Posts
1932
Joined
3/11/2013
Location
Tacoma, WA
US
Edited Date/Time
12/12/2015 10:36pm
Sunday evening I woke up in the hospital with no idea why I was there or how I got there.
It turns out I was racing and took a hard hit to the head. After going down I was totally out of the loop but I tried to get back into the race and jumped on the bike. Lucky for me (and everyone else) the track crew flagged me off and talked me into getting checked out.
I was wearing a Shoei VFX/W and I'm glad I spent the money for a quality helmet and will do so again.
I am looking for a new high-end helmet to replace my Shoei. I may end up with the same make/model, but I am leaning toward something with some modern low-speed impact protection that seems to be coming into the game. Can I get some input from you guys regarding the build-quality and durability of the higher end helmets out on the market right now?
I have a Fox V3 as a back-up helmet and it is of decent quality, but not a top-shelf helmet like the Shoei or Arai.
My last Bell helmet was the Moto 8, which seemed like a lower quality helmet. I don't think I would buy another Bell.
I looked at the 6D when they were first released, and was considering it due to the new technology in concussion protection. The 6D looked and felt like a middle of the line helmet with a top-shelf price. That was over a year ago, so perhaps my memory is faulty. Does 6D bank on their technology to bridge the quality gap vs Arai & Shoei
The Arai seems like the highest quality helmet with the best fit & finish I've ever handled. The Shoei seems very close to that level and is a bit more stylish while a bit lower in price.
I'd love to hear some input while I am shopping for a new lid.
It turns out I was racing and took a hard hit to the head. After going down I was totally out of the loop but I tried to get back into the race and jumped on the bike. Lucky for me (and everyone else) the track crew flagged me off and talked me into getting checked out.
I was wearing a Shoei VFX/W and I'm glad I spent the money for a quality helmet and will do so again.
I am looking for a new high-end helmet to replace my Shoei. I may end up with the same make/model, but I am leaning toward something with some modern low-speed impact protection that seems to be coming into the game. Can I get some input from you guys regarding the build-quality and durability of the higher end helmets out on the market right now?
I have a Fox V3 as a back-up helmet and it is of decent quality, but not a top-shelf helmet like the Shoei or Arai.
My last Bell helmet was the Moto 8, which seemed like a lower quality helmet. I don't think I would buy another Bell.
I looked at the 6D when they were first released, and was considering it due to the new technology in concussion protection. The 6D looked and felt like a middle of the line helmet with a top-shelf price. That was over a year ago, so perhaps my memory is faulty. Does 6D bank on their technology to bridge the quality gap vs Arai & Shoei
The Arai seems like the highest quality helmet with the best fit & finish I've ever handled. The Shoei seems very close to that level and is a bit more stylish while a bit lower in price.
I'd love to hear some input while I am shopping for a new lid.
With that said, I would go Bell Moto 9 or Arai. I wear a Bell.
I wear a Shoei, but I was blown away by how nice the new Arai VX4 felt. It's been a while, but I remember thinking the Airoh felt really nice too when I tried it on.
I've never owned a Bell but the Moto9 felt decent to me, I liked the feel of it much better than the 6D.
In it a fan of the look of the arai or the 6d, I know looks aren't the most Important thing but you do have to atleast like the helmet! I do like the shoei though.
Also people tend to say you either have a shoei head or an arai head, if you liked the shoei make sure you try an arai before buying
The Shop
I have been shoei or arai for the last 10 years, but would seriously consider a new bell,
I switched to Shoei when I decided to ride again, and now after a long time away from riding I am back in a Shoei. I haven't tested it out but I know it is one of the best helmets available. I am very interested in the 6D and Moto 9 Flex, but, will seriously consider the new Arai after the first of the year when I purchase my next helmet... not sure why... but I think I will wait a bit for some more R&D on the new technology being brought to market the past couple of years!
I appreciate all the input from everyone so far.
I ran Shoei's VFX-W for a number of years. Had a pretty big crash last year and knocked myself out.
After that i tried out the 6D helmet which is my current helmet aswell. It definitely isn't as comfy as the VFX-W but it's still an unreal helmet.
Im not going to say the 6D would protect you better than a Shoei,Arai etc. I think all those helmets would do a good job at protecting your head.
http://www.bellhelmets.com/powersports/helmets/dirt/moto-9-carbon-flex/
(Just kidding)
Hirotake Arai .......a true dynasty of relentlessly high quality helmets.
Once you wear Arai you will throw rocks at most other brands.
Tho I really like the design in that new Bell too, not in love with the shape of it, but the tech is cool. I'm just glad to see the helmet manufacturers pushing new designs finally!
I dont know if it is still the case, but Bell at one time made almost half the brands out there, each brand paid for licensing of designs and manufacturing. This came from another brands rep, so take it for what it is.
Point being, there are only a few actual manufacturers that do the design, r&d and testing. Bell, Shoei, Arai, HJC, Airo, these companies put in the time and resources, the rest pay them to do it.
Pit Row
There are no available tests available to truly prove that the most expensive Arai is more protective than a mid-level HJC for example. There is a point where the fit & finish accounts for much of the cost, not the safety factor.
There are a lot of nice, high-end helmets out there from reputable companies, but nothing will prove that one is more protective and safer than another, unfortunately.
That said, the new technology that is coming out from 6D and now Bell (plus MIPS) is impressive and long, long overdue.
The fact that the shell is round so it doesn't catch on the ground and whip your neck, plastic visor fasteners designed to break off in a crash, and a chin bar that doesn't protrude as far as competitors helmets.
IMO the Arai is the best thought out helmet on the market, that's why I am on my 3rd. However if I was going to go with a new "Impact absorbing" helmet, I would go Moto9 flex. Bell is a pure helmet company and has been around forever, and to me, 6D is still too new and unproven (Flame suit on).
Here is the video of my crash with the Arai. The crash happens at 7:30, but put it at like 6:00 and enjoy a lap at 3 Palms
https://youtu.be/90cNK8lcu1g
I own a Shoei now and love the fit and comfort. Have had a few minor scuffles with the ground, no impact to create structural damage and I have been fine afterwards.
I believe all the top brands you are looking at are the top helmets out there. Unfortunately, while the controlled environment testing is great, I don't believe this accounts for every situation that could occur in a real life crash. Just my opinion, but I think even the helmet manufacturers will agree with this. With that said, I believe they are making strides to protect us all.
Post a reply to: Helmet Quality (6D, Shoei, Arai, etc).