Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Gear => Topic started by: marvellous on July 22, 2009, 04:29:12 AM

Title: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 22, 2009, 04:29:12 AM
Well, my Shoei RF1K did it's best "Mary Lou Retton" impersonation across the range a little while back and I now need to find a new helmet.  My problem is that I was that kid in Kindergarten that was pointed out as an example of a round shape, like a ball.  It took me forever to find a helmet that fit me well and didn't give me headaches.  But with that in mind, I'm curious if there are any other helmets out there that I should try.

Here's what I've been looking at/been told would fit me well:

• AGV (like the looks of the S-4 but not sure on fit, impossible to find in Central Oregon)
• Suomy (tried on the Spec 1R, very bright, supposed to fit round heads, but the interior seems a bit... stiff)
• Shark (hear great things, don't know anyone that owns one, not sure which one to try and impossible to find in Central Oregon)

Any other suggestions?  I've tried every Arai, would really like to make it fit, but instant headaches each time.  My wife loves hers tho!

Thank you in advance and ride safe!
Marvel
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: redial on July 22, 2009, 05:57:13 AM
youve tried the quantum 2? they are supposed to be pretty round

i find my nexx-usa.com helmet is round as hell. they just released a fullface helmet. very well made.

i love my suomy spec 1r to DEATH. in fact ive considered buying another one same model different graphic
maybe see if you can try one on that has been broken in. mine fits a bit snug, so i went with a medium instead of my normal S

my head is about 56cm around, the helmet started tight and has broken in like a dream.
(took about 500-1k miles, instead of the normal 200-300)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: moto-zen on July 22, 2009, 06:02:36 AM
I think the Boxer line by Roof are supposed to be round. If I had a round noggin I would be all up on one of these!
http://tinyurl.com/l73tys (http://tinyurl.com/l73tys)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 23, 2009, 03:38:08 AM
The Quantum 2 presses on my temples something fierce.  I REALLY tried to like it but after 20 minutes, had to take it off and give up.  I had forgotten about the Roof Boxer, definitely need to check into that.  Unfortunately, who in Oregon actually carries one?  That's a leap of faith for me to buy one from England w/o ever trying one on.  I'll try and find out today if I can.  Thanks for the comments on the Suomy.  I normally wear a M but had to go up to a L when I was trying one last week.  Will keep it in mind.  Thanks for the headsup on the Nexx!  I've seen the half-face at the local Ducati dealer, but will look into the full-face!

Anyone else?
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: redial on July 23, 2009, 04:43:02 AM
fyi, the roof is a convertible type helmet. and its a pretty radical one at that


im not saying i wouldnt wear one, but if you are in the market for a full face helmet, it doesnt exactly fit the criteria. you may love it, but just know what you are getting into

(http://www.hgbmotorcycles.co.uk/contents/media/boxer_v.jpg)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 23, 2009, 05:57:14 AM
Yeah, been doing some research on that and not sure if that'd be the type I'd want.  They DO make a full face (4 models actually) and the Daytona looks nice and got great reviews.  Has the European quick release rather than D-strap though.  The Panther has the D-Strap, just don't like the looks as much.  Oh and FYI, Roof is a French company, not English... my bad... :)

I've probably ruled out the Shark and AGV (built for different shape of head).  Nexx has a modular helmet (X-30) and got some good reviews (and looks cool) but not necessarily what I'm looking for.  They have a new helmet coming out August 15th but haven't seen a review on it yet...

The search continues... :)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: redial on July 23, 2009, 09:44:52 AM
the euro strap is at least a billion times better than the equally antiquated and retarded D rings

i said i would never go back, but popular brands switch to D rings for the US market. why? no idea.
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: NAKID on July 23, 2009, 04:00:07 PM
I have the Roof Boxer V. Designed for a round head so it doesn't fit me perfectly, but I like it. The quick release is a God-send. Love that thing. Wish my other helmet had it!
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: teddy037.2 on July 23, 2009, 04:41:03 PM
this might be a bit silly, but why not just stick to shoei?

for me, arai fit me (and my glasses) better than anything else I've tried, so I just go with it, y'know?
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 24, 2009, 09:47:28 AM
The Shoei fits well, but man does it fog up on me ALL THE TIME.  Might be just because of where I live (PNW high desert, drops 40+ degrees at night or so during the summer, 45 on my ride in, 90 on my ride home in the afternoon) so looking to see if there is one that does better.  If unable to find one, will definitely go back to a Shoei, probably different color just to mix it up, be seen better, that kinda thing... 

As for the strap, had only heard BAD things about the quick release, including in a crash it popping on the rider, but honestly have not tried myself.  Thanks for the headsup and will keep more of an open mind!

Thanks for the input everyone!
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: OT_Ducati on July 24, 2009, 10:13:49 AM
to bad about no shark dealers.
i love my rsi. same riding condition,
you mentioned the sheild preforms very well.
no fogging in the cool mornings.
worlds better than my shoei tz2.
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: redial on July 24, 2009, 09:40:37 PM
try maybe fog city inserts

(http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2005_Fog_City_Pro_Shield.jpg)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: teddy037.2 on July 25, 2009, 08:18:49 AM
never needed it for the moto, but I had this no-fog spray when I played paintball... worked better than anything!

clear-vu, or something like that... made for divers
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 27, 2009, 03:15:27 AM
I'll have to try and find some of that (clear vu)...  Anyone else with helmet suggestions? 
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: DucHead on July 27, 2009, 07:46:16 AM
I have a round, ball like head and I just bought a Shark RSR2 that fits perfectly.
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: JEFF_H on July 27, 2009, 11:52:12 AM
we got in a Shark that the local PD wanted to check out...
It was the modular flip-up and i was very impressed with it.
they have the other ones listed here-
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com)
check with their return/exchange policy first.

good luck with your helmet, charlie brown
[cheeky]
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 27, 2009, 03:39:46 PM
Nice!  That gives me some hope in that respect. Just going to have to try them all I guess... :)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 28, 2009, 03:06:32 AM
Btw, 'Charlie Brown' was my father's nickname (he passed away a few years ago)... No one has ever called ME that until now, so thank you, actually brings back a lot of great memories for me...  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: OT_Ducati on July 30, 2009, 05:17:45 PM
check this
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-phantom-2/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-phantom-2/)
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on July 31, 2009, 04:41:59 AM
Now that has promise!  That's a nice helmet and great review!  Looks like it's around $479.  Closest dealer is CycleGear (they don't list it on their website, but will find out if they can order one in)... 

Someone asked why change from what works... I'm not married to the Shoei...what if there is something out there that works, better, lighter, etc?  :)  I guess that's motivation... *shrugs*

Thank you again everyone for your suggestions!!!  Very helpful!

Ride safe everyone!
Marvel
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: Privateer on August 04, 2009, 11:44:46 AM
my understanding is that cyclegear will order anything and has a very liberal return policy on helmets and special orders. 

I think you can special order the helmet and if it doesn't fit, you're not out anything.  no deposit.  no nothing.  call for details.

Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on August 05, 2009, 04:09:07 AM
I'll have to look into it... only problem is that the closest 'store' is 2.5 hours away... heh  I'm actually in contact with Akuma and we might be able to work something out with a local dealer... :) 
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: teddy037.2 on August 05, 2009, 08:21:29 AM
Quote from: marvellous on July 31, 2009, 04:41:59 AM
Someone asked why change from what works... I'm not married to the Shoei...what if there is something out there that works, better, lighter, etc?  :)  I guess that's motivation... *shrugs*

well, that's understandable, of course  ;)

idk... in my case, nothing I've tried on works as well for me as arai, so maybe I'm a bit jaded lol

that akuma looks HAWT! though  [evil]
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on August 05, 2009, 09:16:02 AM
Yes, yes it does... it's not as 'round' as the Shoei but then again the Shoei isn't as round as the QII.  We'll have to see.  The rep from Akuma did state that the Phantom II is a 'race fit' so it might be a bit tight.  I'm very curious how it's going to work, but so far I'm really liking their customer service!  I'll keep you all posted when I make a decision and when I get to try on the Phantom!

As an update, I tried the Quantum II on this last weekend and it wasn't bad!  I also tried on the Suomy Spec1R and the Arai fit much better or me!  It did pinch in my cheeks quite a bit, but that can be fixed with different pads.  If I could only find a Shark without having to travel 3 hours... heh 
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: DoubleEagle on August 05, 2009, 07:59:52 PM
What is my head shape ?

I wear Shoei X-11s, RF-1000s

Arai Corsair RX-7s, Quantum-2s, Vector, Corsair V

Suomy Vandal, Bayliss Replica

Nolan , Stoner Replica

All size L

Dolph     :)

Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on August 06, 2009, 06:15:34 AM
Non-square?  :P
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: teddy037.2 on August 07, 2009, 01:30:22 PM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on August 05, 2009, 07:59:52 PM
What is my head shape ?

I wear Shoei X-11s, RF-1000s

Arai Corsair RX-7s, Quantum-2s, Vector, Corsair V

Suomy Vandal, Bayliss Replica

Nolan , Stoner Replica

All size L

Dolph     :)



at the same time?

[cheeky]

Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: DucHead on August 10, 2009, 08:24:08 AM
Quote from: teddy037.2 on August 07, 2009, 01:30:22 PM
at the same time?

[cheeky]

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: jakem696 on August 11, 2009, 08:54:00 PM
I got the new Akuma Phanton 2 about a week ago. First thing I notice was how really light the helmet was compare to my shoei RF-1000 and AGV.
I normally wear Shoei RF-1K in size extra small, But i got the Akuma in size Small. The fit is perfect. 
I finally got to ride with the new helmet last weekend on a 200+ miles. It is very reasonable quiet( with ear plugs, of course).  The shield/ visor is very clear and it does work as discribed.  I didn't need my sunglasses anymore.

The chin strap could have use more padding, and the snap for the strap is a little too high to reach.
Title: Re: Need a new helmet...
Post by: marvellous on August 13, 2009, 06:02:35 PM
Thanks Jake!  I'll report as soon as I try it on, etc... :)