ricochetrider
Out There Somewhere
i recently learned that perhaps the single most important thing to consider in a new helmet is the shape of your own head. i never gave this much thought but always wondered why either the venting wasn't worth a hoot or maybe it was very loud, or even why tho a helmet might *seem* to fit, it still bobbled about in certain ways.
maybe i have been merely a subject of sales hype (i don't think so)... BUT
having bought an Arai Quantum II, which was more or less custom fit to my head, i am happy as a clam. the entire fitting process really opened my eyes.
i have a small head size. so lots of helmets DON'T fit me well. the sales guy at the shop i went to first measured my head, then determined my head's shape- medium oval, which (i think) is pretty common. i was all like, "i wear a small"- but he started with an extra small, because i was on the cusp, so to speak- then tweaked the pads until it fit better than any helmet i have ever had on. i LOVE it, and lo and behold, the venting is amazing to boot- if there's too much air-space around your head because you don't have the shape of the helmet matched to the shape of your head, the venting will seem ineffective.
so if your helmet TRYING/BUYING experience doesn't include some specialised attention from the sales staff, then YOU better do some homework on your own head before laying out a huge wad-o-dough for something you won't be happy with, or which won't fit... i'd check manufacturer's websites too, to see if they offer insights into fit, etc. as somebody mentioned above, maybe one of THE best ever sites for reviews on all things motorcycle related is WebBikeWorld.com. always worth a look there as well to see what their opinion is of any product.
BTW, i went on to buy (sight unseen- off the BMWMOA flea market), a Shoei X-11 for my GF, who has a real similar head as mine. as luck would have it. it is VERY similar in fit to my Quantum II! @ a buck-fitty, (600.00 new!) it was worth the money but also a sheer stroke of luck on the fit. truth be told, the X-11 MIGHT be a hair lighter than the Quantum II.
another note on Arai- they are a small family-owned business in Japan- each helmet is made pretty much by hand and is hand painted, etc. the fit and finish is what you'd expect for the serious cash you'd spend on one.
no idea about Shoei as a company, but that X-11 is bangin.
on the down side of the Arai? maybe the Quantum II would be considered loud by some? since i wear ear plugs when i ride, it's no problema for me. cost MIGHT be an issue for you? but consider what you think your head is worth, then buy a helmet accordingly. i bought what many many racers wear.
best of luck.
maybe i have been merely a subject of sales hype (i don't think so)... BUT
having bought an Arai Quantum II, which was more or less custom fit to my head, i am happy as a clam. the entire fitting process really opened my eyes.
i have a small head size. so lots of helmets DON'T fit me well. the sales guy at the shop i went to first measured my head, then determined my head's shape- medium oval, which (i think) is pretty common. i was all like, "i wear a small"- but he started with an extra small, because i was on the cusp, so to speak- then tweaked the pads until it fit better than any helmet i have ever had on. i LOVE it, and lo and behold, the venting is amazing to boot- if there's too much air-space around your head because you don't have the shape of the helmet matched to the shape of your head, the venting will seem ineffective.
so if your helmet TRYING/BUYING experience doesn't include some specialised attention from the sales staff, then YOU better do some homework on your own head before laying out a huge wad-o-dough for something you won't be happy with, or which won't fit... i'd check manufacturer's websites too, to see if they offer insights into fit, etc. as somebody mentioned above, maybe one of THE best ever sites for reviews on all things motorcycle related is WebBikeWorld.com. always worth a look there as well to see what their opinion is of any product.
BTW, i went on to buy (sight unseen- off the BMWMOA flea market), a Shoei X-11 for my GF, who has a real similar head as mine. as luck would have it. it is VERY similar in fit to my Quantum II! @ a buck-fitty, (600.00 new!) it was worth the money but also a sheer stroke of luck on the fit. truth be told, the X-11 MIGHT be a hair lighter than the Quantum II.
another note on Arai- they are a small family-owned business in Japan- each helmet is made pretty much by hand and is hand painted, etc. the fit and finish is what you'd expect for the serious cash you'd spend on one.
no idea about Shoei as a company, but that X-11 is bangin.
on the down side of the Arai? maybe the Quantum II would be considered loud by some? since i wear ear plugs when i ride, it's no problema for me. cost MIGHT be an issue for you? but consider what you think your head is worth, then buy a helmet accordingly. i bought what many many racers wear.
best of luck.
