Shoei head shape

[Spooler]

For some reason I have been under the impression that Shoei helmets don’t fit my head. I picked up a Hornet X2 because it was a really good deal and I needed to replace my elderly Arai XD. The deal was good enough to take a chance on. I love the Hornet. Can anyone comment on whether or not that is the standard Shoei shape or if they made the Hornet a more neutral shape? I like it so much I’m considering replacing my Vector 2 with a Shoei, but I don’t think I’ll be able to try one on anytime soon. Thanks.

[adouglas]

I have a Shoei-shaped head so that's my preferred brand.

No specific feedback on the Hornet but in my experience Shoeis tend to be consistent in shape. At least every one I've ever tried on has felt pretty much the same. IIRC that list includes the RF900 I used to have, the RF1200, the RF1100, the GT-Air, the X-Twelve (my current track lid) and the X-Fourteen (my next track lid).

Find a Dealer | Shoei Helmets & Accessories shows 19 dealers within 50 miles of you, including one right in Worcester itself.

Inventory at regular dealers can be hit-or-miss, but Cycle Gear is likely to have a decent selection. There's one in Woburn and another down in Manchester. Both are about an hour away if you care enough to actually want to try on different models.

Personally I'd always want to try a lid on before buying, but that's just me.

[golden chicken]

Intermediate oval, according to Revzilla, as are the RF1200, X-12 and X-14.

Arai XD-4 supposedly has an intermediate oval shape as well, FWIW.

[Spooler]

Thanks. I loved my XD and I love my Vector 2, but both are very noisy and the Hornet is very nice and very quiet. I’ll probably try to get some time away from my toddler to go try some other Shoeis on.

[01xj]

I had like 5 helmets before I found my trusty Vector II. It was the cats ass for like 4 years for me until I dragged it across the pavement at Thompson last year. I did my comparison shopping with the WBW internal shape list: Motorcycle Helmet Reviews (Sorted By Internal Shape) | wBW

I thought the Shoei might be a little long, but I took a chance on the RF1200 and I like it so far. I'ts not as plush as the Arai, but it also cost a lot less than the Arai. I was between the RPHA 11 pro and the RF1200, both of which are very comfortable. The selling point for the Shoei is the CW-1 transitions shied that changes from clear to dark smoke.

[backinthesaddle]

I wanted an RF1200 but it just felt long and narrow on my head. Got the qwest as it’s more rounded. Biggest downside is liner isn’t totally removable.

[Stromper]

All my Shoeis like 40 years have fit me

They wear in pretty quick and then stop pressing just snug

Also spare parts got a new liner this year for $29 and final rub polishing compound , now happy again

[aldend123]

I have in my notes that a Qwest felt different from an RF1200, X-14, and GT Air. I wrote that the Qwest felt like the front went too far out and that it was looser in the cheeks. Not sure if that's of any use. I also concluded that none of them fit me right.

[SRTie4k]

I wish Arai would release an XD5. Tried on an XD4 and it was the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn, but there are just too many trade-offs to spend $500+ on that helmet.

[GearHd6]

I have the XD4 and love the helmet I just wish it came Pinlock equipped because it fogged in just about any conditions. That was about another $100 to tack onto an already expensive helmet.

[SRTie4k]

And by all reports the pinlock doesn't even work due to the compound shape of the shield.

[GearHd6]

And by all reports the pinlock doesn't even work due to the compound shape of the shield.

I can't attest to that, mine works great.

[RandyO]

The Arai Signet e I had fit my head shape equally as well as the Shoei TZR that I had

[Spooler]

And by all reports the pinlock doesn't even work due to the compound shape of the shield.

Huh, my XD came with a pinlock and it worked fine. Until one of the pins snapped and the whole thing fell into my helmet while I was taking a high speed corner...

[Spooler]

I was really reluctant to try the Shoei since I’ve been wearing Arais for so long, and like I said I was convinced that the shape was all wrong for me. But I got some riding in early this week and I love this Hornet X2. Fits great, more aerodynamically stable, and much quieter.

[GearHd6]

It should be quiet, it's a street helmet with a peak.

I haven't found a street helmet that flows air like the XD4, tradeoff is noise. I just wear earplugs which everyone should do anyway.

[Spooler]

I honesty prefer very little airflow in a helmet, I have very sensitive eyes and a lot of breeze in the helmet bothers them.

[GearHd6]

The nice thing is, you can close the airflow down when traveling at speed but you can open it up when things get technical. To each their own really. I do have a Shoei RF1100 for my sport bike, they're nice helmets.