Helmet advise - Shoei vs. Scorpion - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

rkundrat · 06-01-2008, 08:23 AM

I'm new to this forum, and riding in general. We have our first bike, a used monster naturally, coming next month. In acquiring gear, I'm trying to decide on a helmet and would appreciate some advise. The Shoei RF-1000 seems to be a good choice. Of everything I've tried on (in my price range) it is the best fit and offers great visibility. However, I've read some concerns about excessive fogging with them which has turned me on to the Scorpion EXO-700 and EXO-1000. I would also be interested in thoughts on which would handle wind noise better. Thanks!
. ryan

venomous · 06-03-2008, 11:39 AM

When it comes to gear, this is one area I refuse to buy knock off stuff. IMO Scorpion is just that. My last accident was a highside and put me into a fence. My head went into it first and without a good helmet I could only imagine. I have had Arai, Shoei and Icon helmets. The Icon helmet fits me the best, is good quality, has cool graphics and is affordable.

Make sure it is SNELL M2000 approved...just a DOT approved helmet dosen't mean crap.

Get some good gloves, jacket (having a snotty nurse scrub asphalt from your thigh and forearms is the worst thing I ever felt) and boots (this will save your ankles and heels if you go down hard).

I just bought a set of the mid high Alpinestar SMX boots and they broke in very quickly and are very comfortable.

Here is a link to where I get most of my riding gear as they are very reliable, ship quickly, and have alot of different sales every month
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/

DEVO! · 06-03-2008, 02:27 PM

Just bought a EXO-700 and it has to be one of the best helmets I have ever had. good quailty and the fit is excelent! cant comment on how it holds up in a crash but for the price it is a great product. The nosie is minimal I bought the chin/air deflector to cut down on some of the wind comming into the inside. at 80 MPH the helmet is stable no buffeting no lifting and it DOES NOT FOG!

Wholey Smokes · 06-03-2008, 02:48 PM

I've got a Shoei RF-1000. I had some problem with my glasses fogging up in my helmet during cold weather but I installed the supplied nose piece inside the helmet and it was pretty minimal after that. I don't think I've had any fogging problems while wearing contact lenses instead of glasses. Overall, I think it's a great helmet. This is my first helmet (I'm pretty new to riding) so take that into account, too.

rkundrat · 06-06-2008, 08:33 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I tried the Shoei on again and it just fit so well i had go with that. I also picked up a nicely fitting, armored jacket, and some boots. Coming from years of cycling I certainly appreciate the benefits of safety equipment. I'll be using some heavy full-finger cycling gloves until I can a pair of gloves that well. The BMW gloves were perfect except for the price... yikes. Thanks again everyone!

bunner74 · 06-06-2008, 09:31 AM

I've had trouble finding a helmet that is quiet and fits well. I recently bought a Scorpion EXO-400 and its the quietest best fitting helmet I own. It is both SNELL and DOT approved. It is slightly heavy then some of the higher priced lids and does not vent as well but I was looking for quiet over anything else. Prior to the EXO 400, the Shoei RF1000 was at the top of my list. It's definitely lighter the the 400 and vents better but yes it does have fogging issues and is noisier on the highway. Other helmets that I own - Arai Signet GT (loud!!), and Shark RSX (overall poor fit for my head shape but top quality and light).

-jb

marginwalker · 06-08-2008, 10:11 PM

Check out this link for video reviews on various apparel and helmets, including Scorpion:

http:www.sportbiketrackgear.com

(By the way they give Scorpion helmets great reviews. I have a Scorpion EXO700 and am very happy with it. No fogging.)

You can also go to Youtube and do a search for Sportbiketrackgear for video reviews.

kc4ag · 06-14-2008, 11:17 AM

If anyone says that Scorpion is some knock off brand, you've got to be kidding me. There are plenty of race teams who are sponsored by Scorpion. I will agree that their gloves aren't so hot, but their helmets are top notch. My boyfriend has crashed in racing practice wearing a Scorpion a couple of times and has never had any head injuries, in spite of damaging the lids.

PM me if you have more questions about Scorpion.

MattP · 06-14-2008, 12:39 PM

Good advice from all really. Scorpion definitely hasn't been around as long as some brands and as such these newer companies tend to get a lot of flak. Stick with what feels good and fits good. All helmets with the same approval ratings should hold up pretty similar in an impact, the more you pay the lighter and possibly more comfortable the helmet will become, not necessarily more safe.

I've ALWAYS worn Shoei. Not that there aren't other great brands, I've just always ended up with them. I've had 2 RF1000's and a TC-1. They're the quietest helmets I've ridden in and they fit really well (for me). I've tried friends Arai's, Icon's and Scorpions and I think I might go for an Icon pretty soon. The only fog problems I've had with Shoei's happens in stand still traffic, so I just lift the visor, or you can get an anti fog insert which works excellently.

I was considering the Scorpion EXO700 but the Icon seems to fit a little better. The only problem with both these other brands is (and bear in mind I have a small head) the helmets seem to look a lot bigger than the Shoei's, I hate that mushroom head look haha.

Good luck with your purchase!

mattforchat · 06-27-2008, 10:52 AM

MattP is right.

Quote:

Stick with what feels good and fits good

...the most important thing is fit/comfort, if it moves around on your head it ain't gonna do ya much good! Also, I'm living proof that having both Dot and Snell ratings are what you need to survive, IMHO. Other than that go for what you can afford, with the features that you want.