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Edited Date/Time
2/9/2016 12:50pm
So the time has come for me to buy a new helmet and I can't make up my mind. I have been a Shoei guy for life, but I refuse to pay a premium price in 2016 for a helmet that was designed in 2008 (vfx-w), knowing there are other players that have upped the game on protection.
That said, I was pretty set on getting a Bell Moto-9 flex, but a deal has come up with 6D helmets that has me thinking twice. Availability is horrible with both Bell and 6D in Europe so it's not like great 'deals' can be had on either one. The moto-9 Flex is about 600 euros, but there is now one store that has 6D 2015 models for 520 euros with a free pair of Oakley Airbrakes (weird I know) and now I don't know which one to get.
Has anyone ever tried/ridden with both of these helmets? How is the fit/finish on either one? Where are they made? How's the sizing? I am a size L in Shoei. Thanks.
That said, I was pretty set on getting a Bell Moto-9 flex, but a deal has come up with 6D helmets that has me thinking twice. Availability is horrible with both Bell and 6D in Europe so it's not like great 'deals' can be had on either one. The moto-9 Flex is about 600 euros, but there is now one store that has 6D 2015 models for 520 euros with a free pair of Oakley Airbrakes (weird I know) and now I don't know which one to get.
Has anyone ever tried/ridden with both of these helmets? How is the fit/finish on either one? Where are they made? How's the sizing? I am a size L in Shoei. Thanks.
Shane posted in quite a few helmet threads recently, so you can probably find more info thru his profile page. Most likely he'll see this and probably have some answers to your questions.
As far as fit goes, I'm typically a small or sometimes medium. The small 6D was too small and the medium too big. Ultimately I ended up putting a "medium/small" liner and 55mm cheek pads in and it fits well. My Bell is a medium and also fits well. Since you're coming from Shoei, I have to admit I've never been a Shoei shaped head so your experience with the fit of a 6D or Bell may be different.
As for the quality, the 6D definitely has a larger feel to it. It doesn't effect the function at all, nor does it impact riding with it. The Bell also seems to be very well made. In recent years Bell has varied the quality a bit, but they're back on their game with a quality product. The Bell is a lighter helmet than the 6D and seems like it will flow air a bit better. I can't speak definitively to that since my Bell is new and I haven't ridden with it.
I don't think you can go wrong either way. They're two companies that have made significant attempts to tackle the rotational forces and concussion aspects of their markets. Personally I'd choose based on local support available for the product.
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injury protection as the Bell interior. Can't be called the "same" but...
Disclaimer: I am NOT an employee or a paid subcontractor or getting free stuff from them.
The only other helmet I've tried on lately that could lure me away from Shoei is the new Arai. I've never liked the fit in the past but for whatever reason the new ones feel great on my head.
I ended up going with another Shoei. I've always been happy with their helmets and when I saw this one on the shelf at my dealer it made up my mind for me. I haven't been very excited by their paint/colors lately but I really liked this one.
I would have liked to try an Airoh but they seem to be very hard to get right now, and I'd need to try one on before ordering one from overseas.
I don't know why everyone is getting all excited about the Bell Flex. It's got thin lining and just feel chintzy. The weights are comparable but to pay that kind of money for a Bell over an Arai seems nuts to me.
The 6D is a little better in regards to build quality. I like the technology and all but the helmet is pretty big. It feels big when you ride with it as well. Not heavy....just big.
The Shoei is a good helmet as well. Nothing really stands out In a good or bad way with this helmet.
Troy lee se3 is nice as well.
To answe your original question, if it was my money, go with the bell due to its smaller size and better comfort.
I just bought a 6D carbon last summer after wearing Shoei VFX-W and Bell Moto 9 (not the flex).
And I tried on an Arai (over priced for old technology, imo). For me the 6D is more comfortable than the other 2. But everyone's head is different.
Plus I think the quality is every bit as good.
And although Shoei and Arai are good helmets, it's old technology!
Since I've had a few concussions over the years I try to choose safety above all else.
And as far as size. I don't feel any difference.
I won't buy a troy lee or fox or Arai. If i wanted a regular high end helmet, I would just get another Shoei because the VFX-W to me is the best fitting/looking helmet on the market. But I want a helmet with the new low impact/concussion prevention tech, so that leaves only the Bell, 6D and Leatt.
In the last 35 years, I've had 7-8 concussions where I was out cold so I'm always in the market for the best helmet available. I was in the same boat as the OP in that I was torn between a 6D and the Bell flex. Luckily I found a shop that's about 100 miles away that had both helmets in stock. Tried both brands on and after putting 55mm cheek pads in a medium 6D the fit was very good. When comparing fit, both helmets felt good with the 6D feeling like it hugged my head a bit better with the thicker cheek pads. The fit in combination with 6D being able to rebuild a helmet after a hard crash made me go with the 6D. Some mags such as MXA have said the 6D offers the best protection for folks with reoccurring concussions, so that was something that also played a role in my decision...but not certain how scientific those type of mag comments are?
Oh... also liked that the owner of 6D has take the time to post on Vital to give folks the low down on their helmets.
Pit Row
If they don't have that in Belgium, then perhaps the experts here can offer some input as to their experience switching to one of the two helmets in question from a Shoei.
Of course you'll get the bobos that want the OP to buy the same helmet they have because "OMG its the best helmet ever. I should know...I own one."
Hope those solutions help.
Tried on a 6D last month. Just not comfortable for my head. Never owned a Airoh or Arai.
Bell moto 9 is heavy in comparison to the flex while I'm wearing them.
I feel like the TLD is the best fit of all for me. Comfy, light weight, high quality.
Still like to try a Airoh and Arai to finish out the comparison.
Ghost
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