Motorcycle Alabama

Open House => Gear & Accessories => Topic started by: bblass on May 23, 2018, 12:52:44 PM

Title: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: bblass on May 23, 2018, 12:52:44 PM
After 4 years of near daily use, my trusty RPHA 10 has begun disintegrating. The vents no longer adjust, the face shield pops unlatched on the freeway, and it wears the scars of 1000s of miles of adventure.

Work is reasonably slow at the moment and in the lull I've gone down the rabbit hole of researching helmets. For those of you who've never peaked into this dark corner of the motorcycle web, let me assure you it's filled with the same vitriol and impassioned opinion commonly found in any oil-based discussion. The Shoei clan cannot abide the Arai; Schuberth is that weird uncle people acknowledge but try to ignore- HJC, Bell et al are the realm of squids who just don't know any better. Those customers haven't been around long enough to be "real motorcyclists" or don't understand the difference "quality" makes.

Despite owning several HJC helmets and being happy with all of them, reading the remarks of so many strangers has started to take an effect on me and I'm wondering if I just don't know any better...

Is there a promised land of feather-light weight, crypt-like silence and headbutt a tank protection that eludes we mere mortals who won't pay more than four Franklins for a helmet?

I'm currently looking at the Shoei X14, AGV AX-8, RPHA 11 and Arai with plans to amble down to big number 1 one day and narrow it down some. However, trying on a helmet and living with it are two entirely different things. Yes, a bad fit is an immediate knock out; but bad finish or other annoyances may not manifest themselves until months down the road.

Do we have any true believers for the models listed above? Any left off worthy of consideration? My style of riding is all off them - the only duty this lid won't see is dirt/dual sport.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Chitza on May 23, 2018, 01:18:49 PM
I sport an Arai right now and I love it. It's light weight and does what it advertises. With that being said, I got a screaming deal on a closeout graphic and was talked in to it by a dear friend. I wasn't looking for a helmet.

I was/am a loyal Scorpion wearer. All their gear is well made and at a medium price range. Lots of options as well. I dare say @TFancher will weigh in on his modular. The weight difference between my Scorpion and my Arai is nominal, but noticeable with the Arai being lighter.

As with any make/model of helmet, the size and shape of your noggin will exclude some choices so I suggest you try them out before you drop big(or Little) money.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: KevinB on May 23, 2018, 02:06:55 PM
I don't have any experience with the X14, but I do wear an RF1200.

Y'all have seen my ads for used stuff on here and know how I swap gear out until I find something that's just right. If I buy something and don't like it for any reason, no matter how small, it gets passed on to someone else. With that in mind...





I've been wearing the same helmet for four years.  :)

Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: TFancher on May 23, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
My last 3 helmets have been Scorpion (along with 2 jackets) all of which I still wear under different conditions. The latest is a EXO AT950 modular
"Dual Sport" helmet. I'm very pleased with it with a couple of exceptions.  It's modular, aka loud. Wind noise is not really a problem since I try to wear earplugs (when I can remember to put them in. They're pretty useless in my pocket.) Weight hasn't been a problem for me. The modular is about the same weight as the other Scorpions I have. The biggest thing I had to deal with was the fit right out of the box. I ordered the XL and it was a perfect fit until I closed the chin bar. Too much pressure from the cheek pads.  I went online and ordered a set of XXL cheek pads ($15.00 shipped) and now it's perfect. This doesn't sound like a great sales pitch, but I really like this helmet. I wanted a dual sport helmet and a modular, not many options out there that fit both requirements. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/38ce5d4c286ab55d7781a8dd7f70bf9f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/59176cdbff8da789dd85c5545cc2bdaf.jpg)

I'm pretty sure Yamahamer and Springer own this helmet also.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: bblass on May 23, 2018, 03:00:52 PM
Quote from: KevinB on May 23, 2018, 02:06:55 PM

I've been wearing the same helmet for four years.  :)

That's a solid sales pitch right there!

Although I've never heard anyone say a bad word about an Arai either!

I really like the styling of the Scorpions and the air fit on most of their models seems like a novel idea. I'll make sure to take a closer look at them.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: jrobinson on May 23, 2018, 03:12:02 PM
I'm surprised that Kevin has kept the same name for 4 years.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: KevinB on May 23, 2018, 03:32:43 PM
Quote from: bblass on May 23, 2018, 03:00:52 PM

Although I've never heard anyone say a bad word about an Arai either!



I was always an Arai wearer for years and loved them...until I tried on a Shoei.

When you find the right one,  it'll be an "Ah ha!" moment.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: norton73 on May 23, 2018, 03:41:18 PM
I've been a fan of the Shoei RF series for years. Started with an RF700 years ago and have progressed through all the numbers to the RF1000. They have always fitted my shape head well and are decently quiet.
Somehow, I got talked into an Arai a couple years ago, and while I like it and it fits well, I hate how you change the shield and it doesn't seem to seal well in the rain. I end up with rain on the inside of the faceshield and my glasses.
My wife recently bought a RF1200 and loves it. Most likely my next helmet will be one too.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Nice Goat on May 23, 2018, 03:45:16 PM
I wore a Shoei Neotec for four years.  It's a modular helmet, which is great when you need to talk to somebody or take a drink of water.  I still have it and use it occasionally...

Then I got an Arai XD4 adventure/dual sport helmet.  It is lighter, quieter, more comfortable, and looks wicked cool.

I also have an HJC offroad helmet...

Helmets are like bikes ... you need more than one!
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: springer on May 23, 2018, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: TFancher on May 23, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
...I'm pretty sure Yamahamer and Springer own this helmet also.


Yes, yes I do. I bought a size L and was comfortable for that fit most of the time. Sometimes when I put it on I notice the comfort headliner press's to hard against my forehead. I think I need a new headliner...maybe an extra large? The helmets fits good and tight with no discomfort anywhere else.
@TFancher  where did you get your check pads from? I think the L., X L. , and XX L. all share the same shell.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: springer on May 23, 2018, 04:06:54 PM
 Just emailed Scorpion and awaiting their reply. :fingerscrossed
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: SpeedyR on May 23, 2018, 10:37:09 PM
 I have 2 AX-8's currently- the dual carbon version for dual sport and off road use (I remove the shield and run it with goggles for trails) as well as an ECE only carbon naked. By far the lightest helmet I've ever picked up. Ever. Stupid light. Technically the one I have is not DOT but I'm fine with that, the DOT ratings are crap. For running around town it's comfortable, but a bit noisy and not that aerodynamic (I ride a 1290 Super Duke, so having something that works well in wind is a plus). For longer rides (most of the day) I'll grab another helmet unless it's dual sport. My dual sport doesn't go over 100mph too often so aerodynamics are not as much of an issue.

The AX-8 while it's a good helmet, is not in the same category as the others you listed. It's an older model that doesn't have the same fit and quality liner as the others. IMHO the more relevant helmet would be the AGV K5-S (make sure it's the "S" version, the older K5 is not nearly as good). IMHO it ranks right up there with Shoei RF1200, and most of your Arai helmets with regards to protection, features, comfort, fit, etc. But it's also 1/2 to 3/4 lb lighter and has the internal sun shield and retails for about $400. I have one that I got for my wife (we both wear the same size helmets) that I used for a few months before I got my Pista. It's solid, lightweight, comfortable, quiet, and just fits my head very well. Easy to put communication systems in, etc.

I've worn top of the line Shoei and Arai in the past. Very good helmets but with the SNELL certifications, also comes a lot of extra weight. A comparable quality ECE helmet will be 1/2 to 1 pound lighter. My last Arai was a while ago, RX7-RR and my last Shoei was the X12 and RF1200. still have those but they feel like a boat anchor compared to my current helmets.

Disclosure- I'm biased, I do some work for AGV here and there, but still like the new helmets. A lot. The new carbon SportModular helmet is crazy light and comfortable/quiet if you are looking at a modular helmet, but they are hard to find.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: TFancher on May 24, 2018, 09:04:13 AM
Quote from: TFancher on May 24, 2018, 08:56:13 AM
https://www.ebay.com/i/362275938382?chn=ps&var=631481871957&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fi%25252F362275938382%25253Fchn%25253Dps%252526var%25253D631481871957%2526itemid%253D631481871957%2526targetid%253D412951314864%2526device%253Dm%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526googleloc%253D9012579%2526poi%253D%2526campaignid%253D1057491338%2526adgroupid%253D53049245918%2526rlsatarget%253Dpla-412951314864%2526abcId%253D1133896%2526merchantid%253D6543674%2526gclid%253DEAIaIQobChMI2f2l2L-e2wIVEqvsCh34RwELEAkYASABEgI-jPD_BwE%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1541824231962%2526rvr_ts%253D926e6f091630a9c10cc4cf10ffffdc78
Here's the link Springer
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: bblass on May 24, 2018, 10:39:18 AM
Quote from: SpeedyR on May 23, 2018, 10:37:09 PM
Disclosure- I'm biased, I do some work for AGV here and there, but still like the new helmets. A lot. The new carbon SportModular helmet is crazy light and comfortable/quiet if you are looking at a modular helmet, but they are hard to find.

The naked carbon is one of the ones I was seriously considering. The field of view and ventilation on it looks amazing but I'm little concerned about the aerodynamics you mentioned. I usually cruise around 85 on the harley. Guessing with no windshield the buffeting and noise might rule this one out. Thanks for the input!
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: SpeedyR on May 24, 2018, 03:47:49 PM
I'd buy the new carbon sport modular over the ax-8 any day. Much better Helmet. Plus there will probably be an ax-9 out later this year.

Try on the K5-S. I think you'll be impressed.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Hammerdown77 on May 25, 2018, 07:11:16 AM
Since you like the RPHA 10, why not an RPHA 11?  Revzilla review said it basically blew the 10 out of the water.

Also, the RPHA 70 ST is nice. It's more of a sport touring helmet with an internal drop down visor. $350 in the plain colors. I ordered one and tried it out, really really nice helmet but didn't quite fit my head.

My 5 year old Shoei Qwest needs replacement, so I've been going through this process as well. I've tried on many helmets at this point. Most comfortable, yet snugly fitting, was the new Shoei RF-SR, which is an upgrade from the Qwest, but a little less expensive than the 1200. The 1200 seems narrower to me, but the RF-SR seems a little less round than my Qwest, which isn't bad. PLUS, it uses the same shield as the RF1200, which means you can get their Transitions lens for it. $399 retail, and you can go to any Cycle Gear and try it on.

I thought I wanted an XD4, and it fits fine, but I'm concerned about all the compromises I'd be making with a dual sport helmet, since I'm 80% on the road at this point. It would be different if the compromises came at $200 or so, but at $550 it's a little harder to swallow. Likely I'll spend the $$$ on a good road/sport touring helmet that I use the majority of the time, then perhaps a heavily venting (and loud) Bell MX-9 for occasional dual sport use.

I want to like Scorpion, but I seem to be between a M and a L in their fit. And I think you can't do pad swapping between those two shell sizes, at least not in the direction I'd need to go. Oh well.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: bblass on May 25, 2018, 08:13:26 AM
Yesterday afternoon I cut out a little early and headed down to big number 1 to do a little shopping.

I tried on probably 10 or 12 lids, but the one I kept coming back to was the Arai Quantum. I've got a round noggin (probably from multiple impacts) and it just felt better.

Kudos to big number 1 as well for excellent service! Their gear specialist knew his stuff and beat Revzilla's price without me even asking.

@Hammerdown77 check into the HJC DS-X1 if you're looking for an occasional use dual sport helmet. It's loud, but it vents well, has a easily removable/ washable liner and best off it's cheap. Fit is very similar to an RPHA 10.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: springer on May 25, 2018, 09:35:10 AM
Quote from: Hammerdown77 on May 25, 2018, 07:11:16 AM
I want to like Scorpion, but I seem to be between a M and a L in their fit. And I think you can't do pad swapping between those two shell sizes, at least not in the direction I'd need to go. Oh well.
According to the email I got from Scorpion the shell sizes are as follows;

XXL XL= same shell

L and M = same shell

XS S = same shell

So if you are wanting to swap out the check pads you should be okay, headliner too but to be safe, shoot them an email. It took me 1 business day to hear back from them.  ;) 
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Hammerdown77 on May 25, 2018, 11:23:58 AM
I, too, tried on the new Arai Quantum X. It was comfortable, and I didn't have any pressure spots, but I felt it might be too round. There seemed to be maybe more room than I'd like around the sides, like I need thicker pads. The Signet X (same shell, just long oval shape) was definitely too narrow across the crown. Likely I'm an intermediate oval in their lineup, which is the Defiant X, Vector 2, DT-X, Corsair X ($$$), and the XD-4, which I did try on and it felt good.

My understanding on the Scorpion shell size thing is that it's not the same across their line. My EXO-1100, they said that M and L were two different shell sizes and couldn't interchange pads, because I asked them directly about it. Same for another one I looked at recently. If one I liked had the same size for M and L, then I'd definitely consider it.

Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Hammerdown77 on May 29, 2018, 02:43:33 PM
Quote from: SpeedyR on May 24, 2018, 03:47:49 PM
I'd buy the new carbon sport modular over the ax-8 any day. Much better Helmet. Plus there will probably be an ax-9 out later this year.

Try on the K5-S. I think you'll be impressed.

I've been looking at the K5 S here recently. Your earlier comment about the S being better than the regular K5 is reassuring, as some of the reviews I'd read initially were likely just the standard K5. They were not great.

My Qwest, although not heavy by typical Snell rated standards, still feels heavy to me (and I'm running a Sena SMH-10 on it, too). Been having some neck, upper back issues, and would like a lighter lid.

The carbon sport modular looked pretty cool, but I've seen several owners mention that the chin strap is too far back, causing unpleasant pressure. I had that issue with the HJC RPHA 70 ST, it was the first thing I noticed.

I wonder if I'd have that problem with the K5 S?
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: SpeedyR on May 29, 2018, 03:01:45 PM
Quote from: Hammerdown77 on May 29, 2018, 02:43:33 PM
I've been looking at the K5 S here recently. Your earlier comment about the S being better than the regular K5 is reassuring, as some of the reviews I'd read initially were likely just the standard K5. They were not great.

My Qwest, although not heavy by typical Snell rated standards, still feels heavy to me (and I'm running a Sena SMH-10 on it, too). Been having some neck, upper back issues, and would like a lighter lid.

The carbon sport modular looked pretty cool, but I've seen several owners mention that the chin strap is too far back, causing unpleasant pressure. I had that issue with the HJC RPHA 70 ST, it was the first thing I noticed.

I wonder if I'd have that problem with the K5 S?

What size do you wear? The latest models of all of the AGV helmets are a HUGE step up over the older models. the K5-S, Pista GP R, Corsa R, etc. The K3-SV is nicer than the older K3 by a big margin (similar to HJC/Scorpion/Icon, your usual better level China made helmet brands), but not nearly as good as the K5-S (more like Shoei and Arai comfort/quality).

If anyone is looking for a top level carbon helmet, I may have a ML (medium large) in a good AGV helmet for a deal. PM me for info if you might fit that size.

I've worn the sport modular a few days and while it was further back than my other AGV helmets, I didn't notice it much. I just assumed it was something with the modular helmets and some of the new testing. I'm not a modular kinda guy but it's a very very nice helmet. Normally modulars are heavy, noisy and just don't feel like they have the right amount of protection (every modular I have tried on including Schubert use a plastic chin bar). The sport modular is full carbon including the chin bar and it's got a LOT more EPS in the side area where the flip up mechanism is located unlike most other brands. That was a big part of the design of the sport modular was to try to get a 5 star SHARP rating (hard to do with a modular helmet).

Info on the SHARP testing that the UK govt does:

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk



Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: Hammerdown77 on May 29, 2018, 03:08:42 PM
I measure 57.5 cm head circumference. I'm a Medium in Shoei and Arai.

I tried on a K3 SV at Cycle Gear in a ML, and it felt pretty good, although I wondered if I could snug up the fit just a bit. It was a little more comfortable than I expect for a brand new helmet, and I worried it would loosen up a bit after break-in. I wanted to try the MS size, but they didn't have any. According to the AGV size chart, that's likely the size I would wear. Unless the K5 S fits a little small...

Does the K5 S have a similar internal shape to the K3 SV? I'm a fairly neutral to slightly round head shape, I'd guess.
Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: SpeedyR on May 29, 2018, 03:15:20 PM
The K3-SV and K5-S are very similar shapes but feel different because of the much better padding materials used. But the size should be the same, I have a ML in the K3-SV, K5-S and Pista GP R and they all fit me well but each is slightly different feel because of materials and structure.

Title: Re: New lid - soliciting opinions
Post by: LawnmowerRG on June 03, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
I wear Arai. One reason Arai makes different head shape helmets. Also if you see a racer in an Arai. That helmet was plucked off the shelf just like yours.
If you want. One day stop at the shop and we can measure your skull bone. Then go from there.

I know HJC tends to be round.
Scorpion is intermediate oval.
Shark tends to be intermediate oval (but closer to the round side).

Honestly the best helmet in he world does you no good sitting on a shelf because it's uncomfortable.
So get what fits and wears well on your head.
I suggest pulling the cheek pads and see if the top fit snug all the way around your head. Then you can replace or modify the cheek pads to fit you face.