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Archive through July 25, 2006Jaimec30 07-25-06  02:56 pm
         

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Angelwild327
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 03:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Great scorpion review from Helmet Harbor, which looks to be a place with a very wide variety of helmets to compare with...

http://www.helmetharbor.com/streethelmets/helmets/scorpion/opening.htm#Our%20Eva luation:
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Diablobrian
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 04:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There is a difference between the less expensive helmets and the pricier ones.

Vent function is one of them. The pricier helmets tend to have better vents.

Positive shield detents are another feature that the more expensive helmets have.

removable liners. This is a big one if you race, or ride in hot environments.
being able to remove and wash, or remove and dry out your liner makes a difference.

While the top racers are paid to wear the expensive lids, the lower tier riders are not.
If you want to see what works, go to the track. The racers are wearing Arai, Shoei,
shark, Suomy, etc. because they have these features, and they perform well in real crashes.
You don't see many HJC, Icon, etc on the track because either they won't pass tech,
or they just don't make the cut.
These are not rich guys (for the most part) and they would rather spend their money
on the go-fast parts than a pretty helmet. But they do want to have a helmet that does
not stink, have the visor flip up if they look over their shoulder, or have the shield
fog up on them.

They buy what works. You should take their lead. Buy the best helmet you can afford
that fits your head. Remember that a helmet that feels perfect in the showroom is
one size too large most of the time. The helmet should fit snug, without any hot/pressure
spots on the front/back or sides of your head. It can help you if you can determine
if your head is round or oval before you start shopping. Most helmets are listed as
one or the other in most reviews.

Most people buy helmets that are too big because of the comfort in the showroom. This
is very similar to the cruiser seats that are really soft and comfy in the showroom.
they SUCK for real riding. A loose helmet will cause neck and shoulder pain, excessive
noise, and in general make you miserable. In a crash a loose helmet can cause serious
neck injuries so beware the loose helmet. A properly fitting helmet will "break in" in a
week or 2 of daily riding

I hope this helps you to choose a helmet that works for you.
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Fl_a1a
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 07:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If price is really a concern would any of us have a buell vs. something like a honda rebel? Just like a Buell, Arai and Shoei products are awesome value when you consider all the facts... just a matter time before one comes to that realization. But going through cheapo helmets is almost a right of passage...just like the first time you drop a bike. Live and learn.
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Angelwild327
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 08:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry, but I have to just plug the Scorpion once again... since it's a newer brand on the market, their prices have not gone through the roof, that and they haven't made any fancy racer helmets yet...but I predict, and I hope I'm wrong, their prices will rise eventually, as they gain popularity. They have all the makings and components of a fantastic helmet, removable and washable liner, good vents (all lined up and working and with detents and everything), multi-position (detentable)- easily removable, fog free (on smoke and clear) visors, great graphics, DOT and SNELL ratings, excellent packaging WITH a handy little helmet sack, and um...well, as long as it fits your head nicely, it's certainly worth the amazing price.
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Diablobrian
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Angel, I have no problem with that, along with my Arai, I like the KBC forceRR series.
The VR2's don't fit me, but the VR1 and Force RR fit like they were made just for me, as
does the Astral X. The KBC's are missing some of the features of the arai, but there
are
a few things you can do to make them work for you. A foggy brand breath deflector can
fix a visor that fogs up on any full face helmet. There are neoprene rings that can seal
up the bottom of your helmet making it quieter, but these are band-aids and it looks
like it, plus it adds things you have to do before you can ride.

The other Arai models also don't fit me so it really is something you have to check out
for yourself. Unfortunately the scorpions also do not fit my head. I tried them on
one day at Blackhawk. (lithium was selling them) I did buy one of their helmet cases for my
Arai though! It's cheap insurance for my helmet when I'm not wearing it.
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Buellisti
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Swordsman,

DOT testing is random and not every model is tested every year. Scorpion has probably worked out the issue for late 2006 helmets.

US DOT's Test Result for EXO-700
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Earwig
Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I wear a $200 HJC, the visor doesn't flip up, the liner is removable and the vents seem to work fine... maybe I am missing something. If I ever hit the lottery I'll buy a $600 helmet and see if I notice a difference.
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Jaimec
Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 09:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nolan N100e helmets can be gotten for roughly the same price. Very comfortable, very well ventilated, and according to this article, very safe too: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/flip_face_helmet_comparison/
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Angelwild327
Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 10:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ok, so no one drop an anvil on their scorpion 700... I did read that the 400's actually offered better impact ratings ... I have two 400's and I love them..
Thanks for the info Buellisti
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Bueaddicted
Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What about Craft Helmets - anyone has one of these?

1) R2 Aerospeed Series or
2) RX-1 Cobra or
3) RX-6 Evolution

Here is the link

http://www.craft-helmets.com/Racing_001.htm

I love the designs, even the black chrome - easy to be seen!

(Message edited by BueAddicted on July 26, 2006)
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Black_sunshine
Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 06:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Three of my buddies have one:

New12R
Silverbullet
Shred

Shred sold his, New12r said its good for the street but suck on the track. Silverbullet said the same. Maybe they will chime in a give more details
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Diablobrian
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 01:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

No_Rice has a craft lid
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Ksteig
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 02:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just got my x-11 and will never buy anything else
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Diablobrian
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 06:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Anyone else notice that most people that buy a top of the line lid don't go back to the cheaper helmets after that?

I think it says something about the comfort and quality of those helmets.
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Coastie
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 06:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just got my x-11 and will never buy anything else

That is what I am looking at as well. Care to share your thoughts on the helmet?
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Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 09:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Consider me the exception. Up till recently I wore Arai exclusively. Now I'm definitely a fan of Nolan, as they're every bit as comfortable and I like the two-helmets-in-one feature of a modular helmet.
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Typeone
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just got my x-11 and will never buy anything else

That is what I am looking at as well. Care to share your thoughts on the helmet?


same here on the X-11. love it.

thoughts? removable liner is key, shields resist scratches really well and they're easy to install/remove, wind buffeting is like non-existant (i can actually turn my head on the highway and not get it ripped off like with my old TZ-1), vents EXTREMELY well, weight is nice 'n light.

you can find good deals, i got my solid black for $350 locally.
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Typeone
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 11:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

RE: Scorpion...since it's a newer brand on the market, their prices have not gone through the roof...but I predict, and I hope I'm wrong, their prices will rise eventually, as they gain popularity.

maybe not... isn't the owner one of the brothers from HJC then split off to do his own thing? i think i heard that recently. HJC has kept low prices.

(Message edited by typeone on July 27, 2006)
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Nlegrett
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 11:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

a little pricey, but those new SHARK helmets are pretty sweet. Miguel Duhamel has switched to them.
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Roadrailer
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 12:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

\ia little pricey, but those new SHARK helmets are pretty sweet. Miguel Duhamel has switched to them. }

I tried on a Shark helmet over the weekend. It was by far the most comfortable helmet I have ever had on my head. Much more comfortable than any Shoei or Arai I have tried. Very expensive, though.
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Lorazepam
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Diablobrian, I used to wear Shoei exclusively. After a bad experience with their modular helmet (it decided it was going to fall apart while ridng) I have switched to less expensive brands.

I can remove the lining from my Scorpion, and my Buell (kbc) for cleaning.

I have two helmets so I can rotate them in the summer, and not be putting on a helmet that smells like a locker room.

I will say once again that when top riders are wearing a certain lid, you are paying for it when you buy a helmet. You also pay for full page ads in magazines, and whatever else they are doing for marketing.
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Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 09:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I used to like my Duotech, but the new Synchrotec was not only heavier, it was FUGLY. I switched to a Schuberth Concept, and I LOVE that helmet, though it is a bit on the heavy side. Still, I can wear it all day without discomfort, just can't ride with the jawpiece open; it's like a sail. The Nolan N100e has a cam opening, so the jawpiece snugs down to the top of the helmet when open. Feels just like an open face. I don't know what the new N102s are like, though. I did notice the jawpiece sticks up in the air more in the open position than the N100e.
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