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+--- Thread: New Helmet Day (and a bonus Cardo upgrade): Nexx g100 to Shoei rf-1400 (/showthread.php?tid=14815)
New Helmet Day (and a bonus Cardo upgrade): Nexx g100 to Shoei rf-1400 - JRD - 06-29-2026
I’ve had the Nexx for about 4 years. Was starting to show some wear: the rubber seal around the visor was cracking and separating and the pvc finish on the upholstery around the neck was pealing. Pads were getting packed out. Eh… it would have been fine for another year or two, if I had been willing to stick it out (especially if i had just bought some replacement pads). That said, there were some issues that made me open to an early replacement.
The Nexx was comfortable and quiet. The pads were easily removable for cleaning. The look was retro and stylish. Safety ratings were good.
Unfortunately the quietness of the helmet came with some tradeoffs: it had no top-of-head venting (only a single chin vent that whistled if you turned your head) and the visor/field of vision was remarkably small. I live in a cool, coastal town, so the lack of venting was mostly fine.
The field of vision was really the thing that motivated me to upgrade. It was okay when you were moving forward, but peripheral vision was impacted and you really felt it when trying to look over at your luggage or examine a tire or back into a parking space. I categorized it as a safety issue to justify the otherwise unnecessary expense of early replacement.
I was trying to choose between the Shoei Air 3 and the rf-1400. Went with the rf because I didn’t need a drop down visor and already had a cardo. Those two features are about all that distinguish the two helmets while also making the Air heavier and noisier and more expensive.
As we moved the Cardo over, the salesman pointed out that my speakers were literally falling apart, so I dropped another 100 bucks on the JBL speaker replacements. Damn, it sounds nice (But drinks power at about twice the speed). I can actually hear podcasts or audiobooks while at highway speed now and music sounds amazing.
The Shoei fits *tight.* Well, it fits normal: quite comfortable once it’s on. It is tight getting it on and off: feels like I’m going to scrape my ears off. The shell is smaller and cuts a significantly narrower profile and I immediately noticed just how much lighter it was… wait, this can’t be right: google says the Shoei is .5lbs heavier??? That certainly feels wrong. But more than just the raw weight, the Shoei cuts through the air much easier. It has much less buffet and lift at high speeds. Even with the much wider field of view and four extra vents it is slightly quieter than the Nexx. Might even be quieter than the Nexx when in the cracked open position.
Comes with a pinlock. Visor has a study and satisfying action and sits securely in the cracked position. Clicks into place with a satisfying “chunk.”
With the nose and neck cowl installed it catches your breath by your mouth and can be a bit stuffy, even with the chin vent open. Think I will remove the nose piece, moving forward.
All in all, I am VERY happy with the upgrade. Definitely a quality of life improvement that I will feel every day.
RE: New Helmet Day (and a bonus Cardo upgrade): Nexx g100 to Shoei rf-1400 - rdprdp01 - 06-30-2026
Congrats on the helmet. I purchased one, too, and have found it to be the very best helmet I have ever owned.
JRD’s post is more impactful than my initial review, but there are a few details others may find helpful if you are considering an upgrade.Learn more about the Shoeii Air 3 by clicking the link. David
RE: New Helmet Day (and a bonus Cardo upgrade): Nexx g100 to Shoei rf-1400 - MagnaRider - 06-30-2026
I got me and my girlfriend Cardos this spring. Best decision I have made for riding, music comes through crystal clear and the ability to communicate with each other is seamless and a really really nice touch.
RE: New Helmet Day (and a bonus Cardo upgrade): Nexx g100 to Shoei rf-1400 - Gone in 60 - 06-30-2026
Looks like a good time for a new lid! Glad you're liking the new one, but the paint scheme on the Nexx is pretty sweet.
I do love in-helmet audio. My company Sena has pretty nice speakers, and even with earplugs I can enjoy music (and phone calls)