SurfJunkie
New Member
Hey Guys.
Before I started riding motorcycles full time, I was into some other motorsports. I purchased a Shoei RF-1000 back in the day, and used it to ride a racing go ped. ( back then money was not an issue, and the goped would do 60 without issue. ) When I switched over to motorcycles, the helmet came with as it was hardly used. Its been a few years since that, and between all the scratches, non remove-able liner, and the fact its an older design, I figured it was time for a new lid.
I searched endlessly for a decent lid in the mid to high 200's in both local brick and mortar stores as well as online.
The first helmet I looked at was a Suomy Apex. This helmet is the lightest thing ive ever put on, but it comes with a few downsides. The major bummer for me on this one was just noise. Even with the shield totally closed, I could hear people talk in a low voice as if it were normal. The fit was nice for me in Medium, but the cost+noise was a deal breaker. ( $285 )
Next up was an AGV K4 EVO. Plainly put, they removed a bit of liner to make it lighter than the K3. This created a REALLY nasty hot spot at the base of the back of my noggin. A definite no go. ( $179 )
Third was an AGV K3 Donkey Rossi replica. This helmet felt much better than the K4, but I just couldn't live with a Shrek donkey/ bright blue scheme on a copper bike. Loud graphics aint me. ($220)
Fourth was a Shoei RF-1100 ( completely out of the price range, but i had to try one coming from the RF-1000. ) Loved it as expected, but I'm just not willing to drop that much coin at the moment.
Fifth was a Bell Vortex that I ordered from RevZilla. The fit was nice for me in Large, but good lord was this helmet heavy. Being that purchasing helmets online was new to me, I opted to put the helmet on and sit on the couch for about 15 mins to insure I didn't have any hot-spots and was happy with the purchase. After about 10 mins my neck was killin me, so back it went.
Sixth was the Icon Airmada also ordered from RevZilla. This helmet in Large was magical for me. Weight was also pretty good. Maybe very slightly heavier than the RF-1000. I got a gold mirrored shield to go along with it, and got it to my door for $220 with shield. Ventilation on this thing is crazy. Has a brow port, mouth port, front head port, and 2 inner mouth ports. ( inside the helmet right at the chin bar has 2 additional ports to open for MORE flow. ) The liner is nice n comfy and the overall dimensions seem much smaller than all Icon helmets of past. Ive ridden to work in it 2 days now ( 80 miles total distance for 2 days. ) and im VERY pleased with it. Only bummer is it begins to whistle about 85+ mph. I ride will plugs in so it dont bother me to much. I dont think riding without plugs and this lid would be very enjoyable. Definitely on the louder side, but a 180 for solids, an AWESOME bang for the buck.
Before I started riding motorcycles full time, I was into some other motorsports. I purchased a Shoei RF-1000 back in the day, and used it to ride a racing go ped. ( back then money was not an issue, and the goped would do 60 without issue. ) When I switched over to motorcycles, the helmet came with as it was hardly used. Its been a few years since that, and between all the scratches, non remove-able liner, and the fact its an older design, I figured it was time for a new lid.
I searched endlessly for a decent lid in the mid to high 200's in both local brick and mortar stores as well as online.
The first helmet I looked at was a Suomy Apex. This helmet is the lightest thing ive ever put on, but it comes with a few downsides. The major bummer for me on this one was just noise. Even with the shield totally closed, I could hear people talk in a low voice as if it were normal. The fit was nice for me in Medium, but the cost+noise was a deal breaker. ( $285 )
Next up was an AGV K4 EVO. Plainly put, they removed a bit of liner to make it lighter than the K3. This created a REALLY nasty hot spot at the base of the back of my noggin. A definite no go. ( $179 )
Third was an AGV K3 Donkey Rossi replica. This helmet felt much better than the K4, but I just couldn't live with a Shrek donkey/ bright blue scheme on a copper bike. Loud graphics aint me. ($220)
Fourth was a Shoei RF-1100 ( completely out of the price range, but i had to try one coming from the RF-1000. ) Loved it as expected, but I'm just not willing to drop that much coin at the moment.
Fifth was a Bell Vortex that I ordered from RevZilla. The fit was nice for me in Large, but good lord was this helmet heavy. Being that purchasing helmets online was new to me, I opted to put the helmet on and sit on the couch for about 15 mins to insure I didn't have any hot-spots and was happy with the purchase. After about 10 mins my neck was killin me, so back it went.
Sixth was the Icon Airmada also ordered from RevZilla. This helmet in Large was magical for me. Weight was also pretty good. Maybe very slightly heavier than the RF-1000. I got a gold mirrored shield to go along with it, and got it to my door for $220 with shield. Ventilation on this thing is crazy. Has a brow port, mouth port, front head port, and 2 inner mouth ports. ( inside the helmet right at the chin bar has 2 additional ports to open for MORE flow. ) The liner is nice n comfy and the overall dimensions seem much smaller than all Icon helmets of past. Ive ridden to work in it 2 days now ( 80 miles total distance for 2 days. ) and im VERY pleased with it. Only bummer is it begins to whistle about 85+ mph. I ride will plugs in so it dont bother me to much. I dont think riding without plugs and this lid would be very enjoyable. Definitely on the louder side, but a 180 for solids, an AWESOME bang for the buck.
:facepalm: