Helmets

[wezrvf]

Well, 5 years down the line I am feeling like a new helmet. I am going to the NEC next month so will probably make the purchase there but wanted to start doing some research.

My criteria is pretty simple. I don't like huge helmets, I currently have a Rapha10 which I love, pretty sleek silhouette. Full face with decent sound protection.

So what have you guys got? I have not looked at helmets or about five years, is there anything new I should be aware of ??


Cheers !!!

[Rascall]

I have always liked Arai helmets and that's all I've used since 1987, currently a pearl black Axces. These just seem to fit well, last well and feel like quality kit. Shoei lids are nice but aren't the right shape for my head.

[Dirty]

http://i1.wp.com/www.carbonfibergear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2-carbon-fiber-stormtrooper-helmet.jpg?resize=580%2C580

[PedroII]

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo322/Dorzok/skull-helmet.jpg

[Nasher]

I had an original Simpson Bandit for years and loved the look of it.

It wasn't until I brought my Craft replica shown below that I realised just how heavy and badly put together the Simpson was.

The craft is Lighter, more Comfortable, and has all the style of the original.

Nasher.

http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y481/Nashersimages/M9001_zpseb45123a.jpg (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/Nashersimages/media/M9001_zpseb45123a.jpg.html)

[slob]

Plenty of info here wez
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=45849

[wezrvf]

Like the look of the craft, don't think the other two are for me ;)

What do we think of Bell? Quite like the M5X

[Dirty]

Like this one, never did find out what it was?

http://s12.postimg.org/5bpr7orgd/image.jpg

[wezrvf]

Quite like the Schuberth S2. Anybody tried this helmet ?

[Yorkie]

Dirty,

http://m.digthelid.com/site/mobile?dm_path=%2Fvintagestylefullface.htm&fw_sig_permission_level=0&fw_sig_locale=en-US&fw_sig_time=1414106535270&fw_sig_url=http://www.digthelid.com/&fw_sig_access_token=09e4c7023f66616e898460eb61f178 db8a873b65&fw_sig_tier=1&fw_sig_premium=1&fw_sig_session_key=80df9071c287788b5991a815c596b0e 17967a68942e1187cb71d2ad346f3b61b-44600393&fw_sig_api_key=522b0eedffc137c934fc7268582d53a1&fw_sig_is_admin=0&fw_sig_social=1&fw_sig_site=44600393&fw_sig=b674255f62c4517371fc0d64ca464464&fw_sig_partner=webs&fw_sig_permissions=none&fb_sig_network=fw#3323

Yorkie

[Yorkie]

Bell Moto 3 I think they are.

Yorkie

[gary tompkins]

Not road legal sadly - otherwise I would probably get one for the trike :(

ruroc rg-1 core snowboard helmet

http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/eb/17/design,futuristic,lifestyle,productdesign,sports,t echnology-eb175c81746814b95bc2b0218de321ad_h.jpg

[mholc123]

I've Just bought another Shoei - This time a GT -Air, this is the one with the new internal flip down visor. Not done to many miles in it but feels great.

The thing to note though is Shoei's fit my head and whatever you buy must fit yours.

[tricolore]

I changed to Xlite 5 years ago, and just bought this, quality is excellent and its Italian.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd498/ludlow10/20140815_1540441_zpsba54d69c.jpg

[Char]

Got a Schuberth SR1 - best helmet I've owned, quiet, light and doesnt move around at speed, good for naked bikes, saw some with decent discount the other day cant rememeber where

http://youtu.be/9FUccmDPPIE

Mines 3 years old now and nothing has broken/worn out, still fits like new :)

Visors are pricy the only downside

[Pedro]

Arai x 3, would never wear anything else

[jerry]

I have a Carbon HJC FS10 its been good ,, but next time i want somthing quieter but I dont know what

I have had most makes over the years and they all seem loud

[Akita Boy]

I've got a HJC R-PHA 10, not the quietest but very light with decent ventilation and nice and stable at speed.

I've also got a Roof Boxer that I wore across the States. Very good in the heat of Death Valley, but will probably sit in the cupboard unless it gets really warm over here next summer.

[wezrvf]

I do love my RPHA 10 but it is just a bit noisy. But agree with what you say. I am sure it doesn't need changing, just feel like a treat. :)

[Wildfire]

I have a Shoei XR-1100 and a Schuberth SR1. Usually I use the XR-1100 as the tinted visor is lighter and the bottom is wider. The Schuberth hole is tiny! (Hence the noise is a lot less). Anyhow here is a review I did of it a while back:


Fit - Schuberth have some weird sizing so do try one on first, their sizes are not conventional. The fit is very different to the Shoei. The SR1 sits a lot lower on my head (my crown goes deeper in) the bottom also wraps around my chin and jaw a lot more. This means a more enclosed feel. The hole for you head is tiny! But this means a quieter helmet. For this to be quieter, you need to have the NRS vents shut. The angling up of the SR1 is more Sports bike friendly (well I find it is). It's easier to angle my head and also it doesn't get caught on my collar or rucksack, when in the tuck. The SR1 is nice and light and the weight difference is noticeable enough when on vs the Shoei. Schuberth also do a load of different pads to tailor the size.

Ventilation The ventilation is very good through the top of the helmet. The inlets and exhausts really do suck air through, especially at the higher speeds. The NRS vents act like side ventilation if you turn your head, which is a bit weird at first. The front ventilation does some odd stuff, I don't find it as good as the Shoei at lower speeds. A higher speeds, it flows a lot and compliments the top vents well.

Visor - The optical clarity is amazing, far better than anything else I've had. The tinted visor is the most expensive visor ever at around £90, it is a blue/black tint and darker than the green smoke of Shoeis. The pinlock works really well and is supplied with the helmet. Changing visors is not as easy as Shoei, but not too much of a hassle once you get the hang of it. The little lock on the left is a bit annoying to get to work if you're one for opening your visor a lot, but it does make a nice positive seal when it's latched.

Features - NRS vents I'm not entirely sure of the point of having them? They seem to make little contribution to the ventilation but do quieten the helmet down. The spoiler thing looks great, but is a little plasticy, I've never noticed any difference in either position. Maybe I'm just not riding fast enough? Supplied with a chin curtain, it does make operating the front vent difficult.The bottom of the pads is rubberised to stop the helmet slipping off a seat or tank, which is a nice touch. As is the reflective material on the rear pads. Apparently it is quite visible at night. The lining is soft and comfortable. Easy to remove if you want to wash it. You can also buy different cheek pads to cutomise fit.

Finish - The plastic parts seem a little plasticy, but overall very good. I have the matte black version and the paint seems to be a bit soft. I'm looking to get it protected or wrapped. I can't comment on the gloss, but I think I would have preferred gloss black (the matte one was cheaper).

Performance - Luckily I've not crash tested it, but riding at low speeds it is nice and light and offers good visibility. Areo dynamically I've not experienced any lift or excess drag on the lid at any speeds. Definitely comfortable at speed.

I'd say that it's a good helmet, the fit takes some getting used to, one of the reasons I don't wear it much (that and the chipping paint). If it was full price, I'd say I'd rather buy an XR1100. But if you can get it at a good price, try it on, and if you like it go for it. It's what you would expect from a top end helmet. And it does look good

[wezrvf]

Wow. Thanks. Going to try one on tomorrow :)

[Dirty]

Bell Moto 3 I think they are.

Yorkie

Very close Yorkie but looks to me like the slots are cut at a different angle. Perhaps someone trying to copy the bell?

[garry]

helmets are like pants.... one size does NOT fit all..

try em on.

[Dirty]

helmets are like pants.... one size does NOT fit all..

try em on.

All my pants fit me!

[garry]

would they fit me ?

[Dirty]

Not whilst I was wearing them!

[wezrvf]

Went to see the Shuberth S2 today. Loved it and it fit a treat. I am guessing the S2 is just the new S1 but I may be wrong. Defo think I have found my new helmet ! :)

[wezrvf]

Quite like the GT air now too!

[Dirty]

I like this one

http://photos.imageevent.com/motorbiker/newspics3/Custom-Helmets-47.jpg

[DaffyDuc]

Quite like the GT air now too!

I spent hours trying on helmets this summer, discovered immediately I do not have an Arai head, I nearly went for a Schuberth with the flip lid but whilst the XS was a nice fit it was a rachet closure and did not adjust small enough, I could get my whole hand between the strap and my chin/neck even when I had adjusted the straps that held the ratchet.
I tried on loads of makes and models, kept going back to Shoie and ended up with the GT Air. Love it, the flip visor is fantastic as I have never found a pair of sunglasses that fits inside size XS, and of course you don't always want sunglasses on. And it has the D ring closure so it can never be too small or too large.

[wezrvf]

It's either going to be the S2 or the GT Air. I am going to see if I can get a good deal on the Shoei at the bike show next month. That may decide it.

What kind of discount could I get with some hard haggling at the show? Has anyone ever got any bargains ?

[Dirty]

I got my £350 helmet for £170 at the London show.

[wezrvf]

REALLY? What's the trick ??

[mholc123]

Got to agree love my new GT Air - ridden a few more miles in it - unfortunately not had to much need for the visor but when used it's very good. I did try a Shark helmet with an internal visor which fitted well and was quite reasonably priced, but every time I lowered the internal sun visor it caught the end of my nose. Now I know I have a big conk but really !!!

[Dirty]

REALLY? What's the trick ??

No trick, that's how much they were asking. I tried getting them to go cheaper but they wouldn't.

[Goofle]

I've got an Arai which I use for nearly every journey, but I bought a Box Bz2 off EBay for £25. I'll use that when I use the bike for my 3 mile trip to work as I hate leaving my decent hat in my drawer or on my desk. I'd rather damage a £25 helmet than a£400 one - and the Box (ahem) fits just as well!
It may make me look like a policeman though - it's pure white and if I ever wear it with my plain black leathers...

Oh, Ive got an IoM Box helmet too. It's pretty much unworn, I just liked the colour scheme!
In my experience it's essential to try the hat you're going to buy. I had a XR1100 Shoei and although it was a lovely helmet, it didn't quite feel right. I've got an Arai head it seems. I'm on my third? fourth now.

[utopia]

I have two Shoei XR1000s.....and a Shoei shaped head.
Both helmets are in James Haydon replica colours, in two different designs, not that I'm a particular fan.
The first one I paid full price for at around £350, but the second one was £165, from the NEC show.
But it was cheap because James had been crashing a lot (more) at the time and ultimately decided it was time to retire, so the helmets weren't selling.
The point being that this is the sort of deal available at the show.
Don't expect to get much discount, if any at all, on mainstream, popular models.

[tricolore]

This is good value, and I like the Italian colours....

http://www.onyerbike.net/clothing/Helmets/Full_Face/Shoei/Shoei_XR1100_Cavallino_TC-1_Red_Helmet_

[spacemonkey]

I used to have a Shoei shaped head, until they changed they're shape on the XR1000 IIRC back in about 2005 or so. I used to be able to find a Shoei that would fit in the shop and be confident it would be fine, so I spent nigh on £300 on the lid and local riding was fine, but anything over an hour was murder- something that never happened before. So, hearing that Roof 010 lids were pretty much the quietest, I decided to get one. I sat in the shop wearing it for an hour and a half to make sure it was fine then bought it. Great lid, but the neck is not tight enough on me as I have a scrawny neck and the wind blast is directed right up into my ears. Great... Which is why I'm so deaf now. That and loud exhausts, big bore guns and driving convertibles roof down for so long...

So my next lid is going to be a Schubert (why do I always want to say sherbert?) C3 Pro. I tried a medium (56-57) which was a little tight but ok so tried on a Large (58-59) and it was even smaller- so much so we didn;t think I'd be able to get it off. Even the woman assistant thought they must have put the wrong size label on. Tried another and it was too big. I'll try another medium and sit in it for an hour and a half again. I gather they have changeable inners for a more custom fit. It's just a damned shame that helmet sellers don't have demo lids you can actually try on your bike otherwise you have no idea how it will perform on you in the real world for wind noise, lifting etc. My Roof for example is fine in the shop but on the road it roars with wind in my ears and my nose is pressed into the chin bar above 80 as the lid is forced back. Surely it wouldn't take much imagination to do demo lids? Maybe a deposit in full and with an escort to ensure you don't drop it? After all, once you've bought it your stuffed...

[Dirty]

I sat in the shop wearing it for an hour and a half to make sure it was fine then bought it.

I've never heard of anyone doing that before! Brilliant!

[wezrvf]

Haha, what did you do for an hour and a half. I assume you couldn't eat or drink. Did you buy the helmet after an hour and a half or just take it off and say "it's not for me" haha. Good job you wasn't trying to decide between two helmets !! "Clear my diary" haha.

Good work

[spacemonkey]

Had to be done!! Yes, must have looked weird but hey, that's a lot of money I'd just wasted on a lid and wasn't in a rush to do it again. An hour and a half of book reading was worth it. Shall do it every time...

Yes I bought it as the fit was fine and not uncomfortable, but as I couldn't ride with it I had no idea how noisy it would be on me.

[wezrvf]

That's the thing really isn't it. You can read 20 reviews on a helmet but what one person thinks is a comfortable, quiet helmet differs from the next.

[spacemonkey]

Indeed. And with a scrawny neck, there's a lot more windgap around the curtain. Thankfully, the Sherberts have the biggest curtain and it grips all round my neck so I think it really will be quiet. I like the Roof Desmo too but I reckon it'd be noisy as hell. Funny how my open face lid is virtually silent....

[Birdy]

I just got myself an Arai Rebel, in base white (Matt black with an off centre white stripe)
It's fits perfect and if I say so myself looks good.

[solomoto]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WthGZejNeB0

this helped me, they are made in different shapes, I have a Shoei head, hence the X-Spirit 2. In last years colours and saved a bundle.
Head shape is the way to go......

:)