Good helmets for cold/wet weather?

[markbvt]

So it's coming up on helmet-replacement time. I've really liked my Shark, and I may go with another one (probably the RSI), but I thought I'd see what you guys suggest.

Here's the caveat: I want a helmet that works well in cold and wet weather. My current Shark leaks pretty badly in the rain along the top visor seal, resulting in drops of water constantly running down the inside of the visor. Also, it fogs up badly. Kind of sucks having to ride with the faceshield cracked open when it's 35 degrees out.

I'd also like the helmet to have a large eye opening, as I usually wear glasses or sunglasses when I ride, and also like to have as much peripheral vision as possible.

Models I'm considering: Shark RSI, Arai XD, Shoei Hornet DS, AGV S-4, HJC AC-12, Scorpion EXO-700.

Anyone have comments on the above, or further suggestions?

Thanks!

--mark

[OreoGaborio]

for fog - Respro Foggy Breathguard :: Scarfs and Masks :: Off And Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

for leaky visor... adjust the hinges

[Crash Dummy Denno]

for fog - Respro Foggy Breathguard :: Scarfs and Masks :: Off And Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

for leaky visor... adjust the hinges

you wear that while your racing?

[OreoGaborio]

I don't wear it at all, haven't bought one yet. But my Vemar has something like it built in... just not quite as full coverage as the Respro so I'll probalby get one for it anyway.

Pretty sure Degsy wears his on the track though. Can't think of any reason why you wouldn't wanna.

[Crash Dummy Denno]

I don't wear it at all, haven't bought one yet. But my Vemar has something like it built in... but not quite as full coverage as the Respro.

I think Degsy does though. Can't see why you can't wear it while racing.

i was thinkin for those early weekends when its still snowing - degsy chime in

[RyanNicholson]

those foggy things are great, i always bring mine to the track....helps a ton on the early morning spring/fall practices

[Degsy]

Yeah, I used to use one while racing. you're not supposed to though. It blocks access to your airway if you're unconscious.

[Tricky Mike]

From the 07 LRRS rules:
"BREATH MASKS that cover both the mouth and nose may not be worn."

Edit: Damnit... Degs beat me to it... Why you always gotta be faster than everyone, man?

[RyanNicholson]

yea i asked a couple people about it, cuz i saw that rule....nobody seemed to really care. i was told that the rule was targeted more towards plastic/rubber based breath guards but who knows

[akira700]

When its below 45 or so.. Respro is essential.
It works well.

[LuvDog]

I like my Shark... it came with 2 different breath guards... a smaller one for summer and a large one for winter.

I've never had any issues with the visor leaking.

[markbvt]

Which Shark model is it?

Right now the RSI is at the top of my list.

--mark

[duey]

fyi:

Scorpion helmets have a snow shield attachment that comes in a kit that also plugs all the vents, and as far as max cold protection thats the way to go. They even have an electric version if you want to go all out.

[LuvDog]

I've got a Shark RSR... and I'm thinking about picking up an RSR 2 sometime this winter.

[CMG241]

put tape over your vents for the winter

[RandyO]

sometimes I use a snowmobile helmet, I have a fulmer modulus about 5 or 6 years old, but want to replace it.

[Honclfibr]

Good prices on the AC-12:

Closeouts > Helmets :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel

[hammadown]

Good prices on the AC-12:

Closeouts > Helmets :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel

That is a good price, but I didnt like my ac-12 at all when I used it during colder or rainy weather. Seemed to fog easily and didnt seal the cold air out as well as I would have liked. Just my .02

[markbvt]

I made the rounds of the local motorcycle shops on Saturday and tried on a whole bunch of helmets. None of them were anywhere near as comfortable as my Shark. I tried a couple different Arais, including an XD; a couple different Shoeis; and some HJCs. None of the shops had any of the other helmets I'm considering.

End result: I was reminded forcibly of what I went through when I got the Shark. I'd tried many different full-face helmets and found them all so uncomfortable that I rode for a while with a 3/4 helmet; tried on the Shark and it was instant comfort. This time around, the HJCs fit me the worst, while the Arais and Shoeis fit me okay but not great. Comfort-wise they were about the same, but neither was the right shape. And the Arai XD seemed awfully chintzy for a $450 helmet.

I'll probably just end up ordering another Shark online and keeping my fingers crossed that the higher-end model fits the same way my current one does.

This is a pain in the ass. I wish there were a shop that stocked one of each size of every kind of helmet so you could actually find one that fits ideally, then just place an order for it.

--mark