I have a Shoei that I really liked, I liked it so much that when I saw it on clearance (@STG) I bought an extra for half what I paid for the original. However, I did go down at ACC in the rain and took a couple of small chunks out of the back of the helmet, so for personal reasons I feel it to be unsafe to use anymore. I had the extra with me at the track just for an incident like this. I bought another helmet earlier this week as backup. I bought an AGV Explore. The fit seemed ok. But when I really started looking at it, I felt that it was rather flimsy for me to use on the track or street. The shoei is substantially more rigid compared to the AGV. I paid a decent price for the AGV, but am unsatified with the quality. Right now I don't have $500 bucks to spend on another Shoei. Any suggestions for a nice duarable helmet would be greatly appreciated? Thanks, Nick
I'm no expert, but I don't think rigidity represents the quality of protection. A softer shell may absorb more of the impact while being less likely to crack or shatter.
I low sided with a scorpion and it did the trick if you're just wanting a backup. the thing about the scorpion is the quick release system popped off and my visor went flying onto the track. that could be a bad thing if you went tumbling and didn't have a shield to protect your eyes. it's the only helmet I've crashed in so I don't know if that's par for the course or not. my chin also rubbed on the little airpump that was in it. I just ordered the bell vortex ($180 stg)and had a heck of a time finding a good size for my head. I'm not too happy with it. feels uncomfortable on the top of my skull and loose in the cheek area. just my observation from the ones I've worn.
Crashed in a Scorpion EXO700 and felt like it protected just fine. No issues. They are on close out at STG for like $89.
You have a lot of options in the lower price range that will suffice as a good back up helmet. Most of the guys here have already mentioned them, but you can look at some of the Bell Stars on closeout, Bell Vortex B-54, Scorpion EXO-700 or EXO-400. All helmets have to meet the DOT standard and some opt to add either Snell or ECE, so no matter which one you go for, you are protected. The most important thing is fit, if the helmet does not properly fit your head, it is not going to do its job to its full capability. @NickBoogie - I can help you find something or try to help you out on pricing if you want to look at the Shoei. @puck dat asphalt - If you haven't ridden in that Vortex yet, have you considered trying to exchange it? It sounds like a poor fit for you and is likely not the correct head shape for you. If you have, we can always look at getting you different cheek pads to help with the fitment.
I have had 3 Scorpion Helmets 2-700's and 1-400. They are good helmets. Over the winter I bought a Bell Star and it is far better in fit and stability at speed. It also moves a lot of air inside the helmet to help keep cool. So far the Bell is the best/favorite helmet I've ever owned.
that can happen with any helmet. when i highsided and then slid and tumbled in march, i broke a side panel and the shield mechanism on one side of a $550 arai.
I bought a Vortex last year and the cheek pads were so tight they were unusable but everything else about the helmet fit great. I bought some thinner cheek pads and now it fits nearly perfect. I have my old thick pads if you want them. I'll be at Grattan all this weekend and I'll drag them with me. Matt
I'll echo the calls for Bell. I had a Shoei that i loved completely. But at 7 years old it was time to replace it this year. I picked an RS1 up from STG on sale and it was a smidge uncomfortable at first, but after a full track day it broke in and fits great now. I wont say its exactly my head-shape like the shoei was, but i feel an awful lot more secure in the Bell. The Shoei felt like a cadillac, the Bell feels like a BMW. If that makes sense....:lmao:
I appreciate the offer man, but i'm not going to be around until Road Atlanta in aug. I think I may just try and send this one back to STG and get a different helmet. I know bell makes great lids, but I think my oddly shaped head is just not compatible. So far the Icon helmet I had when I first got the bike has been the most comfortable, but i just don't really like the look of them like I did 5 years ago. they just look gimmicky. i'm sure I'll find something
Try Shark? I heard from multiple people that Shark helmets had the same "head-shape" as the last gen Shoei's
Motorcyclecloseouts ran a deal on the Bell RS-1 about a month ago for $340 with the photochromatic shield. Needless to say, I now use the RS-1 =] Previously used the Scorpion EXO-700. Both are fantastic helmets, but the RS-1 is lighter and quieter than my 700.
Two kids in the UK agree (others as well). They put the padding on the outside: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.co...uths-helmet-project-qualifies-national-finals Another new idea. Two liners with dampers between: http://www.6dhelmets.com/#!ods/c10b6
I picked up a Bell Vortex from my local dealership. I haven't riden in it yet, but I liked the fit more then anything else they had in my price range. The major selling point for me was the magnetic tips to clasp the strap together. Instead of the old school buttons that would keep the strap from smacking in the neck. I also feel the Bell has really good visbility compared to some other helmets I've worn. My only dislike is I can't wear my sunglasses, so I had to pay for an extra tinted screen. @ Aubs-- If I would have seen your post sooner I would have called STG. But now I know for next time. I buy a new helmet every year. Hence the reason I have a collection of old helmets in my garage. Thanks everyone for the input. I'll let you know what I think after my next bike ride.
I've been wearin Shoei X-11s for years when the X-12 came out I didn't want to fork out $700+ for one so I tried out a Bell Star and like it every bit as much.