RF-1100 vs RF-1200

[shereth]

Anyone here happen to have worn both of these helmets and can provide feedback on how much an improvement the RF-1200 is? I'm currently using a aging HJC and looking to replace with something a little more upscale/quieter/etc and leaning toward the Shoei RF-1200. However, with it being a brand new model there's some pretty hefty discounts on the outgoing model.

My budget can handle the RF-1200 without a problem, but the $160 difference between the two is not something to sneeze at. I'm wondering if anyone can offer any opinions on whether the newer model is worth the higher price.

Thanks!

[alex.s]

i've heard bad things about the rf12 but good things about the x-12 i love my rf1100

[shereth]

Originally Posted by alex.s

i've heard bad things about the rf12 but good things about the x-12 i love my rf1100

Really? I haven't heard anything but good about the RF12. I'm curious what you've heard?

[alex.s]

mostly that they changed the shell shape from the rf11 so people who fit an rf11 don't fit a 12

[EternalNewb]

I've had both an X12 and RF-1100. Loved them both. The RF-1200 does have a different shape to it. I tried it on at a shop, and overall it felt smaller. It comes with pinlocks off the bat, if I recall correctly, and just feels more compact.

[ez12a]

rf 12 is more of an oval shape. felt pretty good when i tried one on.

[algs26]

The RF1200 feels a bit tighter, a bit quieter. There's even foam pieces in the ear pockets.
You lose the lock and vent mechanism. There's a locking tab now on the shield itself now.
The faceshield is noticeably stiffer. I think it might actually be thicker too.
Pin lock is included. I haven't installed it yet.
I think they modified the faceshield adjustment screws. I messed up my RF1100 settings trying to make it quieter as it's now leaking air even in locked mode. I need to redo it.

It has emergency cheek pad removal straps.
It feels lighter and more compact.
They ditched the rear lip spoiler at the bottom rear of the helmet which can interfere with a racing hump.
The rear vents have moved to under the spoiler and there's an extra middle front vent. The old sliding vents aren't the most glove friendly to adjust.
I think it's still rated M2010.

It's incrementally better.

[rojoracing53]

I'll sell you my RF-1100 for $175 because although it fits excellent the GT-Air I want fits excellenterest

[antiant]

Youtube is your friend.

[adouglas]

The 1100 will have an earlier manufacture date, and therefore will expire sooner.

Whether you adhere to the 7 years from mfg. / 5 years from date of first use rule of thumb or not, there is no question that EPS foam does get hard and brittle with age.

I have experienced this first-hand. When clearing out clutter one day I ran across an old Nolan I bought on closeout in 1987. It was 1997 or thereabouts, and the foam was hard as a rock even though the outside looked great. Since the helmet had been on closeout, it was probably already a couple of years old when I bought it.

[spooph]

What I can say about the RF1100 is that it is noisy.... The face shield has to be adjusted just so or it whistles like crazy! Also, with all that venting, a lot of sound enters the helmet. It's a competition helmet, meant to keep you cool. I love mine as I always ride with earplugs/earbuds (er-6i's) which block out 30db of ambient sound (to keep my hearing in tact).

I've heard the 1200 is a stab at Arai, with the more oval shape. You're deciding factor: Go to the store and wear an RF1100 for 15 minutes. Then do the same with a 1200. If the shop won't let you do that, they're not worth giving your money to as you might as well order on line. Pay attention to any hot spots on your forehead and temples. After 15 minutes in each, decide.

Since a helmet is there to protect your head, the fit is the most important factor, next comes the vents, shield features, etc...