Helmet advice... are these two any good..

[monkeyboy44]

still borrowing my brothers racey spec Arai helmet, with a very small visor...

i fancy either the Arai Tour x - about £280


or

Shoei Hornet about £280



quite similar but expensive.... i dont want to cut corners but how long should you keep a helmet in theory.... i guess you get what you pay for.

i like the idea of these two as there is a very big 'opening-visor' area (excuse my crap terminology) and room around the chin area.

any advice?

ta

[Sharribee]

Moved the thread to bike tech as you'll get a better response from members who may not visit the Vara section

[KTMmartin]

I have that Shoei, very good helmet too - really light, very wide field of view, and the peak doesn't catch as much as you would expect at motorway speeds. Came with a pinlock too. Dunno about the Arai. HTH.

[Bilvo]

Both helmets are excellent. I have had both, although only the first Tour X. The newer Tour X3 has many improvements in the ventilation etc, in my opinion bringing it closer to the Hornet. The Hornet had a better quality feel about it (again just my opinion) and is the helmet I currently use. You will read many reviews referring to the peak causing the helmet to lift at high speed - I have used both at 100mph+ and have had no problems. If it helps i'm 5'11 and both my Transalps have had touring screens - could make a difference.

You will not be disappointed by either helmet, just try them both on and see which feels most comfortable.

[Mabels Old Man]

I've got two Arais. Excellent helmets although the peak can cause noise/vibrations in certain circumstances.

Best helmet I've had is a Shoei XR1000 but it has no peak. Busters have them on offer for £199 which is a cracking deal.

[monkeyboy44]

oops, sorry mods

[monkeyboy44]

cheers all , im going to try a few on...

one dull question...... what is a 'pinlock'?

[Mabels Old Man]

It's the modern way to fit an anti fog shield to your visor.

[Chad]

cheers all , im going to try a few on...

one dull question...... what is a 'pinlock'?

pinlock is an insert that goes inside the visor , abit like double glazing and very effective at stopping misting of the visor,, both these lids are very good and both come with pinlock now.. go and try them on before you buy

[Jacqueslemac]

i dont want to cut corners but how long should you keep a helmet in theory.

I was always told the life of a helmet is about four years of regular use. After that the material's strength has been compromised by exposure to UV rays.

Or replace it after you've dropped it from a height of four feet - or fallen off and hit your head when wearing it, of course.

Moral - when not wearing your helmet, keep it in a cool, dark place...!