**Top HELMETS........Any Idea's??????**

Originally Posted by navyshooter

Shoei's are made more for a rounded head shape, while Arai's are more for the longer, narrower head/face shape. Or maybe it's the other way around, not sure. I do know I've always liked the fit of my Icon's...

Yeah, you're on the right track. Shoei tends to be a round-oval head shape. As for the Arai helmet line-up, they go as follows:

Quantum-2 Round Oval
RX-7 Corsair Relaxed Round Oval
Vector Intermediate Oval
Profile Long Oval.

And not to say I'm an automatic expert or anything, but I play around with these helmet brands and others as well a lot at work. All Shoei helmets are designed to fit the majority of people fairly well. Arai tends to target each helmet line more towards a certain head shape, so the chances of finding a better fit with one of the Arai models are higher than with a Shoei. Of course, this also means their production costs are higher per helmet relative to Shoei, so that's kinda why they tend to cost more as well.

As for Icon, I've never had all that much of a problem with their fitment, and quite a few of my customers think they fit just fine. The graphics on them tend to be pretty cool too. My biggest issue with the Icon helmets is the weight. Damn those things weigh a lot. Then again, maybe I'm spoiled, seeing as how I wear a Shark RSR2.

Z, that makes sense (fit/cost wise). I've heard the Shark helmets are lite, but never had any expierience w/ them. Can't say I've noticed the Icon's being heavy, but maybe that's because of my MASSIVE neck muscles

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by bjay51d

I just got a spec1r suomy for $100 brandy new off ebay. A local stealership freehold honda sells their stuff on there from time to time.Last time I picked one up for $230

check the date on it, I bet its probably on its last year of the 5 year cycle. if thats the case doesn't really make it cheaper does it?

I've had 2 Suomys, a Spec1r and an Extreme that I crashed in a couple weeks ago, great helmets. I wanted another one but didn't want to spend another $5-700 so I tried on a Scorpion. Fits great. ordered one from their site and was amazed to find it was made this past Feb. wow talk about fresh.

Originally Posted by navyshooter

Z, that makes sense (fit/cost wise). I've heard the Shark helmets are lite, but never had any expierience w/ them. Can't say I've noticed the Icon's being heavy, but maybe that's because of my MASSIVE neck muscles

wear a light helmet while riding and you'll notice the difference.

also remember the higher end helmets are more aerodynamic so they take the wind much better and further reduce neck strain.

I've been looking at the Scorpion helmets too, but like the Shark's, haven't known anyone who has one to give an opinion. Didn't know that an 80's German hair band could make a decent helmet (ok, that was lame, but I've been up for 40+ hours)

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by navyshooter

I've been looking at the Scorpion helmets too, but like the Shark's, haven't known anyone who has one to give an opinion. Didn't know that an 80's German hair band could make a decent helmet (ok, that was lame, but I've been up for 40+ hours)

yeah that was lame but yet kinda funny. I've heard good things about the Scorpions from some track riders who used to be regulars on here. Hey Mat Mladin wears one and its not even a "replica" so that kind of says something. I'll find out next week at Grattan how much I like it.

I just bought a shark RSI acid off ebay new for 166 bucks shipped. It's one of the lighter helmets out there, fits similar to a shoei rf-1000 and is ALOT cheaper. I wanted the RSR but the RSR is about 500 bucks and i just couldn't shell out that type of money when i only get to wear it for 5 months out of the year. Anyways, my review of it would go like this: The noise is typical, alot better than the HJC i busted up recently, but no whistles or anything like that, just typical wind rush unless you get behind the windshield then you get nothing. It's light like i stated before which is excellent. And the paint isn't too bad either, it doesn't have bright colors which i prefer but you can't have it all.

Good choice cbr929. I'm on my second Scorpion and I can tell you the first one held up in a crash. I read a lot of reviews on helmets, and there is no test that can 100% guaranty you will walk away. No matter how much it cost.

just my .02

I have used Fulmer, two HJC, Shoei and currently, Scorpion. I would rate them in this order: Fulmer, OK helmet, inexpensive to start out with. DOT and Snell rated. HJC, better helmet DOT and Snell approved, as noisey as the Fulmer with slightly better materials and assembly than the Fulmer. Shoei, the reputation was enough for me to become a dealer. I loved the helmet, Pearl Gray RF1000, very quiet, top quality materials and assembly. Scorpion, EXO-700 Matte silver Rivet. Love the helmet, the company is awesome and the helmet is outstanding. Quality, fit and finish are great. I think that for the $$$ the Scorpion is the way to go. If you want to drop 2x or more of the hard earned $$$, from my expierence, get the Shoei, not 2x the helmet but you sure can brag about how much you spend. I am currently a dealer for all of the above mentioned lines. None of them pay me in any way to promote the product. This is entirely from my personal experience.

*****DISCLAIMER: I CANNOT ADVERTISE, SELL OR PROMOTE THE ONLINE SALE OF ANY OF THE AFORE MENTIONED HELMETS. IT WILL RESULT IN ME LOSING THE ABILITY TO SELL THE PRODUCT.*****

What type of Scorpion helmet would you recommend for a "earth" shaped head.

[SolPer]

Originally Posted by santanaea5785

I was just wondering what are some good quality helmets around? I've owned and used HJC, Zox, Nitro, Vega, etc. I just ordered a KBC tk-9. I was wondering what helmets are best for quality and safety. Thanks for the help.

1 thing I wanted to add, WHERE can I get those top grade helmets(Shoei, arai, suomy, agv, etc) cheap online? paying 4 to $600 is just rediculous.

Arai, Shoei, and Soumy, if you're willing to spend the money, and if they fit you well. Oh, be sure to check shield change ease. Changing them out on my Arai helmets requires an engineering degree. Shoei is easier.

Here is a link to a recent article I read in superstreetbike. They tested and rated tons of helmets. Very helpful and direct.

Hi: To paraphrase the old Bell helmets ads from- I think the 70's......If you have nothing to protect, buy a cheap helmet. I have road raced and hit the pavement helmet first at high speed and believe me, you get what you pay for. The expensive helmets cost money because they work. I have worn Bell, Simpson, and Shoei in my career spanning 32 years of riding. Currently have a Eddie Lawson Replica Shoei. Shoei always seems to fit me best. Go for fit and spend as much as you can afford. Hope this helps. Steve.

Oh and I almost forgot...wear earplugs, your hearing will thank you in your later years.

[SolPer]

Originally Posted by sbs125

Oh and I almost forgot...wear earplugs, your hearing will thank you in your later years.

+1 for both posts.

i only wear suomy. get in good with your local dealer and maybe he will hook you up.

[shakey1378]

my $.02 ive had arai quantum's and now shark rsr2 both are very comfy and light. id say the shark actually fits my shape head a little better and its much quieter than my last quantum im guessing its due to the thicker visor on the shark. i paid about the same for both brands my latest helmet is the rsr2 absolute in black i like everything about the shark better but the visor being infinitely adjustable on the shark is kinda difficult if you want to crack it open just a lil bit. that being said just stick with one of the top brands and dont be cheap its your head!

Just a reminder on DOT and SNELL tests. Any helmet that has been approved by either of these organizations that fits your head properly should be the helmet of choice. A Arai DOT & SNELL approved helmet got the same tests done to it that a cheaper KBC with the DOT & SNELL approval did.

DOT TEST: does it hold up to an impact at 9mph? if yes it passes

SNELL TEST: does it hold up to an impac at 14mph? if yes it passes

Just something to think about

[Chum]

I recently picked up a Shark RSR2 Duhamel replica. Have yet to wear it. I'm half tempted to sell it though. I spent enough money on it to feel guilty about actually wearing it. The thing is too good looking to chance it getting bug guts on it. I dont know. They shouldnt make helmets look so good. Its still sitting in the box for goodness sake. One rock chip and its tainted.

And who said Shark doesnt have decent graphics? Have you seen the Duhamel replica in person. Its down right sexy!

I have a couple . 2 Shoei, 1 Airho and the latest NZI...nice helmet.
But any helmet is better than none, buy what you can afford at least wear protection.

Originally Posted by Chum

I recently picked up a Shark RSR2 Duhamel replica. Have yet to wear it. I'm half tempted to sell it though. I spent enough money on it to feel guilty about actually wearing it. The thing is too good looking to chance it getting bug guts on it. I dont know. They shouldnt make helmets look so good. Its still sitting in the box for goodness sake. One rock chip and its tainted.

And who said Shark doesnt have decent graphics? Have you seen the Duhamel replica in person. Its down right sexy!

Which one? Gloss black & orange, matte black & orange, or the new pearl white and red with blue? Oh, who cares....they ALL look sick.

My Nolan X-Lite X-801RR is very light and very comfortable. Got the dark Gaffiti graphics. Haven't seen many people mention Nolan.