Time for a new lid

[benson]

OK, It's purchase time for a new lid.

Has anyone tried anything other than an Arai and found it to be any good? :scratch:

I've had years of my head in an Arai, not all the time you understand, but having read some of the new sharp star rating doodahs I'm almost tempted to look at somethiing new!

SO - any opinions - about different lids that is - out there? What do you have and is it any good? I need to know for research purposes and the inevitable shopping trip that must ensue! :o

Thanks!

[Gilps]

I bought a Schubert S1 a couple of years back. It makes my Arai seem cr@p in comparison. It feels beeter quality as soon as you pick it up. It's light too with good side vision. The best bit is the noise levels. It's just so quiet. Being German, the colour schemes are a bit dull compared to Arai and Shoei race reps but it works well.

[singletrack]

I've got an Arai Corsair and a Shoei XR1000 - I like them both but I guess the Shoei is a bit quieter.
i always fancied an AGV Titech though. They come in lovely colours :biggrin: but they don't seem to fit me as well.

[giler]

I've had an HJC FG14 for about three years now.
Fiberglass/Kevlar mix and really comfy.
I think it all comes down to what make fits your bonce.

[boris]

Bought my first Shoei 32 years ago (XR1000 now) and stuck with them since. The wifey also uses the same. Totally pleased with it, and concur with the comments that it's very quiet in use, and the visors are a doddle to change, even when your Mr.Clumsy. Handy to be able to remove and wash the cheek pads too. (A bonus for girlie makeup mess) It's not that I haven't fancied anything else, it's just that for my shape of head the Shoei is the most comfortable fit. The last time I tried an Arai, the appropriate size, it nearly ripped my ears off and once it was sat on the crown of my head it rattled around like I was inside a dustbin! As always - horses for courses, try plenty and chose what's best for you and not just to be 'seen' with a top brand name on your bonce..

[SazzaG]

I had an Arai Condor for many years, and changed last year to an AGV TiTech.

No complaints - very comfy and quiet. And looks very cool in black!

[Kato]

http://www.helmetcity.co.uk

Helmet City, Waylands Farm, Approach Road, Tatsfield, Surrey, TN16 2JT, UK

Whatever you get I can recommend these guy's usually have some brilliant discounts, I've been using them for the last few years and always had great service, big bonus is that its also a really great ride out to get there.

[Seb_uk]

I'm an AGV man myself.

As has been mentioned before though, I think it comes down to which brand of helmet fits your head the best.

What I like about AGV's is that they aren't generally as expensive as Arai / Shoei for the most part (apart from the top spec race reps), but they are still a very good lid in my experience. I've had my AGV Stealth for almost three years now and it still has lots of life left in it.

[Pomp1]

My current lid (KBC) costs about a quarter of my old one (AGV) but fits much better, is quiet and well-made, although when SHARP result came out didn't excel (but nor did many top brands/models) would I buy it still? Yes.

[Funkatronic]

I recently bought a Bell M5X and love it.

the are great looking come in good Ducati like colours, very light and comfy, 5 * SHARP safety rated and all the internal pads are fully removable for cleaning.

mine also came with a nice carry bag (as well as a helmet sock) and very high quality clear and tinted visors

everyone who has seen it 1st hand has made favorable comments

[PDL]

My current lid (KBC) costs about a quarter of my old one (AGV) but fits much better, is quiet and well-made, although when SHARP result came out didn't excel (but nor did many top brands/models) would I buy it still? Yes.

Pomp1 thanks for the SHARP result tip, I checked my helmet a five year old RX-7 which I am about to replace and it only get 3 stars. So it will be one of these which all have 5 stars:

AGV S4 - J&S £160
AGV Stealth - J&S £176
Bell M1 - Bell direct £150
Caberg V2r - Helmet City £118

The Caberg has an inner sun visor get 5 stars, looks cool in matt black and costs £120, not the £440 I paid for a 3 star noisy Arai RX-7.

[Paivi]

I bought a Schubert S1 a couple of years back. It makes my Arai seem cr@p in comparison. It feels beeter quality as soon as you pick it up. It's light too with good side vision. The best bit is the noise levels. It's just so quiet. Being German, the colour schemes are a bit dull compared to Arai and Shoei race reps but it works well.
^^^ What he said. I got my S1 two years ago and tried all the Arais first. They were noisy and the build quality felt flimsy compared to the S1. Comes with an integral sun visor, too. :)

[OplayneO]

I ended up going for Shark s800, tried lots of others but this was the comfiest and best fit. cant say to much about noise as haven't tried much more on a bike, be good to know how this compares to any others noise wise. got the race special edition for £130 delivered!

[animaluk]

i got a craft rx and i love it, Its crome to match the bike :D

[Yorkie]

I have a craft as well, carbon one, very nice but noisy, ear plugs are a must. (Nothing to do with the Cans or no airbox!)

Yorkie

[Yorkie]

I do so want a Simpson or Bandit (Simpson replica!), they look so good and are comfy to wear!

Yorkie.

[Albie]

Im more than happy with my AGV GP pro. Cost me over £250 5 years ago but was well worth the investment. If I do change which I may as wont go with white/black bike I would probably stay with the brand.

[uksurfer]

i got a craft, and no, i wouldnt buy it again, but it does look the B*LLOCKS
________
Lesbian Porn (http://www.****tube.com/categories/26/lesbian/videos/1)

[benson]

Indeed there are many helmets to be considered!:biggrin: I like the look of some of the AGVs but haven't ever tried the Schuberth so will be heading off to pull one over my ears...

Thanks for the comments gang - always good to hear of others' experiences. My yead is definitely Arai shaped - Shoei just feels weird and hurts - as tdo the SUomy despite loving some of the really funky colours...

Will keep you posted and thanks for the info about bargain prices!!!

[Pedro]

Bit sceptical about the Sharp tests as they focus on side impacts, typically areas that are less likely to suffer an impact in a bike crash - another well thought out test...

I'm an Arai man through and through, I think I have three at the last count. Currently using either a Viper GT or an RX7 Corsair and both are ace. Very well made and feel very secure and safe.

Not cheap mind but you only get one head (and if Nakano can jump off at 204mph at Mugello a few years ago and walk away unhurt bar a broken finger, it's money well spent I say and sod what Sharp say).

[Yorkie]

With a Simpson if its good enough for a bloke coming off a drag bike at 200mph + then its good enough for me!

Who needs a big apiture to look out of, my eyes are only so big!

Yorkie.

[sprintbint]

I do so want a Simpson or Bandit (Simpson replica!), they look so good and are comfy to wear!

Yorkie.



We had those for years before they were legal, we found them to be a very good comfy helmet..

[StevieB]

I have just bought a new Shark RSI . Really like it and it has 5 stars in the sharp test

[benson]

I have decided that Schuberth is the wrong shape and Arai is probably the best but have yet to try an dAGV. I'm not entirely convinced about the Sharp tests either - here's to shopping for helmets!

[Snips]

I'd like an AGV 'cos its got a cool badge, but definitely doesn't work with my forehead. No comments, please.

The Arai fits perfectly, but I need an XL (the dealer told me no-one would need an XL). No comments, please.

[fatbloke]

I like the new bell m5x the quality is fantastic it'll probably be my next helmet

[slob]

I have seriously 'tested' a number of Arais, I don't care about the sharp tests or wind noise, they get my vote every time.

[craigie]

I think the Bell lids look good but I tried every brand last year and only Aria fit me which is annoying because I'm vain and don't really like any of the paint jobs but no choice really. If it fits it fits and you can't go back to ill fitting helmets once you have found 'the one' can you?

[Lowsider]

I'd like an AGV 'cos its got a cool badge, but definitely doesn't work with my forehead. No comments, please.

The Arai fits perfectly, but I need an XL (the dealer told me no-one would need an XL). No comments, please.

Thats funny cos I take an XXL Arai RX7 Corsair!!!!

[SlowLearner]

I've had two Sharks, an RSR and an RSR2 in the Foggy tribute paintjob.
They were both excellent in my opinion and quite quiet.

I also have a Caberg Justisimo convertible/flip front, with the bluetooth kit in it.
This is nothing like the quality of the Sharks but has the advantage of the removable chin guard and inbuilt sun visor.
For pottering around town on the monster its good, i wouldnt recommend the bluetooth kit though as it means people can contact you when you dont wan them to !

:look:

[singletrack]

Thats funny cos I take an XXL Arai RX7 Corsair!!!!

why doesn't that surprise me :biggrin:;);)

[NattyBoy]

Have a go with an AGV Ti Tech Benson. I tried a Rossi Rep for track use and it is easily as well built as a Corsair and a fraction of the price. Much better visor mechanism too.

[giler]

Have a go with an AGV Ti Tech Benson. I tried a Rossi Rep for track use and it is easily as well built as a Corsair and a fraction of the price. Much better visor mechanism too.

You'll wear any helmet as long as it's XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL:moto:

[Lowsider]

why doesn't that surprise me :biggrin:;);)

Cos ya know I has a big ed!!! init!

[benson]

Natty you must be a mind reader - no comments that it might be easy to read my mind but....;)

Went to Hein Gericke and have been told that if you sign up to their on line forum thing you get 20% off any purchase over £300 and of course like all good offers it runs out tomorrow - so tomorrow you guessed it - I'll be off to the one in northampton to see what they've got.

I tried the AGV Tri tech/gp tech and am sorely tempted - shiny black, tres cool methinks and about £40 cheaper than helmet sity with the 20% deal - here's hoping they have an extra small - yes - I'm at the onther end of the size specturm to a few folk on here!!! :on:

[benson]

The purchase is made - AGV GP Tech (I think!) - it's black and shiny and the visibility is amazing, the mechanism is great and the vents really do work - very pleased....

Hein Gerick on line 20% off meant that I ended up buying a big Kriega rucksack for free (well not exactly free but you know what I mean and I just love a bargain!!!)

Thanks for the suggestions folks - but if anyone else wants a new lid then the AGV would certainly get my vote...250 miles in and it's very comfy - hurrah!

[Albie]

Glad you bought Italian. Easy swap visors too. Dark to clear.

[throstle]

I've always had Arai RX7's.

I tried a Shark Race-R, but, hate the Shark quality & service.

I also love the American spec Bell Star - great luxurious interior, moves more air than my Arai, and looks great.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqIOKjQE2+2Wmc2(BN1YlnznwQ~~_3.JPG

[Kameloil]

I bought a Shoei Qwest (must be the only one on the forum). Having had an Airoh flip before it, the Shoei was so much quieter and build quality is incredible. The AGVs looked and felt cheaper but they win hands down on design. Hein Gericke are great they let you stick one on your head and browse for 10 minutes so you get a proper feel. Visors can be changed really easily and the pinlock system is excellent for cold mornings.

Good luck ;)

[Yorkie]

Bell lids are superb, i like the carbon ones!

V-Nice.

Yorkie

[Darkness]

Has anyone tried Premier helmets?

I quite like the look of this: http://www.premier.it/anniversary2011/style_en.html

I've still got my 1970's one, though the black visor is getting a bit tired now....

[The Red Devil]

OK, It's purchase time for a new lid.

Has anyone tried anything other than an Arai and found it to be any good? :scratch:

I've had years of my head in an Arai, not all the time you understand, but having read some of the new sharp star rating doodahs I'm almost tempted to look at somethiing new!

SO - any opinions - about different lids that is - out there? What do you have and is it any good? I need to know for research purposes and the inevitable shopping trip that must ensue! :o

Thanks!

Shoe Raid II best most comfy helmet ive ever worn... i think new ones have sun visor too... wouldnt change it for anything...depends on head shape..lots of chin room..more than any Arai i ever tried.. good price too.. still some new ex stock out there paid 179 for mine....bargan!!

[He11cat]

Bell are excellent lids.
Just been using AGV kinetic Kato.....
Good all round vision , light , but dare I say feel cheaply made ( not a luxury model) breath guard half flew off and nearly poked me in the eye ...
Got a small felt ok until I started riding and I need XS.
The twidly vent bits are horrid spikey things...
and the clip is well a right faff.
I am a D ring girl myself.

Very miffed ...
I will probably save hard for a new simpson... good fit and as Yorkie says if good in a 200mph crash then god enough for captain slow here.

Ive owned 3 Simpsons and loved them.
Now run with two Suomy lids and they are ok but not quite there but better the the AGV which shocked me...