Helmets
 

OK, looking for a new helmet this Friday and have a quick Q...

Does anyone know if there is any safety diff between

Shoie (sp?)
Soumy (sp?)
Arai
Shark

I've had a shark for 5 years and it's fine apart from wind noise... But then I've never had to use it in anger either (fingers crossed I won't with the next either). I just wondered if there is any saftey diff, or if price / looks are the only diff between them.

Stu

I think main difference is fitting.

I know for a fact that only Arai fit my head properly.. everything else was to tight in one place, too loose in another...

They are all modern helmets, so should be up to scratch.

My Arai is very comfortable and the lining is the best quality. That said, it was my first lid and now I think I'd go for a Shoei only because they fit my head better and are tighter in certain places. But their interior isn't as nice as Arai IMO. Vents work well though and Shoei do pinlock as standard on their better lids.

Re: Helmets
 

technically, no they have all passed the same test to be issued their safty certificate. I would suggest to you tho that after having lengthly discussions on this matter with a number of sales reps and seen how the helmet manufacturers (sp) test their helmets in house before they go for the official safty test, that Arai and Shoei put more effort into making sure you are wearing a helmet that is as good as you can get.

I have seen how most or these helmets are packaged too and the sort of **** the boxes are put through and would strongly recomend to you that what ever helmet you get you check the box for any obvious signs of abuse. where I used to work helmets were a regular feature at the bike shows and got thrown around all over the place. boxes ended up mangled, i can only imaging the dammage caused beneath the outer shell on the helmet. I once saw a helmet come into us from a supplier that looked like the box was dropped from about 15-20feet and landed right in the centre of the top of the box. I took the lid out and there was some lovely circular impact impressions all around that area.

hth

I think last month, RiDE did a test on lots of different lids.

Including a penetration test - no longer included in the EU Standard.

Do thay have any on-line links to this - can't get it AFAIK in Holland.

Dunno about links, but I was reading the article last night. The winning lid was the £205 Shoei Raid II.

The ratings were made based upon an impact test, spike test, strap strength/elasticity test and an overall rider assessment of comfort, ease of use, etc. Shark helmets did OK, especially the S500 which seems very decent for the price.

Thanks. I guess then the answer is either a Shoei Raid II or another Shark then depending on confort etc.

Thanks people

I'll bring it to work tomorrow and scan it . PM me your e-mail adresss.

Joint first with the HJC AC-11, which did sell for £200, but is on offer at HG and Infinity stores for £100. If they took that into account it probably would have won outright.