Choosing a helmet... Shoei, Arai, others?

[SirFallsALot243]

Well since Im going to be purchasing a street bike, its time to start looking for a helmet. I want the absolute best. A GMC Yukon is a lot harder then dirt is if my head would hit it. My MX helmet is an HJC AC-X2, and to be honest, I was a little dissapointed with it. Its got a pretty decent sized crack on it at the bottom, right where my earlobe would be, and I never took any big spills with it. Im sure its compromised, but since I wont be riding MX as hardcore as I used to (ill be on 4 wheels now), I think its OK to keep. ANYWAYS...

Im looking for a helmet that provides all the essentials- good protection, cooling, visibility (for me and others), comfort, and good fitment. Im looking at Shoei and Arai brands right now. Id really like to have the helmet be primarily red- for ultimate visibility to other riders, and so it will match my bike. Heres what Im looking at right now (and I am open to other suggestions).

Arai Quantum 2 ($526.99)


Shoei X-Eleven ($692.99)


Thoughts, opinions, suggestions? Completely unrelated anecdotes?

[yzernie]

I'm partial to Shoei but in all honesty those are the best two helmet manufacterers , period. I don't think you could go wrong with either one. As far as the graphics go the Shoei is a bit wild for me and I like the Arai better...but for an 18 year old like yourself the Shoei would be just fine.

[SirFallsALot243]

I actually like the looks of the Arai better. However, I was reading reviews on both, and one relatively long review said that while the Arai was a great helmet, the Shoei was better all around, including price. The prices I have listed is the MSRP for the Shoei, and a price off a website for the Arai.

[Florida 393]

They are both great helmets and it will probably come down to which helmet feels best. As to the HJC dirt helmet, even though you are not racing or shreding you still need to replace it. With a crack it will open you to a potential head injury. We don't want members hurt no matter what.

Bill

[SirFallsALot243]

Originally Posted by Florida 393

They are both great helmets and it will probably come down to which helmet feels best. As to the HJC dirt helmet, even though you are not racing or shreding you still need to replace it. With a crack it will open you to a potential head injury. We don't want members hurt no matter what.

Bill

I know it needs to be replaced. Its all about money though! Not enough of it to go around!

Im diggin this too.

[Florida 393]

I like that last Arai helmet. I can understand the money issue, just please be careful, we need you here and healthy. What size helmet do you wear I have an HJC in red, white and black you can certainly have to keep things safe. It is an XL. Let me know if you want to use it.

Bill

[SirFallsALot243]

Wow, Bill- thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it! Unfortunatly, Im usually a Medium, and a Large on some manufacturers. XL is like wearing a 5 gallon bucket on my head LOL! Thanks a lot though!

[Florida 393]

Okay, I am a big, hard headed, former Marine, sorry. Just please take care and enjoy the new crotch rocket.

Bill

[SirFallsALot243]

Well I got my helmet. Ended up with the Arai Vector. The Quantum 2 is more of a race only model, and the ventilation system doesnt really do anything until 100+mph, which I wont be seeing. The Vector has a more useful venting system, and a more comfortable interior. Its also much more comfortable on the wallet, as it was only $440 out the door.



Looks better in person. The red is VERY bright.

[Florida 393]

Very nice lid, and that price OTD beats the cost of long term care for a brain injury all to pieces.

Bill

[Woody_393]

Very nice lid, and great job on actually caring about yourself. No helmet or a lack of caring which one you have equates to no brain to me. So you obviously have a good one.

[Aus_Rider_22]

Sweet helmet