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Helmets

G

Greenman

Lifer
I need a new one. I've always bought inexpensive helmets that did well in impact tests, and I've gone through three of them in the last four years, so much for being inexpensive. I like modular helmets, and I like quiet helmets. Right now it looks like my best bet is the HJC RPHA Max modular. It gets rave reviews for comfort and quiet, but it's over $400.

So what do you fellows wear, and why do you like it? Since my head is going to be stuck in this bucket for the next five years, I'd like it to be a nice one.
 
Assuming for motorcycle use, not auto racing?

I like my Shoei. I haven't used any new HJC helmets.
 
jlee said:
Assuming for motorcycle use, not auto racing?
Click to expand...

I've only tried out HJC and Scorpion while riding. Shoei and Arai helmets seem to be very popular with the non-squids.

I'm looking at a Arai RX-Q myself if i can find a local vendor with one.
 
The two most comfortable helmets I've ever worn were a Shoei and a Suzuki. The Shoei was probably better than the Suzuki helmet.
 
T2urtle said:
I've only tried out HJC and Scorpion while riding. Shoei and Arai helmets seem to be very popular with the non-squids.

I'm looking at a Arai RX-Q myself if i can find a local vendor with one.
Click to expand...

Scorpion helmets don't fit my head properly - the front/top of my head gets sore after 30-40min.
 
Currently, Scorpion EXO-1000.
Shoei, Arai didn't fit. I have a $600 helmet sitting on my shelf for the occasional loser passenger since it doesn't fit me properly.
I had a KBC that served me well for years.

Never pay MSRP on a helmet.
Try em on at the local shop.
Order em online
 
pauldun170 said:
Currently, Scorpion EXO-1000.
Shoei, Arai didn't fit. I have a $600 helmet sitting on my shelf for the occasional loser passenger since it doesn't fit me properly.
I had a KBC that served me well for years.

Never pay MSRP on a helmet.
Try em on at the local shop.
Order em online
Click to expand...

Or, you know, you could support your local businesses instead of being a dick. I'm sure they'd make some effort at price matching, especially if you paid with cash.
 
JCH13 said:
Or, you know, you could support your local businesses instead of being a dick. I'm sure they'd make some effort at price matching, especially if you paid with cash.
Click to expand...

I did that for 20 years.
The local place where I took all my business closed anyway.
The nearest place now is staffed by doochebags and bro-bastards who charge too much for a tire change.
I'd rather save some cash than support assholes.
 
JCH13 said:
Or, you know, you could support your local businesses instead of being a dick. I'm sure they'd make some effort at price matching, especially if you paid with cash.
Click to expand...

My local dealer charges way more than MSRP on both OEM bike parts and accessories. How about $20 for a standard Kawasaki 4 cylinder oil filter. More than double MSRP. They don't deserve my support.
 
definitely go with what fits the best. I tried a couple of helmets and they pinned my ears. Schuberth C3 is a popular modular helmet. it's expensive though. might also want to look into a bluetooth helmet. useful for phone calls, music, gps.

I have two scorpion exo-750s. One set up for night time and one for day time along with extra shields. They're not as light as some of the higher end helmets and definitely not as quiet but they're a lot cheaper. They do have a new "high end" helmet that's supposed to be really good.
 
Buy whatever fits your head and falls within your budget. They are all pretty comparable these days. The differences usually come down to better padding, better ventilation, lower noise. I have a Shoei RF1100 I've had for almost 4 years now but I'm starting to look at suitable upgrades. The X12 kind of has my eye at the moment but they are expensive. My Ducati dealer has some carbon fiber lids that are about 1lb lighter than the Shoei and have really nice padding and features. Might have to try one out. Like the X12 though they are about $800.

Whatever you get I recommend getting a mirrored shield for it. I have the Shoei Spectra shield on my helmet, cuts glare quite a bit which reduces eye strain, but still gives a clear view. Just make sure you pack the clear shield if you're going to be out past dark.
 
pauldun170 said:
I refuse to support tax evasion so I always pay small business owners with credit cards.
Click to expand...

Most credit card companies can take 6% off of a small business owners transactions because the small business owner can't negotiate a better rate.

A local TV and audio shop routinely does 5% off if paid with cash. The buyer gets a savings and the shop does better than if they had paid with a CC.

No tax evasion, just a better transaction for everyone but the CC companies.
 
JCH13 said:
Most credit card companies can take 6% off of a small business owners transactions because the small business owner can't negotiate a better rate.

A local TV and audio shop routinely does 5% off if paid with cash. The buyer gets a savings and the shop does better than if they had paid with a CC.

No tax evasion, just a better transaction for everyone but the CC companies.
Click to expand...

Way to go
You have officially derailed my posts. On top of that, thanks to Mr. Debbie Downer I now feel guilty for paying for my last tire change with Visa.

Glad I buy my stuff online so I don't have to deal with the moral dilemma of cash or credit at local shops.
 
pauldun170 said:
Way to go
You have officially derailed my posts. On top of that, thanks to Mr. Debbie Downer I now feel guilty for paying for my last tire change with Visa.

Glad I buy my stuff online so I don't have to deal with the moral dilemma of cash or credit at local shops.
Click to expand...

You're welcome. Happy to correct you any time you talk out of your ass. 🙂
 
Anyone care to get back on track to the OP's actual question?

As for me, I have an Arai Vector and love it. Fits well and has good ventilation. I kind of gave up looking for "quiet" helmets and now just ride with earplugs. They cut out almost all the wind noise and don't stop me from hearing what's going on around me.

ZV
 
my helmets are all noisy. it can be affected by your type of riding also. some helmets are meant to be worn while you're in a full tuck otherwise it'll get really noisy. some are meant for more upright position you'd be in for sport touring. bell helmets are all noisy lol. they do have the photochromatic shield though.
 
Ear plugs really bother me after a couple hours, I'm trying to avoid or at least limit using them.

I'll check out everyone's suggestions.

Thanks for the advice gentlemen.
 
full-face or bust IMHO. modular is going to be not nearly as protective due to the fact that it has a joint

I've had the following helmets:

KBC Force (M)
HJC CL-15 (S)
Gmax G68 (M)
Shoei Qwest (S)

all of them fit well, though the smalls in HJC and Shoei were needed to fit a bit more snug (helmets relax over time. i was originally fitted in person for the KBC Force in Medium).

the shoei is a little bit more quiet, but i think that is due partially to the angle of the windscreen on my new bike.

to reduce noise, get a better windscreen and use plugs (find ones that are comfortable)
 
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