F@#$ng helmet shopping again...

[redneckK20]

I bought this AGV 6 months ago, instantly hated it for the fact that it has no ear pockets. As it broke in and I got new earbuds, this bothered me less. But I noticed after 1+ hour of riding or after vigorous off-road riding (sweat), it causes an intense headache. Sooo looks like I'm on to the next one. I've got it narrowed down to 4 options..

Shoei Hornet DS

http://www.revzilla.com/product/shoei-hornet-helmet?gclid=CjgKEAjwwuqcBRCSuoivmIPnkwQSJACpqj3kNwykcZQCKz5Bj1tlQ8ecZa6Ong7owFZ959zvGOVUMPD_BwE

Tried it on at a KTM shop once, liked it quite a bit for the short time. Nice soft padding. Bland colorschemes though.

Icon Variant Carbon

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/icon-variant-carbon-cyclic-helmet

In red. Gorgeous helmet, awesome look, heard great reviews. CANNOT find one to try on in DFW.

Shark Explore-R Carbon

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shark-explore-r-carbon-helmet

Looks awesome, Like the goggle option. Still not available, not sure of head shape.

Suomy Mx Tourer

http://www.suomy.com/en/products/mx-tourer.html

Looks cool, incredibly light, has internal drop down visor. Have to order to find out head shape.


Anyone have experience with any of them?

 

[~TABASCO~]

I got me a Variant, love it.

 

[MotoJunky]

From your list, I would go with the suomy.

Have you thought about an Arai xd-4?

Granted a little more $$, but I believe it's totally worth it, especially for the longer rides where comfort, ventilation, and weight are crucial. I can do 3+ hour rides in mine with no problems. Just food for thought.

 

[20valves]

I have a Shoei Hornet DS, very nice helmet. Sounds like fit is your main complaint.

 

[TNWalker]

I have the Suomy. For me the size XL is still too tight and there are no ear pockets. Last helmet I ever buy without trying on for sure. Bought a Shoei Neotec Modular now, and it is the best helmet I have tried. May be my last I ever need.


Steve ::26:: ::022::

 

[trikepilot]

I had always wanted that Arai XD4 cause everyone raved about it - almost universally.

I got it and think it is no more comfortable or quiet than the replacement Scorpion I could have bought at a quarter the cost.

Lesson learned... more expensive is not always better!

 

[Checkswrecks]

I had always wanted that Arai XD4 cause everyone raved about it - almost universally.

I got it and think it is no more comfortable or quiet than the replacement Scorpion I could have bought at a quarter the cost.

Lesson learned... more expensive is not always better!

+1
I wanted an Arai for years and after buying a Corsair a number of years ago felt like I'd "arrived." I got to hate that helmet and it got relegated to passenger duty because of the noise, breaking tabs when cold (winter commuting into DC), and the 1960s visor system.


Before and since, I typically buy Shoeis, largely for the fit and feel. However, I do have other makes (Shark, HJC, Skorpion) and have no problem buying most anything DOT-approved in the US. Provided - that the helmet has fit, feel, and common-sense stuff like no quality concerns and replaceable visors with clear optics.


WebBikeWorld.com has a great collection of helmet reviews, although most are for street bikes.

 

[trikepilot]

Just to be clear... the XD4 fits really well, is indeed very light, has a great visor, vents fantastically well. My issue is that it is NOT $400 better than the Scorpion that I was pondering to replace my older Scorpion.

But I have sweated all over the XD4 and added some scratches to it from a wreck that DirtDad posted in a video here. So it is mine now and I'll deal with it.

 

[Tippo]

I don't try to save money when I buy a helmet.

Revzilla is good about free shipping and a free exchange if the first helmet does not fit. But try before you buy is always best.
I agree about the reviews and data charts on webbike world.

Years ago I waited in line and got fitted by a pro at the Arai truck at a superbike race. I have an Arai intermediate oval head. I've stayed with Arai ever since. My most recent purchase was an XD-4. After wearing it for a few months I bought thinner cheek pads. Made a big difference difference. The ear pockets are important. I installed Tork headphones in the helmet. I remove the bill for long road rides where I expect cross winds.

Jeff

 

[AVGeek]

I also recently bought a new helmet...went with a Shoei GT Air. I got the large, with the thinner cheek pads. I wound up buying it at my local Cycle Gear, and Dan there was a great help in getting it sorted and ordered.

 

[klunsford]

I have a SY Max III that I love, built in bluetooth, ear pockets and I can hear everything even riding this infernal Oklahoma wind. I am sold on this HJC.

 

[Langolier]

I was about to buy a Arai XD4 until I tried a Speed and Strength SS2500 it has a Tricomposite light weight shell at half the price. Fit and quality seems very good and has had good reviews.

 

[Travex]

I've got a Shoei head and used a Shoei Hornet DS for over 30k miles. Fogs too easily, water seal is difficult if not impossible to maintain, brittle hardware, loud, fatiguing. Comfort was otherwise excellent and it (they) saved my bacon numerous times. Definitely a love hate thing. Tolerable with 250, 650 and 690 but not so much with the S10.

 

[BravoBravo]

I have the AGV as well and my sentiments are the same as yours. The lack of ear pockets has become a major annoyance, even while wearing fitted ear plugs with speakers. I am looking at purchasing an AFX DS-41. Reasonably priced (<$150) with reasonably sized ear pockets for helmet speakers, as well as a drop-down internal visor. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/afx-fx-41-ds-helmet

Bruce

 

[hANNAbONE]

take a small spoon to the inner forehead band of the helmet and push in with the round part of the spoon...denting the pressure points
where it happens on the head.
The inner Styrofoam will conform to the "denting" and you'll alleviate the pressure and ride headache free.

 

[jwhuls]

Can I just re-iterate

F@#$ng helmet shopping again...

I too have an oval head. and since pee wee football, helmets have been a nightmare.

I have had many. last year I fell from the sky on an over shot 80 footer. Thankfully, I had purchased an Arai MX. I think it saved my life. left imprints of the liner stitching on my forehead. Retired (don't protect your head with anything less than a diamond.....I was told once).

I replaced with a Shoei MX. I like it a lot. almost as much as the Arai.

Had an ADV Shark Evoline with a flip up. Trashed it riding the KAT last month. Broke the pull down shade assembly. My dealer sold me a Gmax. Hate it. Not oval at all.

F@#$ng helmet shopping again...

 

[Hamlet]

I bought an Icon Variant about a year and half ago. Loved it until about a year in, a squeak developed at speed where the peak attached to the helmet. Then I went to change the visor when one of the main screws holding the peak to the visor snapped flush in the hole rendering a $350 helmet worthless because of a 2 cent screw. I haven't tried to remove the screw yet in case Icon offers to fix it. Icon only has a one year warranty so I'm probably hosed but trying to work something out with them.

I then bought a LS2 MX453. LS2 makes helmets for many other brands but now markets under their own name as well. It's lighter and fits me better than the Variant, was half the price and has a five year warranty. Happy so far.....