Arai vs Shoei

[wonderings]

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How does the RF-1100 do in the "noise", "weight" and "aerodynamics" categories?
I understand the fit is the most important, but I don't want to bother trying on helmets that don't even fit the basic criteria.
Any other helmets that fit the above criteria and might be worth a look??

Thanks!

The RF1100 is alright noise wise, but really you should be wearing ear plugs anyways, no helmet is quiet enough to not need them. You get what you pay for, with the cheaper brands, or helmets, they are normally like bricks. I had an Icon SS a while back, terrible helmet, weight, venting, etc.

The vents are great in the RF1100, every single vent you open, you can feel the difference and where its coming from. It does tend to fog up easily though, but leaving the front chin vent open gets rid of that easily, not the greatest solution in the colder months. You can get a pin lock visor that would solve that problem.

You will notice a huge difference comparing a joe rocket brain bucket to a shoei helmet, just get out there and try one on, most places should carry it

 

[Mr.K]

I've been following this thread since the start.
I currently have a Joe Rocket helmet. Just something i bought as a starter helmet which solves the basic purpose but I do have a couple of complaints about it.
I feel it's heavy for my head and there is a significant amount of noise when riding fast. And I also find it very difficult to turn my head even slightly on do a quick blindspot check.

I had been looking at the Shoei helmets (haven't tried one on yet since I was going to wait till next season to buy one).
The Arai Corsair V is just WAY too expensive. I was condering the X-12, but that's very pricey too and I read a bunch of reviews that said the RF-1100 is a much better bang of the buck.

How does the RF-1100 do in the "noise", "weight" and "aerodynamics" categories?
I understand the fit is the most important, but I don't want to bother trying on helmets that don't even fit the basic criteria.
Any other helmets that fit the above criteria and might be worth a look??

Thanks!

When I went from my Scorpion EXO-700 to my Shoei RF-1100, I noticed a huge improvement in being able to do shoulder checks. With the 700, it felt like my head was going to tear off, and it was generally just really unstable feeling on the highway (shifted my head around). The RF-1100 is smooth, and doesn't really feel like much when doing your checks.

The X-12 is for racing, so it's probably not your best bet for the street. I'd go with the RF-1100 over it (I did, actually). The vents are designed to be useful in full tuck, which you probably won't be in all of the time, but the RF is meant for an aggressive street riding situation, so that's what it works for. Weight on the helmets is better on the expensive models, but the Snell-2010 models have gotten heavier because of more stringent testing (they're heavier because they're stronger). It is also important to not weight distribution, not just weight itself. If the helmet is super light, but all of the weight is at a single point, it's going to hurt your neck.

You will be hard pressed to find a helmet with good venting that isn't loud. Get earplugs.

 

[Jayell]

Any other helmets that fit the above criteria and might be worth a look??

Thanks!

Do yourself a favour and try the HJC RPS-10. Plenty of features and the price is right, much less than Shoei or Arai. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you ignore it simply because it's HJC.

 

[Mr.K]

Do yourself a favour and try the HJC RPS-10. Plenty of features and the price is right, much less than Shoei or Arai. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you ignore it simply because it's HJC.

I tried one on, and they have a nice look/feel to them. However, they didn't fit my head at all, so I couldn't get one =( . I would recommend them to people with slightly rounder heads.

 

[TheNewDude]

Thanks a lot for the info guys.
It's much appreciated!

Another question... The RF-1100 has been out since 2009 i believe... Any idea when the next model (RF-1200) might be coming out??

 

[eljay]

When I went from my Scorpion EXO-700 to my Shoei RF-1100, I noticed a huge improvement in being able to do shoulder checks. With the 700, it felt like my head was going to tear off, and it was generally just really unstable feeling on the highway (shifted my head around). The RF-1100 is smooth, and doesn't really feel like much when doing your checks.

The X-12 is for racing, so it's probably not your best bet for the street. I'd go with the RF-1100 over it (I did, actually). The vents are designed to be useful in full tuck, which you probably won't be in all of the time, but the RF is meant for an aggressive street riding situation, so that's what it works for. Weight on the helmets is better on the expensive models, but the Snell-2010 models have gotten heavier because of more stringent testing (they're heavier because they're stronger). It is also important to not weight distribution, not just weight itself. If the helmet is super light, but all of the weight is at a single point, it's going to hurt your neck.

You will be hard pressed to find a helmet with good venting that isn't loud. Get earplugs.

This for sure. I just wore my brand spankin new RF1100 for the first time this morning. I loved my AGV T2, but the RF1100 is miles ahead. I said it before, the fit alone is much more dreamy. And the way it sits is amazing. I can swing my head all over the place without feeling like my head is going to tear off at the neck when going at speed.

The AGV breathed better though I found. Less fogging at a standstill. Once I'm moving the Shoei clear up though. On the other hand, the Shoei's visor flips up easier than the AGV.

Noise wise the Shoei is way quieter than the AGV. I used to be able to hear pedestrians talking, now I can't.

This is all fit for me though. If the RF1100 fits you well, get it.

 

[NealT]

As others have said I think the number 0ne thing period is fit and fit again. Fit is not just the top half of the head, the fit around your neck and your cheeks really determine whether the helmet you have is noisier than the review said or just as quiet.

 

[aboogie973]

They are both good companies. I have Shoei for my street riding and Arai for motocross. Just depends on your fitting.

 

[Mina]

Shorai makes batteries...

If you've read other threads from the OP you would know he's trolling... I just played along.
I'm well aware of what Shorai manufactures, maybe I should of added a "lol" or a smiley face to make it less serious.

 

[RedDogDarren]

which one is best? is it true that arai is better cause they cost more?

Both are overpriced garbage that rely on 30 year old reputations back when there was no competition. Blindly brand loyal customer base are the bulk of their sales just like Harley.

 

[Mr.K]

Both are overpriced garbage that rely on 30 year old reputations back when there was no competition. Blindly brand loyal customer base are the bulk of their sales just like Harley.

What are your recommendations?

 

[optionfa]

Both are overpriced garbage that rely on 30 year old reputations back when there was no competition. Blindly brand loyal customer base are the bulk of their sales just like Harley.

I have owned several budget helmets as well as a top end Arai and I can safely say that you are full of crap.

I will never cheap out on a helmet again, tho the HJC RPS-10 is a great top end helmet for a good price, however it does not fit my dome.

 

[Stephen W.]

Both are overpriced garbage that rely on 30 year old reputations back when there was no competition. Blindly brand loyal customer base are the bulk of their sales just like Harley.

Red Dog, it’s your response that’s garbage. You are talking about two of the oldest helmet manufactures still in business today. Thirty years ago they were not only competing against each other but also with the likes of Bell and Simpson. Today there is even more competition. Shoei has won many awards and has produced Honda branded helmets since the mid 60’s. Arai has been ranked first in customer satisfaction in all ten annual J. D. Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Studies. It was also first (or tied for first) in three of four categories: Overall Satisfaction, Ventilation, and Styling.

However, I have an open mind should you have any factual data to substantiate your seemingly biased opinion.

 

[kickstartt]

Both are overpriced garbage that rely on 30 year old reputations back when there was no competition. Blindly brand loyal customer base are the bulk of their sales just like Harley.

Reddog must be real hardcore old school, all he needs is a WWII G.I. helmet made of real steel!

My RF-1000 is very quiet and comfy especially with the chin curtain, compare to my Scorpion EX-700, no wonder shoei cost so much more! I'd say Shoei's the best deal for the price. Arai's more for the rich...

 

[Jinniwind]

If you've read other threads from the OP you would know he's trolling... I just played along.
I'm well aware of what Shorai manufactures, maybe I should of added a "lol" or a smiley face to make it less serious.

i didnt know shorai is an actual brand till now so i got your joke...:agave:

 

[the_falcon]

ARAI FTW. Grand Turismo 5 gives them out as prizes for first place finishes, ergo since it s a race simulator, they must be the best available. /thread

 

[RedDogDarren]

LOL.

I thought my post would get all you sensitive types into defensive mode.

You kids need to lay off the estrogen pills.

 

[RedDogDarren]

What are your recommendations?

For real, get what fits the best and offers what you want.

 

[RedDogDarren]

Red Dog, it’s your response that’s garbage. You are talking about two of the oldest helmet manufactures still in business today. Thirty years ago they were not only competing against each other but also with the likes of Bell and Simpson. Today there is even more competition. Shoei has won many awards and has produced Honda branded helmets since the mid 60’s. Arai has been ranked first in customer satisfaction in all ten annual J. D. Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Studies. It was also first (or tied for first) in three of four categories: Overall Satisfaction, Ventilation, and Styling.

However, I have an open mind should you have any factual data to substantiate your seemingly biased opinion.

Here you go: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/home
That's the only factual data that matters.


On a serious note though the Arai shield removal system sucks. Google will show you that THOUSANDS of people feel the same way and I don't remember ever getting a questionaire from JD Power. They must have missed all the other people with problems as well. I've worked in automotive where JD Power gives awards to vehicles which hit the market the same day, so those awards are pure bunk.

Seriously though, I like Shoei, Shark, and Scorpion for the quality and fit on my noggin. I loved an Arai Quantum 2 for it's fit, but the shield system prevents me from ever buying another one.
Icon helmets are too heavy.

The Shoei GRV was a great helmet, as was a Marushin from the same era, the Shoei RF800 with Picotte orange jester graphics I only recently retired. I just picked up a new Scorpion EXO1100 I like quite a bit and my back up helmet is the Shark RSR2.

Simpson helmets were never that good, way too much wind noise for motorcycle use.

 

[r1junky]

I've had 4 arai helmets and although i agree the shield system isn't the best by a long shot, i did get used to it and rarely had to remove/change the visors so it wasn't a big deal to me. luckily i never had any side pieces come off either. i'll continue to support arai, because they fit my head the best. i just bought a bell vortex for a track lid and even with earplugs, i get some weird wind buffeting around my right ear, which is annoying, but otherwise it is comfortable. have to say that that the shield removal system on the vortex is very good as well.

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