Hello,

A lot of retailers -- both brick and mortar shops and online stores -- are having sales on helmets. I'd like to pick a new one up for next season as the one I'm using now could fit a lot better (I can't complain a buddy gave it to me for free). I've narrowed the search down to the Shoei Qwest and the Scorpion EXO-1000. The Shoei fits well and has a great reputation, yet lacks some of the features the Scorpion has. I really like that the EXO-1000 has a built in sun screen and the pump to customize fit. The price difference isn't substantial (about $20 more for the Shoei). I haven't had a chance to try to EXO-1000 on yet but plan to do so soon. In the meantime, has anyone had any experience with either of these? To make things interesting, how would an HJC CL-16 fall into the mix? I have an HJC now and don't mind the noise, I'm just sort of in between sizes in a FS-10. The CL-16 is also Snell/DOT approved but comes in at only $117 (or about 200 less than the other two above).

I'm having trouble seeing past the gimmicks so would appreciate any insight you guys may have. I just know I want a quality helmet and a sun visor is a plus.

Thanks

I can't say I didn't pick my helmet because of the looks, but I'd look past that and which ever of the two is the most practical "sunscreen is nice".. but your gonna be wearing it alot and sometimes for a long time.. so i'd pick the one that fits the best and feels the most comfortable!

I have a Zox Genessis. It has the dropdown sunscreen which I find really useful. The other feature I love about it is that the whole face opens so I don't have to take my glasses off to put the helmet on and off. Now that I've experienced the convenience of the flip-up face, I won't ever buy another helmet without it. I think HJC has a similar model.

...ken...

I agree the flip up is really great. I, too have glasses.
Also with the flip-up, I don't have to take it off. When I drop into the store or bank, I flip it up and avoid the hassle of removing it.
When someone wants to talk and I'm on my bike (stopped, of course) it is easy to flip it up to carry on a conversation and hear the other person.
I'll never have anything but a flip up. I tried 3 different ones (one might have been a Shoi) and found the HJC fit me the best.

I like my Scorpion. Especially the anti-fog feature. Just replaced the liner in it, good as new.

See webbikeworld.com for reviews.  And fit is very important.

Most gimmicks are going to be where your cost goes instead of more important things, but I think a sun visor is far from being a gimmick. Most of my after work rides start right before the sun starts to go down and I spend the majority of the time riding with the sun glaring in my eyes. Don't want to use a tinted shield because I'll just have to change it for a clear one soon anyway. My next helmet will definitely have the drop down sun visor. I'll probably just get the HJC, although AGV makes one with a drop down visor and bluetooth. Don't care to have phone conversations but I'd like to at least know when someone was trying to reach me, as well as being able to use the gps on my phone if I need to get somewhere.

You'll definitely just want to try one on. I'd like to order one online, but I feel bad about going into a dealership onto to 'test' the merchandise with no intention of buying it there. A lot of online stores have good exchange policies for that though. I've used enough hjcs to know my head fits into a small most of the time so that's probably what I'll go for. Helmets are one of those things that are way too hard to get an opinion from someone else. It's hard to know what they'll be good at until you use them for a few weeks. Just don't spend too much money on your first few and eventually you'll just start to learn what you really like before you spend a lot. Also, keep in mind that once a helmet is DOT and Snell approved, you stop paying for any real safety and are just paying for features like comfort, vents, weight. All of those things can make you more comfortable, which makes you less likely to crash, but it's a pretty small margin.

Cudya be tempted with this little unit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlivH2Jm3t8&feature=player_embedded

Nitrinos site also has a couple of interesting bike treatment photos....can be bit slow to load.

As they say on the sport bike forums....


SHOEI, ftw!   

Get the exo-1000. They are a steal right now at cycle gear for $100 out the door. By far the best helmet I've ever owned. Fit and finish is excellent, extremely quiet, and the fog free screen helps a ton in the winter.

That's awesome! I was gonna say I'd be tempted to buy one but I've been looking for a helmet with an internal flip down sun visor, but I read through some of the reviews and it turns out that helmet has one! I've been looking into the HJC FS10 which also has one, but the reviews were mixed. It's supposed to be heavy and loud, although it's on sale at motorcycle superstore for $130(msrp of about $250).

I think I might pick up one of those exo-1000s this weekend. The sun visor doesn't look as tinted as I like, but it looks like you might be able to buy different tints. Thanks for the heads up!

hmm... actually it looks like the $100 helmets are blue, and unfortunately my bike is red, plus they're running pretty short on sizes. According to their chart I would be a small, and they don't even have any more of the $100 helmets in small, nor the dark grey. It would take some debating as to whether I wanted a white/light silver one or not.  I'll look into it because it's still the same price as the HJC I was looking at, and sounds nicer, but it'll depend on whether or not they have one that fits my head.

Redhen, how's the weight? I've been reading reviews but they seem to be pretty mixed and say there's absolutely on airflow through the vents and that it feels super heavy. I know the internal visor is supposed to cause some weight on all the new helmets that have them. I know I need a new helmet but I'm just super aprehensive because I've had my arai for 7 years now and I'm afraid to try anything else, even if my current helmet is slightly too big and way too loud, it's not like I really have anything to lose.

I've gone to try on helmets twice now, but apperantly didn't really pay attention because I didn't think to remember what kind I liked and what fit well. I'm also looking at the AGV S4 because it has the flipdown visor, but I haven't seen any on sale yet.

RJays does a flip helmet with visor - the Tour Tech - review... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3WzpciaKc
HJC does the Is16 - also a flip thing (review on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqdqhfXml2k )

Michael

Quote from: tt_four on December 10, 2010, 06:14:05 AM
That's awesome! I was gonna say I'd be tempted to buy one but I've been looking for a helmet with an internal flip down sun visor, but I read through some of the reviews and it turns out that helmet has one! I've been looking into the HJC FS10 which also has one, but the reviews were mixed. It's supposed to be heavy and loud, although it's on sale at motorcycle superstore for $130(msrp of about $250).

I think I might pick up one of those exo-1000s this weekend. The sun visor doesn't look as tinted as I like, but it looks like you might be able to buy different tints. Thanks for the heads up!

I have an FS-10 now and honestly it is a bit noisy but not like you cant hear yourself think. The weight hasn't been an issue to me (no neck pain, limited motion, fatigue, etc). The breath guard works like a charm even when its down into the low 40s high 30s (haven't ridden in anything less but fogging hasn't been an issue). All in all I'd say it is a solid helmet for $130 but hard to beat a DOT/Snell helmet for the same price.

Thanks to everyone else for the input. Any idea how expensive it would be to get a helmet air brushed white for example? Also, would it look crappy?

Thanks

EDIT: Is the EXO-1000 M2005 or M2010 approved? I saw it on the 2010 list but the reviews I have read have been from 2007.

I bought the EXO-1000 in CycleGear's sale and it's AWESOME!!!  The pump feature doesn't really mean much to me because the large fits me perfectly.  Fitting my big ass head into it is a bit of a pain, but once in it fits like a glove.  The sun visor is perfect.  Had a clear lens on my previous helmet and wearing sunglasses was a major PITA, but now I just flip the visor down and it's good to go.

I recommend it with 2 thumbs up.

Glad you like it  Mine fits the same, I'm normally an xl but all they had was L so I figured I'd try it. Kind of hard to get on and off, but feels and fits comfortably once it's on. I am also going to be adding a layer of 20% vlt window tint to the flip down visor, it blocks glare very well but I'd like it a bit darker.

tt_: it's a little on the chunky side, it weighs a little more than my Joe Rocket but a little less than my Z1R. It may not be as light as a Shoei, but is still a great value.

EXO-1000 helmets are not available in Australia. From what I can gather, they have tried, but are unable to pass the safety tests to be granted a Standards Sticker.

Michael

I love my Shoei RF-1000! It is light, blocks the wind well, when it is hot the vents help alot. The chin curtain that comes with it really helps with the wind buffetting that occurs. If the wind hits you just right for me it jerked my head up and hurt. The chin skirt eleminated that.

I know it was pricey but I think my brain is worth it. Besides how good can a helmet work if you don't wear it!

Mary

My girl has an rf-1000, the one with the pink butterfly on it. Apparently vanity was worth an extra $100 to her. Anywho, hers doesn't have a chin skirt (unlike my exo-1000), did you add yours aftermarket?

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on December 13, 2010, 08:46:40 PM
I love my Shoei RF-1000! It is light, blocks the wind well, when it is hot the vents help alot. The chin curtain that comes with it really helps with the wind buffetting that occurs. If the wind hits you just right for me it jerked my head up and hurt. The chin skirt eleminated that.

I know it was pricey but I think my brain is worth it. Besides how good can a helmet work if you don't wear it!

Mary

All of these reasons is why I am getting an X-twelve ... had a problem in the cage though so all my savings is going towards fixing that now instead of replacing my fulmer