[b16h22]

Originally Posted by dukeofmurphy

That is quite surprising. I checked out some of the ARAI helmet ratings and quite a few of them are rated 3 on 5, which seems to be in conflict with the premium they ask for those helmets.

I read quite a bit of this thread and have heard people say very good things about helmets like Shoei and Arai, which brings me to a few questions:

1. Are Arai, Shoei and other premium helmets overrated? I mean, if the performance rating is not that far off from a sub 10-15k helmet, how does it justify 7-10 times the cost?

2. Are SHARP ratings unideal for helmet shopping when compared to say SNELL or ECE 22.06? I mean is it comprehensively better or comparable to the other two?

3. In a real sense, how much of an Arai/Shoei/Shark etc are about safety and how much of it is brand value?

This is an area I would not like to get into Riders are an extremely passionate bench when it comes to their brands.

I will say one thing. SHARP is a gov funded setup that tests helmets and rates them. So I'll take their findings in a high regard. IIRC, your helmet had to be SHARP 5 to be able take it on a track in UK. Things might have changed after the introduction of FIM certification and new ECE22.06. I need to research more into it. It is safer to get a helmet that complies with multiple modern certifications if you can. All of these ratings had multiple updates along the line so the newer the certifications, the better.

[scarn]

Originally Posted by dukeofmurphy

That is quite surprising. I checked out some of the ARAI helmet ratings and quite a few of them are rated 3 on 5, which seems to be in conflict with the premium they ask for those helmets.

I read quite a bit of this thread and have heard people say very good things about helmets like Shoei and Arai, which brings me to a few questions:

1. Are Arai, Shoei and other premium helmets overrated? I mean, if the performance rating is not that far off from a sub 10-15k helmet, how does it justify 7-10 times the cost?

2. Are SHARP ratings unideal for helmet shopping when compared to say SNELL or ECE 22.06? I mean is it comprehensively better or comparable to the other two?

3. In a real sense, how much of an Arai/Shoei/Shark etc are about safety and how much of it is brand value?

They are in no way, shape or form overrated just because SHARP ratings are low. For example; Arai takes a different approach when it comes to helmet design and testing, which is why their older models didn’t always score high in SHARP ratings. SHARP’s tests focus more on impact absorption, while Arai prioritizes impact deflection. This is why Arai helmets have a distinct, smooth, egg-like shape, they’re designed to glance off surfaces during an impact, reducing the chance of the helmet catching or transferring too much energy to the rider’s head. Their design is based on their "R75 Shape", which ensures that every point on the outer shell has a minimum radius of 75mm. This shape helps the helmet deflect impacts no matter where it’s hit. Also, the latest Arai RX-7V, which meets the new ECE 22.06 standard, has received a 5-star SHARP rating too.

[dukeofmurphy]

Originally Posted by scarn

They are in no way, shape or form overrated just because SHARP ratings are low. For example; Arai takes a different approach when it comes to helmet design and testing, which is why their older models didn’t always score high in SHARP ratings. SHARP’s tests focus more on impact absorption, while Arai prioritizes impact deflection. This is why Arai helmets have a distinct, smooth, egg-like shape, they’re designed to glance off surfaces during an impact, reducing the chance of the helmet catching or transferring too much energy to the rider’s head. Their design is based on their "R75 Shape", which ensures that every point on the outer shell has a minimum radius of 75mm. This shape helps the helmet deflect impacts no matter where it’s hit. Also, the latest Arai RX-7V, which meets the new ECE 22.06 standard, has received a 5-star SHARP rating too.

Understood. Thank you for explaining scarn & b16h22.

I did not know that. Interesting to know that impact deflection is not a strong criteria in SHARP & ECE. I went through the criteria details. However it seems like testing is done from a worst case scenario and not from a preventive perspective (absorption vs. deflection).

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by dukeofmurphy

I did not know that. Interesting to know that impact deflection is not a strong criteria in SHARP & ECE. I went through the criteria details. However it seems like testing is done from a worst case scenario and not from a preventive perspective (absorption vs. deflection).

A major accident (circa. 2019) while riding threw me into the air on impact and I landed on the temple area of my head. Had I not been wearing my 4 star SHARP rated helmet (LS2 FF386), I wouldn't be writing this post. Since then I have been a firm supporter of SHARP rated helmets. I was so impressed by LS2 FF386 that I bought two more helmets as a backup. The helmet looks very simple with a smooth round eggshell design with no creases or geometric lines. I wanted to buy the Caberg Duke/Duke II (5 star SHARP rating) when it was available in India but didn't bother as I had two spare LS2 FF386. Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful finding a similar SHARP rated modular helmet in India within that budget.

[Axe77]

Storing and carrying your helmets safely

We’re not just particular about the helmets we buy. Many of us are equally particular about how to store them safely at home as well as carry them around while on the move. For all my full face / modular helmets, Viaterra helmet bags have been my go-to bags of choice.

But these have not been useful for my adventure touring helmets which have a peak on top. Until now. Viaterra has released a new version of its helmet bag with room for the peak as well.

What prompted me to write this post is that some well informed pals of mine too weren’t aware of this option for the adventure helmets so I though I’d write a short review for the bag/s. There are a number of reasons I like this design overall but I’ve enlisted them via the pictoral review below.

My only key word of caution is on sizing. It does run quite snug so I’d encourage folks (specially those with a super large size lid or a comms system attached to “try and buy”). In particular, if you’ve got any massive Go Pro or similar mounts on the chin area or on top, I’d really urge you to try and buy to see if the protrusions render the bag unusable.

My one suggestion on this aspect to Viaterra is it would really help if in particular they gave just a hint of extra room on the sides. It’ll give that bit of comfort particularly if fitting the larges shell sizes with bulky comm unit or similar on the side. Of course, this is not a deal breaker because you can always remove the Comms Unit and place the helmet in the bag … but that’s a minor inconvenience at the end of the day.

Having said that, I’ve seen this work perfectly fine with all of the following options:
# All shell sizes of LS2 helmets with the beak (I asked LABS this and this is what they informed me but do check first hand)
# My medium Shoei Hornet ADV touring lid with the relatively sleek Cardo Edge.
# A friend’s medium size Arai Tour X-4.


Review continued … via pics

My earliest Viaterra bag for my regular full face helmets.


Pictured here with my M size Schuberth modular (not visible in pic but the helmet houses a Cardo JBL packtalk bold unit attached). Small things I like are the choice of two zips (instead of one), which open up almost end to end to create the widest possible openings.


Nice felt lining inside to take care of your visor etc.


Older designs had this little netting compartment at the base to keep any small items where you anyway have the crevice of your helmet. Not that useful IMO.


Newer designs for both bag models have a much nicer end to end zipper opening. This can allow you to keep stuff like your gloves etc inside while the helmet is already kept inside the zipped bag.


The nice new design that specially now widens its appeal for adventure helmets. Pic has my Shoei Hornet placed inside it.


Side view with the helmet. Note the position of the visor - it’s open. If you’re super particular about not wanting your visor to brush against the surface of the bag, you can leave the visor open like so and it will probably not make any contact with any part of the bag.


Top view with the helmet inside. Note the super wide opening the twin zips create, which I mentioned earlier.


Attention to detail and quality finishing. The visor area does have a nice felt lining so it’s not like you cant keep the visor in the closed position.


The quick access recess I mentioned before, pictured with the Shoei inside. You can use this zipper to put a cleaning cloth or your gloves inside the bag.


My Shoei as placed inside with the fairly sleek Cardo Edge attached.


My friend’s medium Arai Tour X-4 has a much bulkier SENA 10C mounted. This just about fits too but those extra few mm on the side would have made the placing a bit more convenient. It’s just a bit annoyingly snug when units like the bulkier 10C are mounted.


Again, love their attention to detail. It comes with a twin strap to sling on like a backpack as well as a sideways sling on style strap. Four mounting points depending on which straps you’re using and how you want to hook the sling on strap.


Needless to say, the adventure style bag works for regular full face helmets too. So if you have two helmets and just want to buy one bag, you can buy the adventure style bag and use it for either.


Purchase links:
Both bags come in only a single “one size fits all” option. Links below for online purchase for both bag models (from LABS as well Viaterra direct). I am sure there are many other retailers for these so please do check for one in your local city if you want to ‘try and buy’. I generally tend to buy from LABS since they have a physical store in my city, it’s quicker for online purchase and last but not the least, they have great coffee when I visit and buy in person!

The bags are really well priced (between INR 2k - 2.2k) for the overall quality, attention to detail and design etc.

https://www.lazyassbikers.com/produc...adv-helmet-bag

https://www.lazyassbikers.com/produc...078d53e2&_ss=r

https://viaterragear.com/collections...adv-helmet-bag

https://viaterragear.com/products/vi...als-helmet-bag

[Cayman360]

Are there any reliable online shops for Arai or Shoei helmets in India? Also, I wear a size L in my MT, would that be the standard size for these as well? Any leads in Bangalore would also be great.

[Sudarshan42]

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

I've been a silent specter to this thread, having had the opportunity to read varied helmet purchases, varied helmet reviews of varied brands, at various price points.

In my experiences of owning the following helmets from the following brands I'd like to share my personal observations.


Little Boring Backstory: I would recommend you to purchase the LS2.

Cheers!
VJ

Just to close the loop on this one- bought the LS2 FF800 Storm 2 today, with a 100% pinlock visor. Fits well, hope it serves me well for a few years.

[Senotrius]

The viaterra helmet bag doesn't fit the LS2 FF805. Nor would their adventure model I'm sure. Do check it out in-store before buying online. Or if on amazon, they have a return policy. The Viaterra should fit smaller models. The Dirtsack Enduro helmet bag fits the ff805 fine even with the visor up. The quality is better on Viaterra for sure especially with the linings. I wish they made a larger volume model. The story is same for the viaterra visor sleeve; doesn't fit the large visor of FF805. Quality wise it's good though.

Originally Posted by Sudarshan42

Just to close the loop on this one- bought the LS2 FF800 Storm 2 today, with a 100% pinlock visor. Fits well, hope it serves me well for a few years.


Attachment 2674720

Good choice with excellent weight balance I feel.

[rajeevsulu]

Originally Posted by Sudarshan42

Just to close the loop on this one- bought the LS2 FF800 Storm 2 today, with a 100% pinlock visor. Fits well, hope it serves me well for a few years.

Congratulations. It is a beautiful helmet. I have been using my LS2 Storm FF 800 for a year and a half now. It has served me very well.

Cheers

[NitNac]

Hi everyone,

Looking for a new helmet with a budget of 10-12K with ECE certified. Preferring SMK Carbon range of helmet purely because it's made out of carbon fiber, but wanted to know if it's any better than LS2 or MT in terms of safety and build quality.

SMK link

Any better brands or models for similar price range please let me know.

Thanks and cheers
NitNac

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by Senotrius

The viaterra helmet bag doesn't fit the LS2 FF805. Nor would their adventure model I'm sure. Do check it out in-store before buying online. Or if on amazon, they have a return policy. The Viaterra should fit smaller models.

Yes, that’s my one major gripe with Viaterra, they run a hint too snug which is why for the larger models in particular I recommended that one tries and buys. I believe and am told that the adventure helmet fits the ADV style bag but best to check first hand.

I’m not 100% sure but I think I’ve seen a really nice helmet bag from LS2 itself. If they’re giving that with the helmets here then ideally one should stick with that itself as I'm sure it'll fit the helmets really nicely. Its decent on quality (although I feel Viaterra is better) but helpfully its a lot roomier so for bigger helmets it should be a good option.

I saw the link below on a random google search and had seen a similar bag being purchased by someone from overseas. If someone is interested in a bigger helmet bag they could inquire with the seller at this link. It's well priced and this bag seems large enough to even fit a spare visor etc.

https://ls2helmetsindia.com/product/...ouflage-khaki/

[chipcruiser]

I bought a Caberg Tourmax modular helmet few years ago and would like to replace the visor since there are a few scratches. However most stores are not stocking Caberg helmets these days. Where would I be able to source one? Are the specific stores that generally stock older visors? I am in Bangalore.

[chiefpk]

Originally Posted by NitNac

Hi everyone,

Looking for a new helmet with a budget of 10-12K with ECE certified. Preferring SMK Carbon range of helmet purely because it's made out of carbon fiber, but wanted to know if it's any better than LS2 or MT in terms of safety and build quality.

SMK link

Any better brands or models for similar price range please let me know.

Thanks and cheers
NitNac

You can have a look at the MT THUNDER 4SV and LS2 FF800 STORM 2. Both are around 10-12k. LS2 will have D rings, MT will have a micro ratchet strap. Apart from that really good helmets. The quality levels will be higher from SMK. Please check them out in store.

[Axe77]

I suggest you search through this thread and you’ll find many relevant posts on both your questions. I’ve given a short answer for handy guidance right away but the search should get you all the details.

Originally Posted by Cayman360

Are there any reliable online shops for Arai or Shoei helmets in India?

No official retail for these. There are a few folks that 'manage' imports but they're usually at massively inflated prices.

Also, I wear a size L in my MT, would that be the standard size for these as well?

Do not extrapolate sizes from one brand to another (or even one model to another within the same brand). Best option is to try and buy if you're new to a helmet brand.

[freelancer6202]

Originally Posted by chiefpk

You can have a look at the MT THUNDER 4SV and LS2 FF800 STORM 2. Both are around 10-12k. LS2 will have D rings, MT will have a micro ratchet strap. Apart from that really good helmets. The quality levels will be higher from SMK. Please check them out in store.

What about MT Revenge 2 ? I bought an Axor Apex for daily use and I am having terrible neck pain. I dont feel that pain in shoei or smk.