Schuberth v. Arai

[L]

Ok Ok, before anyone says, I've done the searches... read advrider, web.mac.com and even webbikeworld so now I'm after 1st hand experiences!

My head basically doesn't comfortably fit in many helmets - I buy on quality and comfort rather than price because I value me head. I currently have a Tour X, that is a few years old. Whilst a great looking helmet, its crap in the rain (water drops come down the inside and lifesavers can take your head off in windy conditions and 90mph). I'm off to Istanbul in a couple of weeks, so was toying with the idea of getting a new, quieter helmet, a bit like my old quantum f (boy do I notice the difference on the motorway between the two!)

So off I pop to On Yer Triumph in Aston Clinton and try on the Shuberth C2 (always fancied a flip up lid). It certainly feels different to the arai, quite snug and pretty comfy, though my concern is that there is only a small gap between my chin and the bar (when in the closed position). In fact, i could touch the bar with my chin VERY easily. I was a little worried about the safety implications, but the guy in the shop didn't have view. So question 1: ignoring comfort, is this a safety concern?

Then I saw the J1, which seems to have pretty good reviews for what it is. I thought that this could be very useful as a second helmet, especially in the hotter climates. I've always avoided the open faced helmets for the very reason of safety and face plants, so this one seems to go along way in addressing my concerns. So question 2: Does anyone know if anyone has had an off in one yet or know of any safety tests?

My third option is to get another Arai (or nothing at all). Question 3: Is there any major differences between the Tour X and the tour X2?. Alternatively, are there any other helmets with a similar fit ? (i.e. oval head, not round. Shoeii don't fit, neither to any of the other flip up lids!)

Cheers all

L

 

[Slowdown]

I just went into every bike shop near to me and tried on every type of helmet they had. It took 2 weekends, but I found the Schuberth S1 was the best fit by a long way. So I bought that.

I really fancied an Arai Condor with the Cross of St George, but it didn't fit. Thank God for that!!!

 

[Sylvester]

Can't comment on fit as I don't have your head but the Shoei flip up looks good. I am a big fan of Arai, nothing else comes close for my shaped head. In a fit of pure insanity I bought an X-lite for half price as it was the last one left. Six months in and the lining has fallen to bits and I'm waiting for a new liner to come from Itay,which as we know is a million miles from Germany hence the 6 week wait!!!! Shoulda bought another Arai. The St George Condor would cut a dash around the streets of Cologne.

 

[JoeC]

I generally go to Hein Gericke as they are willing for you to try on their helmets (some shops are reluctant) and I find them very helpful. They do lots of different makes and I will spend a couple of hours trying lots of for thge best fit. I went to Metropolis in Vauxhall, London a few years back with a friend and the Sales Assistant was adament that we could only buy the helmet off the shelf and not from the back room. We both walked out and I have not been back since.

Bought an Arai Condor (St George Cross) last year and I find the helmet very very noisey - even with ear plugs in. No air getting past visor etc - just noisey. Wish I had read the RiDE report before hand and spent the same amount of money on a Schu or BMW. Would not buy another Condor.

I go by fit and then price.

 

[Runt]

I bought a C2 a couple of months back to replace my old Davida flip lid and the only complaint I have is that the removable chin piece got very wet in a very heavy down pour.
Much quieter than the Davida and a better all round fit.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Hey, is this -L-, from EiT? If not get in contact if you need any help about Istanbul.

I have a C2 flip up which is the second Schu I've had. Of all the flip ups I like this one the most, the one handed operation works well and the tinted mini visor is a godsend. My only complaint, and this is probably only relevent in high temperatures, is that the vents don't really let enough air in to cool me down. The visor does move forward though, to allow air in, which helps.

If you are coming here for any length of time, don't get a black one, if they're available in white, get one, if not silver would be ok. On a ride down to Marmaris (650km) a couple of weeks ago, in 40c temp, the lid got so hot from absorbing the heat you could have cooked eggs on it.

I can't give an opinion on Arai's as I've never had one, the only alternative I would consider would be the Nolan flip, as when riding around in town, in the summer, it makes a big difference to be able get some air. I'd avoid open face lids, as you'll want to ride outside of town as well and then the choice of flip-up / flip-down is perfect.

That's my 2 cents, or 20 cents as this has gone on for a bit.

 

[zico]

Always had Arai's. Tried a BMW system 5 and didn't like the fit. As they are made by Schuberth I have never tried one of them either. My Arai is a quantum F and I find it is great. Some of my friends have the BMW and Schuberth and swear by them as well. I suppose it is just a case of trying on the helmet and going with your gut instinct. Don't know if I'd have a tour X though. Dont think I could put up with the supposed buffeting from the peak.