Shoei Hornet DS, Arai Tour X or AGV AX8 - advice please

[Bob Jeffries]

I have had an original Tour X for about 6 years (also got a Schuberth C2, Shark MX and Arai open face) but it's now getting a little tatty and noisy (er)!

Really fancy something a little different so have been looking at the Shoei Hornet and AGV AX8 as well as a new Tour X - can anyone offer advice?

Have seen the Tour X @ £335, Shoei Hornet @ £330 and AGV AX8 @ £250 but the price (within reason) isn't really much of a measure or consideration.

What is the collectives wisdom?

 

[RichieS]

new lid?

What about theXlite X 551 with built in sun visor. Looks cool at £330 ish

 

[IainMac]

I had an original TourX from back in 2002 and had for 8 years, replaced it with a Shoei Hornet DS as it was getting tatty (and probably expired for any protection from the shell/inners) but have to say apart from the looks the hornet is a bit of a disapointment in quality stakes.
I doubt i'll keep the hornet as long and would look to go back to a TourXn next time around if nothing else took my fancy.

I stopped using AGV years ago when the last one I had the strap came loose from the shell. I suspect they have moved on a lot since then .

 

[Gracious]

Tour X3 and Hornet DS very similar

My friend got the Arai Tour X3, and I got the Hornet DS.

The Hornet DS comes with a pinlock anti fog (At the time the Tour X didn't have one as standard but I think it does now, just double check that though), and a removeable chin skirt as well( Tour X comes with a retrackable chin spoiler). The chin skirt is great because it's elasticated and comes almost all the way to my neck, where as the shin spoiler just pops down. Pretty hand on cold and windy days.

The peak on the Tour X is slighlty longer and a little wider which you do notice a little on those really sunny days when you don't have to dip your head as much. But it also means that it catches a bit more when doing lifesavers at high speeds. It's also only connected to the lid at the visor hinges, where as the Hornet is also connected on the top of the lid. Which I find makes it a bit more stable.

Overall they both have a great field of view, are quiet, and light. i don't think you really go wrong with either.

Haven't heard anything on the the AVG, but by the looks of it, I'd say it'd be easier to change visor since the peak is connected at a seperate point to the visor hinge.

You could try the Uvex Enduro Carbon. I was looking into that before I got the Hornet, but I couldn't find any dealers for it round my parts and I didn't wanna buy online.

 

[Schtum]

I've still got an original Tour X and a Hornet. The Hornet is lighter, more comfortable (for me) and better built. The downside is that the peak is a bit shorter and not so useful for riding into a low sun. However, the upside of that is that it's less prone to going brrrrrr until your eyeballs begin to vibrate.

It's also possible to make some interesting and useful mods to the Hornet

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=541419

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191454&highlight=Lights

 

[Aidan1150]

I have a Hornet and the only downside for me is the unavailability of a range of replacement visors which the Arai enjoys. I got a tinted visor for mine and have fitted the darkest pinlock I could get but I would like to be able to get very dark or iridium visors.

Aside from that it's a very good helmet indeed, light, quiet and very comfortable. Recommended.

 

[GreatScott]

I recently got the Shoei and love it

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=264906

 

[boatman]

had arai , not to my liking at all sold on almost new .
ds hornet, many many miles and its my fave helmet of all time so far

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've still got an original Tour X and a Hornet. The Hornet is lighter, more comfortable (for me) and better built. The downside is that the peak is a bit shorter and not so useful for riding into a low sun. However, the upside of that is that it's less prone to going brrrrrr until your eyeballs begin to vibrate.

.............

Me too

Andres

 

[Andy Hird]

I have an original Tour X and want to pass on my thoughts on it

It's the most uncomfortabel helmet I've owned.

When you first try it on, you think "Hhmm, that's a lovely nice comfortable helmet, it fits great !" But after approximately 2 hours my head starts to ache....there's no hot spots anywhere to pin point (except ears) it just aches ! The pain it creates on my ears after a few hours is unbearable !

And the peak....just forget about it ! It starts Brrrrrring at anything over 40 miles an hour, and I found it did this on both my 1100GS and 1200GSA, it drives you mad....it's like Chinese water torture !

Go for an X Lite X551, Shoei Hornet, or Icon Variant, as they all have the peak fixed to the top of the helmet to stiffen it up, unlike the Arai.

Hope this helps.

Andy

 

[GrinningGSer]

I have a hornet, which fits the shape of my head, so is superbly comfortable. The Tour X did not fit. My hornet peak had a slight buzz at speed, which is easily sorted. Pinlock antimist is fabulous. I'd buy another from helmet city.

 

[richie]

I was at a moto supermarket in France yesterday and almost bought the Xlite at 400 euros, however the thing that put me off is that the lining does not seem to be attached very well and looks like it will get scruffy very quickly. I was actualy after a Hornet but at 500Euros that is a no no, when in the UK they go for a lot less money. After ten years with a Scvhuberth I know that I am not too bothered either way about the sun visor. Although in the Xlite it has a much better shape

Any one got an Xlite???? impressions

 

[Big Nick]

Had a Hornet and now have a Tour X after crashing in the Shoei

Both are great helmets but on balance I find the Tour X more comfortable especially with Autocom fitted

That said the Shoei saved my bacon which is probably what counts!!

 

[Bob Jeffries]

Thanks for all the help and advice everyone, I've chosen to go with a Shoei Hornet for now and see how it compares with the Tour X.