Totally agree with this. I have an Arai, never thought I'd change brands. The clip on sun visor thing is a joke. Changing visors drives me mad. Recently I find if I wear it while riding my Pani it restricts my vision when going uphill. I.e. It sits too low and I'm not the first to have found this. A year or so back I bought a Shoie GT air. Chalk and cheese. Altogether better. Internal sun visor is great. Shop assistants told me they were really good lids and although I treat such recommendations sceptically they were right. No matter what lid, I wear earplugs. Much less fatigue. I wouldn't hesitate to choose a Shoie over an Arai any time.
I've always worn Shoei myself and have never found another lid that quite fits as well with a similar level of quality. Shark came reasonably close in the fit, but ultimately for a road based lid they just weren't quite as plush. I've tried on the Arai a few times in the past and always felt they were too flat fronted for me, the visor and chin area felt much closer to my face and I didn't like that. It's a very first world problem
Only point I’d make with regards to Arai our gt air, I have the rx7 and the venting I’d superb especially on hot sunny days, agree with sun shade, internal on the gt air is spot on
If noise is a concern then an RX7/X Spirit 3 etc are off the table, because they are race lids which one of the main functions is to flow as much air as possible to keep the rider cool, with it creates noise. I really like the fit and finish of the X-802RR and hear good things about the 803 (not sure if it's released yet). Personally i have an Arai for daily chores and a X-Spirit 2 for nice stuff as it's probably the best fitting helmet I've ever worn. I always use earplugs though, can't ride without them.
Just a word of warning to Shoei Neotec 2 buyers, They must have changed the shell shape as my new Neotec 2 is giving me a headache and is not very well padded around the temples, whereas my Neotec 1 was fine
Shoei have changed the shell for the Neotec 2 which has had the opposite effect for me. I found the Neotec 1 so uncomfortable and claustrophobic to wear, I walked away from it but the Neotech 2 has been a bit of a revelation. After 4 months and about 2000 miles, I find it very comfortable to wear. It’s not the quitest helmet I have nor is it the best ventilated but on balance the comfort and the convenience makes it my first choice for the road. Andy
Lids are very much a personal thing, but one piece of advice I would like to offer on this question. Having decided to change from my Arai fetish, to a flip-up, I chose a Shark Evo 1. After numerous pin-lock scratching issues, I then moved to the Evo 1-2, supported brilliantly by the Helmet City team in Bridport. This Evo version apparently had resolved the pin-lock scratching issues, however, after a period of use circa 10 weeks and a 2,300 mile trip to Haute Savoie, the issue of quality definitely has not gone away and the pin-lock problem is categorically still there. What with the finish coming off of the front vent, slider for the visor and the side pods, Shark clearly have little or no quality control evident, so do your selves a huge favour. Do not venture into Evo 1, or 1-2 territory, as you will waste your money and will spend far to much time talking with your supplier about rectification.. No doubt there are loads of positives about Shark products, I simply haven't found any of them! Utter rubbish products. Full-stop. I've been down to HC in Bridport today, they've taken the Evo back and instead I've opted for an X-Lite 1004 in red & black, with once again great customer service from these guys, who I can't praise highly enough. Julian, Alex, Will & Martin, all with excellent knowledge about their product range and incredibly interested in making their customers happy and satisfied and no, I'm not on any royalties or retainers here. Regards TonyN
Have been an Arai buyer for many years. Wore a X-lite X-802RR for the first time. Fit and finish is spot-on. It also gives great all round vision out of the visor.
I wouldn't be without my Nexx. Incredibly light at 1250 its like you haven't got a helmet on., Best vision - I can't see the helmet at all in my peripherel vision which is a first. Quality finish. I'm sure there are quieter helmets but its not bad. I like the looks but thats subjective. Not expensive.
just to add to my previous post, The Xlite 802rr ultra carbon is not quiet in comparison to the Shoei nxr, Thats both on the streetfighter and 888, Worth a mention as its been coming up a lot in threads on the forum, Like others say the quality/finish is very good
There are quite a few helmets on the market now with the new ECE 22,06 markings which I believe is a not inconsiderable improvement in safety levels. First changes in 20 years. Think I will wait till I can try one before deciding on my next lid.
