Opinions Wanted

[mzdagrl]

Try to keep them nice, guys. I have a tiny head that hardly fits in any adult-sized helmets. However, at NHIS last summer, I discovered that I really like the fit and feel of Arai. I haven't tried on a Signet model before and was curious as to your thoughts on their fit relative to the Quantum model (which fits like a, well, good-fitting helmet).

[mzdagrl]

The one I like is this one (Apparently the link doesn't work, so here is just a pic):

[Degsy]

Any arai is a great helmet.

If money is no object, try the top of the line RX7RR. They are particularly well fitted for small-headed people, but pricey at about $700

derek

[smf]

Originally posted by Degsy
Any arai is a great helmet.

If money is no object, try the top of the line RX7RR. They are particularly well fitted for small-headed people, but pricey at about $700

derek

couldn't be said better... I've never used the quantum line, but used the rx7rr's for about 10 years and love them, easily the best-fitting helmet I've ever owned (used shoei's and currently have a suomy in addition to an arai). just make sure you find a dealer so you can try them on b/f you buy.

[TheIglu]

K,

I have only owned Quantums for the past 5 years and will continue to purchase them. Be warned, they now only make Quantum 2's and Quantums have been off the market for a while. That limits the usable life you'll get out of the helmet if you get a Quantum. Find a good deal (Arai? good luck) and pick up a Quantum 2, you won't regret it for the fit, quality and comfort.

[smf]

if they end up being stupidly expensive shoot me a pm. got a friend in the industry that might be able to help out.

[ChR1s]

Originally posted by TheIglu
... Be warned, they now only make Quantum 2's and Quantums have been off the market for a while. That limits the usable life you'll get out of the helmet if you get a Quantum. Find a good deal (Arai? good luck) and pick up a Quantum 2, you won't regret it for the fit, quality and comfort.

The Arai lids I have seen all have a born on date on the chin strap.

I've noticed that some online retailers that once sold Arai lids online, then didn't do online sales, now do again.

[LuvDog]

I believe the Quantum and the Signet are for different shaped heads... so if the Quantum fit well then the Signet may not.

As for others to try... my Shark fits small... much smaller than my Arai, but is the same shape as the Quantum.

You are welcome to try it on if you'd like... it's a size small.

I should add... I've got an Arai RX7R Corsair and a Suomy Spec 1R and the Shark RSR is my favorite lid.

[zachary6]

I have a quantum that is reaching end of life, I have found the quantum 2 does not fit the same. I like the rx7 but found the Shark rsr2 fits even better, will be picking one up this spring. Oh and SS motorsports carries a great selection of helmets to try on and will match internet prices.

[SSearchVT]

Arai makes a great helmet - I love mine... Try on all the different models in the store and see which model fits your head best. Most of the designs will let you change out the cheek pads if they don't fit right. Good luck...

[RandyO]

signet is long oval shape similar to shoei

signet is also obsolete and was replaced with the profile early last year

[Degsy]

Motomarket has all the Arais in stock (all sizes, you might have to order a color).

You will pay a little more than an online retailer, but Motomarket have all the cheekpads there for you to try and they will set you up with the absolute correct fit in a helmet.

Call 'em up and ask for Allan. 1-800-MOTOMKT

derek

[benVFR]

I would go try them on at Motomarket too.

If you've gotten yourself over the high cost you might as well get it fit properly. Allan will swap cheek pads for you all day long, he even swapped mine out free after about 6 months cause I thought the initial fit was not quite right after the helmet "settled". After the swap it is by far the most comfy helmet I've had, even though it is probably the most snugly fit.

They are warrantied for 5 years from the "born on" date and then they want it replaced, so there is not much sense in buying one that has already used up a significant portion of the warranty period just to save some money.

One crappy thing about Arai is their selection of solid colors is lacking. If you can go for black or white (IIRC that is all they offer) then you can save a large amount of money.

[zachary6]

If you are sold on Aria (they make excellent helmets) then definately go to MotoMarket, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they will encourage you to try on everything. I have bought almost all of my current gear there. They are a bit more expensive but they only carry top of the line stuff.

[mzdagrl]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will keep looking. The Signet that I liked was on sale for $250, which is still pretty costly to me (believe it or not, I have no money), but I really want a new "real" helmet. With our honeymoon tentatively scheduled for a week at Deal's Gap, I want Rob to know my newlywedded head will be safe.

As far as price range, $250 is really the top of my budget, so if there are suggestions in that area, that would be good to know. Much as I would love a $700 helemt, that just isn't going to happen this year. Also, being about 3 hours from Motomarket, it isn't easy to get there, especially with two jobs. Is there anything closer to here that might have a good selection of Shark or Arai? A problem that I always have when trying on helmets is that not all models are stocked in XS, so I can't try them on very effectively. I currently wear a Youth L, so think small!!

[zachary6]

Are you in Concord NH? If so you might want to check out MOMs in Manch or the Honda dealership by the steeplegate on 106 in concord. There is also a new place that opened up right off exit 20 in tilton, not sure what makes they carry.

[McBiggity]

I bought an AGV Stealth last year for racing and I love it-
It was around $250 new from Kneedraggers.com.

It's very light and fits my head perfectly.

[mzdagrl]

Does AGV fit more like Arai or Shoei (or completel different)? I have yet to find a Shoei I like. I think I will make a trip to MOMs sometime soon, but unfortunately Honda of Concord doesn't have anything but HJC at the moment, and their AC- selection is limited to things that fall off my head. I want something track-friendly, in case I can ever afford a track day.

And yes, Concord, NH.

[RandyO]

check at Freedom Cycle also


the best place to go is Brockton cycle, even though they don't have the best staff for helping you fit a helmet, they DO usually have the best selection in sizes and paint schemes and prices

[benVFR]

If you want $250 look for a Shoei. IMO very close to as good as Arai, maybe better in some areas, but some models are much more affordable.

Also Shoei is available online at huge discounts.. so you can be a putz and try them on at a retailer & then go buy online.

Of course if we all do that there won't be any places left to try helmets on.

[OreoGaborio]

Kiera, check this out http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produc...uestid=1928222

in the outlet section there's a bunch of pretty nice lids on discount in xxs, xs, s. No Arai's though.

[FireFly]

Arai is awesome. I just picked up a Quantum 2 for 500 with an extra set of thick cheek inserts. where your safety is concerned, a helmet is the last thing u want to skimp out on in price. IMPORTAnt. If you order one or buy one, try on a helmet from the same year. Arai's helmet designs ie the shape of the crown etc.. inside the helmet, sometimes changes every year or two, so a helmet that you try on from 03, might not fit the same way an 06 version of the same model fits your head. good luck dude

[OreoGaborio]

Originally posted by FireFly
good luck dude

[stevecbr900rr]

Originally posted by benVFR
If you want $250 look for a Shoei. IMO very close to as good as Arai, maybe better in some areas, but some models are much more affordable.

Also Shoei is available online at huge discounts.. so you can be a putz and try them on at a retailer & then go buy online.

Of course if we all do that there won't be any places left to try helmets on.

Just picked up the shoie x-eleven kiyonan for $492.00 from IMotorcycle store good deals there. Everywere else it was $623.00. Good deals online.

[OreoGaborio]

Keira... OGK FF4's on sale, reg $450 down to $199. You can try mine on, it's a medium but fits like a small. probably too big for you but you can at least use it as an example.


OGK Helmets


Good luck, Dude