Shoei DS / Arai Tour-X with Starcom SH-006 Headset

[h0wz3r]

I'm in the market for a new lid, having decided that my cheap and cheerful Takachi helmet flip-front is no longer up to the job now I have my R1200GS!

I bought a Zumo kit from Starcom which allows me to plug my helmet directly to my Zumo 660 and at the time bought their SH-006 headset. This is the one with the boom mic. They recommend their SH-004 for full-face helmets, however, which is the same but with a button mic that sticks to the chinpiece.

If I go for either the Shoei or the Arai, does anyone know if the boom mic of the headset I have will fit into it ok or will I have to shell out another £30 for a different type?

Would rather not have to fork out for another headset as this one was supposed to be a very cheap but effective solution!

 

[Popeye]

If you're going for the Shoei or Arai style of enduro/mx helmet you will need the boom mic.

I have that exact set up with my Shoei and it works fine.

For best results the mic should just touch your lips as you speak - the bud mic will be too far away with either of the above helmets.

.....unless of course you have massive lips !!

 

[h0wz3r]

Thanks for that Popeye, just what I wanted to hear.

I'm going for the enduro style helmet as I just like the look of them and I think it goes well with the GS styling.

The helmet I have was just a cheap (£75) helmet that I bought when I first got into motorcycling about 18 months ago. Didn't want to spend a fortune at that time in case it didn't work out but fortunately it did and now I reckon I should get a decent helmet ready for the summer.

I tried 2 helmets on today, the Shoei DS and an Airoh S4. The Airoh didn't suit me at all, not sitting right on my head. The Shoei, however, was very comfortable and fitted me very well, although it's quite hard to get it on.

The only other options I've looked at are the Arai Tour-X and the BMW Enduro but I need to try these on really before I make a decision. Trouble is I can't find a dealer near me that sells Arai helmets and the nearest BMW dealer is 40 minutes away in Rotherham.

Digressing though it's good to know that the headset I bought will be suitable for that style of helmet

 

[Deleted account LB]

Is the DS the Hornet that looks like the tour x - I found it a real pain to fit the speakers as there are no recesses - the Tour X works fine with boom mike - and the 3 is better than the 2 fr wind noise and general comfort

 

[h0wz3r]

Is the DS the Hornet that looks like the tour x - I found it a real pain to fit the speakers as there are no recesses

Yes, it's the DS Hornet I tried on. I did notice that the recesses for the speakers were quite small but would think I could fit my speakers in there at a push. Can't speak for the Arai as I haven't seen one in the flesh yet.

Found a dealer in Dewsbury so I'll try them for the Tour X3 tomorrow. Don't know about the BMW enduro helmet but I think I'd have to trek out to a dealer to try one of those on.

I'd love an Arai in the blue 'long way down' colours but an extra £70 - £80 over and above the standard solid colours? I think not!!

 

[h0wz3r]

I tried the Arai Tour X3 on today but there really wasn't anything in it between this and the Shoei. If anything the Shoei felt more padded and well made but it still doesn't make my decision any easier!

In terms of space for the headset speakers, there actually looked to be less room in there than in the Shoei?

Popeye, you say you have the exact setup I'm looking for, how easy was it to fit the SH-006 headset to your DS and is it comfortable on your ears? Don't want to spend £300+ on a helmet to find it isn't going to be suitable for the setup I want!

 

[Popeye]

Half hour job to fiddle all the wires into the lining. Had to try the speakers in a few different positions to get the best of comfort and performance.

In eveyday normal use I don't know they're there - I wear either custom earplugs or UE custom in ear monitors. I only use the Starcom speakers and the Starcom itself once a year when I use the bike abroad with Mrs P on the back. So for 95% of the time the Starcom speakers live in the Shoei un-used and un-noticed.

 

[h0wz3r]

Cool, thanks for the info Popeye.

In your own experience you wouldn't say that speaker fitment is a big a problem as some make out then? It was the better fitting helmet of the 3 I tried on so that's the one I'm going to get anyway.

Going to go for the white with black stripes I think. It'll go really well with my yellow GS and black / blue textiles

 

[Don El Eee]

I use the Hornet with Autocom speakers and custom earplugs or UE monitors. Whilst you can feel the speakers against your ears they don't cause any discomfort. Took about no more than half an hour to fit.

 

[Big Nick]

I've had both, a Hornet written off in a crash (thanks Shoei!!) and now have a Tour X3

The Hornet is a good helmet but fitting a headset into it was difficult but acheivable, I also echo your comment re it being tight to get on

The Tour X is easy to fit a headset to, I find it easy to get on and comfy for long distance.

My advice would be to go for the Tour X re the need to fit a headset, its just a shame the best colour schemes make you look like a sad Ewan/Charley wannabe

 

[h0wz3r]

I know what you mean about the colour schemes Nick, I just love the blue (Ewan) long way down scheme on the Arai. Cheapest I've found it though is £390 including postage from fleabay.

Both helmets were very comfortable but couldn't see where the speakers would go on the Arai. The recesses are covered over by the lining, unlike the Shoei. Would I have to remove this or otherwise how would I fit them using the velcro backing?

Many owners seem to think the Arai is noisier too than the Shoei but that could just be down to personal experience.

I like both but... oh I just don't know!

 

[Big Nick]

To be honest you can't go wrong as both are excellent helmets. I fitted my speakers inside the cheekpads next to the ear (obviously!) on my Arai and can't even feel they are there.

With the Shoei I attached them to the inner shell of the helmet which to be honest wasn't too comfortable over distance although I found wearing a thin coolmax balaclava helped ease this.

BTW I fitted an Autocom headset into mine and not the headset you have

 

[Giles]

Both helmets were very comfortable but couldn't see where the speakers would go on the Arai. The recesses are covered over by the lining, unlike the Shoei. Would I have to remove this or otherwise how would I fit them using the velcro backing?

Actually, the Arai is ideal. The cheek pads click in and out and have a cotton cover over them like fitted bottom sheet with elasticated corners!! Remove cheek pads, remove fitted sheet, pop speakers in, sheet back on, pads click back in. Its a two minute job and speakers are nicely tucked away but still right over your ears. .

 

[h0wz3r]

OK I'm going for the Arai as I love the LWD colours in blue and it would seem to be the better bet for my headset.

I've found one at a good price (£349.99) from xsmoto.co.uk has anyone heard of them?

 

[h0wz3r]

Update: Got the LWD Arai Tour X3 delivered today in large after some consultation but it just didn't fit my head right when I tried it on. Turns out my head shape just isn't an Arai as it was pressing against my temple, even though it was too loose everywhere else so having to send that one back.

Instead I've ordered the Shoei Hornet DS Sonora in white with black stripes from the same company as they did me a good deal on it. Highly recommend them if you're looking for good service and value - www.motocentral.co.uk

Damn shame as I so liked the colour scheme on the Arai but hey, it's the fit that counts more than the look.

Not looking forward to fitting the Starcom headset when it arrives on Monday though