So it must be the shape of my melon, but certain helmets just were not comfortable, which was a little disappointing because I was really interested in some of them. Namely, a Shoei RF1000 - but the large was REALLY tight, to the point that if I talked, my lips brushed against the chinbar. That was a little too close for comfort in itself. And the XL was really loose. Ok, that's out. I tried AGV, Suomy, Arai - the Arai came close, but too tight across my forehead. In some of the other helmets my chin stuck out the bottom without even opening my mouth so that was a bit of a turn-off.
After reading the lengthy and much-debated helmet article in a recent issue of Motorcyclist, I was curious about the Z1Rs - they rated very well in terms reduced impact to the head - but they have to be The Most Uncomfortable Object I ever put my head into this side of an aluminum cooking pot.
I was very anxious to try on a Shark, as I've heard lots of good about them (not to mention half the GP field wears them), but I can't find a dealer. I was tempted to order one & return it if it didn't fit, but nobody would forgo a re-stocking fee - and I didn't feel like paying $25 just to try a helmet on.
I did find the Scorpion helmets fit well, and they supposedly have some great anti-fog lens (but I'm not really interested in the lens as 1) they're replaceable and 2) they're not going to save my noggin if I land on it); however, they rated very poorly in the test results in that article. Actually, Scorpions transmitted some of the highest amounts of impact energy to the headform. Not good.
So I bought HJC again. An AC-11 this time. This time I went with a large (instead of an XL), too. This has some serious venting and an interesting visor positioning system. For vents, there's one on either side of your jaw, each with 6 opening positions; one at each temple, each with 3 opening positions; one across the nose w/ 3 positions as well. There's also a really handy anti-fog nose-piece that clips in place as well. It's much larger than in the past and really seals against your face.
The lens also has a new positioning system which allows you to crack it open across the bottom without having to worry about it flipping up if you turn to look over your shoulder. So far so good, but I'm sure those little plastic pieces will wear a bit over time, too. But still - handy.
I like it. I'd still like to find a Shark to try on, but as long as I have a decent brain bucket until then, I'm happy.
