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General Category => Motorcycle Riding Gear => Topic started by: weymouth399 on May 14, 2010, 08:27:06 AM

Title: Helmets
Post by: weymouth399 on May 14, 2010, 08:27:06 AM
I have seen posts about helmets here before. I am in need for a quiet, light weight helmet. My race car helmet is way to loud as well my dirt bike helmet. I don't have a $10.00 dollar head, so cheap isn't what I'm looking for. (don't want to go crazy) I just would like some imput from all you experts, likes, dislikes.
TIA Bob
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Kopfjaeger on May 14, 2010, 08:38:18 AM
ive had shoie and nolan helmets and at the moment r jays helmet and a cheap agv helmet. by far for me was the nolan. pretty comfy bit of wind noise but light and  nice. the rjays are good but i dont like thier visor system it breaks too easy. the agv was shit the shoie was beautiful. nolan was 300 ish aus, r jays about 220 aus and the shoie was 500 and the agv was just shit :good2: and none of them pinched my crown and gave me a headache. m2r helmets do tht to me as do thh and other cheap helmets.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: markmartin on May 14, 2010, 11:23:47 AM
Bob, I've been happy with the Shoei RF-1000.  It's light, it fits my head well and has an excellent visor.  It's also easy to change the visor if I want to remove my mirrored visor to a clear one if driving at night. It's got a removable chip 'flap' that snaps into the bottom of the helmet that keeps alot of wind from coming up into the helmet. It's vented and these seem to work pretty well. 
Check out this article in Webbikeworld  http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/rf-1000/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/rf-1000/)

I find it fogs up pretty easily on cool mornings, although I can push the visor open just a crack to slove this---perhaps I'm not adjusting the visor setting or vents correctly--I'm going to look into that---

the above article in Webbike world claims that it is quiet--I've nothing to compare it to but a dirt bike helmet so I'll take their word for it. -- I still want to wear ear plugs if I'm going any distance.

If I could change anything, I'd like the opening to be wider on the sides for better peripheral vision.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: SkyFive on May 14, 2010, 03:49:14 PM
Here ye' go, this is what I bought and I'm very pleased with it. It is half price too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nolan-X-1002-Metallic-Silver-Helmet-XLarge-XL-Modular-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea5987eaeQQitemZ200346730158QQptZApparelQ5fMerchandise (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nolan-X-1002-Metallic-Silver-Helmet-XLarge-XL-Modular-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea5987eaeQQitemZ200346730158QQptZApparelQ5fMerchandise)

P.s - Make an offer of $135. plus shipping.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Travis398 on May 14, 2010, 04:11:15 PM
i would suggest to get one that is at least snell approved.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: jvb_ca on May 14, 2010, 05:37:15 PM
Bob.
I also have a Shoei RF1000. Am very happy with it. It was the best fiting/most comfortable helmet I tried on a few years ago. Not as light as the HJC Carbon I was also looking at, but the comfort was better. It does seem to be a bit noisy, but good fitting earplugs quite things down. Visor is easy to change and I don't ride in winter(at least not the FJ) so fogging is not really an issue. The little spoiler at the rear really works at speed.(not that I do that  :blush:) but it seems to keep the helmet from wanting to lift off of my head, as my old one did. The RF1100 is out now, so there are lots of RF1000 mark downs out there.

Cheers...Jake
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: spsmith_fj1200 on May 14, 2010, 06:46:58 PM
I have a couple of Arai helmets, since I can find one of those that fits the shape of my head.    I owned a Shoei but the shape of the helmet gave me a headache on days when I rode long distances.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: weymouth399 on May 14, 2010, 06:54:44 PM
Great info guys thats why I asked please keep it coming . A new helmet  :yahoo:
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Dan Filetti on May 14, 2010, 08:19:34 PM
Quote from: markmartin on May 14, 2010, 11:23:47 AM
Bob, I've been happy with the Shoei RF-1000.  It's light, it fits my head well and has an excellent visor. 

+1 on Shoei -Really like my RF-1000, fits better than many others I've tried, for more money even...

Dan
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Pat Conlon on May 14, 2010, 11:47:48 PM
To answer the question, I would have to say, it depends on the shape of your head.
I'm a fan of Arai. Yes, they're expensive. Any helmet mfgr. who makes different models based on the shape of the skull is, IMHO, on the right track. My Irish noggin has a long oval shape, and the Arai Profile helmet is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. Ever. Like after 42 years of wearing helmets.
I've had Shoei's, HJC's, Simpson's in the past but, nothing compares with the comfort of my Arai.
If you have more of a intermediate oval, or round oval skull shape, the Shoei's should fit fine, but for me, they pinch my forehead. You can't immediately notice this pinch when you try on the helmets in the store, only after about 30 minutes of riding, then this pinch turns wicked. It would get progressively worse as the ride continues. Very distracting.  I would take a ball peen hammer and try to compress the styrofoam on the forehead area but I could never get it right, always the pinch.
We had a FJ rally in Gunnison Colorado a couple of years ago and the Irish bloke, we call Nobby, came out from New York to join us.
IIRC He was wearing a Shoei RF1000 on his trip out and, when he took off his helmet at the Gunnison KOA, you should have seen the large goose egg pressure sore on his forehead...oooowww shit that looked painful.
He also has a long oval head shape. I showed him my Arai and explained what was going on with his Shoei.
Needless to say he went out immediately (the next fookin day) and bought a Arai Profile, and the problem was solved.  

That being said: The drawback to all Arai full face helmets is that their visor attachment system absolutely SUCKS.
As in, it's so difficult to remove the visor it's stupid.....(perhaps I'm stupid, but then again, I have a lot of company) I can not understand  why such a expensive helmet would have such a absurdly difficult system.
I take extra care with my visor 'cause when my visor gets scratched on my Arai, I'm screwed. I'm just gonna throw the helmet away any buy a new Arai.... it's that bad.

The Shoei, HJC and seeming all other helmet visor attachment systems are light years ahead of Arai.


 HTH Pat
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Dan Filetti on May 15, 2010, 06:38:14 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on May 14, 2010, 11:47:48 PM
To answer the question, I would have to say, it depends on the shape of your head.
I'm a fan of Arai.

While doing helmet shopping a year and a half ago, I had heard a lot of people really like the Arai.  I went to the local M/C shop charged up to prove my head was worth the $500 or whatever.  I was feeling powerful in the way that only safety inspired discretionary spending can make you feel,  but was, in my case underwhelmed with the comfort of the Arai.  Maybe it shape of my head, or just what I'm used to, but the Shoei fit like a glove for me.  I wanted to like the Arai, I came prepared to love it, but did not.  Funny.

Bottom line on comfort, try it on, leave it on for a while as Pat says, although you may have trouble wearing a helmet around a store for half an hour... Everyone is different.

Dan



   
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: andyb on May 15, 2010, 07:55:19 AM
Go by fit, period.

The best $600 whatever isn't worth a crap if you get a headache wearing it.

That being said, Arai has a bunch of different helmet shapes, Shoei is known to be a good one, etc etc etc.

Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: FJ Flyer on May 15, 2010, 09:21:59 AM
I've got an RF1000. It fits my head shape well and is fairly quiet and comfortable. Sheld changes are a snap and different cheek pad sizes are available. I have a pinlock shield and insert and fogging is not a problem.

I've had a RF200 and 800. The only issue I had was with the mechanism to crack open the shied has broken 3 times on two helmets.

Went down once and the RF1000 did its job and was replaced with a new one.

I'd say find a good helmet that best fits your head shape.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Firehawk068 on May 16, 2010, 12:02:51 AM
I also have a RF1000, and it fits me just right. I have worn it on some all-day rides with no pinching, and no headaches...(I have a fairly round-oval head)
I have also noticed the fogging on colder mornings, but as soon as you start to move it clears right up. The ventilation is good(not great) Noise is fair (better with the mesh panel that's included for the chin area)
I love the ease of changing out the visor.....It really is a 20 second process.....
It is by far my most favorite of the helmets I've owned over the past 20 years.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Marsh White on May 22, 2010, 07:58:00 PM
I just bought a new AGV S-4 Helmet today and had it signed by Max Biaggi.

Honestly! : http://www.dainese.com/us_en/news/Max_Biaggi_Dainese_D-Store_Orange_County (http://www.dainese.com/us_en/news/Max_Biaggi_Dainese_D-Store_Orange_County)

Seems like a very nice helmet.  I'll let you guys know after I've ridden a while in it.  I had a couple of buddies over and we weighed helmets on my digital scale - it was by far the lightest between a Shoei X11 and an Arai something.  My AGV came in at 3.1 pounds and is a Large.  And half a pound lighter than my old KBC.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: racerman_27410 on May 22, 2010, 09:50:34 PM
Quote from: Marsh White on May 22, 2010, 07:58:00 PM
I just bought a new AGV S-4 Helmet today and had it signed by Max Biaggi.

Honestly! : http://www.dainese.com/us_en/news/Max_Biaggi_Dainese_D-Store_Orange_County (http://www.dainese.com/us_en/news/Max_Biaggi_Dainese_D-Store_Orange_County)

Seems like a very nice helmet.  I'll let you guys know after I've ridden a while in it.  I had a couple of buddies over and we weighed helmets on my digital scale - it was by far the lightest between a Shoei X11 and an Arai something.  My AGV came in at 3.1 pounds and is a Large.  And half a pound lighter than my old KBC.

i would appreciate some feedback on the new lid Marsh, right now i'm running a x-11 and if has superb venting for summer riding ... probably the best venting (and still quiet?) helmet i've ridden.... and while i dont feel it is heavy compared to some of the modular helmets i've used in the past i am a gear whore who is always looking for something better  :good2:

Arai, shoei,KBC,schuberth and even a Zox   :wacko3:
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Marsh White on May 23, 2010, 12:36:45 AM
I will Frank - I'm putting my speakers and mic in it now.  I'll have over 2000 miles on it after the WCR (soon - in a about a month) and I'll be using it at the Keith Code Superbike school on the new BMW S 1000 RR at the Streets of Willow track in 3 weeks as well.

Here is a pic of Biaggi signing my helmet:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1_22_05_10_11_27_49.jpeg)

Despite his image in the press of being an asshole - I found him to actually be a very humble, (as humble as you can get at that level of stardom) genuine and nice guy.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Ratchet_72 on May 23, 2010, 07:11:06 PM
I have a Scorpion EXO-400. Its heavy AND loud AND a pain in the ass to get the bugs outta all the worthless air vents. I'm going shopping for a new LIGHT helmet soon. The wife has one of the newer Bell helmets and it feels half the weight as mine so I'll start there.
The only redeeming quality of the Scorpion is the visor system which changes out very quickly and simply. The visor cams are solid and holds very well also.
If it wasnt for the weight and wind noise it would be a great helmet.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: rktmanfj on May 23, 2010, 07:28:31 PM
Quote from: Ratchet_72 on May 23, 2010, 07:11:06 PM
I have a Scorpion EXO-400. Its heavy AND loud AND a pain in the ass to get the bugs outta all the worthless air vents. I'm going shopping for a new LIGHT helmet soon. The wife has one of the newer Bell helmets and it feels half the weight as mine so I'll start there.
The only redeeming quality of the Scorpion is the visor system which changes out very quickly and simply. The visor cams are solid and holds very well also.
If it wasnt for the weight and wind noise it would be a great helmet.

The Scorpion visor disk thingys can roll a long way into hard to access places...   DAMHIKIJKOK?

Glad I don't have one.     :good:

Shoei head here.

Randy T
Indy
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: the fan on May 23, 2010, 07:56:51 PM
Quote from: Ratchet_72 on May 23, 2010, 07:11:06 PM
I have a Scorpion EXO-400. Its heavy AND loud AND a pain in the ass to get the bugs outta all the worthless air vents. I'm going shopping for a new LIGHT helmet soon. The wife has one of the newer Bell helmets and it feels half the weight as mine so I'll start there.
The only redeeming quality of the Scorpion is the visor system which changes out very quickly and simply. The visor cams are solid and holds very well also.
If it wasnt for the weight and wind noise it would be a great helmet.

I wear a Bell Star.

Its very light, very comfortable, vents as well as my X-11 Shoei (did, crashed 2 weeks into ownership...) but very noisy. Not a big deal as I either use ear plugs or listen to music when riding. Shield changes are the easiest of any helmet I have ever owned.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/) has first generation Bell Stars starting at around $200.00. The early helmets (like mine) tend to run very big, (L = XL from most others) so try them on first. I believe they fixed it with the new 2010 lids, we have not yet received the new lids yet (sponsorship deal).

as an added bonus Bell includes a very nice helmet bag and a spare set of cheek pads.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: andyoutandabout on May 24, 2010, 12:03:42 AM
I love my Arai Corsair. It's not especially quiet but it is very comfy, has great vision field, feels light, has vents that work, quality paint job, nuff said.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: jamesearthdrum on May 24, 2010, 10:41:30 AM
Quote from: rktmanfj on May 23, 2010, 07:28:31 PM
Quote from: Ratchet_72 on May 23, 2010, 07:11:06 PM
I have a Scorpion EXO-400. Its heavy AND loud AND a pain in the ass to get the bugs outta all the worthless air vents. I'm going shopping for a new LIGHT helmet soon. The wife has one of the newer Bell helmets and it feels half the weight as mine so I'll start there.
The only redeeming quality of the Scorpion is the visor system which changes out very quickly and simply. The visor cams are solid and holds very well also.
If it wasnt for the weight and wind noise it would be a great helmet.

The Scorpion visor disk thingys can roll a long way into hard to access places...   DAMHIKIJKOK?

Glad I don't have one.     :good:

Shoei head here.

Randy T
Indy

I resemble that remark!  :dash2:

james
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Scooterbob on May 24, 2010, 11:55:58 AM
While shopping for the "best helmet" years ago, the salesman told me something that I've never forgotten.  "If you got a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet".  Basically he was telling me that I am pretty much going to get what I pay for.  There are several different options, styles, and colors of course, but if you go with the cheapest.................
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: ddlewis on May 24, 2010, 03:55:23 PM
I have an Arai Astral that is about 7 yrs old.  I love it and hate to bump it down to the B-team.  It's a Kenny Roberts blue/white double eagle paint job.. reasonably light, vents ok, little loud.  Hate the adsis shield swap system.  Anyone who knows me should recognize it I've been wearing it so long.  starting to show wear and tear on the inside and trim pieces.  and what's with that smell?..  :nyam2:

I would love to cheap out an not spend $400 on a helmet, but the other times I've tried (HJC,KBC) went badly.  trying on in a store is not much of an indicator what a long day will be like..

Unless someone can tell me a dead ringer for it (Arai Astral - called something else now) and in spite of POS super-adsis shield system I'm going to cough up the bucks and get another one.  all white this time..
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: rktmanfj on May 24, 2010, 05:48:19 PM
Quote from: jamesearthdrum on May 24, 2010, 10:41:30 AM
Quote from: rktmanfj on May 23, 2010, 07:28:31 PM


The Scorpion visor disk thingys can roll a long way into hard to access places...   DAMHIKIJKOK?

Glad I don't have one.     :good:

Shoei head here.

Randy T
Indy

I resemble that remark!  :dash2:

james


I know...    :biggrin:

Randy T
Indy
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: racerman_27410 on May 24, 2010, 05:53:02 PM
big blowout on helmets


http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ)


for that kind of money i may have to pick up a spare


KOokaloo!
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Yamifj1200 on May 24, 2010, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: racerman_27410 on May 24, 2010, 05:53:02 PM
big blowout on helmets


http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ)


for that kind of money i may have to pick up a spare


KOokaloo!


Good Idea...............

Eric M
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Harvy on May 25, 2010, 01:53:07 AM
Quote from: racerman_27410 on May 24, 2010, 05:53:02 PM
big blowout on helmets


http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shoei_eleven?gclid=CMTxgZbu66ECFQ1X2godj3ETKQ)


for that kind of money i may have to pick up a spare


KOokaloo!


How about this one Frank?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260578096777&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2987wt_914 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260578096777&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2987wt_914)

http://www.vcansports.com/assets/docs/v210_Brochure_18May09.pdf (http://www.vcansports.com/assets/docs/v210_Brochure_18May09.pdf)

Harvy
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Question Mark on May 25, 2010, 06:24:21 AM
 I went with the Arai Quantum2.It's one of the only helmets that fit me.I love it except.....why is it the most expensive helmet makers can't give you a fog free shield?I had to buy a new shield with the tab system, then the insert? Just askin' :unknown:......
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: 83elite on May 25, 2010, 09:57:10 AM
I just bought a new Shoei X-11 on E-bay. I really like the helmet so far, although it seems to scratch a little too easily (solid gloss black). It replaced an ICON which replaced a Bell M-2 (yeah, I kept it a little too long, but I really liked it). I wore a Shoei for a long time, but couldn't justify the cost in later years. At closeout prices, the Shoei really seems a much more reasonable deal. The weight is good, slightly noisier than I expected, and it's the first full-face that I prefer to use with the shield completely closed. My only complaint is that is works so well, it actually "dulls" the sense of exposure to the elements slightly. I have to open the shield periodically to remind myself I'm not enclosed, if that makes any sense. The fit is a really good compromise between comfort and function, snug but not uncomfortable.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: racerman_27410 on May 25, 2010, 12:02:28 PM
Quote from: Harvy on May 25, 2010, 01:53:07 AM

How about this one Frank?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260578096777&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2987wt_914 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260578096777&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2987wt_914)

http://www.vcansports.com/assets/docs/v210_Brochure_18May09.pdf (http://www.vcansports.com/assets/docs/v210_Brochure_18May09.pdf)

Harvy


just a few questions on that helmet Harvy,  first off its BT 1.2    ..... the going module for blue tooth is 2.0 and most times that is just mono input/output   you really want to look for A2DP stereo blue tooth.


i have given up on the modular helmets and went back to full face.... the modulars may well be as strong as the full face but i am not taking any chances.

KOokaloo!
Frank
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: indyblue on May 26, 2010, 10:27:05 AM
I just read the webbikeworld review of the new Bell Star 2010 and it sounds/looks pretty nice.  So far I have not found a local dealer with one in stock so I can try it on for fit.  I need to replace my 15 yr. old Simpson, hard/impossible to find face shields and heavy by today's standards.

How do the rest of you evaluate new helmets?  There's no way I'd buy on the internet without trying it on first.

Same goes for riding gear, I read the thread about it but again I need to check fit/comfort before committing.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: andyb on May 26, 2010, 10:40:59 AM
Go to a store with a wide selection, try on everything that they'll let you before you get thrown out, figure out which shell fits best, buy online.  If there's a tie between two shells fitting well for you, look at the cost of replacement shields and the variety available that you want.  Still tied?  Pick whichever design is newer, as it'll probably be supported longer.

At least that's how I do it.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: Dan Filetti on May 26, 2010, 09:37:05 PM
Quote from: andyb on May 26, 2010, 10:40:59 AM
Go to a store with a wide selection, try on everything that they'll let you before you get thrown out, figure out which shell fits best, buy online. 

When helmet shopping 2 years ago now, this was my intent, to 'use' my local bike shop to try on different helmets for size and fit.  I even made it clear to the sales guy that that was what I was doing.  He was fine with it.  In the end, after I tried on the one I liked, he asked me what I was getting it for on line.  I told him, and he matched it, on the spot.  The sales tax I paid him (the state really) was almost exactly what the shipping was, so it was a wash and I got to take the helmet home with me then.  Nice.

My point, show up knowing the cheapest price you can get a particular helmet for and when you're ready to leave, ask the sales guy if he can match it.  If he can, -well all right!  If not, then you have a good reason to walk out with your head held high (and you know what particular helmet/ size to order when you get home....)

Good luck,

Dan
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: jvb_ca on June 01, 2010, 09:44:03 AM
Quote from: weymouth399 on May 14, 2010, 08:27:06 AM
I have seen posts about helmets here before. I am in need for a quiet, light weight helmet. My race car helmet is way to loud as well my dirt bike helmet. I don't have a $10.00 dollar head, so cheap isn't what I'm looking for. (don't want to go crazy) I just would like some imput from all you experts, likes, dislikes.
TIA Bob

Hey Bob, I heard these do not fit too well ......      :crazy:

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/jvb_ca/helmet.jpg)

Cheers...Jake
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: weymouth399 on June 01, 2010, 09:55:23 AM
now thats funny, so easy a woman can't do it.  :rofl2:
Bob
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: chapindad on May 18, 2011, 03:44:36 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VCAN-BLUETOOTH-DARKANGEL-FULL-FACE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-L-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d5Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d8804057434146378290QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ350458181944 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VCAN-BLUETOOTH-DARKANGEL-FULL-FACE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-L-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d5Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d8804057434146378290QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ350458181944)

Just got one of these for the bike.  It is pretty lightweight, nice vents, and does no ride up with wind.  The BT is very nice for listening to music and getting that quick call from the wife on the way home.  Charging my helmet is bit odd and I had to find a good place to do it.  But so far so good.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: fb747 on May 24, 2011, 08:28:51 AM
That Vcan bluetooth lid seems like a good deal chapindad how's it working for you? is it dificult to sync it with your techno goods (iphone) and is it quiet?

I'm quite interested in this at the moment...

http://www.reevu.com/ (http://www.reevu.com/)

A bit pricey but could be very cool if it does all they say it does, I imagine it would take some getting used to.

Has anyone had much experience with ICON lids, a friend of mine is the distributor over here and keeps bugging me to buy one off him but I want outside info (you guys) before I submit to the icon mafia.

Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: chapindad on May 24, 2011, 09:25:13 AM
The helmet seems pretty quiet.  But then again I listen to music so not sure if I would know, wind noise does not drown out the volume of the music.  I had it on yesterday in 97 degree weather and my head was not soaked, so the venting seems to be working rather well.  It had some type of anti-fog nose rubber thing.  It was just glued in and started coming off so I helped it the rest of the way.  The shields replace rather nicely, lock into place, and do nicely with creating small gaps for air flow.  It seems to be cut a little small so keep that in mind if you order.

Now the Blinc Bluetooth is the best part.  I have an iPhone 4 so results may vary for other phones. First charge the helmet completely before you screw with it, if you don't it will act screwy.  Once you do that then pairing it up with the iPhone is a breeze and playing music is awesome, I also use the ESPN Radio app and it is great also.  Making calls is pretty good.  You sound muffled to the person and to yourself so that is a little weird, its like talking to yourself.  I wouldn't hold a long conversation, but it is great for the quick one.  I used it at a long stop light yesterday to remind my son to bring his helmet to class so I could take him home.  If you are a commuter like me then I would get it in a heart beat.  If you are a weekend warrior then maybe not so much, except for the music. 

But I love it.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.  The only issue I have with it is that it seems to be cut a little small but time seems to be working that problem out.

 
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: axiom-r on May 24, 2011, 09:52:17 AM
I was a Shoei person for a few helmets (so several years and bikes).  As Pat has pointed out the shape of your head will determine which helmet is best for you.  The rounder your noggin the better the Shoei's will fit.  If you have more of an oval head look into the Arai's.  It is worth saying that the new Arai's also have a removable and washable inner pad/cushion set.  This ended up being important to me because after trying on numerous helmets at the USGP Laguna Seca, the Arai rep traded out the inner check pad set for a different size to in essence "custom fit" the helmet for me....

The Shoei's pinched my forehead over time and the cheek pads were too tight. I never really realized that my forehead was being pressured by the Shoei- it took riding in the Arai to demonstrate the long term comfort improvement. 

Pat, not sure how old your helmet is but I really like the visor system on the Arai.  There are no screws to loosen, you hold down a lever on each side that spreads the mount out a bit and the visor raises up and then pulls directly off.  The Arai rep showed me the exact motion and once you got it- it is very easy... he was whipping visors on and off various helmets at a fast clip. 

If you go to a dealer or order on line you are not going to get the expertise in determining your head shape. I highly recommend attending an event that Arai and Shoei are at with product - then you will know for sure what is bets for you.  I had a similar experience fitting a leather jacket when I went to the Vanson booth- never knew how good leathers could fit until a pro fitted me...

Good luck Bob!


tim
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: candieandy on May 24, 2011, 09:58:24 AM
has anyone bought the cheap flip up face helmets off ebay that the lens falls out of. they say they are DOT approved, but im questioning it.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: ddlewis on May 24, 2011, 11:19:47 AM
Quote from: axiom-r on May 24, 2011, 09:52:17 AM
I was a Shoei person for a few helmets (so several years and bikes).  As Pat has pointed out the shape of your head will determine which helmet is best for you.  The rounder your noggin the better the Shoei's will fit.  If you have more of an oval head look into the Arai's.  It is worth saying that the new Arai's also have a removable and washable inner pad/cushion set.  This ended up being important to me because after trying on numerous helmets at the USGP Laguna Seca, the Arai rep traded out the inner check pad set for a different size to in essence "custom fit" the helmet for me....

The Shoei's pinched my forehead over time and the cheek pads were too tight. I never really realized that my forehead was being pressured by the Shoei- it took riding in the Arai to demonstrate the long term comfort improvement.  ...

I've been down the same paths with Shoei/Arai.  Back before I knew better, I used to buy Shoeis that were really too big just so they fit front to back, but were loose on sides.  Then I discovered Arai with their oval shell shapes fit my head a lot better the old RF's. 

Now there are newer Shoei models that fit me/us.  X12 and new RF1100 are two that I've tried that seem to have an Arai oval shape.  So you can get the nice fit with a Shoei without the crappy Arai shield system.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: RichBaker on May 24, 2011, 08:56:06 PM
Quote from: fb747 on May 24, 2011, 08:28:51 AM

Has anyone had much experience with ICON lids, a friend of mine is the distributor over here and keeps bugging me to buy one off him but I want outside info (you guys) before I submit to the icon mafia.



I have one, don't like or wear it..... it's too long/comes too close to my jacket collar and gets very annoying.  I need to sell it.....
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: FJTillDeath on July 21, 2011, 03:41:23 AM
Haha just my 2cents but after reading all these comments I realised i myself need a new helmet. Ive had a really cheap one (probably one the cheapest full face helmets youll ever find) still approved and what not. I have never had a problem with the comfort of the helmet though and it is very light. Unfortunately the visor mists up really quickly and accumulates scratches real quick! after my last accident i should actually have replaced it but havent for 2 reasons. 1 when i landed it wasnt even on my head so it wasnt actaully damaged in anyway and 2 because money is quite tight when you gotta pay hospital bills. Moral of the story cheapshit helmets are indeed quite comfortable but dont count on them to save your life :negative: so i am gonna get a good quality entry class helmet at least better than the plastic one I have now. like i said just my 2 cents but I also hear the Aria are good and come with pretty nifty designs.
Title: Re: Helmets
Post by: terryk on August 09, 2011, 09:19:46 AM
Helmets are critical. I like the RF1100 as it is Snell 2010 and has built in speaker pockets and eye glass channels that work. In fact, everything works well and with excellent enginnerring and materials on this lid. I also like my AGV K3, just wish AGV would go the Snell route. I would also consider latest blue tooth spec intercomms. the Interphone F2 has great reviews and is on the radar screens of a few of us here in San Diego. The F4 transfers easily to any helmet and works reliably and well in all tests.
http://www.interphone.cellularline.com/en/product_en/fseries_en/interphoneF4_en.html (http://www.interphone.cellularline.com/en/product_en/fseries_en/interphoneF4_en.html)