New Helmet Needed

Post by **yjleesvrr** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:27 pm

With my recent lay down as well as the fact that my Shoei RF900 is nearly five years old. I need a new helmet. The problem is, I have a big round head. My Shoei size is XXL. Anyone have any suggestions on a brain bucket that fits a large noggin?

Post by **TonyT607** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:38 pm

Hey Yong, hope you're feeling a bit better. Comparing my Schuberth to my BMW System V and my Mono Jarow X2, I would say the Schuberth is more accomodating to a round head. If you're up this way sometime soon feel free to stop in and try them all on. I'm an XL in the Schuberth; L in the Jarow, and 56/57 cm in the BMW Sys V. My head measures about 22.5" around.

The BMW lid is manufactured by Schuberth in Germany and like the Schuberth Concept is top notch in terms of quality. The Jarow isn't even in the same ballpark as far as build quality goes.

mad1150 · Post by **mad1150** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:02 am

Yong,

I'll throw another one in. If your looking for a modular, the Nolan N102 is pretty nice. It comes with a removable flip-up exterior sun visor and a chin guard (it keeps wind from getting up under the helmet) for cold weather riding.

I took a chance and mail ordered one last month. I've only used it a couple times, but so far I really like it, it's really stable, (less buffeting I think because of the shape) and fairly quiet, but I will still use earplugs on long trips though.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:54 am

I always liked the Arai helmets, they seemed to fit my head pretty good but my last helmet I wanted to try something different. I went with the Z1R helmet ($90) after reading reviews and it seems to be more fit for a round head. And the quality wasn't the same as I was used to the Arai. I'll use the Z1R through winter, but will probably buy another Arai in the spring.

GTR350cc · Post by **GTR350cc** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:15 am

Coleman Powersports Falls Church and Woodbridge are selling off Arai stock....maybe get lucky with sizing and graphics...

290-330 sale prices for Quantum, Profile, Signet, etc.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:27 pm

GTR350cc wrote:Coleman Powersports Falls Church and Woodbridge are selling off Arai stock....maybe get lucky with sizing and graphics...

Back when I was looking for a new helmet I went to both of their locations and couldn't find anything I liked in my size. They said they could order it, but so could I for a lot cheaper!

Post by **yjleesvrr** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:22 pm

I'll check out Arai again. Five years ago, their helmets seemed to be made more for Caucasoid heads. But the company is Japanese so surely they must have something for an oversized Mongoloid head!

After my dismount earlier in the week, I'm wary of getting a modular helmet. You can never predict when you're going to go down. If ever I get complacent again and I take a fall while the helmet is flipped up, I can see the consequences being worse than with a regular one. My current helmet - the RF900, shows a nice scratch where my forehead would have taken the blow had I not had a helmet or had a flip-up helmet on.

RBrider · Post by **RBrider** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:18 pm

It's my understanding that none of the flip ups are snell approved. If that doesn't matter to you, then it's not a problem, of course.

I've got the round head thing, and I like Shoei.
Arai is top of the line, but better for those with less round heads.

Another thing I like about Shoei is, the sizing seems to stay consistent, model to model & year after year. In other words, I've found it's safe to order one online, if you find a style or price that you like.

At least, that's my experience.

RB

Post by **wncbmw** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 4:08 pm

Shoei are generally for rounder heads. I tried on a Shoei when I bought my last helmet and after a few minutes, I got the 'red dot' hot spot on my forehead. Back to the Arai Signet, more oblong. I believe Arai makes other models with different shapes.

Post by **scottybooj** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:32 am

Flip-ups are not Snell approved because in the up position, the front portion could break/rip off...

but the rest of the helmet is as strong as a 3/4.

NachtRitter · Post by **NachtRitter** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:26 am

What about noise? I normally wear earplugs, but it seems like the Arai Quantum f I have is particularly noisy, especially at low speeds (it "whistles" annoyingly). I'm not surprised considering the way the shield is attached. Any experience with different makes, full face vs flip ups, on the noise?

Not intending this to be a hijack... it seems to be somewhat related to the topic yjleesvrr posted...

Post by **yjleesvrr** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:25 pm

When I picked up the SV yesterday, I ordered a glossy black Shoei RF1000 in XXL. It's noticeably lighter than the RF900 I've worn for nearly 5 years now. A nice feature of the new helmet is that it has replaceable cheek pads so that you can fit one more to your liking. I went to a couple stores in the past week to try a bunch of different brands on. I have a huge head, and very few manufacturers seem to make any buckets that fit my noggin'.