My spoiled head's review of helmets - Arai, AGV, KBC, and HJC

[bzb]

On the other site, I posted a deal about some closeout KBC helmets. I wore this helmet all day Sunday riding and this afternoon after putting the new visor on. I got two of these, one for the wife and one for me for a backup. Here are my thoughts on 4 helmets I own(ed) and have worn at least a few times.

KBC - $40

Pros: light, good looking graphics, cheap price, cheaper visor costs

Cons:

1. The visor is super easy to put on, but it comes off really easy, too. I was a bit concerned when it came off the mount when I shut it at a stoplight. It snapped right back on.

2. It is unbelievably noisy. It whistles when you turn your head slightly, there's a good bit of air movement over the ears, and just generally sounds "hollow".

3. The padding feels less substantial than the Arai and AGV helmets. There's virtually no padding past mid-cheek.


HJC - $80

Pros: second lowest cost, very light, came with a dark visor and a clear

Cons:

1. It's noisy. The air movement over the ears is distracting.

2. The vent plastic broke after a few times riding.

3. The padding feels like packing material - far too "squishy". Forehead pad actually left a nice red mark on me.


AGV - $220

Pros: Italian flag design rules, padding feels good and isn't too constricting, ventilation is great

Cons:

1. Forehead issue again. Leaves a red mark. Cheek pads feel good.

2. Heavy. This thing hurt my neck after about an hour.

3. Replacement visor is impossible to find other than mail order.



Arai - $350

Pros: padding is awesome and wicks away moisture, weight is in between the rest, ventilation is top notch, quietest helmet I've used

Cons:

1. Expensive. Visors are $30 each.

2. Visors are a complete pain in the ass to swap.

3. Cheek pads squish my face into fishy face. Otherwise, I feel the most "secure" in this one.



Just my thoughts since I'm a gear whore, and people always ask about various helmet brands. One day I'll get a Shoei and a Shark, and then be able to make a better assessment as to which is the absolute best for a giant melon head guy.

[Alawicious]

Good prices

It appears that the more expensive helments fit better and have a better overall rating. Does that mean you get what you pay for? Is it possible to get good quality helment that wont break the piggy bank?

[bzb]

Well, the thing is, I started off on an Arai. That's why I say "my spoiled head" in the title

It's kind of like having a Cuban cigar as your first puff. Everything else tastes kind of bland after a lovely Romeo & Julieta.

Except Padron Anniversario. Mmm those are delicious.

Generally, I believe you get what you pay for. The saying goes: "Buy cheap, buy twice." It's similar to jackets - my Dainese felt like it was broken in when I bought it. My A* jacket took a good deal of sweat and stretching to feel "right". They are both leather and both size 52/42US - only real difference was the Dainese was about $150 more.

I think it's possible to get a deal on a really good helmet. I've seen Arai's at motorcycle shows for around $200. It's hit or miss on the style or the size, though - generally closeouts.

You also have to take in consideration that Arais and Shoeis different model names are actually shaped different. I don't know if the cheaper brands come in different shapes. Guys with really large noggins tend to like Scorpion EXO helmets.

[Alawicious]

I definitely want to upgrade mine. The dealership gave me a Fulmer. It's ok for a cheap helment but I wonder sometimes if it would hold up in a crash

[kman458]

Cool, nice reviews. If you get a chance to try a Shark go for it. They fit me better than just about anything else. It is nice that Shark has finally got a good distributor in the states since it is easier to be able to find them. They have a new RSR2 carbon fiber helmet coming out that is 2.2 pounds and feels like it will float away if not tied down. I just have to figure a way to get myself one of those.

[Rhetorik]

Good review. One question - what shape of head do you have? I'm guessing a fairly round one.

I'm rocking a Shoei RF1000:

Pro: Light, visors are the EASIEST out of any brand to swap, fit firmly and comfortably, well-ventilated and wind noise isn't too bad

Cons:
- Visors are EXPENSIVE.
- Padding isn't completely removable for washing
- Anti-fog on lenses isn't as good as on Suomy's (other brand I've worn)

I love this helmet. I have an oval-ish shaped head

[Alawicious]

I found one I want. Maybe I can get it one of these days

[kman458]

Originally Posted by Alawicious

I found one I want. Maybe I can get it one of these days

That's the 2.2 pound one I want. Just need to convince the wife I need another helmet since I have 2 Sharks as well as 6 or 8 others.

[Alawicious]

I only have the one. I just don't have the Benjamins to get a new one right now

[kman458]

I understand and even with a hook up they are not cheap, that's why I do not have one on order yet. I have worn Fulmers for sometime without feeling I was wearing something that was not safe.