Need helmet recommendations

[Vix]

I'm sure there will be a lot of different opinions, but I need some help narrowing down my search for a new helmet. Pretend price is not a concern, athough obviously an economical helmet with all of the features I want would be great.

I'm looking for a good fitting helmet (my current is an extra small HJC) with:

replacable liner
antifogging faceshield that is easy to swap out, hopefully no hardware required
very low wind noise
lightweight

I got the $100 HJC special last year and the liner is already expanded enough that it's time for a new one. Instead of spending $100 every year I'd rather just get a good one with replacable liner. I've been looking mostly at Arai and Scorpion, but of course welcome any other suggestions. Thanks!

[KillBill]

I wear a Shoei RF1000 and am VERY happy with it.
It's very light, comfortable and has good ventilation.
Big difference from the HJC. I used to have a HJC CL14

Cons of the RF1000 is that it doesn't come with an antifog shield.

[patricia929]

Obviously the first thing to consider is fit - correct size and shape. The features of the helmets vary by model/manufacturer.

Arai RX-7, Quantum II and Profile all have removeable crown pieces and cheek pads. They also have a breath guard to prevent fogging and pull out chin curtain. The Vector only has removeable cheek pads and does not have the chin curtain.

Shoei X-11 has removeable crown pieces and cheek pads. The RF-1000 only has removeable cheek pads. They both have breath guards and chin curtains. Shoei also has an optional anti-fog 'pinlock' shield although I've never really had a problem with my Shoei fogging up.

Suomy Extreme, Spec 1-R and Vandals all have removeable crown pieces and cheek pads as well as breath deflectors.

The top of the line helmets from each manufacturer (RX-7, X-11 and Extreme) are going to be the noisiest. That's the trade-off for having the best ventilation. They're all very light weight.

I have absolutely no experience with Scorpion.

Hope this helps.
-P

[Just_Jeff]

Lightweight & very little noise do not match. Over 20 years on bikes and there is no such thing. Found heavier helmets that are very quiet, Have found lightweight helmets that are noisy.
Mind you some are noisier than others etc.
Best bet is light and use ipod or ear plugs.

Fit is important, what fits me great might fit you like crap

Currently have three helmets.
Aria Astral X. Light, comfortable, and well vented. I love it but it comes with a higher price tag. ( I belive its now called the Quantum
Shoei XR 1000 Diabolic About the same price as the Arai, better graphics but not the comfort nor venting, just sits a s spare, I can count the times on one hand I have used it.
GMAX GM68S
A huge surprise on both fit, quality, venting, graphics and price (Around $100 bucks including a spare smoked shield
It has a funky led light on the back as well as a smoked cover for this lens, Some hate this feature but it really adds very little weight and its one of the reasons I purchased the helmet.
I now live out in the sticks and with a black bike and black helmet I just felt a little too stealth for my comfort. Wanted a lighter colored helmet and saw this had a light as well for those "I want extra viability times" (Yes you can have it turned off) It has a ton of features including a removable liner. Because of all the vents and lightweight it is on the noisier side but not a huge difference over the +400 more arai. It did take the pads a little bit longer to break in then the Astral did but thats minor as far as I am concerned. For a few pennies over $100 including shipping this helmet was uber-fantastic as primary helmet or a spare.
I honestly would not wear it on the track, But that might be because the arai is such an old friend plus I don't want to get into any issues with having the light on th helmet

[tom3040]

Suomy

[MattyC]

I have an Arai RX-7 Corsair. It is lightweight, not too noisy and is VERY well ventilated. Also some helmets won't accept sunglasses that have the straight back ear piece (like Oakley) and will only accept ones that are curved by the ear. The RX-7 will let you wear both straight or curved with no problem. Is definetely the best helmet that I have owned.

They come in solid colors or pics and replicas (like Monster Energy drink) etc.


-Matt

[Doc]

Go see Mary at Roadside. She will fit you.


Also you might look into AGV BUT no one sells them around here.

Some good video reviews here. www.sportbiketrackgear.com

[DucDave]

Obviously the first thing to consider is fit - correct size and shape. The features of the helmets vary by model/manufacturer.

Arai RX-7, Quantum II and Profile all have removeable crown pieces and cheek pads. They also have a breath guard to prevent fogging and pull out chin curtain. The Vector only has removeable cheek pads and does not have the chin curtain.

Hope this helps.
-P

+1

And, if you get to Derry NH stop in at Seacoast...

They will do a good job fitting you and answering your qiestions.

[GixerJockey]

I'll give you a few personal recommendations...


Arai- 2008 HelmetsObviously... With the various shell shapes you are guaranteed to fine one that fits well. Plus, in most models, the final fit is customizable. Far and away my first choice. I have owned a dozen or so Arai helmets over the years and have never been disappointed.

Shark - Shark Helmets - RSR 2- I absolutly LOVE these helmets. And hate them all at the same time. They are, by far, the lightest helmet on the market. The top three models (RSR2, RSX, RSI) are constructed with multi-directional fibers and reinforced with Aramid fibers. (For anyone that missed that... the shells are all constructed of Carbon fiber/Kevlar weave). 3mm -5mm thickness of anti-fog shield. No tools for shield removal. The RSR2 is loud. But the venting is incredible, and the lightest thing on the planet. The RSX and RSI are not nearly as loud, But they are also not nearly as well vented as the RSR2.

The reason I hate them... They don't fit me. I can't make it fit me. Try them out for size. If Shark fits you well, then that is totally the way to go for light weight, venting, build quality, and even price (top of the line RSR2, in replica graphics, retails for only $589. A bargain next to the Arai RX7 Hopkins-Monster at over $750)


Suomy Suomy :: Main Site
I don't have alot of experience with them, since I havn't owned one. I love the graphics and the design. The quality is very impressive. and the pricing isn't bad either. I'm starting to consider them as one of the elite group of high end helmets (Arai, Shoei, Shark, AGV....Suomy)


and the winner of my "Bang For The Buck" catagory is:

KBC, VR2. KBC Helmets: Precision Engineered!
This is a great helmet for the money. If you really can't afford to buy a $500+ helmet then give the VR2 a strong consideration. Retail price is $269. they give you a whole lot of helmet for under $300.

[catch2otwo]

here is my one year review on my Suomy spec 1r

http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...my-review.html


hope it helps

[Origin]

Shark - Shark Helmets - RSR 2- I absolutly LOVE these helmets. And hate them all at the same time. They are, by far, the lightest helmet on the market. The top three models (RSR2, RSX, RSI) are constructed with multi-directional fibers and reinforced with Aramid fibers. (For anyone that missed that... the shells are all constructed of Carbon fiber/Kevlar weave). 3mm -5mm thickness of anti-fog shield. No tools for shield removal. The RSR2 is loud. But the venting is incredible, and the lightest thing on the planet. The RSX and RSI are not nearly as loud, But they are also not nearly as well vented as the RSR2.

I have a shark RSI.

Like he said its amazingly light, very comfortable. The shield never fogs up, have had it for a while and still doesn't. The venting is more than enough in my opinion, have never had a problem with it, and i never experience any wind noise really..its a great helmet.

[Vix]

Thanks all for the information and advice! It certainly helps to narrow down the search a bit - I'll be looking into it more and trying some helmets on, hopefully will find one soon!

[CitizenFrye]

I love my Shoei x11 Very breezy inside and not loud when on the road.

[jcbell1007]

I have the HJC CL-SP. Actually own two of them now and I'm not complaining. They fit my head well and I have had no issues with fogging. Sunglasses and Ear buds are not a problem for me.

Mostly, I think it comes down to personal fit and taste. Go to Roadside and try some on. Wear it around for a little bit and then decide.

[hqp921]

Whatever fits you best and that you'll wear... that's the best helmet.

That said, I went from an HJC CL14 to a Scorpion EXO700.

Liked both, the Scorpion's lighter than the HJC -- I usually wear ear plugs, so wind noise isn't too big of an issue.

Scorpions have replaceable liners (you can even buy funky colors/patterns if you're so inclined) and anti-fog shield. Shields are easy to swap out.

HP

[The Snowman]

-Matt

You can't have this one, because I already have it...

I recently purchased an Arai RX-7 Corsair and love it to death. My former helmet is an HJC AC-12, the top of the HJC line and while it is quiet, it is also considerably heavier than the new Arai I now own.

The drawback to the Arai is that it is nosier than the HJC due to much better ventilation.

[Bowflex]

Scorpion EXO Helmets

I have the exo 400 and I'm thinking of upgrading to a 700 for another helmet. A few features of the exo are...

Fiberglass/Kevlar Matrix Shell: Quiet, aero-tuned design for wind-tunnel tested comfort.

EPS-lined chin bar for additional protection.

SpeedShift quick-change shield system... easy, secure tool-less faceshield, changes in ten seconds or less.

EverClear no-fog faceshield: Optically-correct shield with fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating.

KwikWick moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads: Breathable, easily removable and washable.

Ventilation system: Adjustable, indexed front and rear vents with aero-tuned rear spoiler reduce lift, create vacuum and maximize airflow through helmet.

Breath-deflector: Enhanced fog-free performance.

Custom liner and cheek pad kits

Meets and exceeds Snell and DOT standards.

Very good and affordable helmets, hope this helps