[hsilman]

ugh. Over the past few days, I have really been struggling with this. I seriously can't decide what to do. I have decided that this year, no major bike purchases, but to treat myself to a high quality helmet. My Gmax G68S has treated me well this past year and 1/2, but it is a budget helmet, and I'll never mistake it for anything else.

I currently have 3 choices:

1) HJC AC-12. I can get this on closeout about a billion different places for $100 shipped. It's a top of the line HJC, and I tried it on in the store and it fits me like a glove. I'll probably go for the matte grey option, otherwise I think I'll look too much like a power ranged with my blue jacket, boots and bike.

2) HJC AC-12 Carbon. $200 shipped. This is the newest ac-12, and the model that Ben Spies wore last year during AMA competition. I would be getting the version with his "Elbowz" design on it. It is super-lightweight and a very nice, top of the line helmet. If it should affect my decision, I like this design the best.

3) Shark RSR2 Duhamel. $250 shipped. I have no idea about this one. All I know is that if it doesn't fit me, all it will cost me to return it is shipping. I'm not a huge fan of the graphics, but I'd survive. I've heard nothing but good things about it, and considering it is a top of the line, $600 helmet for $250, it seems like a good deal. However, I'm not too thrilled about $70 replacement shields.

So, there you have it. While I will make up my own mind, of course, I have 3 choices for three different prices. What would you do?

 

[aram]

The arai vector camos are on sale at bikebandit for around $300 + shipping too. Whatever you get be sure to try it on first.

 

[doxiedog]

Pick the one that fits best! A fancy design that makes your head hurt, an hour into a ride, sucks!

 

[NTJordan]

Pick the one that fits best! A fancy design that makes your head hurt, an hour into a ride, sucks!

Big +1 to that. No one helmet works for everyone, so go hit a dealership and try on anything they have. Personally, I love my Shoei. Fits me perfect, and worth every penny. Paid for it once, and when time comes for another I will drop the bucks again without batting an eye.

HJC hurts my head. Like really bad, too many pressure points. But that doesn't mean they will hurt your head, might be perfect for you.

 

[tlc4diving]

Love the graphics on the Shark. If it fit, that would be the one I'd get. Realize though, I wear the wildest looking Suomy I can find.

 

[Trev]

Okay,

First, it looks like you like all of them.

So pick which one YOU like. If you can't do that, pick the cheapest one

Good luck, because you will like all of them

 

[SirReal187]

I would say the Shark....

But it's your helmet you have to get what feels right...

Here's a recent review on the Shark...

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=94798&highlight=shark

 

[FireBear]

Big +1 to that. No one helmet works for everyone, so go hit a dealership and try on anything they have. Personally, I love my Shoei. Fits me perfect, and worth every penny. Paid for it once, and when time comes for another I will drop the bucks again without batting an eye.

HJC hurts my head. Like really bad, too many pressure points. But that doesn't mean they will hurt your head, might be perfect for you.

I got about 1/2 way into this post and had to check the name. I thought I had replied and forgotten about it. This is exactly how I feel. I could wear my Shoei for 24 hours and not care.

 

[Tweeksta]

I have an Suomy Spec-1R and could wear that baby all day! Out of those three I would go with the Shark, its in a whole different class than HJC.

 

[Oh My Sack!]

You said "High Quality" yet you pose none out of your 3 choices.

If I were you, I'd be trying on Arai's, Shoei's, Scorpion EXO 1000 & 700 and find the one that fits your mug the best!

 

[Leechy]

I was contemplating the Shark as well, big time. Mostly because of the reviews and it seemed to fit me pretty well. I tried on a large and it was alright, and a medium was way out of the question.
Then I tried on a Shoei X-11 and it fit like a dream! Perfectly snug everywhere with enough room for it to break in.
It all depends on what fits your head the best, and also your price range. The Scorpion lids fit me pretty good too, but I am also looking for a lighter helmet... and with that comes a price..

 

[hsilman]

well, since the ac-12 fits me like a dream for sure, and I can't find any shark's to try on to be certain, I'm gonna go with the ac-12 carbon.

thanks for the input everyone.

 

[056svs_awatto]

It makes me wonder what you paid for your "cheap" helmet when your first option on a "major purchase for a high quality helmet" is $100.

There is nothing wrong with the helmets you listed, but they aren't high end. Go to http://helmetharbor.com/ and read the reviews, particularly the "best of the best"

Find the one that fits best.....you've heard it before? yes, because it's the most important thing.

edit: I just read the choice was made - good one.

 

[hsilman]

It makes me wonder what you paid for your "cheap" helmet when your first option on a "major purchase for a high quality helmet" is $100.

There is nothing wrong with the helmets you listed, but they aren't high end. Go to http://helmetharbor.com/ and read the reviews, particularly the "best of the best"

Find the one that fits best.....you've heard it before? yes, because it's the most important thing.

edit: I just read the choice was made - good one.

$120 for my gmax.

I'm no brand snob and no offense, but they annoy me. If the ac-12 carbon is good enough for Ben Spies, I don't know why it isn't good enough for anyone else. Just because it doesn't have "arai" stamped to the front of it doesn't mean it's crap.

and the shark rsr2 is a $620 helmet. If that isn't "high-end", you msut have a brand new definition of the word.

/rant, sorry.

 

[frick]

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ Helmet crash reviews. Check those out as well.