Need advice/opinions for motorcycle helmet

[Graeme]

Urban Rider have a whole lot of interesting full face helmets.

The DMD Racer, particularly in the aged stripe finish is cool.

The Premier Trophy is another retro styled lid.

[Graeme]

I've just seen the AGV AX-8 at BikeEXIF. It's evil looking, rather light, and available from Revzilla.

[PC]

There are a number of good manufacturers now. Some note-worthies are: shoei, arai, agv, shark, mjc, bell.

You're main considerations may be (in order of importance):

1. Budget
2. Fit
3. Features (e.g. flip chin, sun visor, anti-fog pin-lock, ventilation, removable-washable liners etc).
4. Style

I use my bike every day, all weathers, so the helmet choice and clothing is critical for me (pin-lock a must). Most makes have have vents, pin-lock, chin-curtains, breath guards. Fewer are distinguished by sun visors, fewer still by flip up chin guards.

I have owned both Aria and Shoei. I have recently replaced my Shoei xr1100. I had intended to consider a flip-up chin and I really liked the idea of a flip-down internal sun visor as well.

I tried on all the above manufactures and found all comfortable (except MJC which I couldn't get an ideal fit for me personally - but otherwise a nice helmet) and Shark less so.

At the end of the day, irrespective of what anyone thinks about particular a brand or model, I can't stress enough that you simply cannot do better than finding a retailer with a good selection and comparing them yourself.

For example, despite the fact that I arrived at a shop recently with the intention of getting a helmet with all the bells and whistles on, I walked out with a Shoei NXR (called RF-1200 in the states) (which is not a flip-up and has no internal-retractable sun visor either) and even so, was just as expensive as those with. The reason I unexpectedly came away with something that doesn't have either of those features - I discovered that there are always compromises (i.e. weight and bulk). The NXR simply has a fantastic compact shell and light weight that I could not overlook - and having tried them all, this suddenly became the winning factor for me - something I would never have known if I had not been able to do a comprehensive hands-on comparison.

Hope that helps.

[Bob]

For track riding my fave lid brand was/is Arai. Earplugs, always (I also had custom IEMs, for music on track days.)

I destroyed one with my head inside it once.

[thomaspanton]

@HeavyGenes:

So many cool helmets. Still on the fence. But great things to consider. Do you guys wear earplugs when you ride?

On a different note I did buy some gloves. I picked up the Icon 1000 rimfire gloves.

Yes, I wear earplugs while riding. I am a rider. I had joined a lot of competition but I used to wear earplugs for the safety purpose. Not only earplugs I use a jacket, helmet, gloves, boots so that I can ensure the 100% sefety while riding.
Please visit a couple of websites and get more information regarding hearing protection.

https://www.bigearinc.com/the-best-motorcycle-ear-plugs-and-how-to-choose

[louisbosco]

i've been looking at the AGV pista R for the longest time. just ask @Graeme . i really like that diffuser at the back. i think they'll be good at speed. not happy with the HJC i have at the moment. but i only bought it because of the iron man graphics..

[Graeme]

@louisbosco you'll have to upgrade when you get the S1000RR.

[louisbosco]

been looking at a cheaper alternative. the honda super hornet 900.. @Graeme