Hi I'm looking at changing my helmet, a Shoei NXR. The helmet was good when I bought 2 years ago but you know as with anything the more time you own it the more you start to fault it.. Basically the wind just wobbles my head everywhere..the noise is unbearable at times..and I might just be able to look past all that.. but in a tuck position I have 2 choices look at my dash..or raise my head straight into the wind so that I could actually see whats ahead. I'm quiet stuck on my choices and don't even know what to go for all I know is I can't wear AGV corsa..that shape squeezes my face..was looking at HJC RPHA 11 ..they seem more on the cheaper side but everyone and their mothers talking about them. Then you have the Shoei spirit 3 or whatever the name is.. and I'm actually even considering the BELL race start ..idk how I ended up there usually I don't want anything other then agv(i know..i can't) shoei, arai(they seem ugly compared to the rest..sorry)...and the one HJC. Suggestions?
I can tell you the x spirit 3 has more wind noise than the NXR but it is more aerodynamically stable at speed. I also found the NXR interior seems to break in a lot, then it can move around a bit. Gone down a size. I always use earplugs though, and find the NXR acceptable for wind noise. You could try a different screen !?
I would try a different screen but its not worth it since I need better vision when tucked so I need a replacement. Regarding the wind noise I do think I should start wearing earplugs as well, as the wind is a killer on highways.., YES I forgot to mention the NXR when I bought it was a perfect fit really snug..comfy..perfect now...it just feels out of place..Does the x spirit 3 have the same break in "issue" ? Also would you recommend it? I assume you have one. Anyone with RPHA 11 Experience?
Not had the RPHA 11, but have used both the 10 and 10+ Lorenzo reps. Really like the helmet. Very good value for money. Light weight, inner lining is removable and the visor is quick and easy to get on and off. They also came with both clear and light tint visors along with a pinlock insert. I'll be sticking with HJC.
I like the new shape Arai - just bought these two Arai RX-7V: Also have the NXR, and the Arai seems quieter. Hayden Arai race replica 2017 by 660 Mattie, on Flickr .....and this one for normal everyday use ! Arai RX-7V Statement White by 660 Mattie, on Flickr
Yes, I have both the Spirit 3 and NXR. The interior of the spirit has less give, so I think will compress less over time. Fit is crucial, get sized at a shop, you may be the next size down. I like the x spirit the field of vision is great, it's nicely balanced, comfortable but the extra wind noise annoys me. I've had ear damage before so I'm probably more sensitive. It would be a superb race helmet though, the aero and the venting is brilliant. You can also adjust the inner pads a few degrees to help you see when in the tuck. Do you use the chin curtain on the NXR ? Even using a buff can help block incoming noise. Good to know Arai are getting quieter, I had a Rebel and I found it very noisy.
Im using a rx7-v this year and id say its less noisy than the xspirit 2 i had last year. Only thing im finding is my glasses dont hold position as well even though the arai is a better fit so i end up looking over them when tucked. Im guessing there is a channel for glasses and the thin frame on mine allows them to move a bit.
I know what you mean about glasses - although I only use sun glasses as required. The ordinary arms of the favourite sunglasses fit inside my other lids but not so well in the Arai RX-7V. Other sunglasses fit better than others inside the Arai - and an old pair of Bolle King fits best - but I know what you mean.
Ive ordered a couple sets of thicker framed and taller lense glasses to try out but might end up with contacts ehich is a bit of a pain.
Call it personal preference after all "design" as in pure looks is not something you can argue everyone has their own taste..I personally don't like arais..it loos like cruiser helmet to me.. a big ball ..like old bell helmets. Agv..shoei..have a nicer shape..it looks more aerodynamic anyway past all this preference stuff..I don't use the chin guard as when I bought it was super hot so I managed to missplace it unfortunately...Think of giving a shot to RPHA 11 or the x spirit 3 ...ultimately which one would you guys choose and why? Also what are the difference in vision..can you see ahead properly in a full tuck position? BTW Bell race star with ace cafe london graphic looks stunning to me..to bad I don't know anything about bell helmets and they seem to have a zero appearance in motogp...sbk...bsb...etc so don't inspire a lot of trust for the price they ask...on the plus side the technology in them look stunishing ON PAPER. Any info on those?
Bell used to be the helmet that everyone wanted, but they fell out of fashion some years ago and almost dissapeered from MC use in the UK, the new range looks fantastic and I would be tempted by the orange and black Bell Star at £400, but its going into unknown territory and the HJC rpha 11pro darter looks good for a similar price. Both are on my list to replace my HJC rpha10+
Have you tried to contact Shoei to get replacement inner padding. They do different sizes (thickness) and will fit to suit you. Get to a Shoei stand at a bike show or race meeting. I have had my NXR for 3 years and I agree they do "bed in" and become a little looser but it has been by far the best lid I've owned and used, light, stable and relatively quiet. I wouldn't go back to Arai but have an AGV back up that I like. Well worth getting the cheek pads replaced in my opinion before spending serious cash.
x2 on trying smaller pads. A decent shop will let you try smaller pads in your lid. Strangely I went to an XS when I replaced my small Marquez NXR with a plain black, but I couldn't even get an xs X spirit 3 on my head. I just sold my x Spirit 3, fantastic helmet but the wind noise was annoying me. So I'm sort of looking for another 2nd lid. The HJC RPHA 11 is super value...down to £190 for some colours...with the dark visor ! Love the Corsa, tried one on at the weekend...but everyone says they are noisy. Even thinking about a GT veloce, similar shape but quieter..(supposedly) I know what you mean about the NXR "lifting" at speed or when you come out from behind the screen, FWIW the x spirit never did that, and the buffeting was much less obvious.
Just to add to the mix how about X-Lite? I'd bought Arai's for the last 20 years and when I was looking for a replacement for my Corsair I decided to have a look at carbon fibre lids. I now own 2 802R Ultra Carbon X-Lites and they cost less than I could buy the latest Arai. The build quality is great and I'd go so far as saying the inner is actually nicer than Arai.
...steady on, steady on - cruiser helmet like a 70's Bell - and now this about the inner !! I cannot stand by in silence, and let this outrage continue !!
Sorry mate , but Arai have sat on their laurels for too long. Many others, imho, are now a lot better. In the last 30 years I've gone from a Bieffe ( anyone remember them?) through 7 Arais and 3 Shoeis and won't be going back to Arai until they get rid of the (expensive) sidepods.
