I've narrowed my choices down to a Arai RX-Q, Aria Vector 2, and the Shoei RF-1100. I've tried both the Vector 2 and the Shoei on and both fit me well. I haven't gotten a chance to try on the RX-Q yet, but I do like its features. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Arias. I'd also like to get a helmet that is a bit more visible, so I'm thinking the Hi Viz or the white. I'd appreciate any opinions you can give me.
Help with picking out a helmet
- Thread starter jgelack
- Start date
RX-Q and RF-1100 while both excellent helmets, do not fit the same: RX-Q is more of a round(ish) shape than RF-1000. I'd suggest to remove the chick-pads and try the helmet this way, you can always get the thinner/thicker chick-pads, but you will not be able to change much in the shell fit.
Based on the highlighted line I have a feeling you tried the helmets one size too big. They (RX-Q and RF-11000) are differently shaped and unless your head has adjustable shape, they can not fit the same.
My very 1st helmet was RF-1000 size Large. Only later with more experience I released it was too narrow for my melon and the only reason it felt good is because my head is size M. I have RX-Q now and every time I put it on I think I can't believe the helmet can fit that well. It is size M. The Shoei and Arai measurement chart is the same. Just need to match the shape of your head to the shape of the inner shell of the helmet. Good luck.
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Love my RF1100.
Check out Anthony's review: Shoei RF-1100 Helmets - Shoei RF1100 Motorcycle Helmet Reviews & Prices - RevZilla
I'm 5'8", 210 lbs, and wear a helmet size M.
I wish I had just a bit more airflow via the roof vents as the FZ6R rider position is more upright than leaned forward (like a supersport bike), but the RF1100 is a much better helmet than the other Shoei touring-oriented (or "more-upright-oriented") helmets, so I'm fine with the trade-off.
And I really appreciate the ear pockets built into the helmet to support a wide range of bluetooth devices (like my UClear HBC 200 set for my sweetheart, daughter, rider group, and myself).
Check out Anthony's review: Shoei RF-1100 Helmets - Shoei RF1100 Motorcycle Helmet Reviews & Prices - RevZilla
I'm 5'8", 210 lbs, and wear a helmet size M.
I wish I had just a bit more airflow via the roof vents as the FZ6R rider position is more upright than leaned forward (like a supersport bike), but the RF1100 is a much better helmet than the other Shoei touring-oriented (or "more-upright-oriented") helmets, so I'm fine with the trade-off.
And I really appreciate the ear pockets built into the helmet to support a wide range of bluetooth devices (like my UClear HBC 200 set for my sweetheart, daughter, rider group, and myself).
And ditto what Alex said re: helmet shapes vs. sizes, especially European melon shapes vs. American melon shapes. (Anthony addresses that topic in his RevZilla video review also.)
I love my RX-Q, though I found out at the MC Show that I should actually have the Signet Q instead, AND in a size smaller than what I have for the RXQ. I could not believe that a helmet could feel as good as a properly fitted Signet Q did. The Arai guy said could keep using my helmet safely though for the 5 years.
Really spend some time at the dealer and sit with the helmet on your head for a long time (15 minutes did not do it for me with a wasted Icon Airframe, the pressure spot came in after about 40 minutes).
The Aria and Shoei are Very Nice helmets and very comfortable, but with their price, you really want to make sure you make the right decision. What do you have right now? Maybe get buy until the local MC Show and ask the Arai guy to measure you? Then you will know you are getting the right size helmet and shape, when you actually go buy - if is is going to be one of these higher priced ones.
Really spend some time at the dealer and sit with the helmet on your head for a long time (15 minutes did not do it for me with a wasted Icon Airframe, the pressure spot came in after about 40 minutes).
The Aria and Shoei are Very Nice helmets and very comfortable, but with their price, you really want to make sure you make the right decision. What do you have right now? Maybe get buy until the local MC Show and ask the Arai guy to measure you? Then you will know you are getting the right size helmet and shape, when you actually go buy - if is is going to be one of these higher priced ones.
Hi Viz will definately help. White - I think I have heard/read somewhere that this color is just as bad as black in that it will usually end up blending in and not being seen very well. You could get whatever helmet though and even get some reflective tape strips and put them on your helmet in good spots and even cut to nice design. Then as you move to twilight you will get the reflective benefit.
Hi Viz is nice though.. I can see some of the difference in how I seem to be treated on the road (space allowed me) whe I wear my HiViz vs. the black leather jacket.
Rich007
New Member
I went to Cycle Gear and tried on a butt load of different helmets but the one that I put on that fit the best was the Shoei RX-1100. Everyone I tried I found something I didn't like as far as fit or the way the shield worked. The Shoei was perfect. Now that I have had it for a month I have no buyers remorse at all, i did get a little wind noise from the right side near the visor but it was nothing a little adjustment didn't take care of.
I am hoping to add a bluetooth soon just not sure what system, it's either the UClear 200 or the Sena SMH10R.
Good luck with your search.
I am hoping to add a bluetooth soon just not sure what system, it's either the UClear 200 or the Sena SMH10R.
Good luck with your search.
Even if it does not fit?
Sure why not!Even if it does not fit?
I am surprised the guy/girl did not ask what bike you ride. When I went in to Cyclegear that was the first question asked and then he steered me away from the rf-1100 because that helmet is made more for a tucked position on the bike. I thought he was crazy and then read up on the different styles and I am now sold on the GT-Air. Would have one tomorrow if I did not think my wife would beat me to death with it.
The RF-1100 is not exactly a race-oriented helmet, they have the X-Twelve for that. And for the full upright position the choice is Qwest. The RF-1100 should be a good fit for our bikes as long as it is a good fir for your head. GT-Air is a great option as well.
pick the one that fits the best!
I would look at the bell RS1 & Vector as well.. When I went looking for a helmet there was 1 aria that fit well (dont remember which model), but it was more than I was willing to spend (it was 550).. After a ton of research I ended up going with a bell vector helmet which fit every bit as well. Its a little loud, but the fitment & the several hundred dollar saving more then made up for the extra noise. Also the vents are orientated for the more upright riding position of the 6r.
scorpion has a could nice helmets as well...
The key is going to be finding the helmet that fits the crown of you head the best.
The RF-1100 has a lot of padding in it and I wish they made a similar helmet that fit my head as they are pretty comfortable. Just not the right shape for me. I had space from side to side inside that helmet.
I'm looking at the Arai signet-Q, though their color options pretty much suck for that one. I'm probably going to have to just go with a straight white helmet.
The key is going to be finding the helmet that fits the crown of you head the best.
The RF-1100 has a lot of padding in it and I wish they made a similar helmet that fit my head as they are pretty comfortable. Just not the right shape for me. I had space from side to side inside that helmet.
I'm looking at the Arai signet-Q, though their color options pretty much suck for that one. I'm probably going to have to just go with a straight white helmet.
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These were the only 2 helmets I could find that would fit my melon. I ended up with the Signet-Q as it fit a little bit better ...but more importantly the material inside felt significantly better on my shaved head.
Really? good to know. I've been considering shaving my head again but I have an oddly shaped head. I have to get a XL size
I have the Bell - RS1 right now and it's a good helmet but it's not as good as it should be. The padding is just too thin...