| Author | Message | ||
     Erz |
Bought one of these about a month ago to replace a well worn Signet GT. The new profile generates sooooooo much wind noise you get an ear ache if not wearing ear plugs. I wish companies would not mess with good stuff. I have been through this with running shoes also, it sucks !! | ||
| Jmhinkle |
I was afraid of that. I had the last model of the Signet, GTR I think it was. That was the most comfortable, best ventilated, and quietest helmet I've ever had. I replaced it with a Shoei, my first, and have not been overly impressed with it. I thought about buying the Profile, but was afraid that it would be as you mentioned. Thanks for the review. | ||
| Dynasport |
I recently bought the Shoei RF-1000. I have been pleasantly surprised by it. You have to understand, however, I have been wearing a shorty skid lid for the past three years and the Shoei is my first full face helmet. I live in Florida and was worried about the heat. The Shoei ventilation works much better than I thought it would and seems fairly quiet to me. But then, I am probably not the best judge of these things. Still, I am very happy with it. | ||
| Hooliken |
You want noisy? I will let you try one of my RX-7 Corsairs. High tech, comfortable, and excellent venting..yes. Noisy as a cat caught in a fanbelt....you betcha. | ||
| Gotj |
+1 on the RX-7 Corsair noise. I was afraid I was the only one who felt that way. It's been about 15 years since I rode last and I thought I was just over-sensitive because of the high rep the helmet has. I DO like the aero shape of it because it doesn't seem to wear out my neck nor want to lift at higher speeds. Not to hijack if there's another thread on this, but what about modular helmets like the Shoei Multitech? | ||
| Maximum |
I was very close to purchasing the Arai Profile too. Until I purchased a couple cheap $89 Zox helmets for my kids, and one of them ended up fitting me. I found this very inexpensive Snell rated helmet to be the quietest and most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. I went to a store to try on the Profile, still considering getting it for myself, and it was a little more plush feeling, but I figured that I could purchase 5 Zox's for the price of 1 Arai! I was going to be a helmet snob, just wanting an Arai to have an Arai, but logic prevailed and I am very happy to wear the $89 Zox!  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I thought all helmets were as loud as the Profile. I wear earplugs anyway, but he wind noise is the main reason. It's deafening without them. Like sticking your head behind a jet engine. I have been most disappointed with the quality. I have broken two side pods already as well the rear wing. The "tool-less" shield replacement is a PITA and WAY too fussy to get shields on and off. The customer service is great, but it should be for what their helmets cost. I am waiting for the EXO-1000 to come out to try. I don't think I'll be buying another Arai. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I had two Quantums before I got my Signet GT. Both my Quantums were great, but I've had issue after issue with my Signet. -Cracked side covers -Misadjusted sheild mechanism -Broken clip on tinted visor -Broken chin vent -Horrible paint (chips easily) I too am awaiting the EXO-1000. For the money, if it's a good helmet, I'm a winner, if it sucks...well, it didn't cost $500. | ||
| Maximum |
You guys will have to let everyone know how the EXO 1000 works out. I love the dual visor concept. I even bought a Caberg Solo 104 because of the dual visor system, but I did not like the fit at all. I ended up returning that helmet for the Zox helmets that have worked out perfect, except no dual visor system. | ||
| Jmhinkle |
I also am waiting on the EXO 1000. A friend of mine is super happy with the 700 he has. I've got the Shoei TZR currently and while the quality is top notch, the noise is greater than the Arai Signet I had, but the airflow is less. As far as the modular helmets, I've heard great things about the Shoei Syncrotec, but have not tried it. I have an AGV modular for teaching MSF class with, but I don't ride on the street with it. | ||
| Iugradmark |
Does anyone know when the EXO 1000 is due out? | ||
| Lorazepam |
I have a 700, and it is an excellent helmet. I have had it two years, and has been great. I cant see spending twice as much for a name. Marketing and sponsorships add a boatload of cost to a lid. | ||
| Cavi |
I heard the Exo is due out late summer, but I doubt they will meet the initial demand it really looks great. I owned two Shoei the TX then later the RF1000, I likeed them but they were hot, I bought the Arai RX-7 and it is much more comfy, better ventilated, and major plus the whole liner comes out for washing. But it is noisey, so I wear my Ipod with noise canceling headphones. I do want to try the Exo 1000, the sun screen looks great. I corrently have a fog city light sensitive screen on my visor, and it is better than a dark screen as I might leave during the day but when I go home it might be dark, so the light sensitive works great, but it does not get dark enough so I wear sunglasses under the screen | ||
| Danger_dave |
Some of it must come down to the shape of one's head and the fit. Everyone I read said that the Arai Tour Cross was unbearably noisy - but iz so beautiful - she will be mine. It's the quietest full face in my collection.  Point is - you have to try them yourself - and a test ride if you can - everyone's mellon is different. dc | ||
| Hooliken |
That is my major issue. I have a huge unround head. The only helmets I have found that are truly comfortable are the Aria's. I live in a somewhat rural area and there is not much in the way of selection at any dealership close to me where I can test fit anything. | ||
| Pso |
arie is the loudest most annoying helmet that I have ever owned. I refuse to even look at them anymore. They are also vey expensive or should I say overpriced. My shoie was good but I needed to take the side plates off the bolts and lo and behold no more lud racket. I got that tip fro a M/C rag. Unfortuantly you cannot remove the side plates from the Arie and thus they rattle and cause a raor right over the ear pockets. Junk helmet sitting in the garage. O while I am thinking of it - anyone want to buy a fairyl unused, 10 year old Arie signet helmet white? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
DD, I agree. The problem is that virtually NO place allows you to "test ride" a helmet. I've asked. The answer is that when it leaves the store on your head, it's yours. Maybe it's just a local problem, and I haven't found the right store. I just expect that when you pay $5-600 for a helmet that it is well made, uber safe, and quiet. Don't know about the uber safe, but it definitely fails in the other two areas. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Probably the only "for certain" safe helmets are those that exhibit the SNELL sticker. At least you'll know the manufacturer has sent their helmet out for Independent testing and it passed. Others I would not be as sure about. SNELL is the UL for helmets. | ||
| Arcticktm |
Glad to hear I am not the only one disappointed in the Arai Corsair RX-7. I finally sprung for a big-buck Arai, and have been rather disappointed. Very good helmet (comfort, light, etc) , but not worth the money, and noisy. I got a Nolan N100E (modular) and end up wearing that everyday. A bit heavier than non-modular, and the fit is not quite as nice on me as the Arai, but it is no noisier, and I like the convenience and the VPS system (flip down sun visor). It also came with a Pinlock anti-fog visor insert that works very well. The ratcheting chinstrap is easier than fumbling with D-rings. As for SNELL being a "safe choice", there is currently a lot of debate on the merits of Snell for the average street rider. The extra stiffness needed to pass the Snell tests can actually put more g's into your skull in a more typical street crash (lower speeds than racing). Motorcyclist mag did an excellent study last year - and lost Arai and Shoei as advertisers because of it, I think. It totally pissed of the Snell folks, and they showed a very poor attitude in their response. It has made me scrap my 15 year old rule of "Snell only". My Nolan breaks with the Snell rule. As Dr. Hurt is quoted as saying after his extensive cycle crash study: Tell me what kind of crash you are going to have, and I will tell you what is the best helmet to wear. I have to disagree with Snell=UL. DOT/ECE=UL and Snell is an attempt to go a step further and bring higher & multiple impact requirements and more enforcement into play. Snell foundation may have lost their focus lately, IMO. | ||
| Cavi |
I think it comes down to what you want, I do believe that the Arai RX-7 is very safe, as is the Shoei X-11, probably more so than the less expensive versions of the same brands. I wanted the best and most comfortable. These two helmets are what most of the racers wear. Even though they are sponsered, they would go with the most protection. I have noticd that both the X-11 from shoei and the RX-7 from Arai are noisey, I think it is partly to do with the fact that they breath soo well.. As for which helmet to buy, shape of your head is a major concern. My Arai is much much more comfortable on me than the Shoei, my nain problem area is the cheek area. | ||
| Mike_dinger |
Cheap is good. I rock a Scorpion EXO-400, and when the time comes for a new lid, I will upgrade to the EXO-700. For the money, it's super comfy, and not all that noisy. I think a lot of it depends on the shape of your dome. If you're stuck with a pineapple, or a watermelon for a head, then that might fill in the noisy voids. But if you have a skinny head, you might get a little more noise. I don't have hair, and my head is kinda small, so I tend to have some windflow through the padding sections which leads to a bit more noise. Doesn't bother me too much anyway. | ||
| Kuuud |
I've noticed that some of what I thought was helmet noise, was really 'jacket noise'. Depending what jacket I wear and the specificic fit and material around my shoulders and neck, the noise level varies. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I agree Arcticktm! You beat me to it. I used to be a hardcore SNELL fan as well. I assumed that if it was just DOT it must ONLY pass minimum standards and the SNELL sticker meant that it was much better. After reading several articles on the SNELL certification, I'm concerned that adherence to it creates more of a problem than it solves. The biggest problem with the SNELL certification is the rigid adherence to the requirement that a helmet take two hits to the exact same spot with equal force without any deformation. The probability of that is remote. Physics also dictate that after each impact, the forces are reducing not remaining the same. SNELL also doesn't take as much into effect the benefits of "crumple zones" in helmet technology. If a helmet is able to reduce impact forces inside the helmet by deformation and utilization if crumple zones, the overall benefit is higher for the wearer than if there is zero deformation of the helmet within the same spot. It would be like requiring cars to be made of cast iron because the car would survive deformation better only to leave the occupants scrambled on the inside do to impact forces. I will be looking at helmets that are TUV or ECE certified as well as DOT. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
Here is the Aria traing vid. http://jaime.nassauwings.org:8800/Videos/WMV/arai. wmv | ||
| Ejc |
I too quest for the Holy Grail. I wear custom ear plugs yet still feel the noise level could be better. I ordered an EXO 700 with the chin skirt,( yes I tried one on at the shop but the graphics were too disco). I'm going back to the stock windshield also for the open air effect. Will report later. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Birdman, That if friggin' classic! I saw that guy at IMS. Funny that EVERY single helmet sold is the wrong size. They tried to get ChadHargis giant mellon into a size small and said that was the size he was supposed to wear. It was hilarious. You can't hear any wind noise because the blood restrictions have burst your ear drums, and you can barely hear anything over over the white hot searing pain of the migraine headache. I will have to admit though, that my helmet fit "snugger" after upgrading the padding, but it wasn't any quieter until I opted for the additional pads.  | ||
| Dgunther |
The problem is that virtually NO place allows you to "test ride" a helmet. I've asked. The answer is that when it leaves the store on your head, it's yours. Maybe it's just a local problem, and I haven't found the right store. Ft_Bstrd - is there a CycleGear shop near you? I know they have a few around here and one over in Knoxville and one in Madison. They have a 7 day "no questions asked" return policy (for store credit) on street helmets. Shortly after our CycleGear store opened, I bought a Shoei RF1000 after wearing it around the store for about 20 minutes. I rode to work and around town for a few days and loved it. Then, that weekend, I took a trip up to Suches. I *hated* the way it fogged in the cold and the way the liner would rub on longer days. I took it back and traded it for an Arai Astral. I asked what they'd do with my slighty used Shoei lid and they said they just send them back to the manufacturer. | ||
| Maximum |
In the retail business, I have never seen a manufacturer take products back that were not defective. I bet the store actually cleans up the helmets real good and sells them to the next guy. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
We do, but it's 150 miles round trip. I didn't know they would allow "test rides". (Message edited by ft_bstrd on June 18, 2007) | ||
| Dgunther |
In the retail business, I have never seen a manufacturer take products back that were not defective. I bet the store actually cleans up the helmets real good and sells them to the next guy. Just saying what I was told.  They said with the volume they do with all their locations, they get some leverage with the manufacturers. I'm sure its a tiny percentage of helmets that get exchanged, so I doubt anyone in their right mind would take the potential liability of selling a helmet as new if it had ever left the store. |
