pbkid6974 1 Posted July 3, 2013 I just recently acquired an 86 Honda Shadow 1100. The only helmets I have are for the sportbike I owned 3 years ago, which is completely thrashed, and my dirtbike helmet. So began my search for a decent new full-face or modular helmet. The past 2 days of looking have been way more stressful than deciding on which gun to buy next. So many styles, so many colors, so many everything!!! It always seems the ones I like are way out of my price range. I don't want to skimp cuz I only have one skull. I guess I'm just letting off some steam. /rant anyway, this is the one I'm more leaning towards, http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/speed-and-strength-ss2200-spin-doctor-helmet what do you guys think? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
67gtonut 847 Posted July 3, 2013 http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/shoei/qwest_helmets_closeout_graphics.html Shoei Quest..... Basicly an RF1000 made for cruisers.... venting is positoned for more upright position.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pbkid6974 1 Posted July 3, 2013 http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/shoei/qwest_helmets_closeout_graphics.html Shoei Quest..... Basicly an RF1000 made for cruisers.... venting is positoned for more upright position.... That's a bit more than I'm looking to spend. And i would like to have the flip down internal sun visor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobertJames 14 Posted July 3, 2013 I feel your pain. My Shoei is a few years old so I'll need to replace it soon. First time I wore it I couldn't believe how quiet it was compared to the HJC I had before it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plode 0 Posted July 3, 2013 I'd say go to a shop to try them on first before you go buying one online. Get one that fits properly and is comfortable. There are so many different shaped/sizes of heads that some helmets fit better than others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackDaWack 2,895 Posted July 3, 2013 I'd say go to a shop to try them on first before you go buying one online. Get one that fits properly and is comfortable. There are so many different shaped/sizes of heads that some helmets fit better than others. +1 I almost ordered a helmet, went to the store, and wound up fitting both small and medium of different helmets. Also, it sucks, but stay away from close outs and sales on helmets... they have a shelf life and those deals are typically old stock... check the build date on what ever you buy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted July 3, 2013 Each helmet brand is better fitted to a certain shape of head. The Arai's and Shoei's didn't fit me very well, but I found Scorpion to work beautifully, and for the price I can't complain. Go to a store and try a few brands on. However, stay away from the lower end ones (HJC, Icon, etc). Scorpion is the only "budget" brand I'd consider as they're Bell tested and DOT certified. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pbkid6974 1 Posted July 3, 2013 I feel your pain. My Shoei is a few years old so I'll need to replace it soon. First time I wore it I couldn't believe how quiet it was compared to the HJC I had before it. I really don't mind the wind noise. i just cant stand it leaking around the face shield gasket and whistling as it passes through. I'd say go to a shop to try them on first before you go buying one online. Get one that fits properly and is comfortable. There are so many different shaped/sizes of heads that some helmets fit better than others. revzilla had a free exchange policy. and no restocking fees. they are located in philly so i could just drive there too. plus it seems that they support 2a. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobertJames 14 Posted July 3, 2013 Revzilla are great folks to deal with. They really know their stuff. Most of the time I get orders the very next day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted July 3, 2013 I have been dealing with Leatherup for gawd knows how long. Excellent service, no exchange policy and great prices on everything. Nice selection of helmets... 10% off sale going on. If you done biz with them before, they usually always send coupons that you can add to the purchase too... http://www.leatherup.com/l/Motorcycle-Helmets/12.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted July 3, 2013 Here is my last helmet. Great deal and I love it. It's modular and has a pop down sun shade visor. Similar to what pilots have... On close out sale for 60 bux.. Well padded and DOT approved. http://www.leatherup.com/p/Motorcycle-Helmet-Closeouts/Advanced-Hawk-Ace-Skull-Modular-Dual-Visor-Full-Face-Motorcycle-Helmet/90776.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AverageJoe 95 Posted July 3, 2013 That's a bit more than I'm looking to spend. And i would like to have the flip down internal sun visor.Not willing to spend 250 to keep your noggin in tact? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tony357 386 Posted July 3, 2013 we use the orange helmets in our race club... but i always liked bell helmets granted these are race boat helmets not sure their is enough venting for motorcycle but i would stay with a good rated helmet.. http://lifelineracegear.com/main/index.php Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grapeshot 301 Posted July 3, 2013 That's a bit more than I'm looking to spend. And i would like to have the flip down internal sun visor. You need to ask yourself - Do you have a $60 head, or a $300 head? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfjon 0 Posted July 3, 2013 I have to agree with these guys about not skimping on the helmet.. I am fully for paying for whichever helmet fits me the best. The other year when i went shopping for a new helmet for the wife we tried on everything and the worst part was the best fitting and the most comfortable helmet for her was an Arai... I basically cried well paying for it but it was the right helmet... Also unfortunatly she also got to test it out and it worked.. she compressed 2 vertabra though and is fine today other than the occasional sore back.. Buy the right fit and most comfortable.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AverageJoe 95 Posted July 3, 2013 Also stop by Washington Cycle Works (WCW) and talk to Ron(huge 2A advocate too) tell him Joe from sportbikeaddicts sent ya...his shop one of the best places around... on the corner of 31 and 57 across from the Dunkin Donuts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
67gtonut 847 Posted July 3, 2013 Also stop by Washington Cycle Works (WCW) and talk to Ron(huge 2A advocate too) tell him Joe from sportbikeaddicts sent ya...his shop one of the best places around... on the corner of 31 and 57 across from the Dunkin Donuts. +1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fred2 367 Posted July 3, 2013 +1 Plus he is a pro gun guy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted July 3, 2013 Also stop by Washington Cycle Works (WCW) and talk to Ron(huge 2A advocate too) tell him Joe from sportbikeaddicts sent ya...his shop one of the best places around... on the corner of 31 and 57 across from the Dunkin Donuts. +1 Awesome guy. They used to do organized trips to pa gun shows. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pbkid6974 1 Posted July 3, 2013 Not willing to spend 250 to keep your noggin in tact? Its not that I wouldn't spend that much. I just don't have that much in my budget. Especially for a helmet that didn't have the features I'm looking for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted July 3, 2013 Its not that I wouldn't spend that much. I just don't have that much in my budget. Especially for a helmet that didn't have the features I'm looking for. Look at scorpion helmets. They are very affordable and have the majority of features that the other major brands have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greatgunstatenj 32 Posted July 3, 2013 I've tried a whole bunch of helmets over the years and I have to say that my Shoei helmet was by far the best. It was an RF200, and was/is a way better fit and function than any helmet I owned previously or bought since [Arai, AGV, HJC, Bieffe, AFX, etc]. The noise control, both wind and road, and the aerodynamics of the RF200 that is 10+ years old is better than the latest helmets I have. The only reason I don't wear it anymore is because it's old. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blksheep 466 Posted July 3, 2013 I loved my SHOEI helmets. By far more comfortable than others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
when_shtf 4 Posted July 3, 2013 Also stop by Washington Cycle Works (WCW) and talk to Ron(huge 2A advocate too) tell him Joe from sportbikeaddicts sent ya...his shop one of the best places around... on the corner of 31 and 57 across from the Dunkin Donuts. That's my go-to shop. Ron is great. Regarding helmet selection there are two basic shapes; round and oval (or egg). You have one or the other. Shoei helmets tend to be oval and Arai tend to be round. For the most part all others follow their lead. Unless I have experience with a particular brand, I would never buy a helmet online. A helmet must be fit and evaluated. First off, it should be comfortable with no hot (pressure) spots. Secondly it should not move back and forth or slide around your head (with the chin strap loose) when you quickly move your head from side to side. Fitment is a better indicator then price for performance. I'd rather have a cheap helmet that fits properly then an expensive helmet that doesn't. Many helmet tests over the years by MCN and Motorcyclist confirm this. There are $100 helmets that protect as well or better then $500 helmets. A helmet that doesn't fit can injure or kill you...regardless of price. Another note, a helmet is designed to withstand one, and only one, impact. Even if you didn't get hurt, the EPS foam in the helmet is now compressed and compromised. Time for a new one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted July 3, 2013 That's my go-to shop. Ron is great. Regarding helmet selection there are two basic shapes; round and oval (or egg). You have one or the other. Shoei helmets tend to be oval and Arai tend to be round. For the most part all others follow their lead. Unless I have experience with a particular brand, I would never buy a helmet online. A helmet must be fit and evaluated. First off, it should be comfortable with no hot (pressure) spots. Secondly it should not move back and forth or slide around your head (with the chin strap loose) when you quickly move your head from side to side. Fitment is a better indicator then price for performance. I'd rather have a cheap helmet that fits properly then an expensive helmet that doesn't. Many helmet tests over the years by MCN and Motorcyclist confirm this. There are $100 helmets that protect as well or better then $500 helmets. A helmet that doesn't fit can injure or kill you...regardless of price. Another note, a helmet is designed to withstand one, and only one, impact. Even if you didn't get hurt, the EPS foam in the helmet is now compressed and compromised. Time for a new one. To add to that, the foam also degrades with time. You should replace your helmet every 3-5 years Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stonecoldchavez 92 Posted July 4, 2013 Cannot go wrong with ARAI (Mine is RX-Q), Shoei, or AGV. If you are on a budget HJC's will work just fine. Stay away from ICON, Scorpion, AFX, etc. Try these guys: http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=Motorcycle+Helmets%3ACloseout This is where I got my ARAI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millsan1 3 Posted July 4, 2013 Also stop by Washington Cycle Works (WCW) and talk to Ron(huge 2A advocate too) tell him Joe from sportbikeaddicts sent ya...his shop one of the best places around... on the corner of 31 and 57 across from the Dunkin Donuts. +1 Ron is a great guy. I used to race for him back in the late 90s. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites