Shoei Full Faced Helments

[GhostRider510]

how many of you have used or are currently using the shoei rf-1000 full face helment for riding?
i went to a cycle shop and tried one various helments and because of my round head, im debating between the Shoei RF-1000 or an Arai (sp?). not sure on model #, but it was listed for $400+.

im in no hurry to buy yet, but will eventually choose between these 2. im leaning toward the shoei more because of its representation, style, and slightly more affordable. what do you guys/gals think?

side question: first time i tried on these helments, my cheeks were being squeezed, store employee said the helments you buy should be tight, mostly on the cheek area. whats the truth behind this?


thanks

[shaykai]

It should snug, but not overly tight because it will mold to your head a little bit. I would recommend shoei :) But thats what I have

Ben

[Jello_Biafra]

Your face should be smooshed a bit, like you're making a kissy face. Tight helmets save heads, plus it will break in a bit.

Probably not much of a difference in performance between the two. Get the one that fits your head and budget best.

[paroxysm]

I personally love my Shoei helmets and they fit my head great, but I've also seen very dear friends of mine crash test Arais, and on each occasion they have suffered no head trauma. So, both are top of the line brands, go with what fits.

[rattrap]

+1 on what fits yer head best.

I wear a RF1000. I used to wear an HJC. There was a noticeable difference in weight to me, plus the Shoei fit me better. Three of my friends must have the same shape head as I: two have RF1000s and one has a X11.

[motonewbie]

i wear a hjc, it rights pretty well and for 70 bucks its a steal. its one of the higher models of hjc, ac-11 with fog guard so my visor NEVER gets foggy.

thinking of switch to shoei rf-1000 for looks and brand name but cant justify buying it when i have a perfectly good helmet

sf bmw selling shoei rf-1000 for like $250...plain colors

[ScottRNelson]

I've had two Arai helmets and five Shoei helmets. I prefer the way the Shoei helmets work for vents and visor over Arai, plus Shoei fits me better.

The RF-1000 is definitely tighter on the face than the RF-700 or RF-800 that I had before. The opening that you look out of is also slightly smaller, which I'm assuming means a little better protection for your face. Since I've put scrapes on the front of two helmets so far, I appreciate that.

Try swapping a face shield on the candidate helmet before making your final choice.

[Moto4Fun]

RF-1000 is what I have and I like it. I bought it purely because of the "feel". When I was looking for a helmet, I tried on everything from Shark, HJC, KBC, Scorpion, Icon, Bell, Arai. I really was not trying to get a Shoei, Arai, Suomy because of their price tag, but due to the weight and feel, I was instantly sold on the RF 1000. That being said, if I were to go buy a helmet today (and money wasn't influencing my decision) I would be looking more seriously at the x11, Arais and Suomys. The material used inside those top end helmets is really nice, and the graphics are pretty cool on the Arai and Suomy. Just my opinion. I would do the "blind" test though. Go try different helmets on without looking in the mirror, and trying on just plain black. Really get the "feel" of the helmet. When you are riding, you will never see it anyway.

[wackyiraqi]

You should buy the helment that fints you best.

[Sane_Man]

I also like mine tight, but like everything in life, it slowly gets loose. :cry

Yes, my RF1000 felt looser after a few wearings. :x

[KamenRider]

My experience is that Shoei helmets are for round (basketball) heads and Arai helmets are for elongated (football-ish) heads). I've owned both and apparently my head is like a football. The Shoei's weight rested on my head at the hairline, rubbing it raw, and the Arai feels like a perfect fit. Nonetheless I wish Arai would invent a better mechanism for removing the faceshield. The Shoei had that done right.

Try on lots of helmets at the store and leave them on for 3 minutes at a time to check your head shape.

[ScottRNelson]

Originally posted by KamenRider
My experience is that Shoei helmets are for round (basketball) heads and Arai helmets are for elongated (football-ish) heads).
That's exactly opposite of my experience. The Arai helmets were too tight against my forehead and the Shoei helmets fit well everywhere.

[ASADO]

I have both the RF1000 and X11 in med. I like the X11 because of the vents (can be noisy when opened), runs a bit smaller than the RF1000 and it fits me better. For some reason my noggin is in the odd size category and the only other brand in med that fits me is Arai and Suomy.

http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/8683/lidsq1.jpg

[schteve]

Originally posted by GhostRider510
how many of you have used or are currently using the shoei rf-1000 full face helment for riding?
i went to a cycle shop and tried one various helments and because of my round head, im debating between the Shoei RF-1000 or an Arai (sp?). not sure on model #, but it was listed for $400+.



thanks

How round is your head? Charlie Brown round or Vic Lee( newcaster) http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=bios&id=3841194 round?:)

[rattrap]

hahaha...vic lee round. great example! :laughing

[Monchan]

I own two RF-1000.
No problem at all, great helmet!!

They DO break in quite a lot,
so buy one that gives you "I feel fat in this helmet" feel.

[Motohaulic]

Originally posted by rattrap
+1 on what fits yer head best.

I wear a RF1000. I used to wear an HJC. There was a noticeable difference in weight to me, plus the Shoei fit me better. Three of my friends must have the same shape head as I: two have RF1000s and one has a X11.

+1!

The first thing I noticed about the Shoei was the light weight. It seems like there's a little more wind noise than some other helmets, but then again you aren't on a bike for a quiet windless ride.

Myself, and three buddies I ride with, all wear the RF-1000. It seems to be a pretty comfortable fit for many.

[Maiden 4EVA]

The RF 1000 will definitely compress the side of your face at first, it may seem a little TOO snug, but it WILL break in.

However, for the first few months DON'T CHEW GUM with it on!!!

[mlm]

I've had SHOEI, AGV, and HJC. Right now I'm on my second RF series helmet. Recommended.

However, doesn't matter how great the helmet is if it doesn't fit right.

[jeepist]

Originally posted by ScottRNelson
<snip>
Try swapping a face shield on the candidate helmet before making your final choice.

+1 !
(if you intend to switch between clear and tinted shields for day/night riding)

The other important thing I like to have is a fully removable liner, which makes cleaning much easier.

[kaihonu82]

I have an RF-1000 as well and i agree with what's been said so far. they're snug, but u will break it in. i love my helmet

but u have to try them all on and decide which is the most comfortable for your head

[swerv512]

get the X-11. i've had one for over 2 years and i'm happy with the fit and finish. it does get noisy though with all the vents open...