I think this is the most salient point made so far. There's a lot of variation in this department, not only in the lids themselves, but also from person to person in head shape. I'd vote for spending the time in the shop trying them on for as long as possible!
I am a Shoei man, they just fit my head better than all the others. But must be plain white, its a bit of a superstition thing.
I've got the Shoei GT air, it's very good we'll thought out and designed. I stick with Shoei because of the fit, the sun visor is very useful (if you can remember that bright thing in the sky) I can't get on with sun glasses under helmet.
Cheers guys a trip out this weekend to annoy someone in a shop trying on all there stock. Then finding it somewhere cheaper lol
Get and try a load on in the shops..................then when you ve found the one.......................hunt online for best deals
Defo check out the Scorpion helmets now being worn by WSb and BSB riders. I have the exo1000 and I believe the new model is out anytime now. It was voted best buy helmet for the midrange priced options. Funnily enough all the above especially Shoei and Arai were reviewed as far too expensive for what you got. My helmet retails at around £300 and has all and more of the features of the XR1100 and for almost 200quid less. Has internal sunvisor also. Everyone has a favourite and mine was the Shoei Xr1100 until I tried on the Scorpion and now I have 2 of them
Good point, Navvy. The new Europeans are MT and Nexx from Spain and Portugal respectively. MT sell shedloads in Europe and Nexx' growth has been exponential. A few on here have the Nexx Carbon and rate it gleaming. I have the xr1100 which is smashing. I'll be looking elsewhere next time cos the competition is fierce out there. Buyer's market.
The wife recently got a Scorpion lid, EXO???? can't remember exact model, with air pump and integral sun visor and it appears to be very good. I got a Shark S990c last year and am happy with it, especially as it only cost me £150 as opposed to my normal £400+ Arai
Yes the Exo500 my brother has is same spec as the 1000 but made from the cheaper plastic for outer shell and is around 200quid but has the ratchet buckle system not the D ring otherwise great lid http://www.motocentral.co.uk/Scorpion-EXO-1000-Air-E11-Samba_AZVU2.aspx my lid colours for £290
I'm having the same dilemma, what to buy. Only had Shoei / Arai over the last 20 years. My dilemma is... GT Air, is a flippy visor a bit weird? Fits great and I know the visor would have benefits, not getting nicked and not having to carry a spare clear pinlock. Arai rX7 & Shoei chuffing expensive unless you go for plain colours. And now just been reading about HJC.... Need to have a look are they really that good? Notice I haven't seen any AGV recommendations?
Gblade I've always had Arai, fit me well, but want a change. Shoei GT Air is great, perfect fit for me, also not keen on the flip down sun visor, but i reckon that is the next lid for me. Tried on a load of AGV lids day before yesterday....they didn't fit me well, and the quality wasn't as good as seen on Arai or Shoei, but not bad. Look good though.