Great Video! I have the Arai Quantic and I love it! One thing I did was purchase the chin curtain for the Rx7 which fits the Quantic it’s larger and really makes a huge difference with noise! It made the helmet a lot quieter. Not that it was wicked noisy to begin with, but it’s a noticeable difference!!
Started wearing Arai in the 80's. Been wearing Shoei since 2000. Best and most comfortable helmet you can wear. I always buy from the cheaper end of their range but you still get the best quality.
This is it. Neither brand really so an "entry level" helmet. Arai and Shoei both just make one helmet for each purpose and it costs what it cost. No entry, mid-tier, and flagship models. They're just all flagship, so even if you buy the cheaper lid, you're buying a damn good one.
to be fair. i got a gt air 2 and did not buy the integrated coms system. Just some strong doubble sided tape on the outside. It's slightly further back than ideal but it's not an issue
@@sirduckington5641 I keep hanging to my 5 year old cardo packtalk slim on my equally old RPHA 70. I think it's the best design, very low profile and the battery sits nicely in the back. I wish manufacturers (including cardo) would stick more to this form factor.
Great video, John. I bought the Arai Quantic for my wife when it first came out. I don't care about graphics so I got her the basic white but it's pearly white, or something like that. Not a big deal but it's not just plain white. White was the safest option in terms of visibility. The only occasion when I buy a helmet with graphics is if the price is the same or people didn't like that graphic and it's discounted. When you're already paying £500 for a helmet, which is a lot for me, I can't see paying another £100. But each to their own.
The most important thing with a helmet is that it fits the head perfectly. And that's not the case with every helmet from every brand. I would ride an ARAI if one of these helmets would fit my skull. But unfortunately, ARAI helmets are not made for my head. I have ridden SHOEI helmets for years, 4 or 5 of them, and was delighted with them. However, since SHOEI changed the helmet shells several years ago, I can no longer find the right size from SHOEI either. Since then I've been riding helmets from HJC. They are not quite comparable to SHOEI or ARAI in terms of workmanship, but they fit my skull perfectly.
@@dagothur5231 Is that for the arai quantic? I tried the arai quantic on and is the most comfortable helmet i ever tried by a mile. The no sun visor is a killer. Looking at the photochromatic options. Can u send a link?
Ps. I also noticed in your review that you weren't aware of hjc's adjustable system to lower the sunvisor - the mechanism is hidden under the bluetooh coms lid in the left side and it drops the visor even lower and forward at the same time removing any possible gaps therefore its even better than shoei's as it lowers even more.
Tried these three, Arai, Shoei and HJC, plus an AGV K6 and a shark carbon, a few months back when I updated and upgraded my full face helmet. All are top notch helmets, it really comes down to the final verdict, the one that fits right is the best one for each! Now, my high level impressions back then. 1. Shoei, not for me, pain on one side on top of my head. Plus prefer d-lock on my full face helmet. 2. HJC, knew this was the one from the moment I put it on. Snug fit and comfy everywhere, felt an extension of my head. 3. Arai, yes comfy, really soft padding, too soft for my liking, preferred the snug fit of the HJC. Plus no sun visor. 4. That shark carbon I tried, the moment I put it on I asked "is this lighter?". Yes it was if I recall well 200 grams lighter than the others. It was though painful for me in several places. 5. AGV could not even put it on...no fit at all on my size. Bottom line, yes fit is the most important factor for something that only protects our head but also makes a ride an absolute joy or a living hell.
I think the Arai Pro shade is OK, it works, I actually like the clear area it leaves to allow you to read the clocks better. I've owned numerous lids over the years including the Suhuberth C5 which was diabolical. I prefer Arai.
Always had shoei nxr but changed to Arai profile for my last helmet. Much prefer Arai although probably not as many features as nxr. Just much more comfier and feels plusher.
Excellent vlog. Just bought the Arai Quantic after having a Shoei Neotec 2 for the last 4 years. The Shoei is a quality piece of kit but I did struggle a little with fit. After experimenting with skull caps it was acceptable but never supremely comfortable. The other issue I had with the Shoei was ventilation, always found it a stuffy helmet to wear on hot days ( with vents open) unless of course you ride with the chin bar up. The Arai Quantic is sooo comfortable and fits me perfectly. I agree the ventilation is excellent and I wear specs which is no problem fitting and removing. Noise wise I always wear ear plugs and find the Arai the same as the Shoei - a quiet helmet. I am delighted with the Arai Quantic and so far I do not miss the Shoei at all....well apart from the sun visor! - however I have bought a tinted visor for the Arai and a Oxford visor holster belt to carry it in 😎👍
Go with the quietest helmet on the market, the HJC! I have it since its release in May, I love it because I can listen to music on lower volume for the same effect compared to before. And it's modular.
@@dogukanaydogdu8025 HJC RPHA 91 2023 - ua-cam.com/video/sqQ5BIPRdNI/v-deo.html I've bought mine in May 2023, and I too just about to watch the new video of the 2024 round up. 2024 - ua-cam.com/video/UPjRUUbboQk/v-deo.html Have fun!;))
In the United States, I only had access to the Spartan GT and RS and I really liked both of them as well as the Arai. I ended up finding the Shark Spartan GT Pro Carbon overseas and I've been wearing it for about a year now. I will say I love the snug feeling and the amazing visor and drop-down shade. The venting is also pretty good, better than some of the other helmets I've tried. The whistling was definitely a thing at first but after some use and wearing my ear plugs, I really don't hear it much anymore. Not sure if something changed or what but it seemed to be a minor issue now. I fit the cardo packtalk edge with the large speakers just fine, it works great!
As always I think your videos are the best in regards to motorcycle accessories/reviews. Clearly spoken with concise no bullshit presentation giving us the consumer knowledge and confidence of being well informed before purchase Thank you so much 👍
Another nice review. I don't know why Arai (always my choice) doesn't do genuine photochromic visors in 1985 my glasses has photochromic, I believe Shoei has it as an option. Pinlock has photocromic option........so the drop down sunshade thing is a bit unnecessary.......but I would like if Arai did it as an option in their visors
I have a Bell qualifier that I bought 4 years ago for my first lid and that has a photochromic visor. That’s a beginner helmet and cost me around £160, it’s superb and a real game-changer. That just proves to me that any manufacturer can make them but they want to make more money by selling tinted visors to the people who’ve already spent £5-£600 on a lid. Robbery.
My girlfriend got a Shark Spartan RS carbon and I ended up wearing it more than she did and I have to say it is absolutely excellent. I genuinely cannot think of any flaws with it whatsoever other than the sun visor misted from time to time. I'm getting one for myself and I would recommend it to anyone, especially for the price you can get them for.
I'll throw my bias points in as I've got an arai quanitic and took it on a 4500 mile european adventure. First off, it fits my head perfect. Is easy to get on and off and doesn't catch my ears. The intercom is incredibly comfortable once fitted, as the speakers go inside the liner, so your ears are against the helmet liner not the speaker. Downsides, no drop down visor, but this is expected. I used a pair of safety glasses when I got caught out in the dark. Naggles, One of the visor brow vents broke off, good luck getting a replacement for a VAS-V visor... Lots claim its heavy, you wont notice it unless you're swapping between helmets.
Oddly the best shield mechanism I've used is my Bell Star. It only has 2 settings besides lock: City gap and all the way open. The gap is the ideal you describe, and I ponder why anyone would ride with a shield halfway open. As to Arai's unchangeable safety philosophy: Sharp UK "inspired" them to change their shell construction around the neck and collar, because repeatable testing showed it to be weak. The new ECE standards seem good, especially regarding rotational protection, and I think we'll see a lot of shell changes. Sharp says it more closely resembles their testing - convergent evolution?
A dropdown sunshield is a BIG selling point for me. I just can't stop to put on sunglasses or change visors everytime the sun comes out of the clouds or put them back off before entering a tunnel or garage. And bright sunlight is a big issue in my Mediterranean city especially during summer months. No. Now the so called gap between the helmet's chinguard and the bottomline of the sunbisor is actually a good thing. Considering proper head-eye position while driving, that gap helps you see the indicators more easily without affecting the sight ahead. Ligh leak from your peripherals should not matter all that much unless you're riding on a mirror surface for hours. I can't think of any scenario where peripheral light leak caused me any discomfort even under desert type riding conditions. Shoei looks great to me.
I have a Shark Spartan GT, I really like the fit and the visor adjustment, the only couple of things I'm not so keen on is, as a glasses wearer I find that on cooler days with the sun visor down my glasses can steam up in slower traffic and the rubber skirt thing on the back of the aperture sometimes catches the collar of my leather jacket, but not the textile ones.
I've had an Arai RX7 then went to two shoei flip fronts the Multitec and a Neotec when I bought a touring bike with a big screen and could ride with the flip up, but having moved to a naked bike really wanted a full face again. Tried many on but the Arai Quantic stood out as the best for me, I never gelled with the RX7 but this new Qualtic addressed all the things I didn't like about the older lid, However I do agree it chips far more easily than the Shoei.
I seen an Arai in a store and liked the smaller round profile compared to my current scorpion so i think i may try them when it comes time for a change.
When i started biking in 1980 my first full face helmet was an Everest from there I moved on to the Bell Tour Star and in 1984 i bought my first Arai Rapide Wes Cooliey replica it Cost me then £200 when i put it on it fitted like a glove a year later my mate sold me his Shoei Wayne Gardener Replica tried it for a Month or so but did not like the fit or visor so went back to my Arai and have only had Arai as my main helmet since then …For Me Arai are the benchmark which all other helmets manufacturers try to aspire to….
Been riding motorcycles most of my life, from MX, through sport bikes and now enjoying Adventure bike riding. Had the opportunity to use and enjoy most of the helmets you mentioned, in 2013 I bought my first Shark helmet and for me and the riding I now do, I won’t be looking at anything else going into the future. Each helmet has its own merits and is designed for the type of riding one does. Then look for comfort. Really great honest video. Well done.
With a 58.5cm head, I never know whether to go for M(57-58cm) or L(59-60cm). I usually go with M in the hope the padding loosens up a bit with a few months.
Thanks a lot for the review. I'll get a new helmet this year and those are the main candidates. I love Arais, they fit me best but the I really don't think the no sun visor but works out as a net security plus - even when ignoring practicality. Sure it might make the helmet a bit stronger at the same weight and size but riding with a clear visor when it's bright outside is fatiguing at best, and a dark visor in a dark tunnel is even worse and that will increase my accident risk. So I guess it will be the Shoei for the road and I'l stick to Arai for the track.
I had HJC RPHA70 and I loved it. I bought HJC RPHA71 and the noice is killing me. Some sort of whirling right next to my ears, I think it's due to redesign in the lining and the channels for the intercom... Now I am back to looking for another helmet. I could not get Arai or shoei to fit well for some reason. I really wanted to get neotec2 or neotec3.
Hi I also have the rpha 71 now and that niggle is easily fixed by: 1st installing any BT coms system to fill the speaker pockets (mine is the new and original Hjc smart 11b which is a very good one btw) 2nd Using my motosafe touring earplugs. Problem solved! Ride Safe Ps If you are thinking of going flip up/modular helmet rpha 91 is the quietest helmet in the world and it's the best modular I've ever owned. Cheers
@@marcoaguiar3226 thank you for your feedback. I wasn't that keen on getting BT speakers. I know earplugs work but I was still getting distracted by the noise that was being generated. I ended up getting Shark Spartan RS. Noise reduction is really good for my head/size.
I've got a rpha 70 and find the noise horrible. I had an old, cheap helmet that was quieter around town. The noise is less with the visor open, but as soon as i shut it, i get this deep, reverberating wind noise (even at 60kmh/35mph). I had to make up a bigger chin curtain and wear a scarf to reduce the noise, and even stuck some foam around the base of the chin, as i found putting my hand up to the chin bar cut most of the wind noise. But my helmet got damaged in a crash, so now i need a new helmet, and my insurance company has offered me the 71. I'm reluctant to take it, especially after a quick google search. It seems that all the testers who review it and test the wind noise have big windscreens, so if you ride a naked bike like i do, then the tests are useless.
Would be cool if you tested the new sport touring Schubert S3 which at the moment it's my favourite st helmet with a micrometric closure but maybe use a similar testing method for wind noise to Champion Helmets where you can actually find out that the rpha 71 and gtair helmets measured 98db when at the same speed and similar wind conditions on a dual carriageway and the s3 measured 100db while the arai measured noisier at 101db. Ventilation wise they stated that schubert s3, shoei gt3 and rpha71 are better than the quantic as well... Just passing on the stats.
I bought the older Rpha 70 based off the champion testing and found it horribly noisy, as have others (based on the comments I've seen since). The issue being that they test on a bike with a big screen (which cuts out a lot of wind), so if you ride a naked bike like i do then the results aren't accurate. Some helmets that got higher noise ratings from champion seem to quieter in real life on a naked. I'm in the process of getting a new helmet through insurance after a crash and have been offered the rpha 71 as it's the new version of what i had, but a quick google search found a bunch of people complaining about wind noise, so I'm reluctant to get it. Although i did find some tips on how to reduce the noise, but it does kind of make the drop down visor useless, as the mechanism is part of the problem.
Thanks John. I have been using the Arai Quantic for about 6 months now. Completely agree with all the points that you covered. Your review is spot on. The Arai is extremely spectacle friendly. I have fitted a helmet intercom. Only point that I have observed is after about 3 to 4 hrs of wearing, my ears tend to compress against the speakers causing a bit of discomfort. Have you experienced this? Thanks for the great content.
HJC seems to fit my head better than any other brand. However, the visor detent is very weak and I was forced to ride with the visor either completely closed, crack so little that it might as well be completely closed, or fully open. I jumped ship to AGV.
I only got my motorbike licence in July. It was really interesting how naïve I was in regard to helmet choice. I was basically just looking at which one I liked the design of! Luckily my friend's dad gave me the best helmet advice you can have - try as many different ones on as you can. This turned out to be especially true being a glasses wearer. I bought a dedicated pair of glasses for my bike with reactive lenses (I do the same for car driving) and found that only a Nolan helmet and Arai Quantic fitted really well with the glasses on. Others just didn't sit as well (my favourite without glasses was the Shoei). My sena 50s kit fits better to the Arai and so that was the helmet for me. With the reactive glasses the clear screen is absolutely fine even in mid summer days and I find they only ever steam up when going slowly at the very start of a ride (maybe due to the helmet/glasses not being up to temp or something). How fortunate was I that one of the most expensive was the best fit??? 😂😂 3000 miles later I have no issues at all with it, if anything it's slightly more comfortable as the helmet beds in (which is something you need to consider when buying - it will give a bit so any slack will get slightly bigger). These reviews are brilliant at giving a comparison between the helmets and some of the features that you may want/ prefer but I would say the only way to choose really is to try them on.
I've bought a Quantic, and agree with all your points....love it but I bought mine in a kind of matt grey and the stonechat are standing out to the point where I may get it professionally painted...
Always loved Arai helmets but currently have an HJC 90 in Carbon. Lovely helmet but about 20% less in quality than Arai. 🙂 My ultimate would be a Tour X5 in Carbon with a drop down sun visor. 😁 if only. 😄😁
I wear a Arai Viper GT.... Yes I know it's an old helmet (10 yrs old but it's seen little miles & well looked after). Had an Arai back in the 90's the went AGV but found the AGV innards wore out fairly quickly plus it had a seatbelt clip style to secure the chin strap which i felt wasn't that safe should a crash occur. As for wind noise I've always been in the opinion that Arai's are noisier than most other helmets brands. Looking for a flip face helmet now too & am just about to watch the video on the Neotec 3. Great Video & stay safe out there
i bought the arai and its the best fit on my head shoei is a close 2nd. If i was gonna buy one today it would be the shoei the DD rings is the safest maybe but the shoei is so much easier with gloves. sunshades in the shoei is the best just works so much better than the arai solution.
The main problem for me with these Helmets is the weight, never tried any of these brands, I would love to but they are expensive, except for hjc,and i can't wear heavy Helmets,I have neck problems,and can't wear a helmet for a long period of time, I've seen most of the reviews of every helmet brand you can think of, every new model,I'm not a big fan of a drop down sun visor, but I have an old Mt with it, it was my first helmet and I didn't have the experience, it wasn't that bad,after alot of reviews I decided to pull the trigger on the agv k6s,the lightest helmet with ece 06 cert, and it doesn't come with adrop down just like arai, I found a good deal on a not that bad colorway!!
I thought the dumbest thing that I ever did was to buy an Arai helmet. Nope. The dumbest thing I did was buying a 2nd Arai helmet. Finicky visor pivot and excessively fragile vents that broke when you look at them. And, even though it was otherwise sized correctly, I had real pain from the pressure against my ears such that wearing ear plugs for more than half a day was impossible. Going back to a Shoei solved every issue.
Love these reviews. I'm just in the market for a new helmet and really wanted this exact breakdown. I think I'm leaning Arai after this? Comfort and ventilation are really important to me. One thing I was thinking about for Arai was that a lot of other manufacturers had to (chose to?) come out with new lids to meet ECE 22.06 but Arai mostly just went "our helmets are fine". I don't know how accurate that impression is (someone correct me, please) but if that was indeed the case it does suggest that there's something to Arai just being safer over all. How much? Who can say? But I'll take every bit I can get.
Your reviews are excellent! Thorough, well researched, entertaining and first class presentation. I'm in the market for a new helmet and I found this the best of a multitude of videos I've viewed - it answers all my questions regarding full face helmets. My remaining conundrum is whether I should buy another full face (are these called modular?) or a flip helmet (which I've never owned or worn). Blokes I know who wear these really like them but I've always been a believer that the fewer moving parts that any device has the fewer things that can go wrong. I'd be most interested in a video from you comparing the two 'concepts'. 🦘
Having been wearing a Shoei NXR for just over 5 years... I'm definitely looking at the Neotec 3 as it's replacement. I've never been fond of the GT-Air line.
@@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495 I like my NXR and it's great for days when you are out on your own or it's not overly hot, but there are times when you just want to flip up the front either to get air and cool down or to avoid having to take your helmet off every time to chat or you're out in nature somewhere and want to just sit on the bike a take it in.
Top Job as always! I did try the Arai shade thingy years ago... and it was the horridiest thing ever. Always was in the wrong place, and not covering up the sun, now i have the internal visor and it's ok, i'm wearing glasses with self darkening lenses and they are amazing! Better than may eye! However the internal sun visor it's goof for the low wintery sun! And speaking of Arai, i did were it for years, but dropped it 5/6 years ago for the build quality, especially the visor way too easy to scratch and the plastic trim started to fell apart like it was nothing! Plus in Italy Arai cost a boat, did they improve the quality?
Cycle Gear store here in Texas is an official Arai dealer and they won’t give you thicker/thinner cheek pads for the perfect fit. They make you buy them. I wonder if they only do this in Europe
All internal sun visors look like “nose slicers” in crash. Had an HJC modular with one and it was clear my nose was going to suffer if that helmet ever rotated forward in a crash. For me the Photochromatic/Transitions visors are the real solution to having a tinted or clear shield when you need it, especially when touring. But unfortunately only a few helmets have those as options. That’s why the Shoei RF 1200/1400 are my choice for s sport touring helmet. And lighter than a modular or any of these in this test and with an optional Photochromatic Pinlock visor.
Really want to buy a Quantic, but there's no local retailers I could try it out in. Might end up buying it online from somewhere that offers a try-on/return policy.
Well... Sharp's testing might be handy. But in my own experience, HJC's RPHA lineup it's by far the worst of the 4. I work at a motorcycle gear shop and we've seen a few of them split in half under various conditions. I'll always tell customers that yes, it's got 22.06 rating, so if you 100% want one, fine, of course it provides some degree of protection but nothing anywhere close to the other 3 mentioned or even some others that are even cheaper.
can you get a photochromic shield for the Shoei? I've been using one on my Bell Racestar for years and I can't go without it. I'm ready for a quieter, plusher helmet than my race rigs.
I have shoei gt air 2, the top vent needs looking at, and a small piece of sticky felt. placed on the opening, seals it up perfectly, otherwise there is a continious draft. I live in Scotland and it needs to be sealed shut 🙂 Otherwise, its very light, sun visor is great, but unlike you, I don't like the c;icky chinstrap.
Great video thanks very much. I also find arai lids the most comfy, and I can’t get on with shark lids at all. Just wondering if bike social does merch as I like the look of that jacket? Could not see it on the bike social website.
I just want to add my experience to maybe help someone. Coming from a GT AIR 2 I planned to buy a GT AIR 3. Long story short, I returned it after 10 minutes only. The sun visor on the GT AIR 3 goes down if you ride with the clear visor open!!! it even lets air in. very bad quality IMO, Also, side note, it actually seemed worse in terms of noise than the gt air 2. So yeah, if you're like me, stay with the GT AIR 2.
16:08 I'm really surprised that you say that it's wind screens which create wind noise. Yesterday, I rode a V-Strom and an SV-650 back to back, with the same helmet. The wind noise on the SV was unbearable on the highway. On the V-Strom it was utterly quiet. Can you elaborate, please?
Helmets that are wind-tunnel tested are done so on a naked bike, but screens AND fairings can add turbulence. Add into that the fact that your body position and the fit around the sides and neck make a massive difference, and wind noise will be incredibly hard to quantify reliably, and will always be subjective. In the good-fitting helmets I've had, they've tended to be quieter when in clean airflow (eg standing up, compared to sitting behind the screen)
@@bennettsbikesocial Well, I just had the exact opposite experience, so obviously this is not black and white. I was also standing up on the pegs on the V-Strom, and then there was as much noise as on the SV650. Sitting down it was VERY quiet.
@@stefanhansen5882 Exactly - fit, fairing etc all contribute. What helmet is it? The fact that it's noisier in clear air makes me think there's a leak or a poor personal fit around the ears or neck skirt.
@@bennettsbikesocial That was very valuable info. It's a Scorpion Exo Combat II helmet. And yes, a LOT of air flows into the helmet from below. Yesterday, I found that I could make it pleasantly quiet by stuffing a folded beanie inside the detachable "front piece".
I have a GT Air 2 and a Quantic. Both are good helmets, and the Shoei's drop down sun visor is nice, but for me, the comfort and aerodynamics are better on the Arai... and the venilation is spectacular. I cannot tell for the GT Air 3, but if I had to grade them and the Arai had a reference mark of 10 out of 10, the Shoei would get 4 out of 10. Seriously: I need to keep the visor open on the Shoei, when the Arai kees me cool as soon as I'm moving. And the Sena SRL2 for the GT Air is honestly not very good. Not sure about the current SRL3.
Yes - they're trickling through, but we review as broad a range as possible. You can see all the reviews here (though keep in mind the street price of the HJC, which I explained at the end) www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
Very tricky... In the dark, definitely no. In bright daylight, technically not legal but you'd only be likely to get a problem if you were drawing attention to yourself. But, strictly speaking, don't wear one. If you do, it's your choice and I'd say you must always carry a clear one with you.
My fifth hjc. I always have xl which is 61 62 cm, but this 71 model I had to have xxl which is 62 63 cm plus the visor system is poor as it's either fully open or closed.
Fit is definitely the most important criterion, but so is style, and I have never seen a good looking Arai helmet. They are ugly as sin and for that reason I would never even consider one. I’m a Shoei fan - GT Air 2 for touring, X-SPR Pro for the track. They fit me perfectly, they look great, excellent field of view, good ventilation, and quiet. The drop down internal sun visor and micro-ratchet clasp are like cruise control - hard to live without once you’ve experienced them
I'd be interested in changing from my Shoei Neotec to a Arai, but the lack of sun visor makes it a non starter. Can't help think they've lost a lot of potential customers due to it.
I’ve just gone from Neotec to GT-Air 3. I don’t use the modular feature much. Decided to try GT-Air 3 rather than Neotec 3. I’ve also fitted Cardo Edge in it, a bit fiddly but doable.
@@kiwijeeper480hey man. Can I ask why? I have a gt air2, and was actually looking for a flip up helmet, so i am curious to know why you would go back to a full face. I mean , are there obvious downsides (besides weight)
Yup. Hjc do a 70 for normal riding with a drop down, and an 11 without for racing. I’ve both, I prefer the 11, but the vent and drop down is soo useful, especially in spring when the sun is low, I bring it down 2” so acts as a sun visor. Arai need to give us a choice.
when ive tried the Rx7 on I get a pain around the top of the my temple not sure if that the same with the Quantic but Ive got a GT-air 2 at the min but coming up to that 5 years in use as for the shoei fastener I dont like it I like the old "D" ring . ok you cant fit it with gloves but how many times to you put your lid on with gloves on LOL I dont like the Gt-air 2 Visor lock either I found I had to pull it down from the top
Reg. communication systems. If I'm not misinformed the 22.06 helmets lose their certification when something is added to the helmet. Therefore the helmet manufacturers cannot say it is Cardo compatible. So I ask you. Are the helmet compatible with the Cardo Pack Talk?
Homologation was a tricky issue, but basically if a manufacturer makes an accessory for a 22.06 helmet, they have to homologate it with it fitted to prove safety isn't compromised. If you choose to fit anything else to your helmet after buying it, that's up to you. Some lids are made to make it easy to fit aftermarket comms, like the Arai Tour-X5 for instance. Cheers, John
John, please - please …. do a video of the SRL review. I have a Neotec II with the old SRL which is junk. So I bought my partners and I a clip on Senna. So the problem is that IF I buy a Neotec III can I keep my external Senna or do I buy the new updated SRL. I recently went with moulded ear plugs also …. so I need a mini jack . Great video - thanks
@@bennettsbikesocial yes. Fair play. They are very good and clearly take a lot of time. But there is a lot of BS out there so you’re the oasis. I’ll learn to read 😳
They don't even acknowledge the GT Air 3 in the US. Shoei doesn't shoei it on their website and nowhere sells it. I'd buy one, should it Arai's at some point in the future. But seriously, where tf is this helmet already?
Will you be looking at Nolan's or Xlite I'm looking for a helmet with a fully replaceable inside an easy visor chance would really like to see these before I buy.
Really like you reviews. Need avdise, i drive a motorbike for a 3,4 month , use to drive it without helmet, ordered it waited 2 month. an arai quantic,just came on new year, looks like it fits me quite good , researched a lot before buying it. About fit and etc That is actually my first helmet, use to drive without helmet for 3 month, first impression air amout is great, fit is great , but dont have anything to compare with,still. everything is just great so far, but tge only thing that bothers me , the sound of the engine that sound like i wear a speakers or headphones in my ears that deliveres engine sound quite loud , i don't know if this is normal or not. It is like in fake sounding cars where engine sound comes from the speakers. What you think about it?
Most of the reviews are written - only a fraction is video. Here's the Ruroc: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/ruroc-atlas-4-review
Here in NZ helmets usually have no stickers on them saying what standards they meet. Is my Shoei compliant with US standards? EU standards? Japanese standards? All of them?! It’s confusing.
If you join our Facebook group, there are PPE experts from your area on there and we can check. Come along and ask on there. facebook.com/groups/bikesocial
I'll get around to finishing the video when I'm done laughing that Shark would be included in any "best of" helmet list. Cmon man, this is just sad. Do we get a best of with Ruroc next? 🤣
Have you tried the Ruroc? I recently bought one and have also the Klim, Shoei… used to own the Schuberth (long rides gave me a hot spot), Shoei was the perfect helmet the GT-Air… Now I tend to use the Ruroc more, find the Ruroc very quiet similar to the Shoei. What are your thoughts.
Great Video! I have the Arai Quantic and I love it! One thing I did was purchase the chin curtain for the Rx7 which fits the Quantic it’s larger and really makes a huge difference with noise! It made the helmet a lot quieter. Not that it was wicked noisy to begin with, but it’s a noticeable difference!!
I do feel a lot of wind inside the helmet with all vents closed. Do you have this issue?
@@theoiorgasame here
Started wearing Arai in the 80's. Been wearing Shoei since 2000. Best and most comfortable helmet you can wear. I always buy from the cheaper end of their range but you still get the best quality.
This is it. Neither brand really so an "entry level" helmet. Arai and Shoei both just make one helmet for each purpose and it costs what it cost. No entry, mid-tier, and flagship models. They're just all flagship, so even if you buy the cheaper lid, you're buying a damn good one.
I really hope manufacturers stop forcing ppl to get these custom intercoms. Just let people choose what they want and build the helmets accordingly.
to be fair. i got a gt air 2 and did not buy the integrated coms system. Just some strong doubble sided tape on the outside. It's slightly further back than ideal but it's not an issue
@@sirduckington5641 I keep hanging to my 5 year old cardo packtalk slim on my equally old RPHA 70. I think it's the best design, very low profile and the battery sits nicely in the back. I wish manufacturers (including cardo) would stick more to this form factor.
Great video, John. I bought the Arai Quantic for my wife when it first came out. I don't care about graphics so I got her the basic white but it's pearly white, or something like that. Not a big deal but it's not just plain white. White was the safest option in terms of visibility.
The only occasion when I buy a helmet with graphics is if the price is the same or people didn't like that graphic and it's discounted. When you're already paying £500 for a helmet, which is a lot for me, I can't see paying another £100. But each to their own.
The most important thing with a helmet is that it fits the head perfectly. And that's not the case with every helmet from every brand. I would ride an ARAI if one of these helmets would fit my skull. But unfortunately, ARAI helmets are not made for my head. I have ridden SHOEI helmets for years, 4 or 5 of them, and was delighted with them. However, since SHOEI changed the helmet shells several years ago, I can no longer find the right size from SHOEI either. Since then I've been riding helmets from HJC. They are not quite comparable to SHOEI or ARAI in terms of workmanship, but they fit my skull perfectly.
I’ve got a photochromatic Arai pinlock. Solves the sun shield issue. Its brilliant 😊
Nice to know !
@@dagothur5231 Is that for the arai quantic? I tried the arai quantic on and is the most comfortable helmet i ever tried by a mile. The no sun visor is a killer. Looking at the photochromatic options. Can u send a link?
Link to the pinlock?
Great video! I wore Shoei and Shark for years but settled on the Arai having the best fit, vents and comfort.
I love my Arai Pro-Shade!! I use it on my medium Signet-X helmet and wouldn't leave home without it.
Ps. I also noticed in your review that you weren't aware of hjc's adjustable system to lower the sunvisor - the mechanism is hidden under the bluetooh coms lid in the left side and it drops the visor even lower and forward at the same time removing any possible gaps therefore its even better than shoei's as it lowers even more.
Tried these three, Arai, Shoei and HJC, plus an AGV K6 and a shark carbon, a few months back when I updated and upgraded my full face helmet.
All are top notch helmets, it really comes down to the final verdict, the one that fits right is the best one for each!
Now, my high level impressions back then.
1. Shoei, not for me, pain on one side on top of my head. Plus prefer d-lock on my full face helmet.
2. HJC, knew this was the one from the moment I put it on. Snug fit and comfy everywhere, felt an extension of my head.
3. Arai, yes comfy, really soft padding, too soft for my liking, preferred the snug fit of the HJC. Plus no sun visor.
4. That shark carbon I tried, the moment I put it on I asked "is this lighter?". Yes it was if I recall well 200 grams lighter than the others. It was though painful for me in several places.
5. AGV could not even put it on...no fit at all on my size.
Bottom line, yes fit is the most important factor for something that only protects our head but also makes a ride an absolute joy or a living hell.
🕘 hjc
HJC
This is often repeated but your reviews are the best and consistently trustworthy.
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
I think the Arai Pro shade is OK, it works, I actually like the clear area it leaves to allow you to read the clocks better. I've owned numerous lids over the years including the Suhuberth C5 which was diabolical. I prefer Arai.
It is the best implementation for me living in a tropical country. Makes it load useable at night with minimal fuss
Always had shoei nxr but changed to Arai profile for my last helmet. Much prefer Arai although probably not as many features as nxr. Just much more comfier and feels plusher.
The NXR is a sportier lid than the GT Air 3, so more snug all round.
Excellent vlog. Just bought the Arai Quantic after having a Shoei Neotec 2 for the last 4 years. The Shoei is a quality piece of kit but I did struggle a little with fit. After experimenting with skull caps it was acceptable but never supremely comfortable. The other issue I had with the Shoei was ventilation, always found it a stuffy helmet to wear on hot days ( with vents open) unless of course you ride with the chin bar up.
The Arai Quantic is sooo comfortable and fits me perfectly. I agree the ventilation is excellent and I wear specs which is no problem fitting and removing. Noise wise I always wear ear plugs and find the Arai the same as the Shoei - a quiet helmet. I am delighted with the Arai Quantic and so far I do not miss the Shoei at all....well apart from the sun visor! - however I have bought a tinted visor for the Arai and a Oxford visor holster belt to carry it in 😎👍
Go with the quietest helmet on the market, the HJC! I have it since its release in May, I love it because I can listen to music on lower volume for the same effect compared to before.
And it's modular.
Which model?
@@dogukanaydogdu8025 HJC RPHA 91
2023 - ua-cam.com/video/sqQ5BIPRdNI/v-deo.html
I've bought mine in May 2023, and I too just about to watch the new video of the 2024 round up.
2024 - ua-cam.com/video/UPjRUUbboQk/v-deo.html
Have fun!;))
@@V4zz33 thanks buddy :)
In the United States, I only had access to the Spartan GT and RS and I really liked both of them as well as the Arai. I ended up finding the Shark Spartan GT Pro Carbon overseas and I've been wearing it for about a year now. I will say I love the snug feeling and the amazing visor and drop-down shade. The venting is also pretty good, better than some of the other helmets I've tried. The whistling was definitely a thing at first but after some use and wearing my ear plugs, I really don't hear it much anymore. Not sure if something changed or what but it seemed to be a minor issue now. I fit the cardo packtalk edge with the large speakers just fine, it works great!
Were you able to find any dark tinted visors for it??
As always I think your videos are the best in regards to motorcycle accessories/reviews. Clearly spoken with concise no bullshit presentation giving us the consumer knowledge and confidence of being well informed before purchase
Thank you so much 👍
Thank YOU so much! Cheers, John
Another nice review. I don't know why Arai (always my choice) doesn't do genuine photochromic visors in 1985 my glasses has photochromic, I believe Shoei has it as an option.
Pinlock has photocromic option........so the drop down sunshade thing is a bit unnecessary.......but I would like if Arai did it as an option in their visors
I have a Bell qualifier that I bought 4 years ago for my first lid and that has a photochromic visor. That’s a beginner helmet and cost me around £160, it’s superb and a real game-changer. That just proves to me that any manufacturer can make them but they want to make more money by selling tinted visors to the people who’ve already spent £5-£600 on a lid. Robbery.
Another brilliant and informative video. Arai for me all the way. Happy New Year everyone.🎉
Thanks! And a Happy new year to you too! Cheers, John
Ive usually used AGV, & Shark helmets. But the best helmet ive ever had has been the Kabuto Aeroblade 3. Made in Japan. Oft overlooked brand.
My girlfriend got a Shark Spartan RS carbon and I ended up wearing it more than she did and I have to say it is absolutely excellent. I genuinely cannot think of any flaws with it whatsoever other than the sun visor misted from time to time. I'm getting one for myself and I would recommend it to anyone, especially for the price you can get them for.
I'll throw my bias points in as I've got an arai quanitic and took it on a 4500 mile european adventure.
First off, it fits my head perfect. Is easy to get on and off and doesn't catch my ears.
The intercom is incredibly comfortable once fitted, as the speakers go inside the liner, so your ears are against the helmet liner not the speaker.
Downsides, no drop down visor, but this is expected. I used a pair of safety glasses when I got caught out in the dark.
Naggles,
One of the visor brow vents broke off, good luck getting a replacement for a VAS-V visor...
Lots claim its heavy, you wont notice it unless you're swapping between helmets.
I have an Arai Cross Tour 5 & a Shoei Glamster and X-14. And I love all of them. Depends on what time of ride I use them. Great brands!
Oddly the best shield mechanism I've used is my Bell Star. It only has 2 settings besides lock: City gap and all the way open. The gap is the ideal you describe, and I ponder why anyone would ride with a shield halfway open.
As to Arai's unchangeable safety philosophy: Sharp UK "inspired" them to change their shell construction around the neck and collar, because repeatable testing showed it to be weak. The new ECE standards seem good, especially regarding rotational protection, and I think we'll see a lot of shell changes. Sharp says it more closely resembles their testing - convergent evolution?
A dropdown sunshield is a BIG selling point for me. I just can't stop to put on sunglasses or change visors everytime the sun comes out of the clouds or put them back off before entering a tunnel or garage. And bright sunlight is a big issue in my Mediterranean city especially during summer months. No. Now the so called gap between the helmet's chinguard and the bottomline of the sunbisor is actually a good thing. Considering proper head-eye position while driving, that gap helps you see the indicators more easily without affecting the sight ahead. Ligh leak from your peripherals should not matter all that much unless you're riding on a mirror surface for hours. I can't think of any scenario where peripheral light leak caused me any discomfort even under desert type riding conditions. Shoei looks great to me.
Another super detailed review
Thank you
Thanks for watching! Cheers, John
I have a Shark Spartan GT, I really like the fit and the visor adjustment, the only couple of things I'm not so keen on is, as a glasses wearer I find that on cooler days with the sun visor down my glasses can steam up in slower traffic and the rubber skirt thing on the back of the aperture sometimes catches the collar of my leather jacket, but not the textile ones.
I use a photochromatic visor in the summer on my Shoei which doesn’t have a drop down sun shield.
I've had an Arai RX7 then went to two shoei flip fronts the Multitec and a Neotec when I bought a touring bike with a big screen and could ride with the flip up, but having moved to a naked bike really wanted a full face again. Tried many on but the Arai Quantic stood out as the best for me, I never gelled with the RX7 but this new Qualtic addressed all the things I didn't like about the older lid, However I do agree it chips far more easily than the Shoei.
I seen an Arai in a store and liked the smaller round profile compared to my current scorpion so i think i may try them when it comes time for a change.
When i started biking in 1980 my first full face helmet was an Everest from there I moved on to the Bell Tour Star and in 1984 i bought my first Arai Rapide Wes Cooliey replica it Cost me then £200 when i put it on it fitted like a glove a year later my mate sold me his Shoei Wayne Gardener Replica tried it for a Month or so but did not like the fit or visor so went back to my Arai and have only had Arai as my main helmet since then …For Me Arai are the benchmark which all other helmets manufacturers try to aspire to….
Been riding motorcycles most of my life, from MX, through sport bikes and now enjoying Adventure bike riding. Had the opportunity to use and enjoy most of the helmets you mentioned, in 2013 I bought my first Shark helmet and for me and the riding I now do, I won’t be looking at anything else going into the future. Each helmet has its own merits and is designed for the type of riding one does. Then look for comfort. Really great honest video. Well done.
Most of my life I had Shark Foggy Rep's, even the X-Lite one, until I went to the Arai X4, really solid helmet
With a 58.5cm head, I never know whether to go for M(57-58cm) or L(59-60cm). I usually go with M in the hope the padding loosens up a bit with a few months.
Thanks a lot for the review. I'll get a new helmet this year and those are the main candidates. I love Arais, they fit me best but the I really don't think the no sun visor but works out as a net security plus - even when ignoring practicality. Sure it might make the helmet a bit stronger at the same weight and size but riding with a clear visor when it's bright outside is fatiguing at best, and a dark visor in a dark tunnel is even worse and that will increase my accident risk. So I guess it will be the Shoei for the road and I'l stick to Arai for the track.
I had HJC RPHA70 and I loved it. I bought HJC RPHA71 and the noice is killing me. Some sort of whirling right next to my ears, I think it's due to redesign in the lining and the channels for the intercom... Now I am back to looking for another helmet. I could not get Arai or shoei to fit well for some reason. I really wanted to get neotec2 or neotec3.
Hi I also have the rpha 71 now and that niggle is easily fixed by:
1st installing any BT coms system to fill the speaker pockets (mine is the new and original Hjc smart 11b which is a very good one btw)
2nd Using my motosafe touring earplugs.
Problem solved!
Ride Safe
Ps
If you are thinking of going flip up/modular helmet rpha 91 is the quietest helmet in the world and it's the best modular I've ever owned. Cheers
@@marcoaguiar3226 thank you for your feedback. I wasn't that keen on getting BT speakers. I know earplugs work but I was still getting distracted by the noise that was being generated.
I ended up getting Shark Spartan RS. Noise reduction is really good for my head/size.
I've got a rpha 70 and find the noise horrible. I had an old, cheap helmet that was quieter around town. The noise is less with the visor open, but as soon as i shut it, i get this deep, reverberating wind noise (even at 60kmh/35mph). I had to make up a bigger chin curtain and wear a scarf to reduce the noise, and even stuck some foam around the base of the chin, as i found putting my hand up to the chin bar cut most of the wind noise.
But my helmet got damaged in a crash, so now i need a new helmet, and my insurance company has offered me the 71. I'm reluctant to take it, especially after a quick google search. It seems that all the testers who review it and test the wind noise have big windscreens, so if you ride a naked bike like i do, then the tests are useless.
Would be cool if you tested the new sport touring Schubert S3 which at the moment it's my favourite st helmet with a micrometric closure but maybe use a similar testing method for wind noise to Champion Helmets where you can actually find out that the rpha 71 and gtair helmets measured 98db when at the same speed and similar wind conditions on a dual carriageway and the s3 measured 100db while the arai measured noisier at 101db. Ventilation wise they stated that schubert s3, shoei gt3 and rpha71 are better than the quantic as well... Just passing on the stats.
I bought the older Rpha 70 based off the champion testing and found it horribly noisy, as have others (based on the comments I've seen since). The issue being that they test on a bike with a big screen (which cuts out a lot of wind), so if you ride a naked bike like i do then the results aren't accurate. Some helmets that got higher noise ratings from champion seem to quieter in real life on a naked.
I'm in the process of getting a new helmet through insurance after a crash and have been offered the rpha 71 as it's the new version of what i had, but a quick google search found a bunch of people complaining about wind noise, so I'm reluctant to get it. Although i did find some tips on how to reduce the noise, but it does kind of make the drop down visor useless, as the mechanism is part of the problem.
Thanks John. I have been using the Arai Quantic for about 6 months now. Completely agree with all the points that you covered. Your review is spot on. The Arai is extremely spectacle friendly. I have fitted a helmet intercom. Only point that I have observed is after about 3 to 4 hrs of wearing, my ears tend to compress against the speakers causing a bit of discomfort. Have you experienced this?
Thanks for the great content.
I haven't I'm afraid, sorry! It'll really depend on head shape though
Arai and Shoei on top. whichever one you choose, you cannot go wrong.
HJC seems to fit my head better than any other brand. However, the visor detent is very weak and I was forced to ride with the visor either completely closed, crack so little that it might as well be completely closed, or fully open. I jumped ship to AGV.
I only got my motorbike licence in July. It was really interesting how naïve I was in regard to helmet choice. I was basically just looking at which one I liked the design of! Luckily my friend's dad gave me the best helmet advice you can have - try as many different ones on as you can. This turned out to be especially true being a glasses wearer. I bought a dedicated pair of glasses for my bike with reactive lenses (I do the same for car driving) and found that only a Nolan helmet and Arai Quantic fitted really well with the glasses on. Others just didn't sit as well (my favourite without glasses was the Shoei). My sena 50s kit fits better to the Arai and so that was the helmet for me. With the reactive glasses the clear screen is absolutely fine even in mid summer days and I find they only ever steam up when going slowly at the very start of a ride (maybe due to the helmet/glasses not being up to temp or something). How fortunate was I that one of the most expensive was the best fit??? 😂😂 3000 miles later I have no issues at all with it, if anything it's slightly more comfortable as the helmet beds in (which is something you need to consider when buying - it will give a bit so any slack will get slightly bigger). These reviews are brilliant at giving a comparison between the helmets and some of the features that you may want/ prefer but I would say the only way to choose really is to try them on.
Glad you got such good advice! Cheers, John
I've bought a Quantic, and agree with all your points....love it but I bought mine in a kind of matt grey and the stonechat are standing out to the point where I may get it professionally painted...
. I use a tinted visor even for night rinding .. arai best helmet I Own alot . Thier tinted visor work great. ... most comfortable.
Always loved Arai helmets but currently have an HJC 90 in Carbon. Lovely helmet but about 20% less in quality than Arai. 🙂
My ultimate would be a Tour X5 in Carbon with a drop down sun visor. 😁 if only. 😄😁
I wear a Arai Viper GT.... Yes I know it's an old helmet (10 yrs old but it's seen little miles & well looked after). Had an Arai back in the 90's the went AGV but found the AGV innards wore out fairly quickly plus it had a seatbelt clip style to secure the chin strap which i felt wasn't that safe should a crash occur. As for wind noise I've always been in the opinion that Arai's are noisier than most other helmets brands. Looking for a flip face helmet now too & am just about to watch the video on the Neotec 3. Great Video & stay safe out there
Give the Arai Quantic a try... It's a huge step up
i bought the arai and its the best fit on my head shoei is a close 2nd.
If i was gonna buy one today it would be the shoei the DD rings is the safest maybe but the shoei is so much easier with gloves. sunshades in the shoei is the best just works so much better than the arai solution.
I would upgrade my GT-Air 2 to a 3, but the Sena is not compatible. Very strange decision because it adds over £ 300 to also upgrade the Sena.
It is frustrating, though the SRL 3 is a higher spec and it's more compact. But yes, it'll be annoying for anyone who has it.
There is a adaptor kit now to fit GT AIR 3.
The main problem for me with these Helmets is the weight, never tried any of these brands, I would love to but they are expensive, except for hjc,and i can't wear heavy Helmets,I have neck problems,and can't wear a helmet for a long period of time, I've seen most of the reviews of every helmet brand you can think of, every new model,I'm not a big fan of a drop down sun visor, but I have an old Mt with it, it was my first helmet and I didn't have the experience, it wasn't that bad,after alot of reviews I decided to pull the trigger on the agv k6s,the lightest helmet with ece 06 cert, and it doesn't come with adrop down just like arai, I found a good deal on a not that bad colorway!!
I thought the dumbest thing that I ever did was to buy an Arai helmet. Nope. The dumbest thing I did was buying a 2nd Arai helmet. Finicky visor pivot and excessively fragile vents that broke when you look at them. And, even though it was otherwise sized correctly, I had real pain from the pressure against my ears such that wearing ear plugs for more than half a day was impossible. Going back to a Shoei solved every issue.
Love these reviews. I'm just in the market for a new helmet and really wanted this exact breakdown. I think I'm leaning Arai after this? Comfort and ventilation are really important to me.
One thing I was thinking about for Arai was that a lot of other manufacturers had to (chose to?) come out with new lids to meet ECE 22.06 but Arai mostly just went "our helmets are fine". I don't know how accurate that impression is (someone correct me, please) but if that was indeed the case it does suggest that there's something to Arai just being safer over all. How much? Who can say? But I'll take every bit I can get.
The RX-7V Evo was basically unchanged to meet 22.06
Your reviews are excellent! Thorough, well researched, entertaining and first class presentation. I'm in the market for a new helmet and I found this the best of a multitude of videos I've viewed - it answers all my questions regarding full face helmets.
My remaining conundrum is whether I should buy another full face (are these called modular?) or a flip helmet (which I've never owned or worn). Blokes I know who wear these really like them but I've always been a believer that the fewer moving parts that any device has the fewer things that can go wrong. I'd be most interested in a video from you comparing the two 'concepts'. 🦘
Thanks very much! Why not join out Facebook group and see what everyone else on there reckons
@@bennettsbikesocial Ha, I've never 'done' Facebook. 😉
Having been wearing a Shoei NXR for just over 5 years... I'm definitely looking at the Neotec 3 as it's replacement. I've never been fond of the GT-Air line.
Why move to a flip helmet; has your usage changed or have you encountered any downsides to the NXR? Why not an NXR2 when it comes time to change?
@@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495 I like my NXR and it's great for days when you are out on your own or it's not overly hot, but there are times when you just want to flip up the front either to get air and cool down or to avoid having to take your helmet off every time to chat or you're out in nature somewhere and want to just sit on the bike a take it in.
@@PokerMuppet Oh right, I totally get it.
I got 2 Spartan GT and its super comfortable but tried on Shoei which felt like custom fit. Its just i like the styhling better on Shark.
Any possibility of Arai creating a photochromic visor?? I think that would be great!!!
Top Job as always! I did try the Arai shade thingy years ago... and it was the horridiest thing ever. Always was in the wrong place, and not covering up the sun, now i have the internal visor and it's ok, i'm wearing glasses with self darkening lenses and they are amazing! Better than may eye! However the internal sun visor it's goof for the low wintery sun! And speaking of Arai, i did were it for years, but dropped it 5/6 years ago for the build quality, especially the visor way too easy to scratch and the plastic trim started to fell apart like it was nothing! Plus in Italy Arai cost a boat, did they improve the quality?
I've never had any issue with quality - always very good. Support is excellent too. Cheers, John
Cycle Gear store here in Texas is an official Arai dealer and they won’t give you thicker/thinner cheek pads for the perfect fit. They make you buy them. I wonder if they only do this in Europe
All internal sun visors look like “nose slicers” in crash. Had an HJC modular with one and it was clear my nose was going to suffer if that helmet ever rotated forward in a crash. For me the Photochromatic/Transitions visors are the real solution to having a tinted or clear shield when you need it, especially when touring. But unfortunately only a few helmets have those as options. That’s why the Shoei RF 1200/1400 are my choice for s sport touring helmet. And lighter than a modular or any of these in this test and with an optional Photochromatic Pinlock visor.
Really want to buy a Quantic, but there's no local retailers I could try it out in. Might end up buying it online from somewhere that offers a try-on/return policy.
Well... Sharp's testing might be handy. But in my own experience, HJC's RPHA lineup it's by far the worst of the 4. I work at a motorcycle gear shop and we've seen a few of them split in half under various conditions. I'll always tell customers that yes, it's got 22.06 rating, so if you 100% want one, fine, of course it provides some degree of protection but nothing anywhere close to the other 3 mentioned or even some others that are even cheaper.
can you get a photochromic shield for the Shoei? I've been using one on my Bell Racestar for years and I can't go without it. I'm ready for a quieter, plusher helmet than my race rigs.
Yes you can my friend has it for his shoei
I have shoei gt air 2, the top vent needs looking at, and a small piece of sticky felt. placed on the opening, seals it up perfectly, otherwise there is a continious draft. I live in Scotland and it needs to be sealed shut 🙂 Otherwise, its very light, sun visor is great, but unlike you, I don't like the c;icky chinstrap.
Great video thanks very much. I also find arai lids the most comfy, and I can’t get on with shark lids at all. Just wondering if bike social does merch as I like the look of that jacket? Could not see it on the bike social website.
I just want to add my experience to maybe help someone.
Coming from a GT AIR 2 I planned to buy a GT AIR 3.
Long story short, I returned it after 10 minutes only. The sun visor on the GT AIR 3 goes down if you ride with the clear visor open!!! it even lets air in. very bad quality IMO,
Also, side note, it actually seemed worse in terms of noise than the gt air 2.
So yeah, if you're like me, stay with the GT AIR 2.
16:08 I'm really surprised that you say that it's wind screens which create wind noise. Yesterday, I rode a V-Strom and an SV-650 back to back, with the same helmet. The wind noise on the SV was unbearable on the highway. On the V-Strom it was utterly quiet. Can you elaborate, please?
Helmets that are wind-tunnel tested are done so on a naked bike, but screens AND fairings can add turbulence. Add into that the fact that your body position and the fit around the sides and neck make a massive difference, and wind noise will be incredibly hard to quantify reliably, and will always be subjective. In the good-fitting helmets I've had, they've tended to be quieter when in clean airflow (eg standing up, compared to sitting behind the screen)
@@bennettsbikesocial Well, I just had the exact opposite experience, so obviously this is not black and white. I was also standing up on the pegs on the V-Strom, and then there was as much noise as on the SV650. Sitting down it was VERY quiet.
@@stefanhansen5882 Exactly - fit, fairing etc all contribute. What helmet is it? The fact that it's noisier in clear air makes me think there's a leak or a poor personal fit around the ears or neck skirt.
@@bennettsbikesocial That was very valuable info. It's a Scorpion Exo Combat II helmet. And yes, a LOT of air flows into the helmet from below. Yesterday, I found that I could make it pleasantly quiet by stuffing a folded beanie inside the detachable "front piece".
My BMW Street X helmet has a lot of similar or same parts design as the the Shark. Now I know who makes it for them.
I have a GT Air 2 and a Quantic. Both are good helmets, and the Shoei's drop down sun visor is nice, but for me, the comfort and aerodynamics are better on the Arai... and the venilation is spectacular. I cannot tell for the GT Air 3, but if I had to grade them and the Arai had a reference mark of 10 out of 10, the Shoei would get 4 out of 10. Seriously: I need to keep the visor open on the Shoei, when the Arai kees me cool as soon as I'm moving. And the Sena SRL2 for the GT Air is honestly not very good. Not sure about the current SRL3.
Everyone has a different shaped head. Most important thing to me is wind noise- I like 'em quiet.
Which helmet would you recomend to ride the ninja zx6?
The one that fits you best
is there a more budget friendly ece.2206 selection? i cant swing 600 on a new lid
Yes - they're trickling through, but we review as broad a range as possible. You can see all the reviews here (though keep in mind the street price of the HJC, which I explained at the end) www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
I just bought the shark spartan RS for 290€ and its a lovely lid with the new 22.06 std
For 20 years I've run 2" black tape on the top of my visor, no peak necessary, i even remove them from my adv helmets.
Great review as always.. Can you clarify the legality with regards to Dark Visors..cheers
Very tricky... In the dark, definitely no. In bright daylight, technically not legal but you'd only be likely to get a problem if you were drawing attention to yourself. But, strictly speaking, don't wear one. If you do, it's your choice and I'd say you must always carry a clear one with you.
My fifth hjc. I always have xl which is 61 62 cm, but this 71 model I had to have xxl which is 62 63 cm plus the visor system is poor as it's either fully open or closed.
Fit is definitely the most important criterion, but so is style, and I have never seen a good looking Arai helmet. They are ugly as sin and for that reason I would never even consider one. I’m a Shoei fan - GT Air 2 for touring, X-SPR Pro for the track. They fit me perfectly, they look great, excellent field of view, good ventilation, and quiet. The drop down internal sun visor and micro-ratchet clasp are like cruise control - hard to live without once you’ve experienced them
I love my X-Lite
I'd be interested in changing from my Shoei Neotec to a Arai, but the lack of sun visor makes it a non starter.
Can't help think they've lost a lot of potential customers due to it.
They know the have - have a watch of that interview with Michio Arai
I’ve just gone from Neotec to GT-Air 3. I don’t use the modular feature much. Decided to try GT-Air 3 rather than Neotec 3. I’ve also fitted Cardo Edge in it, a bit fiddly but doable.
@@kiwijeeper480hey man. Can I ask why? I have a gt air2, and was actually looking for a flip up helmet, so i am curious to know why you would go back to a full face. I mean , are there obvious downsides (besides weight)
Yup. Hjc do a 70 for normal riding with a drop down, and an 11 without for racing. I’ve both, I prefer the 11, but the vent and drop down is soo useful, especially in spring when the sun is low, I bring it down 2” so acts as a sun visor. Arai need to give us a choice.
Do any of these helmets have the mips system like Bell helmets? The srt modular has it.
I like the Shoei and AGV.
when ive tried the Rx7 on I get a pain around the top of the my temple not sure if that the same with the Quantic but Ive got a GT-air 2 at the min but coming up to that 5 years in use as for the shoei fastener I dont like it I like the old "D" ring . ok you cant fit it with gloves but how many times to you put your lid on with gloves on LOL I dont like the Gt-air 2 Visor lock either I found I had to pull it down from the top
Reg. communication systems. If I'm not misinformed the 22.06 helmets lose their certification when something is added to the helmet. Therefore the helmet manufacturers cannot say it is Cardo compatible. So I ask you. Are the helmet compatible with the Cardo Pack Talk?
Homologation was a tricky issue, but basically if a manufacturer makes an accessory for a 22.06 helmet, they have to homologate it with it fitted to prove safety isn't compromised. If you choose to fit anything else to your helmet after buying it, that's up to you. Some lids are made to make it easy to fit aftermarket comms, like the Arai Tour-X5 for instance. Cheers, John
John, please - please …. do a video of the SRL review. I have a Neotec II with the old SRL which is junk. So I bought my partners and I a clip on Senna. So the problem is that IF I buy a Neotec III can I keep my external Senna or do I buy the new updated SRL. I recently went with moulded ear plugs also …. so I need a mini jack .
Great video - thanks
I only do videos of a fraction of the products I review. You can find them all here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
@@bennettsbikesocial yes. Fair play. They are very good and clearly take a lot of time. But there is a lot of BS out there so you’re the oasis. I’ll learn to read 😳
AWESOME VIDEO AMAZING FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! !
They don't even acknowledge the GT Air 3 in the US. Shoei doesn't shoei it on their website and nowhere sells it. I'd buy one, should it Arai's at some point in the future.
But seriously, where tf is this helmet already?
Will you be looking at Nolan's or Xlite I'm looking for a helmet with a fully replaceable inside an easy visor chance would really like to see these before I buy.
I hope to... had a meeting with the UK distributor a while back
Does shoei make a modular without comms
Do all sun visors distort the vision like my cheap Nexx, to the point I just can't use it, or are Shoei sun visors perfect like sunglasses?
Thank you
Definitely not! Cheers, John
Which one is best for glasses ? Thanks.
I did cover that
Really like you reviews. Need avdise, i drive a motorbike for a 3,4 month , use to drive it without helmet, ordered it waited 2 month. an arai quantic,just came on new year, looks like it fits me quite good , researched a lot before buying it. About fit and etc
That is actually my first helmet, use to drive without helmet for 3 month, first impression air amout is great, fit is great , but dont have anything to compare with,still. everything is just great so far, but tge only thing that bothers me , the sound of the engine that sound like i wear a speakers or headphones in my ears that deliveres engine sound quite loud , i don't know if this is normal or not. It is like in fake sounding cars where engine sound comes from the speakers. What you think about it?
Not sure about that, though you should wear earplugs. Give them a go. Cheers, John
No Ruroc or Scorpion Covert FX? I love non mainstream unique look helmets. Dont like looking the same like everyone else
Most of the reviews are written - only a fraction is video. Here's the Ruroc: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/ruroc-atlas-4-review
Arai actually passed formula 1 requirements, with no modifications. Arai is the safest helmet, scientifically speaking.
Here in NZ helmets usually have no stickers on them saying what standards they meet. Is my Shoei compliant with US standards? EU standards? Japanese standards? All of them?!
It’s confusing.
If you join our Facebook group, there are PPE experts from your area on there and we can check. Come along and ask on there. facebook.com/groups/bikesocial
Protectint pinlock sorts the sunshade issue.
I have found the arai stone chip very easily
Where the agv k6 s?
Where are the Schubert helmets?
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products
How did you manage to fit a tablet to the bike.
It's designed for it - it's a Carpe Iter V4b
I'll get around to finishing the video when I'm done laughing that Shark would be included in any "best of" helmet list. Cmon man, this is just sad. Do we get a best of with Ruroc next? 🤣
Here's your Ruroc review www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/ruroc-atlas-4-review
I still find it most comfortable to wear sunglasses if needed
Went from Shoei to Arai
I actually hate the lining of the shoei
Arai is a better yet very similar idk why it’s feels better
But the shark feel the best to my face softttttt
Have you tried the Ruroc? I recently bought one and have also the Klim, Shoei… used to own the Schuberth (long rides gave me a hot spot), Shoei was the perfect helmet the GT-Air… Now I tend to use the Ruroc more, find the Ruroc very quiet similar to the Shoei. What are your thoughts.
Yes... The vast majority of my reviews are written www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/ruroc-atlas-4-review