helmets

[BajaRon]

No doubt BajaRon is good when it comes to Arai helmets. I know that he knows a lot about them but I'd bet that he would agree that Bruce Porter is "THE MAN" when it comes to helmets. Maybe Ron could fix an Arai so that it would fit me but both of my Shoei's fit right out of the box. Still not taking anything away from Arai, they build a super helmet.

Cotton

First, I am very surprised Bruce Porter could not fit you with an Arai helmet. Was he just using one model (RX7 maybe)? Or did you try on all the head shapes?

I would think a Quantum would be what might fit you best, since you have a Shoei head.

And I agree, it is unlikely that I could do something with an Arai helmet that Bruce was not able to do.

 

[Pincushion]

Helmets

My list of helmets:

Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer (I use this one the most)
Scorpion EXO-1000 (newest I bought it as a reward to myself for losing 50lbs Haven't worn it yet)
7 Zero 7 - Vendeta (my back up)
Street and Steel B-17 (when the weather is really warm, but I rarely ever wear it at all)

My Wife has an HJC CL-15 (She wears this the most) and a Scorpion EXO-100 (for warm days, hardly ever wears it)
and I am going to buy her a new HJC IS-16 for Christmas (...shhh don't tell her).

 

[Raptor]

My list of helmets:

Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer (I use this one the most)
Scorpion EXO-1000 (newest I bought it as a reward to myself for losing 50lbs Haven't worn it yet)
7 Zero 7 - Vendeta (my back up)
Street and Steel B-17 (when the weather is really warm, but I rarely ever wear it at all)

My Wife has an HJC CL-15 (She wears this the most) and a Scorpion EXO-100 (for warm days, hardly ever wears it)
and I am going to buy her a new HJC IS-16 for Christmas (...shhh don't tell her).

Dude, you will love the EXO-1000! One thing you might notice about it is that it is a bit heavier than some others. But it is also aerodynamically efficient and very stable at high speed. The flip-down inner visor is just wonderful, and it's very well vented. The weight doesn't bother me at all. But then I'm 6'3 and 250 so it's nothin to me! :roflblack:

I split time between my Shoei RF-1100 and the EXO-1000 but I'm in the Scorp more and more. Hope you like it as much as I do! One day I hope to get into an Arai, but I just can't afford one.

 

[chris56]

we have since 2 years the givi/ST1 (with blue-tooth) would buy it once again - fullface on the highways - open on the sightseeing tours .. easy to park on the Rt mirrors ..(neeed some blue ones now)

 

[bikeguy]

First, I am very surprised Bruce Porter could not fit you with an Arai helmet. Was he just using one model (RX7 maybe)? Or did you try on all the head shapes?

I would think a Quantum would be what might fit you best, since you have a Shoei head.

And I agree, it is unlikely that I could do something with an Arai helmet that Bruce was not able to do.

Bruce measured my head at the International Motorcycle Show in Dallas a little over a year ago and suggested a model and size. I honestly don't remember for sure what model it was. The cheekpads were a little tight but that could have been fixed easily with a different size cheekpad. The biggest problem was that it was tight enough over my forehead to be uncomfortable. The padding might have compressed enough in time that it would have fit okay but it's tough to spend over $500.00 for a helmet and not be sure that it will ever fit well enough to wear it all day.

In fairness to Bruce, he was very busy and he simply didn't have the time to spend with any one person to try all the different models and sizes available to find an exact fit. Also, Bruce wasn't selling helmets, simply demonstrating the proper method for choosing and fitting one. Had I found one that fit well I would have had to buy from a vendor at the show because none of my local dealers carry them.

One problem with both Arais and Shoeis, as I'm sure you know, is that many dealerships don't carry them because they are expensive. I only get to try them at shows. Locally, the best helmet I can find at a dealer is HJC which is a decent helmet for the money but mine was uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

Cotton

 

[NancysToy]

One problem with both Arais and Shoeis, as I'm sure you know, is that many dealerships don't carry them because they are expensive. I only get to try them at shows. Locally, the best helmet I can find at a dealer is HJC which is a decent helmet for the money but mine was uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

Cotton

The Arai vendors at shows will usually fit you, including cheek pads, then record the information and keep it on file for later purchases, as well as give you a data card with your helmet model, shap, size, and cheekpad size.

 

[BajaRon]

Bruce measured my head at the International Motorcycle Show in Dallas a little over a year ago and suggested a model and size. I honestly don't remember for sure what model it was. The cheekpads were a little tight but that could have been fixed easily with a different size cheekpad. The biggest problem was that it was tight enough over my forehead to be uncomfortable. The padding might have compressed enough in time that it would have fit okay but it's tough to spend over $500.00 for a helmet and not be sure that it will ever fit well enough to wear it all day.

In fairness to Bruce, he was very busy and he simply didn't have the time to spend with any one person to try all the different models and sizes available to find an exact fit. Also, Bruce wasn't selling helmets, simply demonstrating the proper method for choosing and fitting one. Had I found one that fit well I would have had to buy from a vendor at the show because none of my local dealers carry them.

One problem with both Arais and Shoeis, as I'm sure you know, is that many dealerships don't carry them because they are expensive. I only get to try them at shows. Locally, the best helmet I can find at a dealer is HJC which is a decent helmet for the money but mine was uncomfortable after a couple of hours.

Cotton

Shoei is a round head shell shape but I'm getting a bit of confusing comments here. It is difficult to fit someone over the Internet. But if Bruce was busy and you didn't try on but one model then that does expalin a lot. And under those conditions I might be able to compete with a guy like Bruce.

Too bad you don't remember the helmet model. I would suggest trying the Vector (for a full face). If you even care to pursue it. It is likely that you'll find a Vector in the store since it is one of the lesser priced Arai's.

If the Arai helmet you tried on was hard on your forehead, it might have been the Quantum II. That is where I would have started for a Shoei guy.

If the Quantum is tight in the forehead then the Vector or the RX7 (now Corsair V) would be my next try.

I can just about guarantee you there is an Arai that will fit you. But if you're happy with the Shoei, then that certainlly works too!

 

[Raptor]

SO today I went over to the shop at work where my friendly electrician buds are. I asked for a 3 foot run of number 10 wire. They gave it to me and I commenced to wrapping the thing around my head at various positions. Because number 10 wire is fairly stout it keeps its shape. so when I pulled the measurement carefully away it revealed my dimensions. And as it turns out my head shape is best described as... weird! :roflblack: :roflblack: Besides that, I have discovered that my head has a round oval shape. Mystery solved!

 

[NancysToy]

.....And as it turns out my head shape is best described as... weird!

We knew that just from your posts. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

Modulars here... Eyeglasses make the full-face helmets too tough to live with even though I'd prefer them...
I've had Nolans, HJCs, BMWs, Zeus, and these new ones whose name escapes me for the moment...

 

[BajaRon]

SO today I went over to the shop at work where my friendly electrician buds are. I asked for a 3 foot run of number 10 wire. They gave it to me and I commenced to wrapping the thing around my head at various positions. Because number 10 wire is fairly stout it keeps its shape. so when I pulled the measurement carefully away it revealed my dimensions. And as it turns out my head shape is best described as... weird! :roflblack: :roflblack: Besides that, I have discovered that my head has a round oval shape. Mystery solved!

Round Oval is the most common head shape. There are many companies that use that shape. HJC, Shark, Arai RX7 and Vector models, just to name a few.

Knowing your head shape is very important. And even between brands the round oval shape varies.

 

[biker1]

Firstly, I am surprised that nobody mentioned earplugs first before putting on a helmet. Get snug and comfortable fitting ones. They make biking so pleasurable on long distances. Seems to add a few mph also when you do not have to listen to all the wind.
Helmets,, For long distance and cool weather and any strong sunshine days, DUCHINNI D409 full face, with built in visor. That visor is just fantastic, every helmet should have one.
Short distances and hot weather, NITRO F346VN flip top.

 

[wyliec]

Firstly, I am surprised that nobody mentioned earplugs first before putting on a helmet. Get snug and comfortable fitting ones. They make biking so pleasurable on long distances. Seems to add a few mph also when you do not have to listen to all the wind.
Helmets,, For long distance and cool weather and any strong sunshine days, DUCHINNI D409 full face, with built in visor. That visor is just fantastic, every helmet should have one.
Short distances and hot weather, NITRO F346VN flip top.

Earplugs have been mentioned over, and over, and over, and over.........................

 

[BajaRon]

Earplugs have been mentioned over, and over, and over, and over.........................

Ear plugs aren't helmets... That's why I didn't mention it, though I almost always wear them myself.

Maybe we should start and ear-plug thread! :roflblack:

 

[Raptor]

We knew that just from your posts. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

I know... I'm the crazy Uncle nobody in the family wants to talk about!! :roflblack: :roflblack: But I'm getting better every day... no really, I am... :shocked:

 

[Raptor]

Round Oval is the most common head shape. There are many companies that use that shape. HJC, Shark, Arai RX7 and Vector models, just to name a few.

Knowing your head shape is very important. And even between brands the round oval shape varies.

Cool. See, you have already made some great suggestions! I feel good knowing that at least I have some kind of baseline moving forward now for future investments. To me, helmets just aren't purchases; they are investments in your safety and riding enjoyment. A good lid makes all the difference.

 

[patIreland]

schuberth c3 very quite and comfortable

 

[FANG]

Let's see -- I have a Modular HJC CL-MAX ; HJC IS-33 (my favorite) and an HJC half helmet.

Most of the time I ryde with the IS-33 but when it get cold I tend to go with the modular.

Only use the half-helmet for parades and rallies.

 

[Lamonster]

schuberth c3 very quite and comfortable

welcome

 

[napper39]

half by unknown maker:yikes: