Which helmet - Arai or Shoei ?

flat eric · Spanner Monkey Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Karma :

I'm looking at getting myself a new helmet soon, to replace the crash damaged one i previously had.

I've usually gone for the budget helmet and they have never let me down and they have always been pretty good quality and with virtually no wind noise. But i think it may be time to see what all the fuss is about with Arai and Shoei. I've had Shoei before, but it was a lower end of the range, but it was comfy.

Also i fancy a rider replica, but not sure, as they are pricey.

What are your thoughts on this ?

Probably looking to buy at the bike show this year.

Regards.
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Go for the make that fits you.

acid drop · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Karma :

As bendy says go for the make that fits you,my choice is the shoei cos I can change the visor better than an arai, I'm lucky cos I have an arai/shoei shaped head

HJM · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 Apr 2012 Karma :

This seems a tad pointless mate, some people find that Arai fits there 'head shape' perfectly others dont, same with Shoei.

Just try them on and whatever fits best go with it!
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shooter · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Karma :

what are these budget helmets with no wind noise then?

Seb · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Karma :

Adamantis · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

I have a shoei shaped head - arai are properly uncomfortable for me!
Just ordered myself a qwest from Germany (because I am a tart and couldn't get the colour I wanted over here without special order! And it was a fair bit cheaper...)

Go for what fits, above all - I've gone down a head size (wtf? If I measure it as suggested, I come in as a medium, my old shoei is a small, but I take an xs in the quest...), so make sure you can actually try on the model/size you intend on buying, even if you don't actually get it in that shop.

Or something...
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Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

bazza · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Karma :

Buy the most expensive one you can find.
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

If you want to spend a small fortune on a helmet, feel free.

Personally a couple of hundred is the most I've paid and that was for an HJC carbon (which you can buy for a lot less now Crying or Very sad

).

I really can't see the point of spending large sums on Arais as my mates who have them are always moaning about them.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Buy the brand that your favourite racetrack hero gets paid to wear.
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The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

recman · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Karma :

Go for a Shoei, even if it doesn't fit it will look cool. Rolling Eyes

flat eric · Spanner Monkey Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Karma :

I get it. I'll try loads on and go for the best fit, as you suggest. Don't want to spend £500 sheets on one really. More money for the rest of my kit.

Regards.
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janner_10 · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Karma :

Exactly, stop being a brand snob! Razz

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Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

I wear an Arai for many good reasons but mainly because I am a bit of a nob.
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andys675 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Karma :

I've worked in a big dealer that sells both, and you hardly ever sold any spares for shoei's except for new visors, we kept boxes of arai parts, side pods, base plates, all sorts of vents including the ones off the visor's! my advice is go for the shoei that fits best

they don't all fit the same!

qwests are made for everyday use and made easier to get on with

X-spirit 2's are for racing and designed for that purpose and ear plugs are a must, they are designed to flow lots of air through

XR1100 fall in the middle, so if you want an all round helmet, from commuting to weekend blasts this would be my recommendation
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shereen · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2011 Karma :

This is always a debatable subject.

Some people swear by Arai's, why? Probably because they are Arai's.

I made a point on the GSXR Junkies forum where you can get a 5 star sharp rated helmet for £100ish or you could buy a 3 star rated Arai for 5 or 6 times that amount. Now which one is going to be better? My opinion is that if the £100 lid fits you better, it will protect you more compared to the Arai.

The thread is locked to non members, but I will link it incase anyone is a member.

https://www.gixerjunkies.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112140
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daemonoid · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

I have nothing to add, I just want to write in big text
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Kradmelder · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jun 2012 Karma :

damn, what type of helmet are you looking for?

Fullface?

What type of riding do you do?

I have a Uvex enduro helmet and a schubarth full face. There are so many factors: use, noise, comfort. One for off raod and one for only long distance tar.

Tried arai and shoei but uvex does it for me
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flat spot · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Karma :

Personally I don't undersatand the Arai/Shoei shape thing. I have both and can't tell the difference.

mentalboy · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2012 Karma :

I can't get my fat head in an Arai so it's the Shoei for me.
However following a comment on another thread (sorry can't remember which one) there's a company called SHARPS (as stated by SHEREEN) who do multiple destruction tests and the Shoei XR1000 came out as a 3star, expensive, lid. Comfy but offering no better all round protection than a £40 Gmac!
So next time I'm going to check the star rating before heading for the heftiest price tag I can afford. Obviously a pricier lid will offer extra gizmo's and soundproofing that a £40 lid won't and if you ride a blinged up bike you're going to look a right numpty in a cheapskate lid.
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