[Andy]

When I purchased my ZR I got a size large HJC ZF7 helmet at the same time. Then when I read the threads about wind noise I looked on the net for the quietest helmet. I found that the Shoei RF-800 & RF-900 helmets were rated very high regarding less wind noise. So I purchased a medium Shoei RF-800 at a local motorcycle shop for $199.00.

What a differece a better quality helmet that fits correctly makes. I don't hear nearly as much wind noice and I can see better out of it also.

Andy 2001 ZR-7S

 

[jarelj]

Yea, I love my RF-800 too! I had a POS KBC helmet before that, and there's a world of difference with a quality helmet.:angel:

 

[MedZR7Treker]

RF-800

Wow, I've always owned the RF800, but never really thought about how good it was. I just thought the color matched well, and it was of high enough quality. The price was at my cut off point at bike purchase time, actually spent a little more than expected, but that's fine. How can some of these companies put out $90. helmets ? Remember Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, "You got a helmet?" "Oh, yea, I got a helmet, NEEK NEEK NEEK.":laugh:

 

[falcon]

I was pretty clueless when i got my RF-900. (rf-800 update). I know no other helmet, but the few less expensive ones i have tried on hurt my head. cant complain

 

[JLeite]

I own a HJC CL-12 and I admit it's the only helmet I own. It was fairly inexpensive (around 175.00), feels good and noise is typically not an issue. Over the last year though, it seems as though the helmet has gotten looser as though the padding is shrinking. To combat that, I wear a bandana.

 

[zr7chic]

same problem

JLeite - I have the same problem. I've got the same helmet as you, and I've had it approx. one year. It feels bigger....like the foam has flattened out some. I have always worn a do rag, so now I'm thinking I'm just going to have to buy a new helmet. I have heard the Shoei is a lot heavier than the HJC. Can anyone tell me if that is true??
Twyla

 

[Andy]

Twyla,

My Shoei Medium RF-800 weighs 3.25 LBS. My HJC Large ZF7 weighs 3.40 LBS.

Andy 2001 ZR-7S

 

[zr7chic]

Thanks Andy. It's hard for me to judge. My husband has a couple Shoei's and an Arai....the Arai is WAYYYY light, but has a lot of noise. The Shoei is an extra large, so it's not quite a fair comparison to my extra small....
I'd love the Arai, but with the noise, and price, I suspect the Shoei will be my next helmet...although, since I want a "replica" the cost goes up, so I may have to not get exactly what I want right now....since he did let me get my Corbin and D&D with no questions.....hehe....

 

[paradox]

Before buying one wear it around the shop for 15 - 20 minutes if they'll let you. I originally went in for a Shoei and ended up with a HJC LT12 because of fit. I really wanted the Shoei but after about 10 minutes pinch points developed on temples. I wore the HJC LT 12 and it fit like a glove and still remained comfortable after 15 minutes in the shop. The longest I've worn it since buying it has been about 1 hour and no complaints. The Arai helmets are fantastic but way too pricey for me.

 

[Andy]

Twyla,

I did look at the Arai, I'm not sure which model, but they wanted a little more for it. Anyway I chose the Shoei because the visor system on the Arai sucked in my opinion. It had a little tab about the size of a pea that somehow needs to be pushed to completely close the shield. Also the Shoei has a better rubber seal for the visor.

I got last years model RF-800 which is nearly the same as this years model RF-900 for $199.00 at the local motorcycle parts store.

Andy 2001 ZR-7S

 

[scottaraujo]

i've got an arai signet gt. it's pricey and a bit noisy. the visor can be tricky to remove until you get the hang of it, some poeple never do. comfort? can't beat it! i've worn it for my ride from san diego to san francisco and back with no comfort problems at all

scott

 

[girlzr7]

I've got an Arai Quantum. I am very happy with it. It is light, and the venting is awesome. Husband has a Shoei. It just doesn't have enough venting for out hot summers. He wants an Arai next time. The shields are a pain in the *** on the Arai though. I don't even use that little lever, I just lift the side up and pull hard. That lever doesn't really help. You would think they could come up with something better. I still like the helmet. I shopped around on the internet for a good price then presented it to my dealer. They matched it, it was about $250 less than they wanted for it. I think I priced it through Motorcycle Mart on the net.

 

[zr7chic]

Your dealer matched it? COOL! I've asked mine if they would match prices off the net and they said they couldn't afford it....whatever. I really want the Arai Quantum Replica Series (Raptor) It's awesome looking, but I'm having a hard time making myself pay that much for it (I've found it on the net for approx. $499)...WHEW! A lot of money when I can get the Shoei for around $250. I'm in Texas too, so yes, I am concerned about the heat. How is the wind noise for you? I've heard they are bad...

Well, if someone finds an awesome price on that helmet on the web, let me know...I'll ask for it for Christmas!!

 

[Martin64]

The cost of gear can be really outrageous, but you can still buy good quality gear on a budget. My dad's view on this was, "Buy the best gear you can afford, but don't buy it because it's cheap". Over the years I have learned that lesson over and over again (who would have thought?). There is also gear out there that is way too expensive. A friend of mine bought himself a $650.00 Arai, and his son a $199.00 Arai. What's the difference? The graghics. There's another saying that goes, "Cheap helmets for cheap heads", there is truth to that. But there's a difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive". $450.00 worth of "Cool" isn't gonna help in a crash.

 

[Tom Bozeman]

That about sums it up. Well said, Martin.

 

[tdv]

From what I've read Arai and Shoel are designed for different 'types' of heads. Some people have a tall narrow head (like me) and some rather wide and, well, short one.

I used to have a Shoel, so I was going to continue with them. But when I was shopping around for a new helmet the guy at the store told me that I have 'an Arai type of head'. I tried one (quantum) and it fit very well so I bought it and have no regrets so far. I rode with the Shoel a couple of times since then and I definitely like Arai better.

Eventually I even figured how to use that tricky thing for locking the visor. It's very easy once you get used to it.

 

[girlzr7]

The site for cheap Arai's is motorcyclemart.com. They sell quantums as low as $323. Plus all the shipping fees. I do recommend you try one on before you order, I don't think they take exchanges. My dealer forced me to get an XS even though it was really tight. I'm glad he did, it really has loosened up. I've had mine for 7 mths now. I had to wear a dew rag under it last time I rode. The wind noise isn't to bad on mine. I have noticed it a little more since it has began to get loose. I'm planning to order the earplugs Jarel has suggested.

 

[crazeecooter]

helmets

I bought the Shoei TZ-1 Ignition helmet and I really like it. My old helmet is a Bell Star 1 and it's not worth the $104 I paid for it.

 

[treestman]

I gotta agree with paradox on this one. The best helmet in the world is useless if it doesn't fit right. I didn't really care what brand I got, these were my requirements:

- Full face w/ clear visor.
- Ventilation (for cooling and minimal visor fogging).
- Black, White, or (maybe) Silver.
- Perfect fit.

Wore several around in the store for a while. Dealer was giving me $50 off any helmet I picked. Settled on the Helmet from a Japanese Company (HJC) CL-12.

 

[jarelj]

Treestman -
You da man with that image in your profile!!!! GO HUSKERS!!!

P.S. - I went to the ISU game this weekend...... not sure how it came across on TV, but Crouch is the best running back in the country!