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blue max

Expert Class
Posts: 214

posted January 29, 2007 07:26 AM

looking for a helmet

i have a bell helmet, and when i am racing, and really tucked in, it is hard for me to see out the upper edge unless i tilt my head up. i have tried different sizes and also added padding in the top. are there any different styles that will have better visibility?
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QWICK

Expert Class
Posts: 413

posted January 29, 2007 10:19 AM

HJC has a new CL-15 Dragon helmet that gives me better visibility than my KBC or Aria. Not sure how well it stacks up to the Bell helmet in racing situations though. But it seems like a very well built helmet.

blue max

Expert Class
Posts: 214

posted January 29, 2007 12:20 PM

where can i get one, and what are return policies if i do not like it?
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phytrax

Zone Head
Posts: 526

posted January 29, 2007 01:36 PM

Edited By: phytrax on 29 Jan 2007 13:37

Yes, they are different. I have a Shoei RF-1000 that has good visibility. I tried an Icon helmet that had even better visibility but wasn't comfortable to me. None of them have nearly as good of visibility as my Airoh helmet I orded from the UK. It's an enduro helmet and has superb visibility when looking over your shoulder, which was much more of an issue to me than tucked visibility. You really need to try on as many helmets as you can and see which is best for you. Be warned that many helmets may be fine for a few minutes and then become uncomfortable later on.

Your best bet is to look up local dealers for the helmets you want to try and find out about their return policy before you buy. Make sure they give you at least a day to test it. That should be plenty, even 30 minutes will be very helpful.
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ZXGRIFF

Expert Class
Posts: 184

posted January 29, 2007 07:19 PM

I love my Arai RX-7 Corsair Matsudo Cobra. I've had HJC, Shoei, and two Arai helmets, the Arai's are by far the best for me. Comfort, ventilation, and weight are incredible.

fas550

Novice Class
Posts: 75

posted January 29, 2007 09:34 PM

it all comes down to the shape of your head. You really need to go into a store and try them on! I have a Shoei RF-1000 and I thought was too tight. I tried a Scorpion in med and large, neither fit well. I tried an Arai and it was okay. come to find out my Shoei with smaller cheek pads fit the best so I ordered 31mm pads (the helmet came with 35 or 36 I think) Anyway that did the trick. I could have spent hundreds pissing around with another helmet but it came down to new 18 dollar cheek pads. Fits great!!
Frank

BlackMagic14

Needs a job
Posts: 2058

posted January 29, 2007 10:04 PM

I really like my Icon Mainframe Helmet havnt worn it to the track yet but I will let you know

road rage

Expert Class
Posts: 129

posted January 29, 2007 10:20 PM

Edited By: road rage on 29 Jan 2007 22:23

I've tried alot of different helmets over the yrs, from expensive ($600) to cheap ($150), different brands also. Soumy, KBC, Shoei, Schuberth, HJC, AGV etc. My impression about them are such. While appreciate a helpmt that 's quiet and has good visibility; I also like low weight and a high quality build. Also one must consider size as well, since some helmets feel very large though they are the correct size, i.e. as if you were in a fishbowl or something. Shoei has some of the best helmets around but Soumy is slightly better IMHO but only because of their lighter weight (which is great for long rides since you don't get neck pains so quickly). Also I think they're slightly better because they're rather small and close fitting. Put a Soumy on the table next to some other helmets and you'll easly see a difference (both being your correct size), the Soumy will be smaller and that's a good thing. For Soumy I use the Spec-1R and I'm looking at getting their Extreme. Yes they're spendy but worth the $500 that they cost, and while my AGV Valentino Rossi Rep cost the same price, I think it's feels big (fishbowl) even though they're both the same size (medium). With the AGV; I always bump into stuff while wearing and off the bike.

The Soumy is very light weight, compact ,and has cool graphics to boot......

Phil

stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted January 29, 2007 10:49 PM

Here is an awesome place I've found with great prices and customer service.

I was told about it on this forum as a matter of fact

http://helmetshop.com/
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road rage

Expert Class
Posts: 129

posted January 29, 2007 11:47 PM

I also wanted to add that I assemble / fit / adjust / maintain Aviation Helmets for a living ;16 yrs of experience, so I know a little something about correct fit, i.e. no pressure points or hots spots, etc. Though Motorcycle helmets are different in use, no real difference in how they should feel, comfortable! The padding is important and trimming may be needed to get it right, and it'll fit better after wearing it a few times. I always wear mine to sleep when I first buy it, for a quick 1 hr nap. If it's too uncomfortable for me to fall asleep while wearing, there's a problem. Just my personal test!

The link you provided has some great prices, better than fleabay (new only).

Phil

kspz3

Expert Class
Posts: 334

posted January 30, 2007 05:47 AM

quote:
I also wanted to add that I assemble / fit / adjust / maintain Aviation Helmets for a living ;16 yrs of experience, so I know a little something about correct fit, i.e. no pressure points or hots spots, etc. Though Motorcycle helmets are different in use, no real difference in how they should feel, comfortable! The padding is important and trimming may be needed to get it right, and it'll fit better after wearing it a few times. I always wear mine to sleep when I first buy it, for a quick 1 hr nap. If it's too uncomfortable for me to fall asleep while wearing, there's a problem. Just my personal test!

The link you provided has some great prices, better than fleabay (new only).

Phil

do you have any suggestions regarding how to custom fit a helmet....... KSP

road rage

Expert Class
Posts: 129

posted January 30, 2007 12:58 PM

Edited By: road rage on 30 Jan 2007 12:59

Motorcycle helmets are tough to fit because you don't readily have parts/pieces to fit/adjust when purchased. Cusom fitting can be still be done to an extent, mostly via using the diferent pads that come with the helmet if any. They can be removed from their 'socks' and trimmed, tried until you like the fit. Be careful though not to remove to much material (foam based). Also, the helmets styrofoam liner (what we call the Energy Absorbing Liner, can be compressed where needed. The ones in helmets are more dense than say packing material used in boxes, such a new TV sets, etc. Still there's some compression to be had. Removing any of this material (trimming) would not be advised as it's what abrobs the impact in the event you wrek, crash, etc and is also the sub-component that degrades over time requiring full replacement. In the Aviation world, we can replace these with thinner or thicker as needed so trimming is not needed. Also upon a rebuild, we replace these (once each yr). If parts could be sourced, a motorcycle helmet could technically last forever. Most of this stuff is common knowledge, but the fit tells alot about whether it's a decent helmets for your needs. Again, look for good comfort, and lack of areas that press against the head, especially the forhead and sides of skull (above ears). Pressure on the crown of the skull isn't so bad and most will have a higher tolerance to lack of comfort in this area. There's a comany Oregon Aero that you might be able to buy memory foam pads from, these are great since their tempature sensitive and super comfortable. These are used inside helmets like an Army troop would wear, but also used inside our flight helmets (those are called Zeta Liners) and is what I use, attaches with Velcro. .

http://www.oregonaero.com/p7372_2001.html#zetalinerpart

Phil

shawnski

Pro
Posts: 1809

posted January 30, 2007 01:34 PM

Edited By: shawnski on 30 Jan 2007 13:35

bluemax: i bought the new exo700 scorpion helmet when i bought my zx14 and i know it has not been out a long time but it has very good review on it. i had a shoei rf1000 before that and be honest with you i liked scorpion better for half the price. fit and quality is very good excellent aero, visibility excellent.just alittle bit more road noise then the shoei. it won't hurt to give it a try. try the exo700 model not the 400. it is very light too.

good luck!

blue max

Expert Class
Posts: 214

posted January 30, 2007 02:36 PM

thanks everybody for the info!
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted January 30, 2007 03:39 PM

quote:
bluemax: i bought the new exo700 scorpion helmet when i bought my zx14 and i know it has not been out a long time but it has very good review on it. i had a shoei rf1000 before that and be honest with you i liked scorpion better for half the price. fit and quality is very good excellent aero, visibility excellent.just alittle bit more road noise then the shoei. it won't hurt to give it a try. try the exo700 model not the 400. it is very light too.

good luck!

SCORPIAN!

I LOVE my cheap Scorpian exo700 in flat black. I have an expensive Arai that sits on a shelf collecting dust since I got that Scorpian. Going to buy another one for the track.
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eklipse636

Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046

posted January 30, 2007 06:27 PM

i have the Arai Astral and love it! wont buy anything else after owning this one. fits great, arai has been around for a while and they are on the expensive side, but how much is your head worth?????
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted January 30, 2007 06:39 PM

quote:
i have the Arai Astral and love it! wont buy anything else after owning this one. fits great, arai has been around for a while and they are on the expensive side, but how much is your head worth?????

Thats some weird thinking. The price of the helmet doesn't have much to do with protection. It may have something to do with noise level, comfort, and ventilation. But saying "the more expensive the helmet the safer your head is" just isn't sane reasoning.
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Nelson Taylor

Zone Head
Posts: 927

posted January 30, 2007 07:16 PM

Thanks for the link to the Helment shop Steve, I've been in the hunt for a helment.

Click here to visit Nelson Taylor's homepage.

stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920

posted January 30, 2007 08:16 PM

quote:
Thanks for the link to the Helment shop Steve, I've been in the hunt for a helment.

No Prob.

I wish i could remember who told me about that place, I'd thank them. It was on these threads anyway though

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smokinZX14

Needs a life
Posts: 10197

posted January 30, 2007 08:41 PM

Edited By: smokinZX14 on 30 Jan 2007 20:42

Shoei RF-1000 is what i use and have no problems at the track while tucked in ... what I do just before i staging is tilt the helmet up so i can be in full tuck and still see the tree .... I had to do the same with my HJC ...But the Shoei RF-1000 is a much nicer helmet, fit ,sound, weight and looks are better.. Smokin....
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eklipse636

Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046

posted February 01, 2007 07:53 PM

steve what i meant was when i did the research and asked well known racers and the older guys selling the helmets they told me how much research arai has put into helmets, so i DID take the assumption that with so much research put into a helmet it couldnt be bad... not the best at explaining things, but yes its very comfortable noise level isnt that great... but i still think from experience its a good helmet.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32

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