Chaser-X vs. GT Air 2 vs. Bell Star MIPS

[Salted_Peanut]

Talk to me about alternatives to the GT Air. Mine is getting long in the tooth, but Shoei has replaced the brilliant D-ring with a hateful ratchet closure in the GT Air 2. So, what are your thoughts?

• Arai Chaser-X: Plush fit. 4-star SHARP rating. But will it be noisier than the GT Air?
• Bell Star MIPS: It gets some of the most consistently high reviews of any helmet on Revzilla. And I reckon MIPS is worthwhile, plus a bodacious 5-star SHARP rating. But I’ve never tried a Bell before, and can't tell if the Star MIPS is quiet or noisy.
• GT Air 2: I should tolerate the ratchet . The GT Air only managed a 3-star SHARP rating – disappointing.

[Patrick Star]

I've got a Bell race star,snug fit and chin curtain, which means it is very quiet.

[shoestring7]

I'd rather trust Shoei's testing processes than Sharp's.

[Salted_Peanut]

I trust Shoei's comfort, build quality (bits don't fall off) and lovely quality feel. But when it comes to safety ratings, I trust SHARP's independence more than any company's marketing department!

And the GT Air's 3-star SHARP rating is no surprise: the cutout in the EPS liner was always going to reduce impact absorption. Without this cutout, the Ryd and X-Spirit get five stars.

Patrick Star said:

I've got a Bell race star, snug fit and chin curtain, which means it is very quiet.

Excellent, thanks

[naetype]

HJC RPHA-70

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

Quietest helmet I've ever had by some margin, quality is far superior to both my mates GT Air and my AGV Pista - by far, ventilation is superior to those as well. 3* rating similar to the Shoei but the HJC has a double D ring chin strap. Incredibly wide visor and outstanding peripheral view and now comes with genuine Pinlock. Well worth consideration. Looks good too, particularly in the 'flesh'.

[WarnieV6GT]

I have the bell star mips and my brother-in-law the HJC RPHA 70.

The HJC is lighter and has more vents but I prefer the finish and shape of the bell star even if it's slightly heavier.

The panovision visor is great compared to my previous shark. Now I can actually see when I do a shoulder check.. it also seems to be optically perfect.

Noise wise its good but due to the amount of vents its never going to be really quiet. It has the double d rings and the end of the strap is magnetic so it doesn't flap around.

I got mine from demon tweeks on offer for £300 and due to a cock up they chucked in the dark smoke visor foc.

[Ed.]

In the spirit of recommending what you have another vote for the HJC 70. The top vent is good for warmer days, it's light for a helmet with internal visor and isn't too noisy though I always where eat plugs. I have bought 3 of them now for under £250 in sportbikeshop sales.

Should note though there is a new EC safety standard out as of June, 22.06 replaces 22.05. More testing at higher speeds and different angles, rotational impact with modular visors up/down and Bluetooth fitted.

Edited by Ed. on Friday 4th September 23:18

[Salted_Peanut]

Thanks. It seems Bell gets a thumbs up, and I'll check out the HJC too. What about the Arai Chaser?

Ed. said:

Should note though there is a new EC safety standard out as of June, 22.06 replaces 22.05. More testing at higher speeds and different angles, rotational impact with modular visors up/down and Bluetooth fitted.

And about time too: the old standard hasn't been updated in twenty years! I wondered about waiting for new ECE 22.06 certified helmets to come out, but we're going into end-of-season sale time.