Helmets

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:46 pm

Just bought a Shoei X-Spirit and am well impressed compared to the Arai Corsair.

Shoei:
Completely removable liners for washing - Brilliant in the summer!

Weighs only 1325g

Doesn't "whistle" with visor up

Visor adjusts in fixed stages.

Arai:
Cheekpads and roof removable, to clean the remainder - you have to handwash the helmet around the base and dry against a radiator

.
Weighs 1500g

Whistles when the visor is up.

Visor is infinately adjustable.

Still like the Arai, but the Shoei is so much better with the breath guard and chin screen and removable interior. I feel converted!

Al

BMWBob · Post by **BMWBob** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:36 pm

What are your thoughts on comparative noise levels bearing in mind it's a very personal thing? I currently use an Arai Condor and find it extremely noisy on the R1100S (standard bars & screen). Recently I test rode a GS1200 and in comparison felt cocooned in peaceful silence! It's obviously a lot to do with airflow across the base of the helmet. I've just bought a 'Windjammer II" neoprene collar to see if that gives any improvement but not been able to try it out yet. At only £10 it's not really money lost if it dosen't help. Regards Bob

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:06 pm

Think the Shoei is quieter, but I guess that no "race developed" helmet will be quiet due to the higher ventilation and lighter weight. Shoei claim that the lack of visor hinge-cover reduces the noise (but doesn't look as cool as the Arai in that respect).

Haven't tried the Shoei chin-curtain but might help reduce lift? Let us know how the Windjamer II performs?

Shoei seems to have made huge inroads into the traditional Arai territory.

Al

BMWBob · Post by **BMWBob** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:41 pm

Popped out over the weekend with the Windjammer II on and without earplugs. Can't say that I was thinking wow this is total silence however I feel there was some improvement. I'll certainly keep it on for the next few rides. The company that sells them offers a 30 day money-back guarantee so there's nothing to lose really if you're not happy. It doesn't look particularly stylish however it blends in fairly well with the paint scheme on my Arai.

To be honest if I can get a good deal on the Shoei at the NEC I might be tempted to give one a go. The X-Spirit came top in the recent Ride survey. Bob

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:55 pm

Had a look at the Windjammer II - think I'll stick to earplugs (when I remember to put the damn things in).
I can't see the Windjammer reducing the wind noise to an acceptable level. Plus - it isn't going to stop the whistling with the visor up? (Can anyone else hear the voices............. or is it just me??)

There are bargains on helmets to be found without waiting for the NEC show - I got a brand new in box, Kagayama X-Spirit (Ltd Edn) for £320 delivered.

Keep an eye on Ebay.

Al

BMWBob · Post by **BMWBob** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:42 pm

Yes the Windjammer II does nothing for the whistling noises visor up or down which seems to be a particular issue with Arai's. What worries me is forking out loads of dosh for another helmet and then discovering the overall noise level is no better. Unfortunately no one seems to offer try before you buy

To be honest the two things that detract from my riding enjoyment are helmet noise and pins and needles in my hands though neither would actually force me to change the bike at this point in time. Bob

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:01 pm

Hi,

For the whistling - earplugs are the answer (Unless your name is Roger Whittaker)

For the pins'n'needles - I also get them, so bought a Twinmax balancer. Still to try it but am hopefull!

Will update at the end of October when I've had a bash with it.

Al