[7Speedy3]

Ok, so I'm in the market for a new helmet and have it narrowed down to the Shoei X-11 or the Suomy Spec 1r Extreme. I've tried on both, and they both fit well. They also cost about the same ( wned. I've had a Shoei before and was pretty happy with it, but I haven't gotten much in the way of feedback on the Suomy other than they're very light and somewhat loud (road noise).

Anyone here have one? Thoughts? Likes, dislikes?

 

[Guest]

Scorpions don't fog. Really. Ever. That alone makes them worth their weight in gold. But they're not expensive anyway, so EVEN BETTER!!

P.S. They run small so move up 1-2 sizes than normal.

 

[HockeyFan]

I've got a Suomy Spec 1R and what you hear is right on the money. It's a bit noisy but not unbearable. The paint is awesome and the fit and finish is top notch. Carefull washing the visor, I used windex once and washed the tint off. The sizes run small so try one on befor you buy.

 

[Devious2xs]

I have an X-11. It is not my favorite helmet, but nothing fits me like the KBC VR-1. But it works.

 

[HARVEE]

have a look a schuberth r1

apart from being real quiet 100 mph is like 70
the venting on a hot day is superb
alot of lids have built in sun visors
this is my first with sun visor i couldnt be without now
a top lid.whats the price for one in u.s.a

 

[Devious2xs]

The R1 is the quietest helmet I have ever used (Borrowed one last year to try). But dealers here all seem to want full retail. :jerkit:

 

[kuhlka]

Shoei X-11 has next to no buffeting at 120mph. I've tested it thoroughly.

Arai XD buffets a lot at high speeds and is noisy as hell, but very comfortable, breathes like nothing else, and has a HUGE shield so you can see a lot more than a regular full-face.

Shoei RF1000 is basically a budget version of the X-11 without the buffeting resistance and air flow.

 

[Roulettetriple]

I got an Arai Profile. The most comfortable helmet I've ever owned. It's a little loud at speed, but the ventilation is outstanding. You can actually feel your hair blowing in the wind.

 

[DirtMcGirt]

got my spec 1 r extreme (barros)from this guy...he had a blow out and i got it for 340

http://stores.ebay.com/Helmet-Depot..._W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZ6334610QQftidZ2QQtZkm

 

[7Speedy3]

My last Shoei was an RF-1000, and as I mentioned I was pretty happy with it. It did seem to fog pretty easily, but was quiet and well-vented. The X-11 seems to fit me even better though, plus some of the added features are nice.Maybe less fogging with the extra venting?

I've tried on all the various models of the Arai's, and while I can see why everyone likes them they don't seem to fit me as well as the Shoei or the Suomy.

I'm leaning to the Suomy right now, but as I mentioned they're isn't as much info about them out there. I can deal with a little more noise, though I'm curious about the venting (less vents) and fogging issues...

 

[HockeyFan]

Mine has never fogged and the venting is good. Although you can only close the one in front of your mouth so if it's cold out you may freeze.

 

[kcjones]

My last two helmets were Arai signets, they fit very well. I am now considering trying a Shark, I've tried them on and they fit well also, their shield replacement system is better than Arai's, and they're considerably less expensive. I wore a Shoei a few years ago on a ride and it gve me a headache, it didn't fit my pointy head at all..put pressure right on the center of my forehead.

 

[motorep]

Scorpions don't fog. Really. Ever.

Neither do Suomys.

 

[dfib]

I wore a Shoei a few years ago on a ride and it gve me a headache, it didn't fit my pointy head at all..put pressure right on the center of my forehead.

I've had the exact same problem. Bought one, thought it fit great in store, and sold it after one ride.

 

[HockeyFan]

One more thing, Changing the sheild is a giant pain in the ass :finger:

 

[7Speedy3]

One more thing, Changing the sheild is a giant pain in the ass :finger:

I've heard that, I'm surprised they haven't changed that particular feature. On the other hand I don't plan on changing my sheild all the time, so I can live with that. I live in NorCal, so while it does get cold I'm more concerned about hot. I spend most of my rides with my shield cracked open (I like airflow), so I'm thinking cold shouldn't be a huge problem.

Thanks for all the great responses! I know picking a helmet is mostly a personal choice, but its good to hear other opinions :drink:

 

[motorep]

The new Suomy Vandal has a quick-change shield. The fit is a little different than the Spec1-R, though. More of a long oval.

 

[Guest]

I've got the Spec1R-Extreme Fabrizio/Cathedral. Also an Arai RX7 and a QuantumII.

About the Suomy:
Graphics and paint quality: top notch.
DOT sticker: better stickers on bananas.
Beyond the paint: fit and finish aren't as stellar as paint would lead you to believe. One of the snaps that holds the lining to the shell has never stayed snapped. Liner is comfortable (I bought into the alcantara), but not as nice as either of the Arais. Strange chin strap snap; integrated plastic piece sticks way down -- hard to explain, but looks like a tongue depressor hanging out of the bottom of the helmet. Venting works, but vents seem to have been added as an afterthought. Flimsy control in the center-top, no controls on the top-sides. Vent under visor pretty cheap. Big visor, I feel there is better peripheral than the Arais. I understand visor finish is very fragile; I've only used water and a cotton t-shirt for cleaning. No windex, plexus, or paper towels. It still looks good. Venting is no better than the RX7, but helmet is noisier. If you wear earplugs (I do) it won't be an issue.

I get more comments about the Suomy than I do when I wear either of the Arais.

Overall, I don't regret buying the Suomy and I still wear it regularly. But my favorite is still the RX7. I wear XXL Suomy and XL Arai.

Can't comment on the Shoei, but I'd love to try a Lawson.

Good luck.

 

[7Speedy3]

I've got the Spec1R-Extreme Fabrizio/Cathedral. Also an Arai RX7 and a QuantumII.

About the Suomy:
Graphics and paint quality: top notch.
DOT sticker: better stickers on bananas.
Beyond the paint: fit and finish aren't as stellar as paint would lead you to believe. One of the snaps that holds the lining to the shell has never stayed snapped. Liner is comfortable (I bought into the alcantara), but not as nice as either of the Arais. Strange chin strap snap; integrated plastic piece sticks way down -- hard to explain, but looks like a tongue depressor hanging out of the bottom of the helmet. Venting works, but vents seem to have been added as an afterthought. Flimsy control in the center-top, no controls on the top-sides. Vent under visor pretty cheap. Big visor, I feel there is better peripheral than the Arais. I understand visor finish is very fragile; I've only used water and a cotton t-shirt for cleaning. No windex, plexus, or paper towels. It still looks good. Venting is no better than the RX7, but helmet is noisier. If you wear earplugs (I do) it won't be an issue.

I get more comments about the Suomy than I do when I wear either of the Arais.

Overall, I don't regret buying the Suomy and I still wear it regularly. But my favorite is still the RX7. I wear XXL Suomy and XL Arai.

Can't comment on the Shoei, but I'd love to try a Lawson.

Good luck.

Wow! ow:

Thanks for the awesome response! I picked up the same feeling about the vents when I've looked at the Suomy's, which is why I was a little concerned about how well they worked. The paint is of course a big seller, but comfort is more important. My g/f has an Arai RX7, and while I think its an awesome helmet, it just isn't quite there with the fit for me, which is unfortunate, my skull just doesn't seem to work quite right with the Arai :-\

Thanks again for all the info! No helmet is perfect, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages and this will definitely help me make an informed decision...

 

[XTR]

I think the first concern is fit. I tried a lot of helmets on before I got my X-11. I walked around the store for 15min or more with anything I was really interested in buying. In the end the X-11 fit my nugget the best. It wasn't my first choice, and it was a lot more than I wanted to spend. I did get it at 20% off at Cycle World so it could have been worse.

Now.....

Just happened to be a perfect match for my blue speedy.
My only complaint so far are that the initial shield didn't fit just right and I got wind noise the first day. The shop replaced the shield the next day.

Changing visors is so easy you could probsably do it at a light.