so as of late, i've been in the market for really stepping up my helmet. there's a lot of good cvloseouts coming about since the year's ending, and a lot of manufacturers are putting up new models so previous ones are being pushed off the shelves at great prices! i decided to stick with the big "2" because i knew there was no way i was going to be let down quality wise, it was just matter of finding one that fit the best and had most benefits/features for the price. after a TON of reading reviews and trying on different helmets at random dealers all over the place, the choice was narrowed down to the shoei RF1000 and the arai vector. after all was said and done, i had settled on the 1000 based on shoei having superior customer service to arai, a much easier (in my opinion) visor changeout, and most importantly fitting me better than the vector. the vector looked cooler IMO and had better cushoining but had some pressure points on the crown of my head which i worried about down the line...it also didn't hurt the RF1000 was about 120 bucks less! (they can be found brand new online for as low as 230 free shipping)
so i went into the local cycle gear to purchase my new rf 1000 lid...until i saw the RF1100 and decided to inquire about it. it has a whole new ventilation system, is snell 2010 and ece 22.05 approved, and claims to be more quiet and aerodynamic than the 1000. combined with a great deal on opening cyclegear's credit card, i got a brand new 1100 for about 352 OTD!!! only paid about 70 bucks more than the phasing out 1000, and figured it wouldn't hurt to get the new improved model for such a minute amount!
now before i talk about the 1100, let me give you a little background on what helmets i've used to date:
very first helmet was a scorpion EXO 400. had a great visor changeout and overall great quality, but being that it was my first i bought it in a size XXL thinking that everything else was too tight (not factoring in break in at the time since i was a total motorcycle newbie lol) helmet was cheap, but was clunky due to size and also i coudln't tell a difference if the vents were open or not, and the vents were way to small to really look like they didn anything. helmet was LOUD, but that's probably due to poor fit on my part
next and most recent helmet is a GMAX GM68S. I have absolutely no bad things to say about the GMAX, there is no other helmet in the market under 200 that i would recommend over my gmax. the fit was outstanding, quality excellent, wind noise extremely acceptable, and venting average. but for 120 bucks you got a helmet, 2 visors, and some super high quality helmet and visor bags. not to mention the LED's on the back of the lid really made me feel safer when night riding! for those unfamiliar this exact helmet won webbikeworld's 2007 helmet of the year award, and justfiably so. it beat out arai, shoei, suomy, etc...is it on the same level as those guys, no, but you get TONS of features and a great helmet for very little $$$ highly recommended for anyone looking for a helmet on a budget!
now the RF1100, as you can see this is my first "premium" brand of helmet. all i can say is this, to date, i've worn helmets...now i'm wearing a technoligically safe work of art!!! first off the fit is fantastic, fits me like a glove and once break in occurs, i'm sure it will exceed all comfort levels. the venting is AMAZING! when all in and out vents are open, i can feel it dumping air on my face. the gmax allowed a nice mist of air inside, but the shoei literally dumps air on my face, it's going to be great once its hotter. noise and buffeting on a coupletely naked R1150R is exceptional! turned at all angles, the helmet stays extrodinarily quiet! even with vents open, and when u shut them it's a notable difference in quiet levels as well! no weird whistleing noises or booming sounds for me! visor change out is now even easier, and not too mention i get the mos tup to date safety standards. the helmet is absoultely amazing, and i'm glad i put out for it! for my head shape and sizing, i don't feel there is a better FF helmet to wear on the R1150R!!!
for those of you on the fence for a new helmet, or deciding between this and a differen tone, i suggest the shoei if you like the fit!!! for the price, it cannot be beat!!!!
