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Edited Date/Time
1/18/2016 7:50pm
So I crashed pretty good two weeks ago; broke my right clavicle and got a very mild concussion. (I had surgery and am healing very fast, btw). I had a cheap Answer 2.0 Evolve helmet. While I see no apparent cracks, I'm a bit worried about using this helmet again, as it may have damage that is not visible.
I am debating on biting the bullet and buying a high end helmet, but am not sure what everyone is running these days. I'm looking into the Arai VX4, Bell Moto-9 Flex, and the Shoei VFX-W. I noticed the Kevin Windham replica Shoei is much cheaper than the current VFX-W. The fact that it was made in 2013, would it provide less protection or is it more or less the same helmet?
I know this is a lot of text lol, but I know my head is worth way more than the $650 price tag of most of these helmets.
I am debating on biting the bullet and buying a high end helmet, but am not sure what everyone is running these days. I'm looking into the Arai VX4, Bell Moto-9 Flex, and the Shoei VFX-W. I noticed the Kevin Windham replica Shoei is much cheaper than the current VFX-W. The fact that it was made in 2013, would it provide less protection or is it more or less the same helmet?
I know this is a lot of text lol, but I know my head is worth way more than the $650 price tag of most of these helmets.
I don't have any recommendations, just go for what's in your budget and has the best fitment for you. then style/ brand / whatever.
The Shop
I love my Aviator 2.2, I don't even feel it.
I don't know if you have already test fitted the shoei or any of the other helmets but I wouldn't buy a helmet on the internet if you have never tried it. Every helmet has a different fit. You need to find out which helmet brand / type fits your head the best.
There's nothing wrong with spending big dollars on helmets if you have the cash. However, don't dismiss lower-cost options, especially if they have a better fit. Bottom line: try on the helmets before you buy.
Anyway. Just chiming in with another opinion and most of it has been covered already. I'm 41 with two kids, wife and really love life...so I don't want to go anywhere anytime soon; just like most of us. For me, after reading all of the info out there on 6D, then meeting Bob Weber and his team face to face, the decision was very easy to buy a 6D helmet. Previously, i'd only worn Shoei including the VFX-W. I am a Shoei shaped head, Arai is a great helmet, but doesn''t fit me well, but the Shoei is like a glove and the 6D fits great, too.
If you don't have the time to research the science and tech behind the 6D, give them a call. It's the only helmet i'll ever wear now, and i've crash tested mine...fully (video proof by request, lol)
Anyway, one of the other main reasons for choosing 6D is when you meet the owner/partner and staff, you will conclude that they genuinely care about making a safer helmet. It's not about the cool factor or graphics and color ways, they have a laser-beam focus on saving people's brains. That's admirable to me, and i'm sure many other helmet makers do too. 6D never dogs on the competition and they're small enough that you get that personal attention and care.
Anyway, I pay full retail for my 6D helmets; i'm not affiliated with them but always stand 100% behind products I believe in and like to share my experience ESPECIALLY if it's going to help someone out one day.
Ride safe, ride hard and have fun!
Doug - 484
https://www.bellhelmets.com/bell-custom-fit
I switched from Shoei vfx to the Moto 9 and now using the Moto 9 FLEX models. While I will admit that I bought the Bell Moto 9 because I have a connection to get them for a great price, they also fit my head better than all the other helmets I tried on. I wore Shoei helmets for decades, but after switching to the Bell, I'm happy I did, it just feels better on my head. As mentioned already, Arai, Shoei, Bell Moto9, 6D are all great helmets. Try them ALL on and buy the one that fits snug, but doesn't feel like it'll give you a headache. Sizing is the most important thing when trying them all on.
I think that 6D should be given a LOT of credit for "going outside the box" with their design. It made all the other helmet companies step up their game. I have the 6D hook up as well, but the helmet didn't fit my head. The top of the helmet was pushing down on my head, where as the Bell and Shoei, went unnoticed. Wrong head shape.....
Pit Row
How's the collarbone healing up? Sounds like you had it plated? I couldn't stay still long enough for my right clavicle fracture to heal so after 5-6 weeks, the doctor opened me up and plated it. It's good as new now, only issue is some loss of feeling where the scar is from nerves being severed.
Good luck with the new lid and let us know what you chose.
Doug
And the try it on advice is absolutely necessary.
I ended up with an Arai for a dirt bike helmet, and a Shoei for the street.
I did the same thing and went with 6D carbon for a lot of the same reasons. I'm 58 and having the time of my life.
Empty nesting and a great wife, life is good. Wife has no problem with me riding moto. Just wants me to be as safe as possible.
My 2 prior helmets were a Moto 9 and VFX-W. They're both excellent helmets and I liked both of them, but the cutting edge safety technology on the 6D made it an easy choice for me. There's a reason the NFL is looking at their design.
And it felt better on my head than the other 2. 6D quality is top notch. The shell is a bit bigger than other helmets, but I can't really tell the difference.
And yes. I paid full price as well for mine. At first it seemed like a high price, until I looked at what I paid for a Pro Circuit exhaust for my Kaw 250F. Kinda brought things in to perspective.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/The-Bazaar,26/Bell-Moto-8s,1296007
Hope you get riding again soon!
Well said, for the same price as a Ti pipe that may give you 1.5HP you can have arguably the best protection for your brain...let's all choose health over horsepower.
Doug - 484
I've also had 1 Fly F2 Carbon for 5 years and another F2 for probably 3 years, both have been awesome helmets and when you look at the quality of helmet you get for the price, it makes them even better.
Another option is the Thor Verge. I've talked to a few people that really like theirs!
However, I'll also agree on the point of it depends on what feels comfortable on your head. I had a David Bailey replica One Industries helmet back in 06/07/08. Still have it and tried it on a while back and it felt so much different than anything I have now. Same with the Troy Lee I had in 09/10. They felt great back then, but now that I've adjusted to other helmets, they feel a world different.
That being said, I loved my TLD SE3... Had a good enough wreck that I was seeing a few stars with no noticeable damage... I am wearing a Shoei now and will probably go 6D next!
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