Shutterbug
Like Spencer said, make sure the helmet fits. That's far more important than brand name. I use HJC helmets too. Everyone has a different shaped head, so the Shoei that fits me perfectly may not be comfortable for you.
Re: WHICH HELMET WOULD YOU BUY??? SHARK RSR2
I was hoping for a topic like this for a while.....
I tried all brands/models at the local STealership... They recently brought in the line of SHARK helmets (European brand), they fit me really great ! I asked around me, everyone seems to say they are really light, silent, and well vented. So I think I will go for it....
However, when I ask the sales guy why it didn't have the Snail cert, he said "they didn't bother do it, in Europe their standards are much higher". He also indicated SHARK is extremely popular in Europe. Not sure how much of all that is a fact...
But yet, I haven't been able to find some "crash tests" comparing Shoei / Arai / Shark ...
Anyone knows more about the history of this manufacturer and their helmets ?
I was hoping for a topic like this for a while.....
I tried all brands/models at the local STealership... They recently brought in the line of SHARK helmets (European brand), they fit me really great ! I asked around me, everyone seems to say they are really light, silent, and well vented. So I think I will go for it....
However, when I ask the sales guy why it didn't have the Snail cert, he said "they didn't bother do it, in Europe their standards are much higher". He also indicated SHARK is extremely popular in Europe. Not sure how much of all that is a fact...
But yet, I haven't been able to find some "crash tests" comparing Shoei / Arai / Shark ...
Anyone knows more about the history of this manufacturer and their helmets ?
Rob__
I agree with the one that fits. My HJC was a bit tight in one spot and at 30 min the helmet had to come off. Think of it like buying ski boots. You should have your hair at the longest you wear it and spend the day there. Take an MP3 player or something.
jwayden
John Wayden
If they were available in the US, I think I'd want a Caberg Justissimo GT! The integrated internal sun visor sure would be convenient, and the helmet has the flip-up (modular) feature I've learned to like. The down side is that if you want one, you have to order it from Europe, which makes it really hard to try on before buying.
Kelly Cox
If you happen to have an "oval" shaped head, as opposed to a more rounded head, try the fit of an Arai Profile. I tried everything out there and it fits me like a glove. Make sure it's a bit snug on your cheeks...it'll actually feel a bit tight at first. But, it will break in to the shape of your face. If you're not oval headed, better look for something else. Quality and details on the Arai's are top notch in my book, but you'll pay $$$ for it. But, what's a head worth?
DaBear
My two pence:
I have a rather large head, and no real neck to speak of, and I like the Nolan modular with the integrated flip-up sun visor.
I have a rather large head, and no real neck to speak of, and I like the Nolan modular with the integrated flip-up sun visor.
- Joined
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- '08 Connie C14
My riding buddy, Ray, bout a Caberg Justissimo (not GT, I don't think) at the IMS show in Phoenix in November 2006. At the time, Helmet Harbour was also a stocking dealer...
About the certification: SNELL only tests the helmets that are submitted to them. Since DOT is the 'legal' certification in this country, and Euro xx is the certification across the pond, Snell doesn't get them all...and they do not do Modular.
A slight modification to your last sentence "they have not had modular helmets submitted for testing".
It seems that the modular folks understand Snell specs too... Why would any manufacture pay the money for Snell testing to be told that their helmet does now meet Snell specs for temple clearance....
Mark
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2006
- Messages
- 1,126
- Age
- 73
- Location
- Yuma, Arizona. AKA Paradise Lost
- Bike
- '08 Connie C14
You're right, Mark. I knew there was a reason, just couldn't remember what it was. I'm almost old enough for the "National Park Pass"
The other thing I didn't tell was that Caberg and HJC and Shoei (the ones I tried on) and others have a huge presence at the IMS shows. You can buy helmes right there until they only have one of each style for sizing purposes, then they will ship. My last (HJC) came from the show, Ray's Caberg had to be shipped...it was there by Thursday.
The other thing I didn't tell was that Caberg and HJC and Shoei (the ones I tried on) and others have a huge presence at the IMS shows. You can buy helmes right there until they only have one of each style for sizing purposes, then they will ship. My last (HJC) came from the show, Ray's Caberg had to be shipped...it was there by Thursday.
st11ray
2006 ST1300
I've had both Shoei's and Arai"s and the Arai's seem to fit my head better. Like everyone else says, you have to try them and see which feels best for you.
snook90
They had a nice write up this month in Rider magazine this month on helmets. Unfortunately, they were all flip up's.
I just attended the motorcycle show in Minneapolis and was needing a new helmet. It was not the Arai dealer but rather someone who would customize the helmet to fit the individual.
The head measurements said the Arai Profile in a Large would fit. It did, but my chin barely hit the front of the helmet. He said I can take care of that.
He brought out an XL Profile and swapped out the head liner to a 12mm and that portion fit like a glove. The cheeks were a bit tight with the 25mm pads. Swapped out to 20mm which were snug. Checked out the 15mm which were a bit sloppy near the top of the pad but snug at the bottom.
Final choice - Arai Profile XL - 12mm liner - 20mm cheekpads. As for the liners, I am going to get the different liners from the RX-7 which have the wicking liner to keep your head cooler.
How many other helmets allow you to customize to that extent if they don't fit perfectly?
The head measurements said the Arai Profile in a Large would fit. It did, but my chin barely hit the front of the helmet. He said I can take care of that.
He brought out an XL Profile and swapped out the head liner to a 12mm and that portion fit like a glove. The cheeks were a bit tight with the 25mm pads. Swapped out to 20mm which were snug. Checked out the 15mm which were a bit sloppy near the top of the pad but snug at the bottom.
Final choice - Arai Profile XL - 12mm liner - 20mm cheekpads. As for the liners, I am going to get the different liners from the RX-7 which have the wicking liner to keep your head cooler.
How many other helmets allow you to customize to that extent if they don't fit perfectly?
STurgisSTeele
When did I become the "Old Man"!?
Excellent! Thanks for the link!
I've been leaning toward the Arai, but mostly because of word-of-mouth. An acquaintance at work used to be a dealer in helmets some years ago and had mentioned getting me a good price on one if ever I decided.
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STurgisSTeele
When did I become the "Old Man"!?
Having read that report all the way through, I'd be leaning toward the Z1R ZRP-1's now. It makes sense in my mind that a polycarbonate shell would better take that energy than a stiffer shell.
(Hope I didn't put the cart in front of the horse, since I haven't researched ZRP-1 at all.)
(Hope I didn't put the cart in front of the horse, since I haven't researched ZRP-1 at all.)
I've got an Arai Quantum II. It's very well vented for hot weather comfort, but the trade-off is lots of wind noise. Also, as already mentioned, replacing the shield is more difficult than others.
I tried the new Shoei X11 this week....got to have one. Best helmet I've ever tried. I'll move from my RF1000.
Forest
Forest
+3
I've always had Shoei because it fits me best. HJC and Scorpion fit fine too. Arai and Nollan just don't work for me. I like 'em, but they don't fit right.
Stick your grape into every helmet out there, and see which works best.
STurgisSTeele
When did I become the "Old Man"!?
LeeWonnacott
I tried on the new HJC SyMax II the other day. It's a flip up, so no Snell rating... but I'm not sure the potential for an unintended flip up of the chin bar is that great in a crash. I'm still conducting that mental debate . . .
The feature that really got my attention was the built in sun visor. Sun in your eyes? Just reach to the back of the helmet and press a tab and slide the visor into your field of vision... just like a military flight helmet. Press a tab at the top of the helmet and it flips out of the way immediately. NICE feature that I wish all high dollar helmets had. Price was about $289.
Interior of the helmet was nicely covered and had a generous allowance for the ears... enough, that I believe they expect the rider to be using ear buds or maybe even a blue tooth ? Don't know that I like the idea of a helmet manufacturer encouraging the use of that equipment while riding, but at least it's nice to know it's there if needed.
When I told the dealer that I would probably end up with the $169 HJC CL-SP he gave me old saw about $10 helmet and $10 head .... and I shot back... yes, but that old 12 series HJC worked perfectly last year and kept my melon intact... so I know from experience that the additional money spent was style and not substance.
The feature that really got my attention was the built in sun visor. Sun in your eyes? Just reach to the back of the helmet and press a tab and slide the visor into your field of vision... just like a military flight helmet. Press a tab at the top of the helmet and it flips out of the way immediately. NICE feature that I wish all high dollar helmets had. Price was about $289.
Interior of the helmet was nicely covered and had a generous allowance for the ears... enough, that I believe they expect the rider to be using ear buds or maybe even a blue tooth ? Don't know that I like the idea of a helmet manufacturer encouraging the use of that equipment while riding, but at least it's nice to know it's there if needed.
When I told the dealer that I would probably end up with the $169 HJC CL-SP he gave me old saw about $10 helmet and $10 head .... and I shot back... yes, but that old 12 series HJC worked perfectly last year and kept my melon intact... so I know from experience that the additional money spent was style and not substance.
Attachments
BartonFlyer
One thing I would say is that the Shoei Multitech is MUCH quieter then the Arai Quantum, I changed lids recently, having been an Arai wearer for years, I wanted another but the replacement for the Quantum just didn't seem right so I went for the Shoei and I'm an instant convert. Very comfortable and a lot quieter.
Cheers
Cheers