Mood: Out with the grey....in with the satin black
I was discussing this with a few mates the other night (one of which is a bike journo & can get any lid he wants free). Result was unanimous - Arai if they fit you properly). They are a bit noisy, but it's because the venting is so good. If Arai doesn't fit, Shoei or top AGV.
Dickie is dead right. If an Arai Corsair doesn't fit properly then it'd be cheaper to wear a saucepan! Many people treat lids as fashion accessories and see the fancy paint job or the 'look how expensive my lid was' price tag.
My methodology goes like this:
To select a helmet, first try on all the different brands on the shelf and find the ones that fit properly - ask the sales person what training they have in helmet fitting... I think all Arai outlets have to have at least one trained staff member (could be wrong tho!). If they just ask you "is it comfortable sir?" then ask to speak to someone who knows what they're on about!
Once you've got a few that fit, ask the salesdude about the features. They'll all have a BS mark on them, but why have some not got an ACU gold sticker? Also bear in mind, for example, a lid which doesn't have changeable padding won't fit for very long!
Now you have a small selection left to choose from, so haggle the price on those you can't afford and reject the ones that seem just a bit too cheap. Then all that's left is to choose the one that looks pretiest!
Have i missed anything?
For me, the only lid that fits me properly is Aria... cos my guardian angel just wants me to spend my life broke!
I'd go with Nicks suggestion. the fit is above all the overiding factor when choosing a lid. a new one should, if anything be a little tight as it will bed down on your head. Arai fit me well, and yes, i find them noisy to. I've now got a Shoei. Fits just as well and is a lot quieter than my arai was. I can't get a suomy on for the life of me. Gives me a headache within minutes. i had a Bell years ago, but the newer ones don't fit now. Personally, i've never got on with AGV. But that's just it. It's VERY personal. Just because a lid gets top marks in a test, it'll be no use at all to you if it doesn't fit properly. It won't protect you properly and it'll give you a headache. When I try a new lid on, i do the strap up and then try and twist the thing around on my head and also try and pull it off forwards and backwards. If it doesn't move to much then it's pretty good. I was told years ago that you should just be able to get your little finger down the side of your temple. works for me?????? Lastly, keep it on for a few minutes in the shop. Yes you'll look stupid walking around in a lid, but a quick fit and then taking it off, won't tell you if the pressure builds up and starts giving you a headache.
I have had Arai's from the day the first delivery arrived in the country, - the Astro. But they are heavier than they should be and those visor pods over your ears make them noisy.
So wanting a change I tried something else; a Shark RSR. It is an underrated helmet, Arai build quality, light and quieter, and I really like the shape and design, - great with a black visor. And there are deals around on them.
But as everybody says make sure it fits whatever you buy.
21-Apr-2005, 01:01 
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