Helmet Tech

[dropbear]

I've attached some pics showing the difference between 1980 and 2020 Arai helmets.

The 1980 helmet served me well for about 25 years from when I was 17 until marriage and a child dictated a shift to cars and I semi retired it to occasional use on off-road bikes on my brother's farm. It is still in pretty good condition, because I've never had a collision (unless you count a low side on gravel without hitting anything). I did have to replace the lining at one point. I actually considered continuing to use it after I bought the GS in January, but realised that was stupid and that it really needs to be regarded as decorative now.

The 2020 helmet is just fantastic. I bought it 50% off in January as a previous year model. I don't have enough experience with other helmets to compare it and know it's far from the best helmet one can buy, but the build quality and comfort seem great. I love the features unknown in 1980 (at least to me) like air vents, watertight visor and useful noise reduction. Interestingly, converting 2020 money to 1980 money, the 2020 helmet was actually considerably less expensive, despite the 1980 helmet also having been well priced.

[Watcher]

For future reference the maximum service life of any helmet is under 10 years.  The Expanded Poly-Styrene layer between the padding and shell (the part that actually absorbs the impact) hardens and becomes brittle over time, even when sitting in climate controlled storage.  Most premium manufacturers only warranty the helmets for 5 years from purchase date (or 7 years from manufacture date, whichever comes first), and after this time they suggest replacing the helmet entirely.

To coincide with this the big two safety schemes update their criteria every 5 years (ECE and SNELL), and most helmet manufacturers change things like the face-shield mounting dimensions every generation to encourage customers to upgrade.
Unfortunately, buying "new old stock" in helmets is guaranteeing a shorter service life, but if you want to get an estimate on how much time you have ARAI stamps their manufacture date on the D-rings of their helmets.

I won't go so far as to say an old helmet is a dangerous helmet, in fact I hold firm that any helmet is better than no helmet at all.  However, an old helmet is far more likely to result in a concussion or other TBI compared to a new helmet, both in terms of the advancement in materials/technology and our general understanding of the mechanisms of head injury, as well as the aging materials themselves.


Congratulations on your ARAI purchase.  Hirotake-sama and Michio-san take great pride in their manufacturing quality and I will stand firm with stating "Arai helmets are the best manufactured helmets on the market;" that's not up for debate.  I wear Shoei, personally, and between the two it can be summed up as "six in one hand and half a dozen in the other."  Anyone should get the best helmet that can possibly afford.  For some that means a Bilt or low level Scorpion, but for those that can you won't find better than Japanese.
That vintage lid sounds like it's earned a spot on a shelf, preferably somewhere of visual prominence.

[Bluesmudge]

Arai really is in a league of their own. I think Shoei is probably great too but I admit I've never owned a Shoei helmet. I spent 10 years trying different helmets from AGV, AFX, Nolan, Scorpion, Schuberth and others. They all had things I liked but they all had issues, especially with all-day comfort. I finally purchased an Arai Defiant-X in 2019 and its the first helmet I've ever owned that I don't think about. It's just comfortable and it works. I never dread putting it on or wearing it on a long 12-hour day in the saddle. Most other helmets I can't wait to take off after a long day but with the Arai it's almost like not wearing a helmet at all. The Arai is not even the most expensive helmet I own but I like it more than my Schuberth E1. I really appreciate that Arai makes most of their helmets in 3 different head shapes and has a ton of different size liners and cheek pads available, so you can really feel like you have a custom fit helmet. And the fit/finish of the shell is amazing compared to something like the Schuberth that MSRPs for hundreds of $ more. You can see/feel the craftsmanship.

[Watcher]

And the fit/finish of the shell is amazing compared to something like the Schuberth that MSRPs for hundreds of $ more. You can see/feel the craftsmanship.

I don't really see any of the appeal in Schuberth.  They made a name for themselves somehow but they don't really stand out as quality.

They have a lot of "features" that are actually bugs if you ask me, are somewhat over complicated in many ways, are behind when considering the manufacturing conventions of similarly priced brands, and claim they are superior in ways that literally cannot be compared/contrasted.

They aren't total dumpster fires, it just seems like at a surface level everything is awesome but when you really dissect them they're actually kinda crap.

[mr72]

I may try an Arai when the next helmet interval comes up. I love my RPHA helmet, it's about as perfect as it could get, but the LS2 fits better. Oddly enough, my head circumference says I should fit a medium RPHA but it takes a large to fit, and a medium LS2 fits. Makes me think my head is more long-oval than round-oval, so I need a large RPHA to fit front to back. I might even consider a fancy LS2 for my next FF helmet due to fit. I mean, this one looks great. https://www.amazon.com/LS2-Helmets-Challenger-Helmet-Carbon/dp/B07Z4CM9PB/

My RPHA is only two years old. I can't justify replacing it. But I really want that LS2 carbon in stars and stripes. It'd match my LS2 copter that I wear on my scooter.

[Bluesmudge]

I don't really see any of the appeal in Schuberth.  They made a name for themselves somehow but they don't really stand out as quality.

They have a lot of "features" that are actually bugs if you ask me, are somewhat over complicated in many ways, are behind when considering the manufacturing conventions of similarly priced brands, and claim they are superior in ways that literally cannot be compared/contrasted.

They aren't total dumpster fires, it just seems like at a surface level everything is awesome but when you really dissect them they're actually kinda crap.

Their claim to fame is quietness. Especially amongst modular helmets. In that regard, they totally deliver. My Schuberth is about as quiet, if not more quiet, than my Arai Defiant X. Which is a real achievement for a modular helmet. Cheaper modulars I have tried have been so much louder.

You are right that the quality is not there for the price point. The shell just seems like plastic, even though they claim its some sort of composite. The modular latching mechanism requires two hands to reliably close. They charge way too much for their custom fit intercom systems that are worse than basic units.
The problem is that the premium space for modular helmets doesn't have much competition. Arai doesn't do modular so Schuberth is mainly competing with the Shoei NeoTech and a few lesser-known brands. Am I forgetting another big name player in the premium modular space?

If I ever buy a modular again, maybe I would try the Neotech if it fits my head shape. But I think I've come full circle back to full face helmets. The benefits of a modular just aren't worth all the moving parts and possible compromise on safety.

[mr72]

Am I forgetting another big name player in the premium modular space?

HJC RPHA ... if you consider that "the premium modular space". Or maybe even Shark, AGV or Bell. They all make a premium-ish modular, along with a non-premium model range.

The benefits of a modular just aren't worth all the moving parts and possible compromise on safety.

That's always the conclusion I came to. I think I could consider a modular if highway speeds were not happening and I had frequent stops and needed to talk with another rider or take a drink etc. without taking off the helmet. So for that back roads exploration trip with a group, a modular would be nice. But I am not going to get one just to wear on those occasions.

[Bluesmudge]

Am I forgetting another big name player in the premium modular space?

HJC RPHA ... if you consider that "the premium modular space". Or maybe even Shark, AGV or Bell. They all make a premium-ish modular, along with a non-premium model range.

Warning, subjective opinions incoming:

RPHA....yes I would probably call it premium. It just doesn't have the pedigree of some other brands, but the product speaks for itself.

The rest? I guess the "premium-ish" is the best label.
Bell: From a safety standpoint? yes. Everything else? no. Loud, plasticky.
Shark: no. You are paying for the fancy/expensive rotational mechanism. It just doesn't have that premium feel in your hands and the width of the mechanism makes it the most bobblehead looking helmet there is.
AGV: makes some premium helmets but in the modular space, no not really premium like a Shoei.

[mr72]

I totally agree with your opinions @bluesmudge.

I think the pedigree of the RPHA will probably come with time. They are the newcomer.

[Watcher]

I may try an Arai when the next helmet interval comes up. I love my RPHA helmet, it's about as perfect as it could get, but the LS2 fits better. Oddly enough, my head circumference says I should fit a medium RPHA but it takes a large to fit, and a medium LS2 fits. Makes me think my head is more long-oval than round-oval, so I need a large RPHA to fit front to back.

Arai Signet, then.  Arai makes the ProShade system which is a pretty interesting take on a day/night shield system, I'd check those out when the time comes.

Their claim to fame is quietness. Especially at the expense of other features 

The problem is that the premium space for modular helmets doesn't have much competition. Arai doesn't do modular so Schuberth is mainly competing with the Shoei NeoTech and a few lesser-known brands.

TLDR WARNING!  I AM 100% A GEAR GEEK AND HAVE OPINIONS FOR DAYS!  I DO THIS FOR A LIVING!
Short version = Arai too traditional, refuse to make modular, sadface.  Shoei best, not fanboy, just best.  Fiberglass good, plastic meh.  Schuberth overpriced, overpriced bad.  Simpson is expensive sticker.  Nolan say "not my problem".


Arai, if you ask me, has kind of a BS excuse for why they don't do a modular.  Asterisk, this is from some reps I've talked to but not from anyone high up the chain.
But I'm told they won't do a modular because it's not possible to be certified to the highest safety standard the market offers.  That might hold some truth in North America where SNELL is relevant, but not really in any other market.
If you look at Shoei, the RFSR, RF1400, and X14 all are DOT/SNELL, while the GT-AIR2 and Neotec2 are both DOT only.  On paper that looks pretty bad, especially compared to cheaper helmets that carry DOT/ECE, but anyone with a couple of braincells to rub together will be able to understand that they're still a cut above.  The shells and EPS liners aren't manufactured any differently, there is simply a criteria that prevents them from being SNELL certified.  There isn't a single modular helmet that meets SNELL.

Buuuuut, Arai makes open faced helmets and those helmets are SNELL.  "You mean to tell me a helmet without a face cover is SAFER than one that does?"  Not really, the reality is that SNELL refuses to test modulars.  Similar reason as to why any helmet with an internal dropdown shield is not possible to be certified SNELL.  You could argue there is potentially more danger to the forehead since that's where the internal shield is stored, but according to SHARP testing there seems to be no correlation between the presence of an internal shield and impact score so...  yeah.

This is also the same reason Arai does the ProShade system instead of an internal dropdown helmet, this way they can keep the SNELL cert.  Additionally you could argue making the room for the internal would alter the R75 shell shape so there's that, and making the ProShade use the VAS-V baseplate means you can use it on the whole lineup instead of having one dedicated helmet for it, but I still think it's kind of a BS reason.  Arai's traditional side refusing to compromise. 
To add, there is only, like, ONE long-oval shape modular I can think of (LS2) and since Arai has a really customizable padding system that could easily fit that need it makes it doubly disappointing they don't do one.  I can only imagine: Shoei for the intermediate/round shape and Arai for the intermediate/long shape, harmony.

Am I forgetting another big name player in the premium modular space?

Not really.  I generally group helmets into 3 tiers based on quality and features, and unfortunately with Modulars the market is rather limited compared to full face helmets.

In Tier 1 I put Shoei's Neotec2 and it seems to stand alone at the top.  Maybe I would consider Schuberth with their C4 Pro, but it has a lot of missing features and negatives that put it below the Shoei for the money.  Maybe it's tier 1.5?  The Shoei has the most robust shell, wind-tunnel design for aerodynamics as well as acoustics, proper Pinlock anti-fog system, overbuilt ratcheting clasp, comfy padding that is replaceable with other sizes, is formed for an integrated bluetooth *but doesn't require it*, has the second best QC in the industry (Arai is #1), and is well manufactured with premium quality materials.  It really doesn't get any better, and I genuinely feel bad for anyone who doesn't fit into one because nothing else really comes close.

But there's a lot of great modulars I'd consider to be in Tier 2.  Shark, HJC's RPHA series, higher end Scorpion helmets, AGV Sport Modular, and the Bell SRT modular.  These helmets all have at least fiberglass composite shells (sometimes Carbon), have good quality control, and are all at least ECE rated, but don't score higher due to (mostly minor) issues I've seen over the years.  Sometimes QC related issues, sometimes design flaws (Shark uses smaller than standard speaker pockets, have seen repeated minor issues with AGV and HJC padding), but overall good choices.  The RPHAs seem kinda heavy compared to the others, but the shells also seem pretty robust so +1/-1.  The high end Bell helmets actually seem really good for what they are.  Made in China, of course, but similar shells to the RPHAs, comfortable padding, and pretty good QC.  It's rare for me to come across an HJC or AGV with any problems, even rarer for Bell.  They aren't prefect, but they're solid.

I have high praise for Cycle Gear's Sedici Sistema 2, especially the MIPS version.  It's currently the *only* MIPS modular on the market, meets ECE, is offered in both fiberglass and carbon shell options, and overall the quality is good.  Arguably not quite as good as the other T2 brands, the shell is a little thinner and the padding a little lighter, but it's also quite a bit cheaper and has very few design flaws or limitations.  The only major weak point IMHO is the shield baseplate system, which seems a little delicate.  Not sure that'd I'd put it in Tier 2 since I do consider the other brands I mentioned to be better, but I'd put it well above Tier 3 so it gets an honorable mention.

Schuberth gets an honorable mention here as well.  Overall they are arguably better than most of the helmets in T3 but I can't forgive some of the overall design flaws and manufacturing limitations I've seen from the brand over the years.  For the money I just can't recommend them.  If they were half the price they could qualify as a T2 brand, but as is they're under-built and over-priced.  I'd probably never recommend a Schuberth to someone wanting my opinion, but I'm hesitant to call them bad.  If someone comes to me and says they want to order a C3 Pro I'm gonna say "Sure thing!" and take their money.  I'll also be sure to mention our return policy just in case.

Tier 3 I put most of the "reputable market."  Bilt, LS2, HJC, low cost Bell and Scorpion helmets, pretty much anything made by J-Tech that is backed by a household name.  Mostly polycarbonate and ABS plastic helmets, some low cost fiberglass helmets.  Not gonna say these are bad, but if you have the money you *should* get something better.  I won't necessarily talk anyone out of any of these, they're trustworthy if just basic.  If your budget is $150 and you're looking at a modular an HJC I90 is absolutely amazing, but if you've got $250 the Sedici Sistema 2 is better.

Trash Tier is Simpson and Nolan, and basically anything sub $100 for the obvious.  Most Simpson helmets are outsourced to a company that then outsources them to China, so to begin with they're overpriced, and the quality I've seen from them is really poor.  Have experienced Mod Bandits making "popping" noises from normal use, having poor latch fit, having poor QC, poor size accuracy, and cheap padding.  They remind me of the Bilt helmets that were being sold 5 years ago and they're $500.  They *should* be $150.  I typically try to talk customers out of buying these.  Not ALL Simpsons are bad but their modular is definitely the worst helmet they make.  The Ghost Bandit scores one better simply from the fact it doesn't have a latch, lol, but otherwise is just as bad.  To anyone reading this that wants a Simpson, the Speed Bandit isn't disappointing but the Outlaw bandit is the one you want.
And Nolan has really bad policy.  Admittedly I haven't verified this myself but I was told by people I trust that the reason we don't deal with them is that they refuse liability.  If, for example, we sell someone a Nolan and the helmet has some defect or flaw that results in an injury, the liability lies on the retailer and Nolan will not take responsibility for the issue.  We ain't touching that with a 100 foot pole, so I don't have any actual feedback for them, but that seems like a really strong reason to avoid them.


Two others I haven't mentioned are NEXX and KLIM, which look pretty good but I'm hesitant to comment on for lack of experience.  NEXX are priced as high T2, and are usually Carbon, but I don't know enough to say they're good or bad.  I have some experience with the KLIM Krios Pro helmets, and they seem fine, but I have very limited contact with them so I can't say if they're good or bad either.

If you've made it this far, thanks for also being a gear geek 

[The Buddha]

My local dealer just acquired a motherlode of Arais. Selling at deep discounts.
Contact Steve Meckola from parts @ 704 394 7301 - If you know your preferred model and size, I'm sure they have it and will get you a deep discount.

Mention my name (Srinath - Or "GS500 jets guy") for likely - something I dunno.

Cool.
Buddha.

[mr72]

Thanks, Watcher, for the detailed and informative response! 

Arai Signet, then.  Arai makes the ProShade system which is a pretty interesting take on a day/night shield system, I'd check those out when the time comes.

Ah. Nope. Going to have to stay with the drop-down sun shade. That and the extravagant price of Arai will knock it out of contention.

The RPHAs seem kinda heavy compared to the others, but the shells also seem pretty robust so +1/-1.

IDK for modular in specific, but reports I have read are that by specs and on the scale, they are actually lighter comparing like for like. You can probably find cases where this isn't exactly true, but I don't think the numbers suggest the RPHA are generally heavier than like-sized alternatives with the same feature set. Am I wrong about this?

Made in China, of course, but similar shells to the RPHAs,

Just pointing out, the RPHA are made in S. Korea.

I have high praise for Cycle Gear's Sedici Sistema 2, especially the MIPS version.

Again, no experience with modulars, but I can tell you, my RPHA helmets are LIGHT YEARS better than my Sedici Strada. And I actually thought the Strada was a pretty good helmet with a couple of glaring flaws but mostly a specific fit problem for me. And we love our LS2 helmets. I have a cheaper one, my wife has a nicer one, and they compare very well with my RPHA.

Tier 3 I put most of the "reputable market."  Bilt, LS2, HJC, low cost Bell and Scorpion helmets,

Just saying, as apparently the owner of a long-oval head, a $400 carbon LS2 full-face helmet is on my list. I think you could put some price qualifiers around your tiers. Like, if LS2 is a tier 3 helmet, but they make a $400 carbon helmet, how does that work out?

Now, I haven't worked in the industry like you have, but I did evaluate a lot of helmets and crashed in my RPHA helmet. To ME, doing a pretty extensive evaluation, I would say the RPHA helmets are on par at least with Shoei and dollar for dollar are better. If you have $400 you can get a lot more helmet from RPHA and give up basically nothing compared to the entry level Shoei. Ditto that LS2 vs. Arai for long-oval. I am a believer that in helmets, fit is king, and I evaluated helmets by wearing them in the store for an hour before making a choice, if I could stand them for that long. So I personally think you should start with fit, and then once you get one that fits, find the feature&price category that works for you. If a Shoei fits you perfectly and you have enough money to throw at it, lucky you! But if you need a modular with a drop-down visor and you are a long-oval head shape, then you only really have one choice.

Hmph. When my Q4 commission check comes in mid-February, I think I'm gonna order that stars & stripes carbon LS2. Put my money where my mouth is. I love the RPHA, but maybe I will love the LS2 more.