Searching for the best premium helmet

TheVetGuy
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2021 3:35pm
I am buying a new helmet to replace my 6D ATR-1 which suffered a major crash. (That did not prevent from suffering a concussion)

My research on the technology used to offer optimal protection brought me to the following models: Shoei VFX-EVO, Leatt 8.5, Fly Racing Formula and ... 6D ATR-2.

Given my experience with the 6D brand, I want to give my confidence to another brand.

My first choice would be : Shoei VFX-EVO.

Thanks for your opinions !!!
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Meister
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Meister 1/10/2021 6:31am
1/10/2021 6:31am
I chose the formula.

Being a realist, no helmet is going to ELIMINATE the possibility of a concussion. Whose to say if you weren't wearing that 6d that the concussion could've been worse?

I wore shoei for years and can't complain, even though I've had concussions in them.

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Ramrod
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Ramrod 1/10/2021 6:58am
1/10/2021 6:58am
Get ready for a barage of opinions.

I would think the 6D brand you had is top notch.

Lots of good choices, I run a TLD SE4 and would buy again or consider a new Leatt high end helmet. 6D, Formula etc. all very good.
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luke11
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luke11 1/10/2021 7:05am
1/10/2021 7:05am
I know it’s not on your list but currently running an AStars SM10 and is so comfortable and built really well.

Another vote for Arai aswell as another option, great helmet.
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Moto520
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Moto520 1/10/2021 8:54am
1/10/2021 8:54am
Arai and Shoei have really stiff shells. IMO they are not as good for lower impact crashes because they have to pass the double anvil drop test for Snell ratings. Personally I feel safest in the TLD SE-4, Bell Flex, or 6D ATR-2 (much different than the ATR-1)
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sumdood
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sumdood 1/10/2021 9:03am
1/10/2021 9:03am
Saying your 6D isn’t the best because you got a concussion doesn’t hold much water (IMO). I just had a concussion with a brand new 6D atr-2. No helmet is going to prevent a concussion if you hit hard enough. No matter what helmet you have on if your head goes from X amount of miles per hour to zero your brains going to take a whack
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cmotodad
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cmotodad 1/10/2021 9:27am
1/10/2021 9:27am
I use a 6D ATR-2. I like the lighter weight and revised fit over the ATR-1I timed out. Agreeing with info I researched, the stiffer shells do well in higher speed hits. Moto is slow compared to most forms of motorsport racing. I would try to go and test fit helmets you would consider and go with best fit and comfort. Many of the mentioned helmets have improved safety features.
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lostboy819
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lostboy819 1/10/2021 9:28am
1/10/2021 9:28am Edited Date/Time 1/10/2021 9:29am
Vet guy, you will blame the helmet when you get another concussion so it doesn't really matter which brand you buy as long as its a quality helmet.
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gristle568
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gristle568 1/10/2021 9:30am
1/10/2021 9:30am
I got knocked out in a shoei vfx evo, currently wear a 6d atr-2 and just ordered another if that says anything. the fit,finish and feel on my head is so much better with the 6d.
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Ross501
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Ross501 1/10/2021 9:40am
1/10/2021 9:40am
I wear a TLD but I think the most important aspect is finding one that fits your head correctly.
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gt80rider
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gt80rider 1/10/2021 9:45am
1/10/2021 9:45am
Ross501 wrote:
I wear a TLD but I think the most important aspect is finding one that fits your head correctly.
X2... also wear tld and huge fan... also have the arai.... do not like nearly as much
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Ryan625
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Ryan625 1/10/2021 9:45am
1/10/2021 9:45am
I'm pretty partial to Bell helmets myself. I've had about 4 Moto8's, Currently have 2 Moto 9's, can't wait to eventually try the Moto 10 when it is time to upgrade.

You fall hard enough, you're going to get hurt. Good helmets that are properly fitted help.
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ZOBITO
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ZOBITO 1/10/2021 9:52am
1/10/2021 9:52am
Both Shoei and Arai seem totally outdated by the latest shock absorption techs.
I'm no scientist, but from what I understand, I'd probably go for a Fly, these days.
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Markee
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Markee 1/10/2021 9:54am
1/10/2021 9:54am
Fly Racing Formula, I don't wear fly gear, but the helmet is awesome. Buying another soon, white for the summer.
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Indy mxer
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Indy mxer 1/10/2021 10:05am
1/10/2021 10:05am
If I was buying a new lid today it would be the newest 6D. I wear a TLD SE4 carbon and love it.
But in my opinion 6D is the safest helmet out there.
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crc245
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crc245 1/10/2021 10:11am
1/10/2021 10:11am
ATR-2 is much improved over the ATR-1; If the fit was good for you, it will be even better on the new model. Worth using again if you want one of the best for your noggin.

Only other comparable options would be Fly Formula (non-carbon shell), current Bell Moto 9 (Flex version, not MIPS), or wait for the new Bell 10 later this year. Shoei fit and overall quality are excellent, but the shell is quite rigid; probably good for DOT type speeds, but questionable in low speed whacks. Good luck in your search for the best 'premium' lid.
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zeromarine
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zeromarine 1/10/2021 11:03am
1/10/2021 11:03am
I had a slow speed Whack with my Shoei VFX-EVO and I didn’t even notice I hit my head ( that’s a good thing ). I’d go with what fits the best really. They are all nice helmets.
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 1/10/2021 11:22am
1/10/2021 11:22am
ZOBITO wrote:
Both Shoei and Arai seem totally outdated by the latest shock absorption techs. I'm no scientist, but from what I understand, I'd probably go for a...
Both Shoei and Arai seem totally outdated by the latest shock absorption techs.
I'm no scientist, but from what I understand, I'd probably go for a Fly, these days.
Shoei's latest VFX-EVO helmet has a multi-directional impact system. I believe Arai is the only premium helmet manufacturer that does not have some sort system outside of a traditional multi-layer EPS

To the OP - like many stated, find the helmet that fits you the best. Some helmet makers tend to fit differently on various head shapes.

A rule of thumb for me, I only wear helmets from an actual helmet manufacturer as opposed to a gear company. Brands like Shoei, Arai, Bell etc have dedicated engineers and staff that are focused strictly on making helmets.
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cdncombatmedic 1/10/2021 11:27am
1/10/2021 11:27am Edited Date/Time 1/10/2021 11:27am
I have been wearing Shoei for a long time. I have found that the quality of the EVO model is not what I have come to expect. I recently went to a 6D ATR 2 and am really impressed. Lighter and its vented better. The liners and cheekpads are much cheaper to purchase as well. Nice being able to swap them out at the track.
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 1/10/2021 12:08pm
1/10/2021 12:08pm
Chaparral had shoei on close out a couple of months ago, $399.

Probably all sold now though
RMT
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RMT 1/10/2021 12:10pm
1/10/2021 12:10pm
This simple statement is so important. One helmets style of styrofoam/foam padding is not going to make much of a difference when you slap your head on the ground. Having a poorly fit helmet will. Pick some of the high level helmets and go try them on, you’ve already identified some of the best. You will know which one the second you pull it on.
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bird
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bird 1/10/2021 12:15pm
1/10/2021 12:15pm
6D or Fly.

The TLD seems like a great helmet. But, and it's a huge but, only if you replace it EVERY time you crash. In a low-speed crash, the softer EPS layer could be compromised and reduce how effective it is on your next crash. With the 6D and Fly (and probably Leatt, though I only know a little about its design), the rubber dampeners can absorb small impacts, like tipping over in a turn, without crushing the EPS. This makes them more durable for multiple impacts. Obviously, after a big hit you should replace any helmet. On this front, I'd give 6D the nod due to their rebuild service. Assuming your shell is okay, they will replace the EPS liner much cheaper than replacing the entire helmet.
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kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 1/10/2021 12:18pm
1/10/2021 12:18pm
I have had 3 concussions with a Shoei and none with TLD......
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TheVetGuy 1/10/2021 12:37pm
1/10/2021 12:37pm
sumdood wrote:
Saying your 6D isn’t the best because you got a concussion doesn’t hold much water (IMO). I just had a concussion with a brand new 6D...
Saying your 6D isn’t the best because you got a concussion doesn’t hold much water (IMO). I just had a concussion with a brand new 6D atr-2. No helmet is going to prevent a concussion if you hit hard enough. No matter what helmet you have on if your head goes from X amount of miles per hour to zero your brains going to take a whack
My head had a clear mark of the shock damper... I am now skeptical of the design.

So you are surely right that I cannot say that I would have gotten away with another helmet BUT...
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ZOBITO
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ZOBITO 1/10/2021 12:43pm
1/10/2021 12:43pm
MelonFan123 wrote:
Shoei's latest VFX-EVO helmet has a multi-directional impact system. I believe Arai is the only premium helmet manufacturer that does not have some sort system outside...
Shoei's latest VFX-EVO helmet has a multi-directional impact system. I believe Arai is the only premium helmet manufacturer that does not have some sort system outside of a traditional multi-layer EPS

To the OP - like many stated, find the helmet that fits you the best. Some helmet makers tend to fit differently on various head shapes.

A rule of thumb for me, I only wear helmets from an actual helmet manufacturer as opposed to a gear company. Brands like Shoei, Arai, Bell etc have dedicated engineers and staff that are focused strictly on making helmets.
Your rule of thumb is absolutely right... if we're stuck in the nineties.

And imho, MEDS feels pretty basic to me. Just an afterthought to spruce up an aging helmet.
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bird
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bird 1/10/2021 12:47pm
1/10/2021 12:47pm
TheVetGuy wrote:
My head had a clear mark of the shock damper... I am now skeptical of the design. So you are surely right that I cannot say...
My head had a clear mark of the shock damper... I am now skeptical of the design.

So you are surely right that I cannot say that I would have gotten away with another helmet BUT...
You would have to fully compress both EPS liners to get a direct pressure point like that. No helmet is going to prevent a concussion during an impact hard enough to fully compress two EPS liners.
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foreman52
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foreman52 1/10/2021 1:02pm
1/10/2021 1:02pm
Such a big misconception is that if you buy the most expensive helmet you’ll never get a concussion. Some good brands and models on the market right now, but my vote goes to 6D.
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GoggleFiend904 1/10/2021 1:22pm
1/10/2021 1:22pm
Have any tests been done on the klim f3 carbon? I tried one on at the shop and it fits excellent

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