Hello John. I’ve watched hundreds of reviews for just about everything I’m interested in, but I keep coming back to your videos for the best unbiased information and to read the rider’s reviews. I often watch your videos more than once as I learn new things and come back to check on your insights. I don’t even have a bike yet. I’m returning to bike riding after a significant gap.I have to wait until next year to purchase a new bike, but I’ll definitely sign up for insurance and information from Bennett’s when I do. Your library of information is invaluable and most importantly, trustworthy. Thank you.
Yep, finding the right lid IS complicated! Thanks for giving it a run! Regarding ear plugs, EVERYONE needs them. OR noise-cancelling earbuds, but the right ones are also hard to find. After trying many, I got Skullcandy Indy ANC Noise Canceling rigs. Because some circuitry is in the tails, the main body is very low profile, allowing helmets to be - CAREFULLY - taken off & on. But the noise cancelling works incredibly well.
Same here. I tried on Arai cause I love how they look, no good for my head. Tried Schuberth for the supposed lack of wind noise, no good for me either! Shoei make great lids anyway
As a rider of naked bike the wind noise is the biggest one for me. Even WITH decent earplugs I've found most helmets have an unbearable amount of noise above 60mph (tried HJC, Schuberth, Scorpion, Shark, various models). The best I've found are Shoei lids for this but I think that is because they fit me best, which I think is actually the key to a quiet helmet, a good fit will mean minimal gaps for air to rush in!
Used Shoei Qwest for 7 years. It fell a couple times (I was in it once) and it was time to replace it. Went to J&S and tried on a few and HJC RPHA 11 instantly "clicked". It felt like it was made for my head. Arai XL was too large and L was ripping my ears off. Didn't try Shoei as I got bored of mine and ignored AGV due to its weird chin shape. Have to say HJC looks darn good in flesh!
What a great compilation of information! Thank you. I appreciate this was a monumental task and you have done a sterling job. Anyone considering how to choose a helmet, I will be sending them here. :)
Had a few helmets now and I can say that my Arai RX7 EVO is hands down the best helmet I’ve had and possibly on the market today! It’s comfortable, quiet and the Tatsuki design is gorgeous, the build quality is unmatched. Also regarded as the safest helmet you can buy.
I won't buy a helmet without a drop down sun visor. I am aware that my aging eyes now take longer to react to changes between bright sunshine and shadow, so the ability to remove glare or alternatively to see into an gloomy area as I approach it at the flick of a switch is really important to me. So far as I am concerned it is the best invention since the pinlock - another vital piece of kit!
For 55 years motorcycling has been for me and others I know about being with my own thoughts, and the Zen of miles and time passing to put life in perspective. I don't understand why my fellow riders need to always need a phone or intercom connection to feel secure, instead of being alone with their thoughts.
Don't use the earpeace/silicone ear plugs. I used them for around 2 hours a day with an HJC rpha 70 for a year and now have light tinnitus. Use the foam plugs rated for 35db reduction, moldex make the nicest plugs imo and they can last a few days.
I made a lot of research and tried lots of helmets, but for me Caberg hits the sweet spot...they are ECE certified and 4-5 Stars by SHARP. they are not the cheapest neither the more expensive. They are comfortable, well priced and safe. Cool video
The whole bike scene is heavily influenced by fashion and brand snobbery whilst the participants are, personally, often the least fashion conscious souls you could wish to find which I greatly admire. Beer guts, like my own, are often the primary fashion statement. Giant guts perched on giant lumpen steeds is de rigour! It’s a people watchers paradise 😂
An interesting video, I will be bearing these points in mind when I shop for a replacement helmet later this year. Living in NZ I fancy my chances of getting a helmet meeting the latest safety standard as low to zero for a while yet. I like modular helmets with Pinlock, internal sun visor, and micromesh buckle and will be shopping for more comfort this time around.
Hey mate I'm from NZ too I try helmets out in stores and just shop on sites like FC Moto with a 3-4 week shipping time it's worth the wait at almost 2/3 of the price we'd normally pay
Horses for courses. Couldn’t go back to a helmet without a sun visor but a bit more useful for us in Australia I suspect. Number 3 in importance for me behind comfort and quality.
An Arai user here, mine has the Arai external sun visor system. Personally this feature alone will keep me using Aria’s, I take other criteria such as safety, comfort …. as a given with Arai’s and another reason for me to stick with them but as this excellent video shows safety is to a high standard on plenty of others so no qualms there. Loving the bike social channel, great work by you and your team. 👏
Always had Shoei’s didn’t even consider other brands, however when it came to my newest helmet I bought the GT-Air2 due to all its features, save as drop down sun visor and properly integrable streamlined Sena audio design. But most notable is how amazing it is when it comes to buffeting as it really makes riding more comfortable due to as aerodynamic design. Your head can happily turn and move and you don’t feel like the wind is pushing much on your head and neck
I first had the GT-Air2 and then tried the AGV K6 (with a blue visor) - it works way better for me. Especially in terms of aerodynamics (the visor closes wind-tight) and a light-weight feel. And for track days at very high speeds nothing comes close to the AGV Pista RR😃🏁🏁
I like the convenience of a flip front. Not to ride with it open (even though I live in Spain), but because I don't have to take my glasses off to fit or remove it.
@@justintime1307 Spain is a paradise for bikers. Down here on the Costa Del Sol I like the road from Sabanillas to Gaucín. Then you can head towards Ronda, then take the famous Ronda Road towards Marbella (beware of average speed cameras for a few Kms part way down. There are warning signs and the cameras are visible if you are looking for them). I hope to go to Scotland in October if all goes well.
26.00 noise. I'm amazed how many riders think ear plugs will block out the noise of their exhaust, airbox etc... When In fact its the opposite. Great review John.
This is the first video of yours I've watched, as I am trying to decide what helmet to purchase, and its a fantastic video. Liked and subscribed...great job.
Another great video - for intercom, I have Sena, my friends have Cardo, so what we do it just connect headset to phone and use discord chat. That way anyone can connect, and there’s absolutely no range restrictions 😃
You guys do an outstanding job! A quick word on double d-rings: there's a way of fastening and unfastening them, without undoing the loops, with gloves on. Both my Shoei NXR have never had their straps undone, after I did them the first time, and one of those helmets is used on my commute to work.
@@stevenkelby2169 I know you're kidding but for anyone else who doesn't know how to, here's a quick video from MCN: ruclips.net/video/yM97nbRsKfc/видео.html
All the brands presented are more than capable of producing top-notch helmets; I prefer going for smaller brands. Rooting for the underdog and whatnot. Currently rocking Premier helmets and they're very well made. Older models tested by Sharp have good ratings.
So funny hearing that Nolan owners regretted their choice the most. I just used a N100-5 for a year and despite the good fit I've found it very noisy (closing the visor doesn't actually seem to do anything?) the thing is immensely heavy (almost 2kg!) and bits of it are starting to fall apart.
Sorry to hear that! It is important to remember that we could only work with a relatively limited dataset, but it did indicate trends among those. Cheers, John
@Malcolm Emsley yeah I use foam earplugs inserted as described for longer and faster rides, I use filtered plugs around town so I'm not quite as cut off. With these I still have a higher level of background noise with the Nolan than in my Shoei. The other place where the poor visor seal is clear is that my glasses fog up much quicker in my Shoei than the Nolan! On the fogging point, Nolan only put in a pinlock 70, the premium brands use a 120 which should hold out twice as long before fogging. On the build quality front my issue is with the neck roll adjuster breaking and the cheek pads wearing out very quickly. I do think the Nolan is probably the best flip lid at the price point but you have some compromises.
I have 2 Shoei and 1 Arai and 1 LS2. I love my Arai since it:s the most comfortable and quiet helmet in any bike I ride. From Naked to Sports Touring, Arai is quiet. Shoei Neotec 2 is my summer helmet since it Flips-up. Very noisy in either naked or faired bikes, but the quality and ease of cleaning is #1. LS2, just bought it as a temporary helmet for cheap but quality.
When it comes to helmets, my definition of best, is safest. It doesnt matter if its a bit noisier, has a little more drag, bit heavier, not the nicest looking etc. As long as I get up from an accident and I know what day of the week it is, then that's the best for me.
There was no mass inside the helmet when you tested it. an 8-10 lb weight ( about the weight of a human head) may change your results and would be more representative of a real crash.
Great video. I have had Arai for years, top quality. Present helmet Arai Tour X4 and as you say no need for a drop down visor. Once again great job with loads of information. 👍🏍🏁
Man.. i haven't had a bike for a few years, and before that i used my old helmet for almost a decade. Helmets have come so far! Bluetooth built in? Modulars that weigh less than 4 lbs. So many choices...
Great content John mate, love the videos. One of the reasons I try helmets on besides fit, it’s field of view. I do find some that meet all the features I want but the actual helmet is encroaches into my peripheral view or restricts view when shoulder checking. Where you would need a neck like a owl to pivot around and get a proper look. Or they have a huge nose guard that blocks the view of the gauges when ridding. Would be great if manufactures advertised degrees of view like they did other features.
I’m guessing X-lite are chucked in with their parent, Nolan. I have to say having had a few of the top 10 for me X-lite are right up there with Arai and Shoei. What would be great is if there was a head shape representation system attached to helmets. I completely agree on Shark. My first helmet was a shark and fit well but when I replaced it I couldn’t find a shark to fit. The X-lite though has been the best fit across the range although I’ve never tried Shoei.
X-Lite was separate in the survey, but we just didn't get enough respondents who use them. Hopefully as the survey grows we'll get more brands in. Cheers, John
Most of the usual brands are pretty good now. I have a GT-air which is quiet, comfortable and never buffets. As others say - try them on properly and make sure it fits well, choose a decent brand and you'll be fine. If you buy the cheapest thing on Amazon you only have yourself to blame when it turns up falling apart, not fitting, noisy enough to send you deaf and with all the protection qualities of a baseball cap.
I use a pair of Jabra Elite 75t Actives (which replaced a pair of 65Ts) to listen to music. They do a lot more but I don't like the distraction of calls etc while riding, but give me the option if I needed to stop and make a call. They also have reasonable passive isolation from being an in ear design.
Totally with you - I'm very, very impressed with LS2 and I hope that came across. Also, while some of the ratings were low in our survey, you must look at it in comparison, and in mind that we only had enough data to feature the most popular brands, of which there happened to be 10. You'll see from the value data that LS2 is very highly regarded. Also, Jon Mansfield rated it highly (did you skip through, you rascal?!). Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Well I was skipping a little bit but I did see the LS2 part 😉. I just thought I'd mention it incase anyone was looking for an inexpensive but good quality helmet. They have great ventilation and a wide field of vision too, if a little noisy. 👍
I'm in the US so the models are a little different. Once the transition shields became available I switched from Arai to Shoei. I've been through 2 RF1200's and am about to purchase an RF1400. I find the Shoei's a little more plush inside but also a bit warmer in the summer. If Arai would make a transition shield available I'd go back to a Quantum...
Such a lot of good information bundled in this video. Thanks. About degradation of a helmet over 5 years time. I don't worry or care..... Salestalk...... (my opinion at least but made after doing lots of research on this) Outer shell : Polycarbonate ( cheaper) helmets can degrade over time with UV light ,but the helmets with fiberglass composite shell or carbon shell definitely do not degrade over time and UV light. That material just does not degrade over timespans of 5 years or much longer.( simply imagine a carbonfibre car or a composite fiberglass car going bad over less then 10 years....I have a 40 year old lotus esprit...the fiberglass shell is stil good and strong). At work , we do fiberglass piping for some of the worst conditions to withstand time. Inner EPS (polystyrene) shell : I did not find any studies done on motorcycle helmets EPS shell, but there was a study on aging of bicycle helmets EPS shell : In a nutshell : Don't worry about aging. The helmets EPS liner does not deteriorate with age. Just make sure the EPS liner did not suffer to much denting, because it does not recover automatically on those places. That leaves us with the visor and pinlock: replacable (do not try to polish a worn visor, you will not get it right, good visors have coatings on them.) , the inner lining : it ages and loses its resilience but it is washable or replacable in a quality lid if needed and steaming helps getting back resilience to have again a good fit. The other mecanics of the helmet: well if these are bad : change the helmet.... That brings me to a second hand helmet.... Well I inspected and bought a perfectly fine Shoei neotec 2 with integrated sena,( new 650€+200€) for a total of 100€ , inserted a new pinlock for 30€ on a still perfect visor. The inner liner was in perfect condition and is washed and steamed . Outer shell had original silver paint with almost no marks. tbh I do not worry in the least about the safety condition of this lid and it is the most comfortable quality unit I ever had for an unbeatable price.
Another fantastic video that was really informative, thank you John. Being new to riding this year, I bought the Scorpion Exo1400 Carbon (like the one you held up) the reviews for it seemed overall quite good. It does seem rather noisy (I wear Auritech earplugs always) and I was surprised to get a rain drop run down the inside of the visor on a couple of occasions in recent downpours. I'll be saving for a new helmet once a few more have passed the new EC 22.06 tests.
Thank you! I didn't have a problem with water getting in, but while it's a relatively good value, I had a few grumbles with it. Havea. check if you can adjust the visor mounting plates a touch, to draw it slightly tighter agains the top seal. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-scorpion-exo-1400-carbon-helmet-review
I went back to biking in 2020, choosing a Scorpion Exo Carbon 1400 (£329). My biggest need specific to me was that it be very light (I have some metal pins in my arm/shoulder), and the 1400 fits the bill perfectly. I've fitted a Fodsport M:1 intercom and an olfi camera, and it still seems light enough to wear for extended periods. This year I took my 125 on a 9-hour trek to Somerset (I got lost a few times) and still found it to be comfortable. It was a touch loud on the dual-carriageway, but I suspect that was more to do with pushing 75mph @10.5k on my little Keeway than the helmet, LOL. After covering 1,500 miles in a fortnight, I honestly have no complaints regarding noise or comfort. The only downsides are that I have still to figure out which vent position is 'open' or 'closed' on the top, while the clip-in padding is a nightmare to snap back in if it comes loose.
While informative, the results were still based on opinions. Opinions are good but often don't match real data. I do value opinions as they often include perceptions that data can't quantify. Putting this poll together in charts made a great presentation.
i have a MT Atom what is a flip up and what i have found is some flip ups aint rated for crashes and not tested for crashes obviously some makes have both positions tested but i wouldnt ride with them up, also MT Aton 22/05 pading is a size too big for its fitted size and a Small is heavy after a while not recommended
Arai with sunglasses ! I wear specs anyway - so I just put on prescription sunglasses when its sunny. Ive always had Arai or Shoei since 1975 - ..and a Cromwell
I usually consult the SHARP helmet ratings and buy the cheapest 4-5 star safety rated helmet i can. At the moment i have an Agrius Rage SV Tracker. I left a HJC overseas. Both are great. I don't think I'll ever fork out for an Arai or Shoei. They're just too expensive.
Great video. I do note that many tests( including your helmet thrown from a car and the helmet drop) seems to use an empty helmet which does not reflect real life where the mass of the head clearly affects the force of impact. Do any tests use helmets loaded inside with weights such as sandbags that would mimic more closely the physics of a crash in real life?
I have a SL2 Rapid, which was half price, its my first helmet as I'm a new rider, but I have to say I picked well.. 😁😁😁 So I well stick with SL2 make. When I need to get another one..
There aren't that many options - it'll be interesting to see what happens with ECE 22.06, though smooth, round shells are proving themselves. Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Since MIPS reduces sudden rotational forces transmitted to the head, I would imagine that a smooth, round shell would tend to do the same thing by being more likely to slide rather than to snag. I seem to recall that at least one manufacturer designs its spoilers and other protrusions to easily shear away in order to reduce sudden helmet rotation.
@@jfess1911 Yes - that's been Arai's philosophy for pretty much ever. MIPS could take off over the coming months in more brands, or the redesigns of lids might mean 22.06 tests indicate the extra expense (however small) isn't required and brands don't bother. Cheers, John
I wonder about how the ECE will affect lids. I remember when Euroncap started getting popular but it ended in certain makers aiming for the specific tests - sometimes at the expense of other areas. 20 years down the road and cars are much safer so eventually it should up safety comprehensively. I just wonder how the path to that will look.
Weight Light Weight is most important to me. The lighter the better as long as it is well constructed and has the DOT Seal of Approval. Trouble is that such a helmet is very expensive, SIGH I would love to be able to purchase the AVG Sport Modular.
I used to be an Arai devotee, but got fed up with fiddly visor change mechanism that felt liek it was going to break. Arai technician said "yeah, you need to keep them lubricated" Now HJC all the way!
The only issue with full face helmets without a visor - they can let stinging and biting insects between your skin and the helmet . . .if you've ever had a large bee bounce off your visor at 70 mph it make a pretty loud bang as it spats.
Thanks for a very well researched and concise review of the perceived top 10 helmet brands. Bet you needed a beer after switching off the mike? After watching this I’m leaning towards a Shoei having never owned one. Are these Shoeis good for oval shaped heads?
Arai hands down...last 12 years ...two BMW GSA's '''half a dozen get offs...XD=4 for protection,not the quitest and can fog...but stands up to s beating and fits my beak.
I had an Arai, I loved it, absolutely brilliant, like an idiot I dropped it, I was gobsmacked at the damage caused, £500 lid that was less than a year old, I could afford to replace like for like, so now have a Shoei, this cost me just around £400, it is best described as ok, a lot noisier than the Arai, and seem to have less vision when looking over my shoulder, I wish I hadn’t dropped my original, but should have spent the extra hundred and stayed with Arai, having said that, the drop down sun visor is very useful
dropping is fine watch jay leno arai helmet video arai us representative explains that dropping it is okay as long as there's no weight inside the helmet
Nice report John. When I started riding a few years ago I went to a shop that properly fitted me with an Arai Quantum X. The magic of this helmet is that when I put it on in the living room it seems too snug, but when I am riding I never feel the helmet. Other than the visor and vents I just forget about it. As you said, fit is everything.
How can you prefer the Quantic over the K6? The Quantic has a 3/5 Sharp result with the worst rating for side inpacts, while the K6 has a 5/5 Sharp test, with maximum points from all sides.
One year today after a big smash and I'm watching a helmet bounce down the road 😂 I'm arai chaser by the way, also own hjc which feels absolutely awful and cheap and bits fall off, also use Nolan which is nice and comfortable but does squeak alot , great upload though 👌
@@bennettsbikesocial yes you're the reason I have one 😀 I miss the 10s bottom and mid range as the xr is quite relaxed until it revs hard but I feel it's a better every day bike and definitely better on fuel 😳
@@bennettsbikesocial mine is 2019 and I said about tracer mt10 to Yamaha dealer and they thought I was mad 🤣 I thought about having the ecu done at junction 33 (he's on fb) he gets really good results and if you look on his page you can clearly see the lack of low end on the graphs which he can sort, it's just losing the warranty so really I can't really risk not having that
Hello John. I’ve watched hundreds of reviews for just about everything I’m interested in, but I keep coming back to your videos for the best unbiased information and to read the rider’s reviews. I often watch your videos more than once as I learn new things and come back to check on your insights. I don’t even have a bike yet. I’m returning to bike riding after a significant gap.I have to wait until next year to purchase a new bike, but I’ll definitely sign up for insurance and information from Bennett’s when I do. Your library of information is invaluable and most importantly, trustworthy. Thank you.
Thanks so much! All the best, John
Yep, finding the right lid IS complicated! Thanks for giving it a run! Regarding ear plugs, EVERYONE needs them. OR noise-cancelling earbuds, but the right ones are also hard to find. After trying many, I got Skullcandy Indy ANC Noise Canceling rigs. Because some circuitry is in the tails, the main body is very low profile, allowing helmets to be - CAREFULLY - taken off & on. But the noise cancelling works incredibly well.
The best helmet is the one that fits correctly.
So many great looking helmets available but my noggin only seems to fit the Shoei shape.
Same here. I tried on Arai cause I love how they look, no good for my head. Tried Schuberth for the supposed lack of wind noise, no good for me either! Shoei make great lids anyway
Same here but I've just discovered that Shark helmets fit me just as well. You can forget Arai and Bell though.
To true. I bought an agv but it didn't fit and I hate it. Now have a carbon Nolan and its the best ever!
@@tigerick7291 love my Shark helmet, buying another soon.
@@tigerick7291 especially when you wear glasses :)
As a rider of naked bike the wind noise is the biggest one for me. Even WITH decent earplugs I've found most helmets have an unbearable amount of noise above 60mph (tried HJC, Schuberth, Scorpion, Shark, various models). The best I've found are Shoei lids for this but I think that is because they fit me best, which I think is actually the key to a quiet helmet, a good fit will mean minimal gaps for air to rush in!
Wearing a neck tube also helps reduce the noise, but yes - fit is a big thing in noise. Cheers, John
Don't blame the helmet, blame your melon.
Used Shoei Qwest for 7 years. It fell a couple times (I was in it once) and it was time to replace it. Went to J&S and tried on a few and HJC RPHA 11 instantly "clicked". It felt like it was made for my head. Arai XL was too large and L was ripping my ears off. Didn't try Shoei as I got bored of mine and ignored AGV due to its weird chin shape. Have to say HJC looks darn good in flesh!
Your helmet crash test was floored as it didn’t have a head equivalent weight in it!
You're great at this stuff John, it's always a pleasure watching your videos.
Thanks VERY much! Cheers, John
👍
A lot of work in this. Thanks for doing this. Deserves a lot of hits ! Quality channel.
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
What a great compilation of information! Thank you. I appreciate this was a monumental task and you have done a sterling job. Anyone considering how to choose a helmet, I will be sending them here. :)
Thanks Patricia, and thanks to for being part of it! Cheers, John
Lol
Had a few helmets now and I can say that my Arai RX7 EVO is hands down the best helmet I’ve had and possibly on the market today!
It’s comfortable, quiet and the Tatsuki design is gorgeous, the build quality is unmatched.
Also regarded as the safest helmet you can buy.
I've got a midland intercom. I think it brilliant . I use mine mainly to take calls when I'm out . Everyone I talk to , no one knows I'm on a bike 👍🏼
Great comprehensive survey and review, without bias based on real world users. Thank you👍
Thanks for watching! Cheers, John
After years of using AGV K3 SV finally bit the bullet and purchased a Shoei X spirit 3 you really do get what you pay for.
Lol
I discovered your channel this year and y’all have quickly become the most trusted source of information for me, hands down!
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
I won't buy a helmet without a drop down sun visor. I am aware that my aging eyes now take longer to react to changes between bright sunshine and shadow, so the ability to remove glare or alternatively to see into an gloomy area as I approach it at the flick of a switch is really important to me. So far as I am concerned it is the best invention since the pinlock - another vital piece of kit!
For 55 years motorcycling has been for me and others I know about being with my own thoughts, and the Zen of miles and time passing to put life in perspective. I don't understand why my fellow riders need to always need a phone or intercom connection to feel secure, instead of being alone with their thoughts.
Some people use them to enjoy listening to music while they ride
@@bennettsbikesocial I love listening to music when riding adds 30% more fun for me
3:41 "comes with a peak"
*came with a peak
The graphs/surveys are a great idea, and "thorough" doesn't do these best-gear bikesocial vids justice. Well done John
Thank you! All the best, John
Don't use the earpeace/silicone ear plugs. I used them for around 2 hours a day with an HJC rpha 70 for a year and now have light tinnitus. Use the foam plugs rated for 35db reduction, moldex make the nicest plugs imo and they can last a few days.
Brilliant, simply brilliant! Thank you for your work, dedication and continue to share valuable information to everyone, well done!! 👍
Thank YOU! All the very best, cheers, John
I love how ls2 is getting love I've worn about 12 different helmets from different brands and so far ls2 and shoei fit my head the best
I made a lot of research and tried lots of helmets, but for me Caberg hits the sweet spot...they are ECE certified and 4-5 Stars by SHARP. they are not the cheapest neither the more expensive. They are comfortable, well priced and safe. Cool video
Thanks! Jon in this video loves his too. Cheers, John
The whole bike scene is heavily influenced by fashion and brand snobbery whilst the participants are, personally, often the least fashion conscious souls you could wish to find which I greatly admire. Beer guts, like my own, are often the primary fashion statement. Giant guts perched on giant lumpen steeds is de rigour! It’s a people watchers paradise 😂
A very thorough and easy to watch guide. As I’m about to buy my first helmet since 1993 (think it was a Lazer) it’s very useful! Cheers.
Brilliant! Thanks very much, John
Mate you are the reason I just renewed my Bennetts insurance.
still loving Bell helmet's, 50 years now. currently srt modular in white . comfortable and quiet
An interesting video, I will be bearing these points in mind when I shop for a replacement helmet later this year. Living in NZ I fancy my chances of getting a helmet meeting the latest safety standard as low to zero for a while yet.
I like modular helmets with Pinlock, internal sun visor, and micromesh buckle and will be shopping for more comfort this time around.
Thank you! Once you've got certified assurances of safety, comfort is so vital. Cheers, John
Hey mate I'm from NZ too I try helmets out in stores and just shop on sites like FC Moto with a 3-4 week shipping time it's worth the wait at almost 2/3 of the price we'd normally pay
@@christopherlam4414 thanks for the heads up, I will take a look at their website.
Horses for courses. Couldn’t go back to a helmet without a sun visor but a bit more useful for us in Australia I suspect. Number 3 in importance for me behind comfort and quality.
Exactly why I think it's so daft that some channels will proclaim one helmet to rule them all - we all have specific needs from our kit. Cheers, John
An Arai user here, mine has the Arai external sun visor system. Personally this feature alone will keep me using Aria’s, I take other criteria such as safety, comfort …. as a given with Arai’s and another reason for me to stick with them but as this excellent video shows safety is to a high standard on plenty of others so no qualms there. Loving the bike social channel, great work by you and your team. 👏
Thanks very much! All the best, John
Always had Shoei’s didn’t even consider other brands, however when it came to my newest helmet I bought the GT-Air2 due to all its features, save as drop down sun visor and properly integrable streamlined Sena audio design.
But most notable is how amazing it is when it comes to buffeting as it really makes riding more comfortable due to as aerodynamic design. Your head can happily turn and move and you don’t feel like the wind is pushing much on your head and neck
I first had the GT-Air2 and then tried the AGV K6 (with a blue visor) - it works way better for me. Especially in terms of aerodynamics (the visor closes wind-tight) and a light-weight feel. And for track days at very high speeds nothing comes close to the AGV Pista RR😃🏁🏁
I like the convenience of a flip front. Not to ride with it open (even though I live in Spain), but because I don't have to take my glasses off to fit or remove it.
@@justintime1307 Spain is a paradise for bikers. Down here on the Costa Del Sol I like the road from Sabanillas to Gaucín. Then you can head towards Ronda, then take the famous Ronda Road towards Marbella (beware of average speed cameras for a few Kms part way down. There are warning signs and the cameras are visible if you are looking for them).
I hope to go to Scotland in October if all goes well.
26.00 noise. I'm amazed how many riders think ear plugs will block out the noise of their exhaust, airbox etc... When In fact its the opposite. Great review John.
Thanks very much! Absolutely - filtering out the wind noise makes the bike sound even better! Cheers, John
This is the first video of yours I've watched, as I am trying to decide what helmet to purchase, and its a fantastic video. Liked and subscribed...great job.
Fantastic, thanks very much! Best gloves coming soon... cheers, John
Another great video - for intercom, I have Sena, my friends have Cardo, so what we do it just connect headset to phone and use discord chat. That way anyone can connect, and there’s absolutely no range restrictions 😃
You guys do an outstanding job!
A quick word on double d-rings: there's a way of fastening and unfastening them, without undoing the loops, with gloves on. Both my Shoei NXR have never had their straps undone, after I did them the first time, and one of those helmets is used on my commute to work.
That's a myth, it's not true.
@@stevenkelby2169 ;)
@@paulocarreiro5855 So you admit that you were lying 🤥 😂
@@stevenkelby2169 I know you're kidding but for anyone else who doesn't know how to, here's a quick video from MCN: ruclips.net/video/yM97nbRsKfc/видео.html
My best combo for sports touring and track days: The AGV K6 and Pista RR 😃🏁
All the brands presented are more than capable of producing top-notch helmets; I prefer going for smaller brands. Rooting for the underdog and whatnot. Currently rocking Premier helmets and they're very well made. Older models tested by Sharp have good ratings.
Top rating counts a lot.
Check out KALI Naza
Carbon composite with conehead tech.
Worth the read and consideration
👍
So funny hearing that Nolan owners regretted their choice the most. I just used a N100-5 for a year and despite the good fit I've found it very noisy (closing the visor doesn't actually seem to do anything?) the thing is immensely heavy (almost 2kg!) and bits of it are starting to fall apart.
Sorry to hear that! It is important to remember that we could only work with a relatively limited dataset, but it did indicate trends among those. Cheers, John
@Malcolm Emsley yeah I use foam earplugs inserted as described for longer and faster rides, I use filtered plugs around town so I'm not quite as cut off. With these I still have a higher level of background noise with the Nolan than in my Shoei. The other place where the poor visor seal is clear is that my glasses fog up much quicker in my Shoei than the Nolan! On the fogging point, Nolan only put in a pinlock 70, the premium brands use a 120 which should hold out twice as long before fogging. On the build quality front my issue is with the neck roll adjuster breaking and the cheek pads wearing out very quickly. I do think the Nolan is probably the best flip lid at the price point but you have some compromises.
I use a Cardo Edge on my Neotec 2 with no problem at all. Place the stick on fitting first which will follow the helmet shape and then the bracket.
I've never given any thought to hemets, always sticking to the name brands, but this has opened my eyes. Thanks a bunch.
Thanks for watching! Cheers, John
I think this might be the best helmet advice I’ve ever seen. Great job. Any pointers/suggestions on Goggles for glasses wearers?
Thanks very much! I haven't used many goggles, but the 100% Barstows I have fit over my glasses fine. Cheers, John
I have 2 Shoei and 1 Arai and 1 LS2.
I love my Arai since it:s the most comfortable and quiet helmet in any bike I ride.
From Naked to Sports Touring, Arai is quiet.
Shoei Neotec 2 is my summer helmet since it Flips-up.
Very noisy in either naked or faired bikes, but the quality and ease of cleaning is #1.
LS2, just bought it as a temporary helmet for cheap but quality.
you know it's not an advert or sponsorship when there's no Ruroc garbage featured lol. Arai saved my life once I know it's the only one I'll trust.
When it comes to helmets, my definition of best, is safest. It doesnt matter if its a bit noisier, has a little more drag, bit heavier, not the nicest looking etc. As long as I get up from an accident and I know what day of the week it is, then that's the best for me.
👍@ 3.40+ I just had to watch again and again,.. I burst with laughter mainly at the nod of arewell or farewell,.. great video take care
There was no mass inside the helmet when you tested it. an 8-10 lb weight ( about the weight of a human head) may change your results and would be more representative of a real crash.
Great video. I have had Arai for years, top quality. Present helmet Arai Tour X4 and as you say no need for a drop down visor. Once again great job with loads of information. 👍🏍🏁
Thank you! All the best, John
Man.. i haven't had a bike for a few years, and before that i used my old helmet for almost a decade. Helmets have come so far! Bluetooth built in? Modulars that weigh less than 4 lbs. So many choices...
Shoei NXR my all time favourite do-it-all helmet. With a transitions visor it's the ultimate single helmet
Great content John mate, love the videos. One of the reasons I try helmets on besides fit, it’s field of view. I do find some that meet all the features I want but the actual helmet is encroaches into my peripheral view or restricts view when shoulder checking. Where you would need a neck like a owl to pivot around and get a proper look. Or they have a huge nose guard that blocks the view of the gauges when ridding. Would be great if manufactures advertised degrees of view like they did other features.
Agreed, though sometimes there can be a widish field of view horizontally, but it can narrow towards the extremities more than others. Cheers, John
I’m guessing X-lite are chucked in with their parent, Nolan. I have to say having had a few of the top 10 for me X-lite are right up there with Arai and Shoei.
What would be great is if there was a head shape representation system attached to helmets. I completely agree on Shark. My first helmet was a shark and fit well but when I replaced it I couldn’t find a shark to fit. The X-lite though has been the best fit across the range although I’ve never tried Shoei.
X-Lite was separate in the survey, but we just didn't get enough respondents who use them. Hopefully as the survey grows we'll get more brands in. Cheers, John
Most of the usual brands are pretty good now. I have a GT-air which is quiet, comfortable and never buffets.
As others say - try them on properly and make sure it fits well, choose a decent brand and you'll be fine.
If you buy the cheapest thing on Amazon you only have yourself to blame when it turns up falling apart, not fitting, noisy enough to send you deaf and with all the protection qualities of a baseball cap.
I got the Shoei NXR2 and I truly believe this is the best helmet ever. Mostly I ride my 2020 MT-09 SP. When I ride the GS this helmet is just perfect.
Another good video and informative John thanks
Thank you! All the best, John
I use a pair of Jabra Elite 75t Actives (which replaced a pair of 65Ts) to listen to music.
They do a lot more but I don't like the distraction of calls etc while riding, but give me the option if I needed to stop and make a call.
They also have reasonable passive isolation from being an in ear design.
nice review - as always -
would be great if the audio quality was better from the rest of the crew
I'd like you to do a more in depth description and measuring of head shape for these different lids. Please consider for future videos.
I think the top end of the range of LS2 helmets are very nice and excellent value for money. Much underrated in this video. IMO.👍
Totally with you - I'm very, very impressed with LS2 and I hope that came across. Also, while some of the ratings were low in our survey, you must look at it in comparison, and in mind that we only had enough data to feature the most popular brands, of which there happened to be 10. You'll see from the value data that LS2 is very highly regarded. Also, Jon Mansfield rated it highly (did you skip through, you rascal?!). Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial Well I was skipping a little bit but I did see the LS2 part 😉. I just thought I'd mention it incase anyone was looking for an inexpensive but good quality helmet. They have great ventilation and a wide field of vision too, if a little noisy. 👍
I love my SL2 Rapid, fits me perfectly, so will stick with the make. Plus got a great deal, half price.
I'm in the US so the models are a little different. Once the transition shields became available I switched from Arai to Shoei. I've been through 2 RF1200's and am about to purchase an RF1400. I find the Shoei's a little more plush inside but also a bit warmer in the summer. If Arai would make a transition shield available I'd go back to a Quantum...
I must admit to hankering after a Shoei ExZero for those hot summers days. Currently using the Neotec2 which I do rate
I’ve got hjc and shoei helmets and for me shoei are the most comfortable.
Good advice and excellently presented as always.👍 keep them coming.
Such a lot of good information bundled in this video. Thanks.
About degradation of a helmet over 5 years time. I don't worry or care..... Salestalk...... (my opinion at least but made after doing lots of research on this)
Outer shell : Polycarbonate ( cheaper) helmets can degrade over time with UV light ,but the helmets with fiberglass composite shell or carbon shell definitely do not degrade over time and UV light. That material just does not degrade over timespans of 5 years or much longer.( simply imagine a carbonfibre car or a composite fiberglass car going bad over less then 10 years....I have a 40 year old lotus esprit...the fiberglass shell is stil good and strong). At work , we do fiberglass piping for some of the worst conditions to withstand time.
Inner EPS (polystyrene) shell : I did not find any studies done on motorcycle helmets EPS shell, but there was a study on aging of bicycle helmets EPS shell : In a nutshell : Don't worry about aging. The helmets EPS liner does not deteriorate with age. Just make sure the EPS liner did not suffer to much denting, because it does not recover automatically on those places.
That leaves us with the visor and pinlock: replacable (do not try to polish a worn visor, you will not get it right, good visors have coatings on them.) , the inner lining : it ages and loses its resilience but it is washable or replacable in a quality lid if needed and steaming helps getting back resilience to have again a good fit. The other mecanics of the helmet: well if these are bad : change the helmet....
That brings me to a second hand helmet.... Well I inspected and bought a perfectly fine Shoei neotec 2 with integrated sena,( new 650€+200€) for a total of 100€ , inserted a new pinlock for 30€ on a still perfect visor. The inner liner was in perfect condition and is washed and steamed . Outer shell had original silver paint with almost no marks. tbh I do not worry in the least about the safety condition of this lid and it is the most comfortable quality unit I ever had for an unbeatable price.
Just my opinion as i currently ride , wearing the Shark EVO and have not once had any problem with the Chin bar operation JUST SAYIN
Another fantastic video that was really informative, thank you John.
Being new to riding this year, I bought the Scorpion Exo1400 Carbon (like the one you held up) the reviews for it seemed overall quite good. It does seem rather noisy (I wear Auritech earplugs always) and I was surprised to get a rain drop run down the inside of the visor on a couple of occasions in recent downpours. I'll be saving for a new helmet once a few more have passed the new EC 22.06 tests.
Thank you! I didn't have a problem with water getting in, but while it's a relatively good value, I had a few grumbles with it. Havea. check if you can adjust the visor mounting plates a touch, to draw it slightly tighter agains the top seal. Cheers, John www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/tested-scorpion-exo-1400-carbon-helmet-review
I went back to biking in 2020, choosing a Scorpion Exo Carbon 1400 (£329). My biggest need specific to me was that it be very light (I have some metal pins in my arm/shoulder), and the 1400 fits the bill perfectly. I've fitted a Fodsport M:1 intercom and an olfi camera, and it still seems light enough to wear for extended periods. This year I took my 125 on a 9-hour trek to Somerset (I got lost a few times) and still found it to be comfortable. It was a touch loud on the dual-carriageway, but I suspect that was more to do with pushing 75mph @10.5k on my little Keeway than the helmet, LOL. After covering 1,500 miles in a fortnight, I honestly have no complaints regarding noise or comfort.
The only downsides are that I have still to figure out which vent position is 'open' or 'closed' on the top, while the clip-in padding is a nightmare to snap back in if it comes loose.
Great stuff, very informative as ever John 👍
Thanks! Cheers, John
While informative, the results were still based on opinions. Opinions are good but often don't match real data. I do value opinions as they often include perceptions that data can't quantify. Putting this poll together in charts made a great presentation.
i have a MT Atom what is a flip up and what i have found is some flip ups aint rated for crashes and not tested for crashes obviously some makes have both positions tested but i wouldnt ride with them up, also MT Aton 22/05 pading is a size too big for its fitted size and a Small is heavy after a while not recommended
Arai with sunglasses ! I wear specs anyway - so I just put on prescription sunglasses when its sunny.
Ive always had Arai or Shoei since 1975 - ..and a Cromwell
I usually consult the SHARP helmet ratings and buy the cheapest 4-5 star safety rated helmet i can. At the moment i have an Agrius Rage SV Tracker. I left a HJC overseas. Both are great. I don't think I'll ever fork out for an Arai or Shoei. They're just too expensive.
Great video. I do note that many tests( including your helmet thrown from a car and the helmet drop) seems to use an empty helmet which does not reflect real life where the mass of the head clearly affects the force of impact. Do any tests use helmets loaded inside with weights such as sandbags that would mimic more closely the physics of a crash in real life?
Your wrong about modular being more noisy as my schuberth is the market leader for noise reduction
Should have filled the helmet with concrete before dropping out of moving car to better simulate an actual block head.
I have a SL2 Rapid, which was half price, its my first helmet as I'm a new rider, but I have to say I picked well.. 😁😁😁 So I well stick with SL2 make. When I need to get another one..
I decided that I wanted MIPS and hi-viz. That dramatically limited the selection. I ended up with a Bell.
There aren't that many options - it'll be interesting to see what happens with ECE 22.06, though smooth, round shells are proving themselves. Cheers, John
Yeah surprising lack of MIPS adoption in motorcycle helmets, pretty sure there's solid evidence of it working
@@bennettsbikesocial Since MIPS reduces sudden rotational forces transmitted to the head, I would imagine that a smooth, round shell would tend to do the same thing by being more likely to slide rather than to snag. I seem to recall that at least one manufacturer designs its spoilers and other protrusions to easily shear away in order to reduce sudden helmet rotation.
@@jfess1911 Yes - that's been Arai's philosophy for pretty much ever. MIPS could take off over the coming months in more brands, or the redesigns of lids might mean 22.06 tests indicate the extra expense (however small) isn't required and brands don't bother. Cheers, John
I wonder about how the ECE will affect lids. I remember when Euroncap started getting popular but it ended in certain makers aiming for the specific tests - sometimes at the expense of other areas. 20 years down the road and cars are much safer so eventually it should up safety comprehensively. I just wonder how the path to that will look.
Weight Light Weight is most important to me. The lighter the better as long as it is well constructed and has the DOT Seal of Approval. Trouble is that such a helmet is very expensive, SIGH
I would love to be able to purchase the AVG Sport Modular.
A lot to take in. Thanks for this video. A use a Caberg flip front.
I used to be an Arai devotee, but got fed up with fiddly visor change mechanism that felt liek it was going to break. Arai technician said "yeah, you need to keep them lubricated" Now HJC all the way!
Excellent vid. lots of great, useful info and advice 👍
Thanks so much! Cheers, John
Another excellent vid, thanks 👍👍
Thanks very much! Cheers, John
How did the audio track from Alfred Hitchcocks, " the Birds", get used on the modular helmet segment?
These are great articles, full of great and objective information. Thank you
Thanks for watching! Cheers, John
The only issue with full face helmets without a visor - they can let stinging and biting insects between your skin and the helmet . . .if you've ever had a large bee bounce off your visor at 70 mph it make a pretty loud bang as it spats.
I have an Arai and a Shoei, I wish the Shoei visor mechanism was on the Arai. Not a fan of unlatching the Arai every time I want to open it.
Do a whole show of user videos giving reviews of equipment at a standard time intervals 6 months 12 then 18
That would be great all user reviews!!
Thanks for a very well researched and concise review of the perceived top 10 helmet brands. Bet you needed a beer after switching off the mike? After watching this I’m leaning towards a Shoei having never owned one. Are these Shoeis good for oval shaped heads?
Thanks! I'd say my head's fairly oval but you really will need to try one on to be sure. Cheers, John
That 1st dude sitting on this bike just sold me on a Ls2 Valiant! Lol.
who cares about crash performance as long as it looks cool and is comfortable ;)
Arai hands down...last 12 years ...two BMW GSA's '''half a dozen get offs...XD=4 for protection,not the quitest and can fog...but stands up to s beating and fits my beak.
I had an Arai, I loved it, absolutely brilliant, like an idiot I dropped it, I was gobsmacked at the damage caused, £500 lid that was less than a year old, I could afford to replace like for like, so now have a Shoei, this cost me just around £400, it is best described as ok, a lot noisier than the Arai, and seem to have less vision when looking over my shoulder, I wish I hadn’t dropped my original, but should have spent the extra hundred and stayed with Arai, having said that, the drop down sun visor is very useful
dropping is fine watch jay leno arai helmet video arai us representative explains that dropping it is okay as long as there's no weight inside the helmet
28:20 I got a bee once get into my Shoei Neotech II. That wasn't a food feeling; stung me on my forehead before it died.
Excellent informative video.
Well done.
Nice report John. When I started riding a few years ago I went to a shop that properly fitted me with an Arai Quantum X. The magic of this helmet is that when I put it on in the living room it seems too snug, but when I am riding I never feel the helmet. Other than the visor and vents I just forget about it. As you said, fit is everything.
My wife felt the same when she went to an Arai - "I just forget it's on". Cheers, John
How can you prefer the Quantic over the K6? The Quantic has a 3/5 Sharp result with the worst rating for side inpacts, while the K6 has a 5/5 Sharp test, with maximum points from all sides.
I think you're confusing it. The Quantic is ECE 22.06 approved. And it hasn't been tested by SHARP
Nice vid! Incredibly comprehensive.
Thank you! All the best, John
These in depth videos are great though, the leather one was excellent 👍🏻
Glad you like them! Cheers, John
Excellent Video. Thank you for posting.
Cheers John, very informative. 👍🏻😎🏴
Thank you! All the best, John
One year today after a big smash and I'm watching a helmet bounce down the road 😂 I'm arai chaser by the way, also own hjc which feels absolutely awful and cheap and bits fall off, also use Nolan which is nice and comfortable but does squeak alot , great upload though 👌
Thank you, and hope you're okay! Cheers, John
@@bennettsbikesocial yes thanks, mt10 wasn't 🙄 on xr now 😃
@@Ducatijay72 I traded my MT10 in for a 2019 XR! John
@@bennettsbikesocial yes you're the reason I have one 😀 I miss the 10s bottom and mid range as the xr is quite relaxed until it revs hard but I feel it's a better every day bike and definitely better on fuel 😳
@@bennettsbikesocial mine is 2019 and I said about tracer mt10 to Yamaha dealer and they thought I was mad 🤣 I thought about having the ecu done at junction 33 (he's on fb) he gets really good results and if you look on his page you can clearly see the lack of low end on the graphs which he can sort, it's just losing the warranty so really I can't really risk not having that