My Helmet (Ahem)
Discussion
Chaps - I passed my test 8 years ago, but haven't ridden for 6 years. Am going for a 3 hour refresher with an instructor and have hired a Z750 for the weekend immediately afterwards to try and get the knack again.
Been to Hein Gericke and bought textile jacket and pants etc. Just got to get a helmet. And there's so many. And I can't make up my mind. I'm not too bothered about graphics etc...just want a good, comfortable lid that will help if the worst happens. The guy at HG was pushing me towards Arai ... the Chaser model...at about £270-325. He told me it's got the advantage of good ventilation (over the lower models) and you can remove both the cheek pads and the skull cap for washing. Then I went to another shop and was shown a Schoei XR1000...blah blah.
Question is...is there any real difference between this pricey models and the AGV/KBC/Nolan etc ones which are £200 top whack and come with all the features? With Schoie and Arai, am I paying for the name or are they really better in terms of protection?
Cheers all,
J.
Been to Hein Gericke and bought textile jacket and pants etc. Just got to get a helmet. And there's so many. And I can't make up my mind. I'm not too bothered about graphics etc...just want a good, comfortable lid that will help if the worst happens. The guy at HG was pushing me towards Arai ... the Chaser model...at about £270-325. He told me it's got the advantage of good ventilation (over the lower models) and you can remove both the cheek pads and the skull cap for washing. Then I went to another shop and was shown a Schoei XR1000...blah blah.
Question is...is there any real difference between this pricey models and the AGV/KBC/Nolan etc ones which are £200 top whack and come with all the features? With Schoie and Arai, am I paying for the name or are they really better in terms of protection?
Cheers all,
J.
r5gttgaz said:
Once I purchased my Arai (Kenny Roberts Jr Rep) I would never have another make.
I have been told that you either have an Arai head or a Shoei head, not sure how true that is though.
Hi ya - ah, yes the comfort factor. I forgot to mention that. I tried both and they both feel great...but then so did the Nolan with the lifting chin that I had when I first passed. Tricky one.I have been told that you either have an Arai head or a Shoei head, not sure how true that is though.
Ta,
J.
In that case 
Had an Arai Astro, horrible thing. Fitted perfectly, nice and padded, no movement, but was tight to get on and off, and as foggy as a foggy thing in Foggytown, even with a Foggy
Got rid, now have a Shoei XR1000 - bought off someone who didnt have a Shoei head, well ventialted, comfy, a smidgeon loose, but not very.
Schuberth seems to be rated by them as what have them amongst the folks I ride out with.
Had an Arai Astro, horrible thing. Fitted perfectly, nice and padded, no movement, but was tight to get on and off, and as foggy as a foggy thing in Foggytown, even with a Foggy
Got rid, now have a Shoei XR1000 - bought off someone who didnt have a Shoei head, well ventialted, comfy, a smidgeon loose, but not very.
Schuberth seems to be rated by them as what have them amongst the folks I ride out with.
My thoughts are never buy a helmet you have never tried on (Ebay etc) Only ever buy a new helmet. The look of the helmet is very important but the fit and more importantly, the safety of the helmet is top dollar.
There are so many helmets on the market that I would not be swayed by other peoples choices as that is their preference. Go for looks to match your bike and leathers but only if it stacks up to comfort ie try it on in the shop and leave it on for a while, even if you look a knob in the shop, so what! and as long as it meets all industry standards, which would be assumed when you are buying from a bike shop. One thing I have been stung buy is that I have purchased a lid that looked fantastic and had all the kite marks but after 6 months and I wanted a replacement visor I found out that the shop I bought it from did not stock them and could not get hold of them and advised me to look on Ebay!!!! Just a thought!
Hope this helps.
Mark.
There are so many helmets on the market that I would not be swayed by other peoples choices as that is their preference. Go for looks to match your bike and leathers but only if it stacks up to comfort ie try it on in the shop and leave it on for a while, even if you look a knob in the shop, so what! and as long as it meets all industry standards, which would be assumed when you are buying from a bike shop. One thing I have been stung buy is that I have purchased a lid that looked fantastic and had all the kite marks but after 6 months and I wanted a replacement visor I found out that the shop I bought it from did not stock them and could not get hold of them and advised me to look on Ebay!!!! Just a thought!
Hope this helps.
Mark.
Just as a personal opinion, my Arai Chaser (bought at Hein Gericke, funnily) is well comfy, not too heavy or noisy, and the ventilation is just great, you can really feel cooling all around your head when it's hot. And as for fogging up, I've had a fog city screen fitted from the start, so it's always been perfect...
I have an AGV GP Pro which I'm very happy with [its my second one after my first got smashed in a spill].
I recommend you wear it in the shop for at least 30 mins before purcahse if you can though. What feels comfortable for 1 minute in the shop may have pressure points which are very painful after 30 minutes.
I recommend you wear it in the shop for at least 30 mins before purcahse if you can though. What feels comfortable for 1 minute in the shop may have pressure points which are very painful after 30 minutes.
I've an Arai Chaser, fits very well and does not feel like it's getting pulled off at speed like my old HKS(?) one did. You can feel the quality compared to my old one. Ventilation is great too. Not noticed the noise to be honest.
Oh, and it's matt black to match the bike - most important.
Oh, and it's matt black to match the bike - most important.
Have only used Arai so far, but the Shoei lid I tried a while back was excellent. Was talking to someone about both of them this weekend and apparently where they differ is in how they cover your chin - the Shoei is more open at the base. Either would do you proud if the fit was good.
Steve.
Steve.
Shoei for me....
Have an XR900 and an X-Spirit. The latter is much better but the 900 was good and comfortable. Both in black, both at a good price. You can get some good discounts on the plain ones.
Tried Arai but they just don't feel right on me and I couldn't keep it on for more than 10 mins without feeling sore afterwards. The missus has always used AGV and crash tested one a few years back. I tried to steer her towards Shoei or Arai but she still uses an AGV.
Have an XR900 and an X-Spirit. The latter is much better but the 900 was good and comfortable. Both in black, both at a good price. You can get some good discounts on the plain ones.
Tried Arai but they just don't feel right on me and I couldn't keep it on for more than 10 mins without feeling sore afterwards. The missus has always used AGV and crash tested one a few years back. I tried to steer her towards Shoei or Arai but she still uses an AGV.
jezzaaa said:
virgil said:
jezzaaa said:
Cheers everyone...after taking into account your advice and trying various lids on, I decided on an Arai Chaser.
cheers for the help/opinions.
J.
In matt black I hope?cheers for the help/opinions.
J.
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