[ThePass]

So I currently have an Icon helmet, and it's done its duty well for the past year but I have some gripes with it - the visor fogs father easily if the weather is not perfect, and the padding has compressed over time so that the helmet really is not a proper fit as it was when I bought it. Also most frustrating is that I can feel absolutely zero difference between all the vents open vs. closed. They just don't do anything.

I just bought my second Dainese jacket (on sale mind you) and realized if I'm willing to spend the dough on jackets, I ought to invest some money is a more appropriate helmet...

Searching around, I ran into the Scorpion exo-1000. I have pretty much fallen in love with the coolio flip-down internal smoked shield that allows one to use a clear visor and basically flip down sunglasses at a moments notice. I tried one on and the pump up cheek pads, though kinda a gimmick, seem to make an already well-fitting helmet fit really snug and nice. Reading reviews though, many are less than pleased with the airflow through the helmet (a big priority to me for a next helmet)...

I looked around a bit more and have found the Shark RSI helmet for 249.00 - actually less than the exo-1000. It doesn't have the cool flip down shades (actually the exo-1000 is the only one I've ever seen that had that) but I suspect that Shark has done some serious homework on making a venting system that actually works, and anti-fog lenses that actually work, and keeping the weight of the helmet down, etc. etc. - I've seen a lot of AMA guys at Laguna seca wearing Sharks... for what that's worth...

So really my question is, is it better to go with a helmet that is the flagship top of the line from a brand that makes more entry level helmets or is it wiser to spend roughly the same money on a basic helmet from the entry level line of a top-end helmet brand...?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

-Ryan

 

[Nasty99]

I can't offer you a lot of advice but I'll give you what I can.

For the money I think there better helmets out there than the EXO-1000.
When the EXO 400 & 700 are on sale they are very attractive.

I've had the Shoei RF-1000 and while the venting is ok my X-11 makes it feel like junk when the weather gets hot. In colder weather both of them will fog up at lights even when the factory breath guards are installed and the front vent is open. There is a breath guard that seems to eliminate most of that but is a bit combersome Respro: Racing - Road Racing - Foggy Mask

I think I'm gunna get a Scorpion EX0-700 for colder months and reserve the X-11 for when it gets warmer.The EXO line is held in high regard for there fog free shields.

 

[Phenix_Rider]

Scorpion's shields are supposed to be the best in the business. If the EXO-1000 fits you, buy it. I love my RF-1000, but it does fog. One of the only brands that has a useful first notch on the shield. You can get a pinlock shield that takes care of the fogging.

I recently tried on a lot of Dainese jackets, and didn't care for them. RS Taichi and Alpinestars now, those I like. You can read hundreds of reviews, but what you really need to do is try everything on.

 

[g34343greg]

i really wanted to get an EXO1000 until i tried it on.... but it's so freakin' heavy!!!

my first helmet was a Scorpion EXO-400 and although it has some nice features, its heavy, the visor doesn't seal tightly, and it just doesn't have that "nice" feel to it.

i also have a Shark RSI and RSX and love them both. quality on both is amazing, both are very light, and have nice plush visors. my next helmet will be another Shark

 

[NattyDrez]

I have 3 helmets...an HJC, KBC, and a 2 months old EXO-400. I love them all.

But, ever since I bought the exo-400, I havent worn any of the other helmets since. Its super comfortable (the cheekpads are big, and the whole helmet feels very secure) and overall looks are nice. I really, really like it and am very happy with my [on sale] purchase.

 

[RayOSV]

My mother taught me that you're often better off with an entry level something from a top brand rather than a top something from a lower-level brand.

Get what fits you best, but I've had great service from 3 Shoei helmets (RF800, X-Tec, and X-11).

 

[smashbox]

My mother taught me that you're often better off with an entry level something from a top brand rather than a top something from a lower-level brand.

Get what fits you best, but I've had great service from 3 Shoei helmets (RF800, X-Tec, and X-11).

ray i hope all is well. this was put rather nicely and your mother is a very smart lady!! i wish i had hear this when i first started investing in gear as i would have bought a higher end one piece suit, helmet etc.. as i started to invest in higher end gear i realized i should have done this from the beginning and i would have actually saved time and money, let alone space in my room for all my gear

 

[Nasty99]

as i started to invest in higher end gear i realized i should have done this from the beginning and i would have actually saved time and money,

Give that man a prize.

 

[Phenix_Rider]

Give that man a prize.

That doesn't always work. Sometimes top brands have quirks that are just weird. Like Shark- the ear cutouts are PAINFUL to me. You ave to find the balance between price, hype, actual quality and fit.

 

[Bpro]

My last helmet was a SHOEI X-11 and it was a great lid. It died a cruel death at the hands of a rider who didn't seem to understand that you can't go from the race line to pit out without signaling....

I recently got a smokin deal on its replacement. I am currently wearing a Bell Star.
Observations.

Great fit once you realize that they run a full size larger than advertised. (XL shoei = L Bell)

unbelievable venting. you can actually feel your hair moving in the breeze.

Fog resistant shield. Just returned from a very wet trip to the smokies and never fogged once. combined with the great venting I rarely popped the shield at traffic lights.

Very Light. easily and favorably compares with my Shoei.

very little lift or buffeting at speed. (say 120+)

Like anything there is a downside. Wind Noise. Easily one of the noisier lids I have owned, possible louder than a Who concert. I would guess this is a trade off for the great venting.
I found this helmet to be great running around the backroads on TN,NC,SC, and GA, but in no way would I have wanted to wear it on the 5 hour superslab down from home.

It meets my needs perfectly as a track day / backroads warrior lid and I really like it. Its just a good thing iot comes in a nice travel case to keep it safe on the ride down.

 

[smashbox]

That doesn't always work. Sometimes top brands have quirks that are just weird. Like Shark- the ear cutouts are PAINFUL to me. You ave to find the balance between price, hype, actual quality and fit.

so find a slightly higher end helmet, or gear that fits you well and is comfortable and spend the extra dough on it in the beginning.

 

[Elgix6]

My last helmet was a SHOEI X-11 and it was a great lid. It died a cruel death at the hands of a rider who didn't seem to understand that you can't go from the race line to pit out without signaling....

I recently got a smokin deal on its replacement. I am currently wearing a Bell Star.
Observations.

Great fit once you realize that they run a full size larger than advertised. (XL shoei = L Bell)

unbelievable venting. you can actually feel your hair moving in the breeze.

Fog resistant shield. Just returned from a very wet trip to the smokies and never fogged once. combined with the great venting I rarely popped the shield at traffic lights.

Very Light. easily and favorably compares with my Shoei.

very little lift or buffeting at speed. (say 120+)

Like anything there is a downside. Wind Noise. Easily one of the noisier lids I have owned, possible louder than a Who concert. I would guess this is a trade off for the great venting.
I found this helmet to be great running around the backroads on TN,NC,SC, and GA, but in no way would I have wanted to wear it on the 5 hour superslab down from home.

It meets my needs perfectly as a track day / backroads warrior lid and I really like it. Its just a good thing iot comes in a nice travel case to keep it safe on the ride down.

I heard that the Bell Star was a good helmet. that might be the one i will go with. I love the way the ICON fits and feels, but the vents just don't work. I hear the ICON AIRFRAME has really good venting, but i just don't know if i want to spend the coin just yet.

 

[Royal Tiger]

I have a Dainese jacket & gloves, Sidi boots, and an AGV helmet. Love them all.

I heard Shark was a french company. Is that true?

 

[ANORXIC'51]

I used to be somewhat torn on this subject. However, always reverting back to the "get the best you can afford" reccomendations, I decided to zero in on choosing product from the brands more towards the top in the quality/ fit department. Yet, not wanting to shell out 'top-of-the-line' prices in those top-tier brands, I've begun buying the previous generation of top-of-the-line gear.

The more you look, the more you will find deals on former "best of the best" gear ( due to the replacement flagship being released to market) for near the same pricing as the top of the line offerings from the lower tiers of brands.

Shoei X-11 should be at the house by the time I get home in 2 wks. Already have a pair of Sidi Vertigo Corsa Airs with me, and will be ordering the Held Phantom gloves when we come back from vacation next month.

Just another option for you to consider.

-Christian

 

[g34343greg]

I have a Dainese jacket & gloves, Sidi boots, and an AGV helmet. Love them all.

I heard Shark was a french company. Is that true?

hells yes they're french!

i have a Shark RSX with an american flag and eagle on it just for you.

PS i also run michelin tires :neener

 

[Optimus Leo]

hells yes they're french!

i have a Shark RSX with an american flag and eagle on it just for you.

PS i also run michelin tires :neener

And I have a RSI with a brazilian flag nfloor

Funny they don't have any french schemes lol.

BTW, to the OP: a really good riding buddy of mine got the EXO-1000. He wears it as his daily commute lid. He has a Corsair RX-7 and a EXO-700 also.

His reviews of the EXO-1000: heavy, the visor opening is kinda narrow. Other than that, he likes the lid. He just says that he doesn't consider it a serious track lid, he loves to wear it daily just because of the shades, so he doesn't have to carry two visors with him.

The RSI is MUCH lighter than the EXO-1000.

If it was me, I would go with the RSI...but Sharks sometimes have kinda a strange fit, so try to test it first.

 

[Chromedome636]

which icon do you have? i have a domain 2 mechanica and i love it!! granted i went from an HJC to that but still its quiet and breathes great, i havent had it in the cold but i has been in like 50 and didnt fog up yet. plus the styling is kinda amazing.

 

[Ramrodthrusterpuppy]

My motto is to get the highest quality gear that you can afford and that fits you properly. No sense on cheaping out on the stuff that's going to save your ass (and head) if you wipe out.