Ive been in a cheapo HJC helmet since Ive been riding and didnt think anything of it until I was looking at the Scorpion options (with the integrated flip down shade) at the dealer, I complained that it was putting pressure on the front and back of my head. The dealer owner recommended I try on an Arai Profile... HOLY CRAP what a difference!! [bow_down]
Now...are there any quality options out there that are priced a little more reasonably than the Profile? Ill probably go with it anyway, but Id just like to know my options. Thanks!
I need to get a new lid pretty soon, so I'm interested as well.
I'll probably go Arai again.
just try on a bunch of shapes.
webbikeworld has a listing of helmets and what shape they are.
Sounds like your head is shaped pretty similar to mine. I have a Sparx that fits me like it was made for me. They're $100-and some change, DOT- and ECE-rated, and they come with a 5-year "You crash it, we replace it" warranty.
But like He Man suggests, go try some out. Try whatever you can get your hands on, and buy whatever fits the best. It should be a *little bit* tight to start with, as it'll break in a bit, but you shouldn't have any specific pressure spots. Don't be afraid to try one on at a dealership and walk around in it for a while to make sure it STAYS comfortable.
Just two cents from a novice with an oval head: I got an Arai Profile and it is amazingly comfortable. Pricey, but high-quality, extremely light, and very well vented when you want it to be. I can't recommend it highly enough.
That was the impression I got from it as well and I think thats what I will be picking up. Ive seen a few options in my research, but theres no possible way Im going to buy a helmet online under the promise that it "fits like a profile"
If you haven't got one yet, look at compacc.com they have alot of high end helmets on sale for half price or less and shipping is free. I got an X 11 for $350. They have some Profiles for under $400 and a few Corsairs for under $500. Good deals on Shoei RF 1000 and X 11's too. Go try on some helmets and see what you like and get it cheaper online, just sayin...
Ill definately check them out once I figure out what I want, but the dealer is giving me a pretty sweet hookup since I just dropped 9Gs on them!
Have you guys checked out this info source?
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm)
Thats really interesting that they list the Arai Profile as a Narrow and the Shoei RF-1000 as a medium round...they both fit me very similarly....I ended up going with a matte black Shoei RF-1100...which is supposed to be the updated RF-1000...I doubt they changed the shape...
As I was researching what helmet to purchase, I ran across something that stuck. "What price do you put on your head?"
I do not equate $$$$ = better protection, but it did get me to thinking some. Aside from all of the brand-loyal riders and sales pitches on forums, I looked at what was being worn on the track. Not having ridden in sometime, I decided that I was going to spend some $$$ and not buy something just to get me by.
I will admit that I have been involved in two major wrecks in the last two years. Both took major hits to the head. One involved over the handle bars, into a face plant, and rolling on the back. (had not read Keith Code's book yet and got fixed on the boulder in the curve). The second wreck involved a semi-truck making a right turn from the left (of three lanes) into me.
Each time I went down I was Wearing an Arai CorseAir (RX-VII and RX-V, respectively) and I firmly believe that they saved my live (or at least my looks).
Yes I know that All helmets sold are DOT rated and serve the same purpose. I guess that the type of riding you do and were you ride would come into play. Living in SOCAL I would not put anything on my head that remotely thought would not protect me in a serious wreck. Each one of us need to recall that most of the time, motorcyclists are not the cause of the wreck. (exception is the guy who splits lanes doing 90mph)
Just thought i would throw my first $.02 in on this.......
Keep the shiny side up and safe riding,
Daxon
Another happy Arai Profile user. Fits me the best, I tried Shoei, Suomy, HJC, Bell, Scorpion Vermar and Sparx.
I went back on bought another Profile.
After putting 220 miles on my new monster this past weekend, Im starting to wish I had gone with the Arai for 1 reason. the liner in the Arai has a groove that let my Oakleys slide right in. The Shoei as much as I love it, makes for a lot of frustration between ramming my glasses in, and having them lift against my forhead. [bang] Oh well. Now I know.
WHAT??? only 220 miles? I would have expected more? ;D
It is Monday and I have yet to have my [coffee].
With the Shoei you should be able to find a darker tinted visor a little easier than with the Arai.
Well first of all. My destination on Saturday was 110 miles away. And second...it was a damn cold ride back on Sunday...but that only shows a lack of planning on my part. And besides...a 110 mile shot on a bike ive had for 3 days riding by myself was just fine for me.
And second, I am planning on picking up another lens...Im toying with the mirrored lens...or the half shade...but I really dont like the idea of having to carry a second shield if I get caught after dark.
Yea, I hate the second shield idea too.
I forget it is still cold in most of the nation. I am here in SoCal and have decent riding weather 11/12 months.
I had a irridium coated for my RX-7 and loved it. believe it or not, I think there was a real big improvement over the regular smoked lens.
Dax