picking out a new helmet

crxracer98328 · 09-21-2012, 11:21 AM

trying to figure out what mx helmet to get. I know shoei and arai have good reviews but what about troy lee designs, fox V4s, or suomy helmets. i dont care about the price because its protecting me from death. i just want to hear what people think about there helmets and what they recommend. i have a Fox V2 right now that i like but i have it for a while and are looking to upgrade.

Snomofo · 09-21-2012, 11:42 AM

The most important thing about buying a helmet is the fit---go to a shop and don't just try it on, but wear it around for a while. Sounds like you are going to buy a quality helmet, but they all fit differently. I love my Arai RXQ,but it took some time to find the best fit for me.

WaGigKPN · 09-21-2012, 11:43 AM

Personally i think the Icon Variant is the best for around here. The Visor would be excellent for keeping sun out of your eyes and also rain at slower speeds (traffic?) Also the visibility i hear is fantastic (I feel that is one of the top safety features of any helmet). It is also freakishly light (tried one on). That's important for if your in a crash because its less weight on your neck. I also hear it is pretty quiet at speed.

It looks great too!

I want one...

Start ICON haters...GO

LSeca · 09-21-2012, 11:53 AM

CJ, if you like the fit of Fox, Hinshaws had the new carbon fiber V4 on sale as of yesterday. They were going for around 400 bucks, decent deal and I could not find better online. Red/black and white/black color ways. Really light, very nice interior and finish. I thought they fit like the Arai vx, chinbar close and tight. Shoei fits me best and has a more extended and roomy front.

blueline15 · 09-21-2012, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Snomofo

The most important thing about buying a helmet is the fit---go to a shop and don't just try it on, but wear it around for a while. Sounds like you are going to buy a quality helmet, but they all fit differently. I love my Arai RXQ,but it took some time to find the best fit for me.

Pretty much this.

Originally Posted by WaGigKPN

Personally i think the Icon Variant is the best for around here. The Visor would be excellent for keeping sun out of your eyes and also rain at slower speeds (traffic?) Also the visibility i hear is fantastic (I feel that is one of the top safety features of any helmet). It is also freakishly light (tried one on). That's important for if your in a crash because its less weight on your neck. I also hear it is pretty quiet at speed.

It looks great too!

I want one...

Start ICON haters...GO

So you're giving advice on a helmet you think is the best based what you have heard? And tried on once?

He is asking about MX helmets, and you mention traffic?

This is the type of fantastic advice pnwr is know for.

WaGigKPN · 09-21-2012, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by blueline15

Pretty much this.

So you're giving advice on a helmet you think is the best based what you have heard? And tried on once?

He is asking about MX helmets, and you mention traffic?

This is the type of fantastic advice pnwr is know for.

I have done lots of research on this helmet so i figured i could give the op my opinion on what i have learned. just a fellow PNWR helping another out...

Didn't realize he is looking for an MX helmet, my bad.

Thanks for bashing tho...looks like you got that super hero "im on an internet forum" gene!

Solow89 · 09-21-2012, 12:12 PM

look on sharp helmet reviews

blueline15 · 09-21-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by WaGigKPN

I have done lots of research on this helmet so i figured i could give the op my opinion on what i have learned. just a fellow PNWR helping another out...

Didn't realize he is looking for an MX helmet, my bad.

Thanks for bashing tho...looks like you got that super hero "im on an internet forum" gene!

Wasn't bashing you. Just calling you out. Has nothing to do with "you".

Citing your sources would have been more helpful then "I heard".

Anyway, enough of this conversation here. We can take it to the open forum, or you can pm me, which I'll still post in the open forum if you have anything else to say.

Have a good weekend.

mnewell · 09-21-2012, 01:13 PM

Considering how many times I crash in the dirt or drop my helmet, I'm hesitant on spending big bucks on an Arai/Shoei dirt lid. For my dirt lids I prefer to find something that fits well, is safety certified, and costs less than $200.

For the street/track, I will always rock an Arai.

coastiepete · 09-21-2012, 01:49 PM

If you ARE talking about dirt helmets, i freaking LOVE the TLD helmet i got from a member here. it is SOOOO much lighter than the KBC, HJC, or THOR helmets i have been using. It's just so light, it makes my riding so much more enjoyable. my neck doesn't get tired anymore. I think it's the SE model......it's awesome.

I know the other top brands have big followers, but i have not tried the dirt versions from them.

crxracer98328 · 09-21-2012, 02:03 PM

i was looking at Suomy MR jump or Fox V4. i like to try stuff that others may stay away from. having owned a Fox before it is easy to go back. at the same time the saftey rating and weight of the suomy kind of draw me in like a moth to a bug zapper.

LSeca · 09-21-2012, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

If you ARE talking about dirt helmets, i freaking LOVE the TLD helmet i got from a member here. it is SOOOO much lighter than the KBC, HJC, or THOR helmets i have been using. It's just so light, it makes my riding so much more enjoyable. my neck doesn't get tired anymore. I think it's the SE model......it's awesome.

I know the other top brands have big followers, but i have not tried the dirt versions from them.

You got that from me Pete, it is a great lid. I had to let you have it as it deserves to go fast with you and not be used as a dirt scoop with me.

Hope all is well with you and Blue back east.

LSeca · 09-21-2012, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by crxracer98328

i was looking at Suomy MR jump or Fox V4. i like to try stuff that others may stay away from. having owned a Fox before it is easy to go back. at the same time the saftey rating and weight of the suomy kind of draw me in like a moth to a bug zapper.

AGV bud, I have not seen anyone with one like mine. Badass looking and light too.

D1ssent1ent01 · 09-21-2012, 02:32 PM

IMHO you can not beat the Shoei VFX-W.

coastiepete · 09-21-2012, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by LSeca

You got that from me Pete, it is a great lid. I had to let you have it as it deserves to go fast with you and not be used as a dirt scoop with me.

Hope all is well with you and Blue back east.

Yessir, i did. We are doing well, thanks for asking. Sandi is actually back in PA until late October for her Acctg firm. I'm a little jealous, wish i could hit some WA ORV parks!

slo rider · 09-22-2012, 08:01 PM

Airoh ftw

crxracer98328 · 09-23-2012, 04:21 PM

just purchased the Suomy Mr Jump Monster edition pictured above!

mcjunky · 09-23-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by D1ssent1ent01

IMHO you can not beat the Shoei VFX-W.

Love mine, spent 4 hours in it today!

rolandk · 09-23-2012, 07:11 PM

Arai VX Pro is my all-time favorite dirt helmet. Perfect fit, light as a feather, excellent ventillation, easy to take the insides out to wash. Currently have a Shoei VFX-W, great helmet but not quite up to the Arai standards.

Sentor · 09-23-2012, 07:16 PM

I just bought a One Trooper 2 helmet.

From this guy:

I wore my trooper 1 helmet for a long time, and hit it many times. I rode with the trooper 2 helmet Saturday, and I could barely tell it was there. The Large fits tighter than most companies streetbike large.

http://myworld.ebay.com/helmetaccess...84.m1497.l2754

edit: (ah, he had a ton of trooper 2's the other day. Looks like he has a large and a medium left.)

edit2: I love the look of that suomy!


09-21-2012, 11:21 AM	#1
crxracer98328 Licensed Joined: Feb 2011 From: tacoma I Ride: kx450f	picking out a new helmet trying to figure out what mx helmet to get. I know shoei and arai have good reviews but what about troy lee designs, fox V4s, or suomy helmets. i dont care about the price because its protecting me from death. i just want to hear what people think about there helmets and what they recommend. i have a Fox V2 right now that i like but i have it for a while and are looking to upgrade. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by crxracer98328; 09-21-2012 at 11:26 AM..


09-21-2012, 11:42 AM	#2
Snomofo Newbie Joined: Jul 2012 From: tacoma I Ride: fjr 1300	new helmet The most important thing about buying a helmet is the fit---go to a shop and don't just try it on, but wear it around for a while. Sounds like you are going to buy a quality helmet, but they all fit differently. I love my Arai RXQ,but it took some time to find the best fit for me. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 11:43 AM	#3
WaGigKPN Peg Dragger Joined: Mar 2012 From: Gig Harbor, WA I Ride: 2002 Honda VFR800	Personally i think the Icon Variant is the best for around here. The Visor would be excellent for keeping sun out of your eyes and also rain at slower speeds (traffic?) Also the visibility i hear is fantastic (I feel that is one of the top safety features of any helmet). It is also freakishly light (tried one on). That's important for if your in a crash because its less weight on your neck. I also hear it is pretty quiet at speed. It looks great too! I want one... Start ICON haters...GO __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 11:53 AM	#4
LSeca Chicken Strips Joined: Nov 2010 From: Puyallup I Ride: '08 1098, '12 300 xcw, '12 RMZ 450	CJ, if you like the fit of Fox, Hinshaws had the new carbon fiber V4 on sale as of yesterday. They were going for around 400 bucks, decent deal and I could not find better online. Red/black and white/black color ways. Really light, very nice interior and finish. I thought they fit like the Arai vx, chinbar close and tight. Shoei fits me best and has a more extended and roomy front. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 12:12 PM	#7
Solow89 Chicken Strips Joined: Oct 2010 From: Silverdale,WA I Ride: '11 FZ1 , '08 ZX-6R	look on sharp helmet reviews __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 01:13 PM	#9
mnewell Novice Racer Joined: Sep 2005 From: Jacinto I Ride: Aprilia Mille R, Gixxer 600, Yamaha WR250, Yamaha TTR125	Considering how many times I crash in the dirt or drop my helmet, I'm hesitant on spending big bucks on an Arai/Shoei dirt lid. For my dirt lids I prefer to find something that fits well, is safety certified, and costs less than $200. For the street/track, I will always rock an Arai. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 01:49 PM	#10
coastiepete Novice Racer Joined: Apr 2007 From: Youngstown NY I Ride: Speed Triple, GS750, KX 500, 450 EXC-R, KH400, MXZ 700 Renegade	If you ARE talking about dirt helmets, i freaking LOVE the TLD helmet i got from a member here. it is SOOOO much lighter than the KBC, HJC, or THOR helmets i have been using. It's just so light, it makes my riding so much more enjoyable. my neck doesn't get tired anymore. I think it's the SE model......it's awesome. I know the other top brands have big followers, but i have not tried the dirt versions from them. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-21-2012, 02:03 PM	#11
crxracer98328 Licensed Joined: Feb 2011 From: tacoma I Ride: kx450f	i was looking at Suomy MR jump or Fox V4. i like to try stuff that others may stay away from. having owned a Fox before it is easy to go back. at the same time the saftey rating and weight of the suomy kind of draw me in like a moth to a bug zapper. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by crxracer98328; 09-21-2012 at 02:13 PM..


09-21-2012, 02:32 PM	#14
D1ssent1ent01 Training Wheels Joined: May 2012 From: So. OR I Ride: 2006 CBR 1000rr / 2006 CRF450r / LTR450	IMHO you can not beat the Shoei VFX-W. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-22-2012, 08:01 PM	#16
slo rider Chicken Strips Joined: Jul 2006 From: Granite Falls, Wa I Ride: 06 KTM 250SXF, 09 Husky WR165	Airoh ftw __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-23-2012, 04:21 PM	#17
crxracer98328 Licensed Joined: Feb 2011 From: tacoma I Ride: kx450f	just purchased the Suomy Mr Jump Monster edition pictured above! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-23-2012, 07:11 PM	#19
rolandk Pit Crew Joined: Feb 2008 From: Portland, Oregon USA I Ride: '06 GSX-R750, '09 CRF450R, '97 Banshee	Arai VX Pro is my all-time favorite dirt helmet. Perfect fit, light as a feather, excellent ventillation, easy to take the insides out to wash. Currently have a Shoei VFX-W, great helmet but not quite up to the Arai standards. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-23-2012, 07:16 PM	#20
Sentor Novice Racer Joined: Feb 2006 From: Beaverton, OR I Ride: 2008 R6 Race Bike - #52 - And whatever's in the shop!	I just bought a One Trooper 2 helmet. From this guy: I wore my trooper 1 helmet for a long time, and hit it many times. I rode with the trooper 2 helmet Saturday, and I could barely tell it was there. The Large fits tighter than most companies streetbike large. http://myworld.ebay.com/helmetaccess...84.m1497.l2754 edit: (ah, he had a ton of trooper 2's the other day. Looks like he has a large and a medium left.) edit2: I love the look of that suomy! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Sentor; 09-23-2012 at 07:22 PM..

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