Helmet Poll

[Guth_imp]

I have a 3/4 helmet that I purchased before I had enough knowledge. With a retro styled leather jacket, a 3/4 would sure look good with our bike, but I can't bring myself to give up the full face, even for one ride.

I've been all about the Snell rating up until now, but I think my next lid will be a Shoei GT Air with a built in sun visor which precludes it from being Snell-approved...my research indicates to me that the helmet is just as safe as their helmets without the built in visor.

I've never worn anything other than a full face helmet. Doubt I'll ever change. Since returning to riding, I've only worn Arai helmets, but I too am considering the Shoe GT Air for my next lid. My understanding is that SNELL won't even bother testing the helmet due to the built in sun visor. But I like the things I've read about it and it is certainly comfortable and a good fit for my head shape. Very tempting.

I've never worn anything other than a full face helmet. Doubt I'll ever change. Since returning to riding, I've only worn Arai helmets, but I too am considering the Shoe GT Air for my next lid. My understanding is that SNELL won't even bother testing the helmet due to the built in sun visor. But I like the things I've read about it and it is certainly comfortable and a good fit for my head shape. Very tempting.
Here's an interesting Snell approved solution to the sun visor issue. Shown is my new Arai RX-Q with the Arai Pro Shade System. The Pro Shade is an option for some of the new Arais, but at around $100 for just the System, it ain't cheap. It is, however, an integral system that includes the clear shield. The tinted portion can also be locked in the up position for use as just a visor when the clear screen is down. I haven't had a chance to try it on the bike yet as we are still in the full throes of winter, but am looking forward to seeing how it works. My head is very sensitive to helmet fit, and I've found Arai are the only brand that keeps my melon happy.

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I forgot to mention that I'm using the Pro Shade setup on my Arai. I understand and appreciate Arai's philosophy to keep the helmet shape itself as round and smooth as possible and design the external components to break away in the event of a crash. The Pro Shade fits in with this way of thinking and it works alright, but I have to admit that it isn't nearly as slick as the built-in system featured on the GT Air. I'll be replacing my current helmet in a few months and find myself torn between the GT Air and Arai's new Defiant design (which is claimed to be designed with riders of naked/standard bikes in mind who enjoy a more upright riding position).