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View Poll Results: Which new helmet would you buy? | |||
Shoei GT Air | 11 | 28.95% | |
Arai RX-Q | 11 | 28.95% | |
AGV Grid | 2 | 5.26% | |
Bell RS-1 | 14 | 36.84% | |
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll |
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Thread Tools |
August 2nd, 2013, 01:23 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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The helmet debate:
Hey guys,
I'm a fairly new rider, been riding since last December. I wear all Bilt gear, and my current helmet is a Bilt Fusion. I've start to go on longer and longer rides, and am looking to now upgrade my helmet to a nicer one. Yes, the bilt has served me well thus far, and I still plan on using it for small commutes, but I'd like some protective head-ware that costs more than 50 bucks. So, now for the question. I've been looking at the Shoei GT-Air, Arai RX-Q, AVG Grid, and Bell RS-1. Out of these, which seems like the best buy for someone who does several hour drives in both hot, cold, and rainy weather, and at some point is looking to go to track days. Of course, if you know of a better option than those 4, feel free to list it. And based on cycle gear's pricing, my budget is around 540 or so, but I am flexible right now. Thanks in advance! |
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:26 PM | #2 |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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I bought a RX-Q because it fit my head the best and it came in a color I like. You try them all on and see what fits best.
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:29 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: dave
Location: Pasadena
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250, ZX6r, RSV4, Caponord Rally Posts: 267
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I have an RX-Q too. My fiancee grabbed a Shoei RF1100 because that fits her head better.
Like Panda said, try everything on and get one that fits. Pressure points on your head gets pretty distracting (not to mention headache inducing) very quickly. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:30 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Thanks for your answer. Of course trying them will be a huge determining factor, but in terms of safety, comfort (noise, fogging, temperature), and wind resistance (such as a quick turn of the head on the highway, or how steady your head is in a tucked position) I am curious of other peoples experiences with said helmets. It's an important decision for me, so I'd like to take the time to hear what others have to say.
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:31 PM | #5 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
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This probably won't help in your poll - but when I shop for a helmet, my head dictates what one I get. Brand X may be the most awesome ever and perfect for every need I have, but if it doesn't fit my head shape then I'm sunk.
Of those four, have you had a chance to try any of them on? edit - drat, ninja'd twice.
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:36 PM | #6 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
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whichever fits your head correctly. the helmets you picked have different head shapes. i like my shoei rf1100
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:38 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: dave
Location: Pasadena
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250, ZX6r, RSV4, Caponord Rally Posts: 267
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Since you brought up tucking down: I've used both Shoei RF1100 and Arai RX-Q, and in a full tuck I seem to have an easier time with keeping my eyes up with the Shoei compared to the Arai probably due to the back of the neck being a little higher.
Again it's "seems" since it's been a while ago. Fogging up-wise both are about the same; the Shoei has a separate breath deflector that you need to insert and it has a fun little mechanism on the visor lock where you can set it to be slightly open to allow air to pass through. At a stop light in winter it's still gonna fog up the same way as the Arai though. Personally I'd get an Arai again as my next lid but that's because the back of the head feels more comfortable for some reason. Like it's being hugged by a bunch of pleasant things that makes me happy. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:40 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Thanks for all the replies.
I have not tried on all these specific helmets yet, and of course I plan on buying in a store. I also understand that the ultimate deciding factor is how it feels on my head, I'm just trying to get a scope of what people tend to like, as I know little about helmets, and they all boast this and that feature. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:42 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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Wanted an RF1100 but it just didn't fit my head. Got the Qwest. Not a removable liner but good helmet.
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:45 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
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Go for the Bell. Very comfortable helmets.
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:46 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Thanks for all the replies. Seems like the story right now is
1) RX-Q is popular and good 2) Try it on yourself d###it (kidding, but I will) I'll keep watch on what others say throughout the day. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 01:51 PM | #12 |
Your face
Name: Wes
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CBR650f Posts: A lot.
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+1 on the Shoei RF1000
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August 2nd, 2013, 02:03 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Justin
Location: Fresno CA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 12' Ninja 250 Posts: 831
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i have an rf1100 already, all the arai's ive ever tried do not fit. never tried agv and ive always wanted a rs1 so thats what i voted for
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August 2nd, 2013, 02:06 PM | #14 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
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I've got an RX-Q, it's a really nice helmet.
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August 2nd, 2013, 02:41 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Thanks for your opinions guys.
I'll see if I can get some time out to stop by a store and try some on! |
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August 2nd, 2013, 02:57 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Justin
Location: Fresno CA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 12' Ninja 250 Posts: 831
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which part of ca are you in? Only place around my area with helmets would be the dealerships and cyclegear. my Cyclegear only carries shoe, arai, speed & strength, Scorpion and bilt. good luck finding a place that carries Bell.
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August 2nd, 2013, 03:37 PM | #17 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Quote:
The problem will be getting the time; Highway 17 sucks if there is beach traffic, and I've been working 6 days a week and dead tired all the time, it has been killing me. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 03:44 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
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I've had a few Bell's, and lot of Arai's, and a ton of Shoei's. I'd get the AGV. I've never had one before.
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August 2nd, 2013, 05:08 PM | #19 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Tim
Location: Goshen CA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740
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Quote:
Good to know Fresno carries Scorpion, I was thinking of trying one on sometime soon. |
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August 2nd, 2013, 05:09 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Al
Location: York, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much.
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none of the above
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August 2nd, 2013, 07:26 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Murrieta, California
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 288
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I (as you should) bought my helmet based on how it fits.
The RF-1100 fit, and so did the Bell RS-1, but I was able to get a deal on a RS-1 for like $200 less than a RF, and I love it. The RS-1 is really quiet (from what I've heard.. I've only had one helmet), and I like that Bell makes the transitions face shield. That comes in real handy.
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August 2nd, 2013, 09:12 PM | #22 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
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I did not answer the poll because the response would be meaningless. All are good helmets. Buy what fits. What fits me is not what will fit you.
End of story. Order of importance:
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August 2nd, 2013, 09:13 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tony
Location: Bonney Lake, WA
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 43
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The scorpion helmets are very comfortable to me, very affordable, and the ever clear anti fog shields work great.
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August 2nd, 2013, 11:47 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: David
Location: Murrieta, California
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 288
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This. If I could upvote this post I would.
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August 3rd, 2013, 12:02 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 117
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imho agv makes crappy helmets. best bang for ur buck is gna b the rs-1. a little biased because i ride with that but if you could afford the arai....get the arai. not gna annoy you with the redundant fit lecture. helmet wise this is where i stand
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August 3rd, 2013, 05:58 AM | #26 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
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I have a scorpion exo400... Fits great, flows air like a brick wall :/
HJC cl16... A little loose, folks say, flows air like a champ. Feels good and doesn't bother me at all. The exo is def quieter. Neither has fogged badly yet
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August 3rd, 2013, 06:29 AM | #27 |
Are you sure about that?
Name: That's "Sir" to you!
Location: Chorleywood (Nr. London)
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Why waste money on a helmet. For the price of even a cheap Chinese helmet, you could buy loads of bandanas.
They'd probably provide only slightly less protection too. |
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August 3rd, 2013, 10:13 AM | #28 |
MSF Coach!
Name: Lupe
Location: Antioch, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ninja 250 Posts: 886
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aww there is no "none of the above" option
i love my gmax gm68s it was 100$ and won 07 helmet of the year @ webbikeworld and a few other big sites. they come in like 6 dif designs with 5 or so color schemes per design. they also have alot of owner posted reviews where this helmet saved their lives including a guy that wrecked doing 120 on a yamaha 1200 head first. yall should check it out. here is the helmet, did i mention it comes with 2 face shields tinted and clear (or a clear and a modular half tinted flip down visor thing. it has 8 vents 4 of them are close-able. a bag, a shield bag, LEDs in the back and 2 diff color LED faces red and tinted.
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August 5th, 2013, 10:52 AM | #29 | |||
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Well, that was helpful!
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
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August 5th, 2013, 11:58 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Roger
Location: NorCali - East Bay
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White Ninja 300 Posts: 379
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Too bad none of the stores let you take a spin in a "demo" helmet just out in the parking lot - or at least a wind tunnel
I like the GT-Air b/c it feels like the RF-1100 that I have. The sun visor is nice and I can fit my glasses underneath it as well. Quality product, quality finish, overall very nice. The price though whew ~$500 solids, ~$600 graphics. Track experts: do trackdays require snell cert helmets? |
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August 5th, 2013, 12:01 PM | #31 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Quote:
Looks Like I'll have to put the GT-Air back on the list of helmets to try...and I know what you mean about the price, but as I heard from someone else; "How much is your head worth?" :P |
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August 5th, 2013, 12:47 PM | #32 |
Daily Jap rider
Name: Lance
Location: La Porte
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.
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http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Art...stHelmets.html
this was interesting to read. The lower the G's that the helmet recorded the less chance of suffering severe brain injury. Just wish they could have tested Bell and Shoei. But it was good to see that my Fulmer $179.00 helmet tested way better than the scorpion, which I was about to get. Some others that are supposedly Snell approved tested way worse than the cheap ass pep boys helmet. Just goes to show that more expensive it is, doesn't mean better quality. I think I will stick with my Fulmer then. |
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August 5th, 2013, 01:03 PM | #33 | |
Daily Jap rider
Name: Lance
Location: La Porte
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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August 5th, 2013, 01:06 PM | #34 | |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
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Quote:
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August 5th, 2013, 01:17 PM | #35 | |
Daily Jap rider
Name: Lance
Location: La Porte
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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August 5th, 2013, 01:24 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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I thought gfloyd's blog had some links, but it looks like the entry I was thinking of was more focused on other gear. Snell's site has a page where you can view all helmets that have been certified to the latest standard:
http://www.smf.org/cert The UK has a system of helmet safety rating called SHARP; here's a link to a page where you can see how a variety of helmets were rated: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ There was a followup to that Dexter Ford article a few years later, I will try and find a link to it as well.
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August 5th, 2013, 01:27 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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Nice info guys, and LNasty thanks again for your recommendation. I hope I can find a place that sells them near by, give em a try
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August 5th, 2013, 01:37 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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Here's a link to "Blowing the Lid Off; Part 2"; which was a followup to that initial article.
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August 7th, 2013, 01:42 PM | #39 |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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If you want to eventually do track with the helmet, cross off the Shoei GT-Air from the list. Right now, the SNELL cert does not like helmets with internal sun visors.
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August 7th, 2013, 02:07 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ian
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 12
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