Tornadom

I would like to add to my helmet shelf, and feel that the time is right to step up the game a bit. I currently have a Shoei RF-1000 and absolutely love the fit, feel and ventilation that it offers, although I have been eyeing the X-11 for some time as well. Recently a friend of mine purchased the Arai RX7 Corsair with the tommy gun graphics (not really my style graphically), and offered to let me try it out. I was impressed with the Arai in every sense that one is impressed by with helmets, and immediately added it to the list of possible next helmets. After trying on both the Arai and the Shoei, I am torn between the two models... both fit my head incredibly well, so well in fact that I can't feel any real difference in fit between the two (other than the Arai seems to have a little softer cheek pads). I have tried them both on with the cheek pads removed, and again the fit is superb among either model. So, I am asking the trusty minds out there what they like or dislike among the two helmets. Any input is welcome, including flaming (because I am comfortable with my sexuality).

Discuss.

Oh, and this is an open poll... so feel free to add options.

marmaladedad

Shoei X11 vents a lot better than the Corsair. But the Corsair's liner is uber-plush. The X11 also carries its weight lower, so it doesn't feel as heavy on your head.

life sux die

if they both fit your head good then go with the Shoei X-11.

Tornadom

Yeah, the Corsair felt lighter in hand, but once on the head the difference was un-noticeable to me.

How much better ventilation are we talking between the two? My Rf-1000 has never made me feel that ventilation was as issue, yet I hear that it fails to compare with the X-11 in terms of venting. As far as crash protection is concerned, I know that the more propperly fitting helmet is the safer one, but I can't tell (nor can shop employees) which helmet is fitting me better. Are there any other methods to insure a propperly fitted helmet?

marmaladedad

Put the helmet on your head. Grab the front of it (chin-bar) and pull towards the right. Then to the left. You should feel the helmet pull your cheeks (not THOSE) in each direction. It shouldn't move freely without turning your head. Same for up and down motion.

If possible, wear it for 15 minutes. If you start to feel a slight pressure point, imagine how much worse it will be after two hours.

They both vent really well, but the X11 vents just a little bit better.

And the Shoei iridium shields are less costly than the Arai iridium shields.

<-- voted for the Z1R just to stir chit up. Yes I'm buzzed.

Tornadom

I can always count on you Marm for good information... with just a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. As far as grabbing the chin bar and moving the helmet, neither helmet would move without moving my head, and with the cheek pads removed they were still equals in that area. I didn't notice any tight spots after wearing my friend's Corsair for an hour, but I have only gotten to wear the X-11 in the shop. Hmm, I love my Shoei and don't see any reason why I wouldn't love and X-11... but that Corsair seems great too. Why must this be so hard (oh, wait... because I make it that hard)?

98JDM_Type_R

I'm a little biased as I own a Corsair and have nothing but praise for the helmet. Some people will complain about the difficulty in changing the visor, but after you know how to do it it's a breeze. If you're going for a plain helmet you really can't go wrong with either helmet, and if it's a graphic helmet you just have to choose a design that you like out the the two.

I'm kinda in the same boat you are in as I love my plain black Corsair, but I am in the market for a graphic helmet. I'd love to get either a Corsair or an X11, but the only graphics I seem to like are on the Suomy Extreme's.

bg-33p

Funny you ask because I was choosing between the 2 myself. I ended up getting an RX-7, and love it. One reason i choose it over the x-11 is cuz of the looks, but other than that they are pretty similar to each other. All personal preference, try both out which fits you better?

Jasper_db1

I own and crash tested my Corsair. I loved that helmet.

I've tried the X-11 and really like it as well. The only reason why I'd buy an X-11 over the Corsair again is because it it so much easier to change the visors and adjust the shield on the Shoei.

marmaladedad

Oh, and if you already have some visors for the RF1k, then they'll fit the X11 too.

bad-monkey

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oh, and if you already have some visors for the RF1k, then they'll fit the X11 too. </TD></TR></TABLE>

yup, and even the most bling cx1v's (visors) cost $50, and the arai's are $70-80.

i hear arai has been having qc issues with fit n finish, but have been great on the customer service side.

i love my x11's.

marmaladedad

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yup, and even the most bling cx1v's (visors) cost $50, and the arai's are $70-80.

i hear arai has been having qc issues with fit n finish, but have been great on the customer service side.

i love my x11's.</TD></TR></TABLE>
+1 on their customer service. I had my front trim (the rubber bottom) and pull down spoiler fixed for free! I think Shoei charges a fee for this service.

Tornadom

Lots of good input guys.

Wow, maybe I am going to have to save up longer and buy one of each. I am looking at a replica or graphic helmet, and to that end the Arai seems to offer more choices. Then again, I already have a Shoei and the visor interchangability is nice.

immortal

I have both helmets. I would get the Corsair, take my word for it.

The Shoei is a better venting helmet, but with all the vents closed it still vents too much IMO. Also the chin strap mechanism on the Shoei sucks *** compared to the button on the Arai chin strap. Both helmets are super light, and both feel great. And just because it's better venting does not mean the Corsair does not vent enough - because it does. It also stays warmer when you want the vents closed.

I'll use my Shoei on super hot days, especially for the track - but otherwise I'll be wearing my Corsair everyday.

Coke in a Can

iTrader: (1)

x eleven!

i've owned both and i love the x-11 way more.

life sux die

i need a new lid. anyone know who's selling X-11's the cheapest on the interweb?!?!

marmaladedad

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by life sux die &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i need a new lid. anyone know who's selling X-11's the cheapest on the interweb?!?! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Terra. Duh.

life sux die

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Terra. Duh. </TD></TR></TABLE>

aha! they setting up shop again at the Cycle World Long Beach show? what kind of deal am i looking at?

marmaladedad

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by life sux die &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">aha! they setting up shop again at the Cycle World Long Beach show? what kind of deal am i looking at? </TD></TR></TABLE>
I think they'll be there again. I'll find out tomorrow. There are some killer deals at the show to be had.

life sux die

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I think they'll be there again. I'll find out tomorrow. There are some killer deals at the show to be had.</TD></TR></TABLE>

cool! if i can fit my fat self into some rs-taichi leathers i might buy myself a 1pc off of them. they had the best deal on those last year, but i was super broke.

marmaladedad

Those Taichi suits can be custom-fitted too.

EKsite

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I think they'll be there again. I'll find out tomorrow. There are some killer deals at the show to be had.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Amen brother. I got my Edwards Valencia Replica for $500, WITH custom fit interior pieces! Big ups to The Service Pavillion!

http://www.theservicepavilion.com/

not2slo128

I have a Corsair but have never owned an X-11.

Overall I like the Corsair (as one would expect from a $500 helmet) but have recently experienced one unpleasant issue:

The visor side-plates (covering the two pivot points) are attached to the helmet via 2 tiny tabs. I recently broke one of the tabs and was unable to use the helmet with the visor flipped open. The helmet was only several months old and Arai warrantied the part for me no questions asked. I later realized that this was probably the result of a harder-than-ideal opening of the visor (still, I can't think of a specific time when I did it harder than 'normal'). Nevertheless, keep in mind that after a few years, when the helmet is no longer made, there is a chance that those pieces will be unavailable.

I would go with something that has a better mounting system. My Suomy was pretty good.

As far as venting goes, I think that any ~500 helmet you buy will have adequate venting.

For my Arai, I actually want less venting at times.

More venitng = more noise.

marmaladedad

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by not2slo128 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a Corsair but have never owned an X-11.

Overall I like the Corsair (as one would expect from a $500 helmet) but have recently experienced one unpleasant issue:

The visor side-plates (covering the two pivot points) are attached to the helmet via 2 tiny tabs. I recently broke one of the tabs and was unable to use the helmet with the visor flipped open. The helmet was only several months old and Arai warrantied the part for me no questions asked. I later realized that this was probably the result of a harder-than-ideal opening of the visor (still, I can't think of a specific time when I did it harder than 'normal'). Nevertheless, keep in mind that after a few years, when the helmet is no longer made, there is a chance that those pieces will be unavailable.

I would go with something that has a better mounting system. My Suomy was pretty good.

As far as venting goes, I think that any ~500 helmet you buy will have adequate venting.

For my Arai, I actually want less venting at times.

More venitng = more noise.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I believe Arai's sidepod hardware remains unchanged since...probably from before the RX7RR3. I don't think finding hardware will be a problem - they're sure to have lots stockpiled in their warehouse.

Etylorcen

Get whatever fits the best. Both are great lids and you can't really go wrong with either. If they both fit the same, you could just pick which one has better graphics/paint. I've always been partial to Shoei though.