The Ultimate Helmet Thread

[JasonS]

Post what you *know*. The idea is to describe each brand in terms of fit, advantages, minuses and from your point of view, but with a tone of neutrality. I'll recap it all in an summary messages at the beginning of the thread and will update it as more info comes in. Messages will be deleted and relevant bits will be condensed. Please don't post "Arai is great", I'll just remove it... be descriptive in a way that helps someone else understand the helmet.

I have always found head shape confusing, but that is like because I have never been in a place where I could try on all brands at the same time. I use a Caberg/Justisimo FlipUp and I love the fit. Eventually this thread could align a Caberg fit with the fit form models A from so and so. Everyone is different, but it will help people to choose helmets for them.

Remember that for each of us there is a different set of features that we want, for me it is solid color without flashy graphics, and for some it will be the opposite.

If you have some thoughts on making this thread more useful or interesting, post it!

[rustbucket]

Some useful liniks from my personal favorite review site, http://www.webbikeworld.com :

Helmet Reviews: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm

Size Chart w/ comparisons of different brands: http://psndealer.com/dealersite/imag...ize_chart.html

Helmet FAQ: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...helmet-faq.htm

Helmet Weight chart: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...et-weights.htm

I've always purchased from http://www.newenough.com. I've had nothing but great experiences from them. Their stuff generally runs a few bucks more than the cheapest available, but it's worth it for the customer service.

A few quick notes: HJC is the perennial budget helmet champion.. Joe Rocket helmets are made by HJC and use the same visors. Scorpion helmets have gained a lot of popularity in the last couple of years as a budget helmet that's good quality. KBC is generally considered to be on the low side of the quality scale. Arai and Shoei are some of the nicest and most comfortable helmets around, if you have the cash and find a good fit. Suomy is very nice stuff too, but is more oriented towards racing, which means lighter weight but less comfort and more helmet noise.

Fit is critical! Forget graphics and price points until you find a good fit. If you order online, make sure the site has a good return policy!

I have an HJC AC-11 right now, which gets the job done. I must have a strangely shaped head, because I've tried on every model from every company in every single MC store I've visited, and yet to find a good fit in another helmet that's an upgrade from the AC-11 (the Scorpion EX-300 & Joe Rocket RKT-101 are comfortable, but not as nice as my AC-11)

The most important thing I've learned is this: just because one helmet from a manufacturer fits you doesn't mean any other model will.

When the HJC AC-12 (successor to the AC-11) came out, I ordered one in a Medium, the same as my AC-11 thinking it would be a good replacement. The fit is totally different between the two, though, so now my roommate has a fancy new helmet, and I'm riding with my beat up old AC-11.

[remlin1]

I just bought a Scorpion EXO 700. The Rivet Red graphic helmet. I went out yesterday in Southern Ohio and rode 430 mi. The helmet fit is great. It is much quieter than my old Symax and as hot as it was yesterday 94 F I stayed remarkable cool with the new lid on.
I left my house at 5:15 a.m. Scorpion claims the helmet to be fog free. When I first started out one good breath would fog the shield up pretty good but instanly it was gone almost as quick as I stopped exhaling. Fogging was always a problem with my other helmts that I just learned to deal with. I really don't think that's going to be an issue with the Scorpion.
Also the shields change out on this lid literally seconds once your use to how to do it.

I would highly recommend this helmet to anyone!

Brian

[BonnieLass]

If you put on a helmet and you have room on each side of your head to put a hand on each temple, or even make a fist, yet the helmet leaves a big red mark on your forehead... you are a long oval, get out your wallet. I tried on every helmet I could find in every store I could get to... here's the only ones I found that fit:

Arai Profile: great fit for long ovals, quiet helmet, super comfortable, fairly easy to change visors. msrp $400+ ( I own one )

Suomy Spec 1R Extreme: great for long ovals, hard to get into and yet it fits snuggly but comfortably once I manage to get into it. (I set the helmet on top of my head, put both hands on top and pull down. There is just barely room to add a doo rag.) Noisy compared to Arai Profile maybe because it's not as plush inside. Pain in the rump to change visors. msrp $500+. ( I own one )

Shark RSI: hopelessly too wide despite reviews suggesting it's for long ovals. (figures, this one is cheap)

Shoei RF-1000: feels pretty good, but I think it's because of all the padding, rather than the shell fitting correctly. (didn't buy one, since for the same price, might as well go with Arai Profile )