Helmets

[lam@wrnf]

I just read the review below and saw some of the comments. I wanted to offer some info but it seemed too much for an end of article comment so I posted here.

REVIEW: Arai SZ/Ram III Helmet
Getting the proper fit
By Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
1/23/2009
http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?lid=1134

When I got my first helmet I thought I was getting help at my local motorcycle dealer. They explained to me that Arai was the best. I don't disagree but they used the chance of a new rider to get rid of stock they didn't want whether it fit or not. I bought a helmet that is the wrong shape and the wrong size.

Then I went to the IMS 2010 and talked to the Arai representative who sent me right across the aisle.

There at The Service Pavilion IMS booth they gave me a correct fitting and my helmet fits so well there hasn't even been the 'break in' changes everyone talks about. They keep a record of client purchases so you can be sure you get the right one. They don't have to special order everything so exchanges can be done. AND they have a trade-in program for the Arai helmet you don't want anymore with the trade-in value decided by their technicians.

No, I don't work for them or get discounts. I'm just happy to find someone that still cares about their professional reputation and doesn't treat any customer differently than any other for any reason.

If you want it. http://www.theservicepavilion.com/

lam

[Ametha Elf]

I'm tossing up whether to get an Arai or Shoei for my next helmet. Sounds like Arai give good service to customers.

[VStarMama72]

I'm leaning toward Icon's Alliance or Airframe helmets. This will be my first full face helmet. I currently ride with KBC's flip-up Speedster helmet that although convenient, stylish and provides good airflow in summer weather, it's too airy even with the vents closed for cold weather riding.

I like Icon's Alliance helmets new graphics but as far as I know the model doesn't offer a chin skirt but the Airframe model does.

Anyone have any experience with these helmets?

[lam@wrnf]

Ametha Elf -

Arai is a good company but they don't sell direct in the US. I bought, my second helmet, from the main US distributor and that company does have very good service.

I don't know who to contact for Australia but the Arai website might have the main distributor for your area listed. They also listed the dealer I bought from though. The real trick is finding someone that can do a proper fitting to begin with. Arai helmets have so many more ways to individualize a helmet than any other manufacturer. If the person fitting you doesn't know how (or care about) doing it right it can be worse than just buying a helmet with a general fit.

I can't comment on any other helmets qualities since I've never worn anything but an Arai full face.

Let me know how it goes - lam

[She Rides]

I'm tossing up whether to get an Arai or Shoei for my next helmet. Sounds like Arai give good service to customers.

Arai and Shoei are two of the best motorcycle helmets on the market. Since neither one sells to the public, the customer service you get is from the reseller. We have known Brianna from The Service Pavilion for several years and they are good people to deal with.

We don't sell Arai but we do sell Shoei and we recommend that you buy a full-face helmet that fits you well and wear it every time you ride.

Ride Safe!

[Burgmanlady]

Both my helmets are HJC. What is your opinion on them? I have a 3/4 and a full face. I would love to get a full face flip, but with my weird head, I have to try them on. I have the same problem with boots and gloves too.

[Ametha Elf]

Thanks for the info She Rides and Iam@wrnf. We can buy Arai and Shoei off the shelf through most dealerships here. Last time I bought a helmet was through a website (Shark RSI) and now as a result I realise that you really should try a helmet on first.

[lam@wrnf]

It's not just the S - M - L size that matters. Arai has at least three interior shapes it produces. The helmet you want may not have the interior that fits you well. They also make different cheek pads that are removable and can be changed out for a better, more individualized fit.

If there isn't someone trained to fit an Arai in your area see if the distributor will let you wear it in the shop for a half hour or so. If you have any pressure marks at all you could need a different shape instead of a different size.

An Arai is a significant purchase and if there's a fitment specialist available it couldn't hurt to ask. Sorry if I sound like I'm pushing this but my second experience was as good as my first one was bad. I just want to help others have it go well for them.

I never had an HJC but I did want a modular helmet (full face flip). I looked around on the web and found out that the modulars can't get a Snell cert because of the location of the hinge at the temple. The stuff I read all agreed that the temple is the most vulnerable part of your head and the hinge's pivot point reduces protection at that same point. They pass DOT testing but at the time I was researching no one manufacturing the modulars would submit them to Snell for testing even when Snell Foundation asked for them.

Good luck - lam