I think it's time to replace some gear...

[2Evil4U]

After this last week, I'm pretty sure I should replace at least my helmet. After the scrape last Tuesday and hammering it during that miserable failure of a creek-crossing on Saturday, it has served its purpose well. (And I noticed this morning that the liner foam on the left side now touches my ear and it hasn't done that before.)

I like modulars, though as I'm about to start some much longer rides, I've been told that a standard full face can be much quieter. I'm also thinking Blue-Tooth capable as I'm getting ready to order a Zumo 550. (Or might it be better to get the perfect helmet and add on a set of bluetooth speakers after the fact?)

I know that's fairly vague, but any thoughts or comments?

[Dirty_Sanchez]

I'd figure out what kind of noggin you have and then proceed accordingly.

For years I thought I had a Shoei head until I tried on an Arai.

My 10 year old Arai Quantum E will soon be replaced by an Arai Vector.

Friendly has the best brand selection here in town from what I've seen.

Thanks again for the ride on Saturday.

Dirty

[Juice]

I have always been a fan of shoei & Arai but after destroying two $500 lids I decided that it was more economically feasible to purchase a cheaper brand. If I could get 3 years out of a lid I would have no problem dropping $500-$600 on another Arai or Shoei. I have bought 3 over the past year. Check out the Icon line. Icon is a mid-level helmet ($250.00-$400) not too noisy, comfortable with nice graphics. All Icons also come with ear pockets for communication systems. IF money is not a deciding factor go with Arai, Shoei or Shark but if you want a cool lid for a reasonable price check out Icon.

[minig0d]

Scorpio helmets are supposed to be very comperable to shoei and arai in terms of quality and features for a cheaper price... (the scorpio exo 700 series go for around $200)... the visor change mechanism is also very nice....

the even higher up series that was just released the exo 1000 has some other features worth looking at as well (inflatable cheek pads and flip down sunvisor etc)... I have the exo 700 if you want to scope them out... I know as far as dealerships go that Southside Honda in Lafayette stocks them but they are the only one I have seen that actually keeps a bunch in stock... I heard that the dealership in Houma did as well though...

If you want an Arai or Shoei I'd check with Mark at Friendly Honda Yamaha... they stock tons of them and Mark is very knowledgeable about getting a perfect fitting helmet... (beware he may give you a 30 minute lecture on them though) but at least you will feel more knowledgeable after :)

[Ritten]

Performance Suzuki here in Houma stocks a few, but only about half a dozen. I was looking at them a few days ago since I too am in the market for a new full face. The Shoei Z-II's were discontinued two years ago and were by far the quietest and most comfortable helmet I've ever owned. It will be hard to find something that compares.

[Shaq Diesel]

Scorpio helmets are supposed to be very comperable to shoei and arai in terms of quality and features for a cheaper price... (the scorpio exo 700 series go for around $200)... the visor change mechanism is also very nice....

the even higher up series that was just released the exo 1000 has some other features worth looking at as well (inflatable cheek pads and flip down sunvisor etc)... I have the exo 700 if you want to scope them out... I know as far as dealerships go that Southside Honda in Lafayette stocks them but they are the only one I have seen that actually keeps a bunch in stock... I heard that the dealership in Houma did as well though...

If you want an Arai or Shoei I'd check with Mark at Friendly Honda Yamaha... they stock tons of them and Mark is very knowledgeable about getting a perfect fitting helmet... (beware he may give you a 30 minute lecture on them though) but at least you will feel more knowledgeable after :)


If you are looking for another modular, look toward the Shoei Multitec. I tried one on the other day at Rad's and I almost walked out of the store with it, it felt that good (the only thing holding me back was I wanted to read some reviews about putting speakers in them and they didn't have the color I wanted). Rad's is also selling them on sale right now for a decent price (comparable to most internet resellers and Ebay).

I PMed Mark over at Friendly and while they don't stock them, he quoted me a price that is too good to pass up.

If you're looking for a full face, your best bet is to just test-fit them. Rad's and Friendly have a good selection locally (although Rad's is shifting to more of an Icon dealer with only the high-end Arai and Shoei behind the counter). Lightspeed also has a decent selection if you want to travel that far from Slaughter. There are a lot of European brands that are very good, but it's hard to buy one sight-unseen without properly test-fitting it.

[Shaq Diesel]

I have always been a fan of shoei & Arai but after destroying two $500 lids I decided that it was more economically feasible to purchase a cheaper brand. If I could get 3 years out of a lid I would have no problem dropping $500-$600 on another Arai or Shoei. I have bought 3 over the past year. Check out the Icon line. Icon is a mid-level helmet ($250.00-$400) not too noisy, comfortable with nice graphics. All Icons also come with ear pockets for communication systems. IF money is not a deciding factor go with Arai, Shoei or Shark but if you want a cool lid for a reasonable price check out Icon.

WHen I started riding I had primarily HJC's because of the fact that I knew I would probably crash and didn't want to bin a nice expensive flashy helmet. After I got that out of my system I bought a Shoei which I have had for three years without a head ding :knock on wood: and I'm looking at getting another one. My current X-11 is in dire need of a new set of cheek pads and is probably one size slightly larger than I need.

If you plan on crashing a lot (i.e. dirt bike riding or crazy dual-sporting madness) you probably will want to get a nice cheap lid. In your case, since most of your crashes will hopefully just be off-road at slower speeds they will handle your head just fine.

[scootertrash]

Here is a link for some HJC Modular Helmets. I have the HJC CL Max and like it so far. There is a bit more noise than other helmets I have owned... but this doesn't bother me.

http://www.helmetsetc.com/modular-flip-ups.asp

[Klantz]

I've got the HJC-05 #3 Sy-Max. It's a modular helmet that has served my purpose well, inexpensive, but comfortable and functional. I went down in some soft mud once and it worked wonderfully. I will probably get a new helmet, an arai or shoei, relatively soon just because I want something a little nicer to last me a little longer... this helmet is a little noisier than some, but for the price, it can't be beat. I also really like the shield changing mechanism, it's quick and easy.

[FZ1LA]

I just got a Shoei Multitec (modular) today and i like it. My old modular, a HJC Sy-Max was a good helmet to and at a very good price. The Sy-Max was a medium and it took a little breaking in to be comfortable. I got the Multitec small and it to is a little snug at first and will take a little breaking in.

Don't forget Aaron, i still owe you a Coke for taking a nail out of my tire and pluging it. Thanks again, oh, and please thank the Mrs for me for the very tasty food. John

[scootertrash]

Damn Aaron only charges a coke to patch a tire??????? Hell yeah......lol

[CajunRider]

AND he feeds you at the same time!!! :)