What's your helmet brand? - Discuss What's your helmet brand? on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Riding Gear / Luggage / Electronics. (Helmets, Boots, Gloves, Leathers, Jackets, Pants, Back Protectors, Earplugs, Tank Bags, Tail Bags, Saddlebags, Motorcycle Related GPS, Audio, Video, Radar Detectors, Lap Timers, Communicators, etc.)

wesbh · 11-08-2006, 12:12 AM

Shoei RF-800
Shoei RF-800
Shoei RF-1000

Gee...I must have a Shoei head.

Steve03xx · 11-08-2006, 12:37 AM

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I would like to know how long you typically keep your helmets?

I personally trade out my helmets every 3-4 years.

Oh, and I currently have a Scorpion. I have owned Arai, Shoei, and HJC. Out of these three brands, I liked the Shoei the best, but for value, I don't think you can beat the Scorpion.

SGTSkiXX · 11-08-2006, 4:24 PM

For me it's an Icon Mainframe Hooligan. It's about to get replaced though since it was through an accident a few weeks ago. It did really well no head injury or even a headache. Probably by another Icon but the Shoei Diabolic series is looking awful tempting

lois · 11-08-2006, 11:50 PM

Arai Quantum

Suomy m

lois · 11-08-2006, 11:58 PM

Arai Quantum

Suomy race replica

Icon Mainframe Scull

I paid alot of dough for my Arai and Suomy, just picked up the Icon Mainframe (skull) this past summer and I absolutley love it. I find that I rarely use the Arai or Suomy any more....thing is, I paid dick all for the Icon compaired to the other two ,and for me, it seems to be the better helmet.

The Mainframe fits well, is quite, and has very good ventilation. This particular model has a "chin skirt" it's a streachy piece that fits across under your chin to cut buffiting etc.

One thing to mention though, most of the people I have talked to, including myself, have dropped down one size when buying the Icon.

FiXXation · 11-09-2006, 3:07 AM

Arai Astral (in metallic black, of course).

WestOzBird · 11-09-2006, 8:13 AM

Great avatar Wes.

Steve03, I was told a long time ago ( once upon a time) by a police riding instructor that helmets have a shelf life of about 3 yrs before the UV's and all the other bad stuff in the air starts possibly weakening the structure of the lid. That is provided the lid hasn't been dropped even from the smallest of heights ( damages the polystyrene and creates a void between the poly and shell therefore a weak spot)

ConqSoft · 11-09-2006, 1:53 PM

4 years is the longest I've kept one.

northbird · 11-10-2006, 10:11 AM

Shoei RF 900 - had it for 2 years. Very comfortable and light.

I usually replace helmets every 5 or 6 years.

How are others keeping the helmet lining clean?

Paul

Warchild · 11-10-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northbird

How are others keeping the helmet lining clean?

I don't.... which tends to lower my helmet's probability of theft !

WestOzBird · 11-10-2006, 11:42 AM

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew

Just kiddin

The X-11 shoei's have a removable lining which is washable. Omo sensitive was recommended to was the liner and keep it smelling all flowery and fresh. Couldn't do that to the old shoei so I would leave it outside, upside down on a sunny day to help stop it getting too skanky.

Hanske · 11-14-2006, 5:51 PM

UVEX, I did'nt see this brand in the list. So probably this is in the US not sold.

BDAZXX · 11-15-2006, 10:34 PM

Aria RX7rr4 and RX7 Corsair. Love both of them Ones black and the others a Colin Edwards first year replica. I need a new lid before next season, I think I'll get a red Hacking with the bulldog on the back.

I have a couple of Simpsons and wore them for a couple of years. Nothing like scaring ol ladies in there cages when you look like Darth Vader!!

r2t2 · 11-15-2006, 11:58 PM

Nolan N-102 and a Scorpion EXO700. I really have become addicted to the flip feature... The Scorpion is nice too... Lots of high end features thgt are well executed and it's a relatively inexpensive helmet.

BDAZXX · 11-16-2006, 2:01 AM

One of my sponsors picked up Scorpion and was trying to get me to get one...........I've never seen one in person.

Texhoss · 11-16-2006, 10:57 AM

I have had a HJC CL-14 that I reworked the foam on to help make it fit. My hat size is a 8 3/8. I have never been real happy with the tight fit. The chin guard plate is on my chin.

I just found, a Vega 4X Altura Helmet. It has a comfortable fit but only has the Dot approval. The nicer helmets have Snell Approval, also. Would someone explain the different approvals. The Vega Helmet has comfort but not as much safety.

Does anyone make a full face for 8 3/8 to 8 1/2 for large guys, with both approvals?

Thanks,

Carl

Bixxer_Bob · 11-16-2006, 5:50 PM

I'm almost embarrassed to say I got a top of the range Shoei X Spirit. It's my second Shoei, the earlier one was an XR900. Both are top kids, though the X Spirit is much lighter that the old one, only 1350gm and the vents actually work. It has the Shoei pinlock visor demist system which is basically double glazing for visors so it doesn't fog, EVER! And best of all, I got 30% of the list price. It also has a special paint job, it's a Dijiro Kato memorial which is the design he would've used the following season if he hadn't got himself killed.

haWHYnXX · 11-17-2006, 1:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texhoss

The nicer helmets have Snell Approval, also. Would someone explain the different approvals.

I wouldn't automatically say that Snell rated helmets are better, just another test to go through - here's an article for you to peruse about the different approvals (it's rather long but very informative): Motorcycle Helmet Design, Helmet Standards and Head Protection - Gear Box - Motorcyclist Online

oldgeezer · 11-18-2006, 1:06 PM

I found it interesting that you didn't include BELL in your lineup of possible choices. I don't currently have one, but understand BELL is attempting a "comeback" after many years and that new BELL helmets are well liked by their owners. I once owned a BELL STAR many years ago (when BELL was the 'benchmark" for full-face helmets and considered the ARAI of their time) but after the original company was sold they disappeared into oblivion (even though their bicycle hemlets / accessories are selling well). Anyone else here have any experience with the newer BELL?

My current helmet is a cheap HJC CL-14 and while it was ok for awhile, I'd really like to upgrade to something that is (1) quieter, (2) better ventillation/less fogging (3) doesn't leak onto my face/glasses and (4) areodynamically stable (At speeds over 90-100 mph my chin strap becomes a hangeman's noose due to aerodynamic lift (yes, I've the correct size). This really becomes fatiguing on long trips.

Aiki · 11-18-2006, 5:14 PM

I have a Shoei XR1000 GRAPHIC Alloy TC2
And he is very good

Strong · 11-19-2006, 7:04 AM

NOLAN N-102 with Intercom. It´s the wire intercom system, which allowed me to speak with my partner.

WestOzBird · 11-19-2006, 7:13 AM

G'day and welcome from Australia Strong

lois · 11-19-2006, 7:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgeezer

I found it interesting that you didn't include BELL in your lineup of possible choices. I don't currently have one, but understand BELL is attempting a "comeback" after many years and that new BELL helmets are well liked by their owners. I once owned a BELL STAR many years ago (when BELL was the 'benchmark" for full-face helmets and considered the ARAI of their time) but after the original company was sold they disappeared into oblivion (even though their bicycle hemlets / accessories are selling well). Anyone else here have any experience with the newer BELL?

My current helmet is a cheap HJC CL-14 and while it was ok for awhile, I'd really like to upgrade to something that is (1) quieter, (2) better ventillation/less fogging (3) doesn't leak onto my face/glasses and (4) areodynamically stable (At speeds over 90-100 mph my chin strap becomes a hangeman's noose due to aerodynamic lift (yes, I've the correct size). This really becomes fatiguing on long trips.

I think the "Icon Mainframe " will meet your needs quite nicely

oldgeezer · 11-20-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lois

I think the "Icon Mainframe " will meet your needs quite nicely

I'd heard ICON helmets were manufactured by HJC, although I can't verify this, nor can I verify which ICON helmet (if any) correlate to the HJC line.
If true, it isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the upper end HJC is a nice lid.

Can anyone else confirm this?

Birdman · 11-22-2006, 9:59 AM

both top of the line Shoe and Arai are about the only ones that fit my stupid head so either way im staring $1200 to $1500 for a new lid........ ouch but you only got one head

redxxrdr · 11-22-2006, 11:19 AM

Shoei RF-1000 , with RF 900 and RF 700 backups. I even have the old open face bell that I got for my ninth birthday. And that was 38 years ago.
I really need a flip face, now that I wear glasses, but the ones I have tried are still too loud, even with ear plugs.

oldgeezer · 11-22-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redxxrdr

...I even have the old open face bell that I got for my ninth birthday. And that was 38 years ago.
I really need a flip face, now that I wear glasses, but the ones I have tried are still too loud, even with ear plugs.

Careful, Craig - you're revealing your age - you may be labeled an "oldgeezer" soon.

redxxrdr · 11-22-2006, 9:59 PM

Thanks Doug

I guess I need to start a thread on how to make a cane holder.

My kids would tell you that I will be OldFart, because there is only one Oldgeezer

SoKanXX · 11-27-2006, 12:15 PM

I just bought this helmet as a Christmas gift for myself. Its the Icon Mainframe helmet in the black bling color. I also go the bling gold face shield. It looks pretty cool I hope it is a decent helmet. I attached a photo of the helmet with the gold shield installed.

I paid $150 for the helmet at motorcycle superstore and got the gold shield off ebay for $25, I figure I will probibly get my moneys worth from it. This will be my first tinted shield I have always worn a clear shield with a black vinal strip across the top for sun control. I thought I might as well get a daytime helmet for afternoon rides. I had always been afraid to get caught in the dark with a tinted visor but this helmet just looked too cool to not put a tinted visor of some sort on.

slinger5150 · 11-27-2006, 6:13 PM

Shoei RF-1000. It's the 2nd Shoei I've owned. They fit me perfectly and are very comfortable. Very impressed with the airflow of this new one. I can feel the wind running over the top of my head when all the vents are open. They have a color that almost matches the titanium bird perfectly ( Anthracite ). Of course I bought metallic black. I don't need my helmet to match my bike.

View Poll Results: What's your helmet brand?
AGV	40	4.40%
Arai	163	17.91%
Scorpion	53	5.82%
HJC	160	17.58%
ICON	30	3.30%
KBC	45	4.95%
Nolan	40	4.40%
Schuberth	38	4.18%
Shark	41	4.51%
Shoei	294	32.31%
Suomy	20	2.20%
VEGA	12	1.32%
Vemar	2	0.22%
Other	103	11.32%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 910. You may not vote on this poll

11-08-2006, 12:12 AM	#31
wesbh Join Date: Nov 03 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 8	Re: What's your helmet brand? Shoei RF-800 Shoei RF-800 Shoei RF-1000 Gee...I must have a Shoei head.

11-08-2006, 12:37 AM	#32
Steve03xx Join Date: Nov 06 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Age: 37 Posts: 13	Re: What's your helmet brand? I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I would like to know how long you typically keep your helmets? I personally trade out my helmets every 3-4 years. Oh, and I currently have a Scorpion. I have owned Arai, Shoei, and HJC. Out of these three brands, I liked the Shoei the best, but for value, I don't think you can beat the Scorpion.

11-08-2006, 4:24 PM	#33
SGTSkiXX Join Date: Nov 07 2006 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 241	Re: What's your helmet brand? For me it's an Icon Mainframe Hooligan. It's about to get replaced though since it was through an accident a few weeks ago. It did really well no head injury or even a headache. Probably by another Icon but the Shoei Diabolic series is looking awful tempting __________________ SGT Ski "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on thier behalf" George Orwell

11-08-2006, 11:50 PM	#34
lois Join Date: Nov 06 2006 Location: Red Deer Age: 46 Posts: 4,589	Re: What's your helmet brand? Arai Quantum Suomy m __________________ Call me "Captain Mudbucket".

11-08-2006, 11:58 PM	#35
lois Join Date: Nov 06 2006 Location: Red Deer Age: 46 Posts: 4,589	Re: What's your helmet brand? Arai Quantum Suomy race replica Icon Mainframe Scull I paid alot of dough for my Arai and Suomy, just picked up the Icon Mainframe (skull) this past summer and I absolutley love it. I find that I rarely use the Arai or Suomy any more....thing is, I paid dick all for the Icon compaired to the other two ,and for me, it seems to be the better helmet. The Mainframe fits well, is quite, and has very good ventilation. This particular model has a "chin skirt" it's a streachy piece that fits across under your chin to cut buffiting etc. One thing to mention though, most of the people I have talked to, including myself, have dropped down one size when buying the Icon. __________________ Call me "Captain Mudbucket".

11-09-2006, 3:07 AM	#36
FiXXation Join Date: Nov 03 2006 Location: Borger, TX Posts: 69	Re: What's your helmet brand? Arai Astral (in metallic black, of course). __________________ No bugs were harmed in the making of my motorcycle ride memories; they only got the snot knocked out of them.

11-09-2006, 8:13 AM	#37
WestOzBird Join Date: Oct 21 2006 Location: Merriwa, Western Australia Posts: 164	Re: What's your helmet brand? Great avatar Wes. Steve03, I was told a long time ago ( once upon a time) by a police riding instructor that helmets have a shelf life of about 3 yrs before the UV's and all the other bad stuff in the air starts possibly weakening the structure of the lid. That is provided the lid hasn't been dropped even from the smallest of heights ( damages the polystyrene and creates a void between the poly and shell therefore a weak spot)

11-09-2006, 1:53 PM	#38
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 37 Posts: 1,097	Re: What's your helmet brand? 4 years is the longest I've kept one. __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum

11-10-2006, 10:11 AM	#39
northbird Join Date: Nov 07 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 17	Re: What's your helmet brand? Shoei RF 900 - had it for 2 years. Very comfortable and light. I usually replace helmets every 5 or 6 years. How are others keeping the helmet lining clean? Paul

11-10-2006, 11:42 AM	#41
WestOzBird Join Date: Oct 21 2006 Location: Merriwa, Western Australia Posts: 164	Re: What's your helmet brand? eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew Just kiddin The X-11 shoei's have a removable lining which is washable. Omo sensitive was recommended to was the liner and keep it smelling all flowery and fresh. Couldn't do that to the old shoei so I would leave it outside, upside down on a sunny day to help stop it getting too skanky.

11-14-2006, 5:51 PM	#42
Hanske Join Date: Nov 14 2006 Location: Valkenswaard, The Netherlands Age: 52 Posts: 40	Re: What's your helmet brand? UVEX, I did'nt see this brand in the list. So probably this is in the US not sold.

11-15-2006, 10:34 PM	#43
BDAZXX Faster than you think you are. Join Date: Oct 13 2006 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 304	Re: What's your helmet brand? Aria RX7rr4 and RX7 Corsair. Love both of them Ones black and the others a Colin Edwards first year replica. I need a new lid before next season, I think I'll get a red Hacking with the bulldog on the back. I have a couple of Simpsons and wore them for a couple of years. Nothing like scaring ol ladies in there cages when you look like Darth Vader!! __________________ Ride Fast, Ride Safe and remember we live more in 5 minutes than most people do in a lifetime. Randy AFM#799

11-15-2006, 11:58 PM	#44
r2t2 Join Date: Oct 22 2006 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 152	Re: What's your helmet brand? Nolan N-102 and a Scorpion EXO700. I really have become addicted to the flip feature... The Scorpion is nice too... Lots of high end features thgt are well executed and it's a relatively inexpensive helmet. __________________ RayK aka MileHi

11-16-2006, 2:01 AM	#45
BDAZXX Faster than you think you are. Join Date: Oct 13 2006 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 304	Re: What's your helmet brand? One of my sponsors picked up Scorpion and was trying to get me to get one...........I've never seen one in person. __________________ Ride Fast, Ride Safe and remember we live more in 5 minutes than most people do in a lifetime. Randy AFM#799

11-16-2006, 10:57 AM	#46
Texhoss Join Date: Oct 22 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 20	Re: What's your helmet brand? I have had a HJC CL-14 that I reworked the foam on to help make it fit. My hat size is a 8 3/8. I have never been real happy with the tight fit. The chin guard plate is on my chin. I just found, a Vega 4X Altura Helmet. It has a comfortable fit but only has the Dot approval. The nicer helmets have Snell Approval, also. Would someone explain the different approvals. The Vega Helmet has comfort but not as much safety. Does anyone make a full face for 8 3/8 to 8 1/2 for large guys, with both approvals? Thanks, Carl

11-16-2006, 5:50 PM	#47
Bixxer_Bob Join Date: Oct 29 2006 Location: Cambridgeshire England Posts: 12	Re: What's your helmet brand? I'm almost embarrassed to say I got a top of the range Shoei X Spirit. It's my second Shoei, the earlier one was an XR900. Both are top kids, though the X Spirit is much lighter that the old one, only 1350gm and the vents actually work. It has the Shoei pinlock visor demist system which is basically double glazing for visors so it doesn't fog, EVER! And best of all, I got 30% of the list price. It also has a special paint job, it's a Dijiro Kato memorial which is the design he would've used the following season if he hadn't got himself killed. __________________ I don't want to achieve immortality through prayer, I want to achieve it through not dying. http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...b/image001.gif

11-18-2006, 1:06 PM	#49
oldgeezer Join Date: Nov 16 2006 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 67 Posts: 77	Re: What's your helmet brand? I found it interesting that you didn't include BELL in your lineup of possible choices. I don't currently have one, but understand BELL is attempting a "comeback" after many years and that new BELL helmets are well liked by their owners. I once owned a BELL STAR many years ago (when BELL was the 'benchmark" for full-face helmets and considered the ARAI of their time) but after the original company was sold they disappeared into oblivion (even though their bicycle hemlets / accessories are selling well). Anyone else here have any experience with the newer BELL? My current helmet is a cheap HJC CL-14 and while it was ok for awhile, I'd really like to upgrade to something that is (1) quieter, (2) better ventillation/less fogging (3) doesn't leak onto my face/glasses and (4) areodynamically stable (At speeds over 90-100 mph my chin strap becomes a hangeman's noose due to aerodynamic lift (yes, I've the correct size). This really becomes fatiguing on long trips. Last edited by oldgeezer; 11-18-2006 at 1:22 PM.

11-19-2006, 7:04 AM	#51
Strong Join Date: Nov 14 2006 Location: AUSTRIA (not Australia) Age: 42 Posts: 16	Re: What's your helmet brand? NOLAN N-102 with Intercom. It´s the wire intercom system, which allowed me to speak with my partner. __________________ GREETS FROM AUSTRIA STRONG Visite my Website in Austria! http://strong.oyla14.de/cgi-bin/hpm_homepage.cgi "Vacation-dreams on 2 wheels"

11-19-2006, 7:13 AM	#52
WestOzBird Join Date: Oct 21 2006 Location: Merriwa, Western Australia Posts: 164	Re: What's your helmet brand? G'day and welcome from Australia Strong

11-22-2006, 9:59 AM	#55
Birdman Join Date: Nov 22 2006 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 168	Re: What's your helmet brand? both top of the line Shoe and Arai are about the only ones that fit my stupid head so either way im staring $1200 to $1500 for a new lid........ ouch but you only got one head

11-22-2006, 11:19 AM	#56
redxxrdr Craig Join Date: Nov 21 2006 Location: Sumner, Ga Age: 50 Posts: 315	Re: What's your helmet brand? Shoei RF-1000 , with RF 900 and RF 700 backups. I even have the old open face bell that I got for my ninth birthday. And that was 38 years ago. I really need a flip face, now that I wear glasses, but the ones I have tried are still too loud, even with ear plugs.

11-22-2006, 9:59 PM	#58
redxxrdr Craig Join Date: Nov 21 2006 Location: Sumner, Ga Age: 50 Posts: 315	Re: What's your helmet brand? Thanks Doug I guess I need to start a thread on how to make a cane holder. My kids would tell you that I will be OldFart, because there is only one Oldgeezer

11-27-2006, 6:13 PM	#60
slinger5150 Join Date: Nov 07 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 71	Re: What's your helmet brand? Shoei RF-1000. It's the 2nd Shoei I've owned. They fit me perfectly and are very comfortable. Very impressed with the airflow of this new one. I can feel the wind running over the top of my head when all the vents are open. They have a color that almost matches the titanium bird perfectly ( Anthracite ). Of course I bought metallic black. I don't need my helmet to match my bike.