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I started out with an HJC CL-15 full face helmet when I got back into riding 5 years ago. Good price and at the time what I thought was a good fit made the decision pretty easy for me.
Since my HJC now has 5 years on it, and I've been exposed to lots of helmet info over the past 5 years from magazines, forums, etc, I chose to go with the new Shoei Quest full face helmet this fall.
There is no comparison. Not just the fit, but the quality of the fit that the Shoei brings to the table compared to the HJC. It's a lighter helmet, much quieter, very well ventilated when needed, and just plain feels better on my head. I suspect there are similar comparisons that could be drawn to other lower priced helmets of other brands as well. Even if the helmet fits in the purest sense, the quality of the fit is what I can see as the big difference as explained above. As well, most of us (I think?, I hope?) wear ear plugs when we ride, but regardless of that, the Quest is extremely good with aerodynamics and keeping it quieter than any helmet I've test rode, even with ear plugs.
I'm not saying or implying by any stretch of the imagination that the Shoei might protect me better in an accident than an HJC or other brand, but I do know when I swap helmets just to show the 'ol HJC some love, it's a night and day difference in comfort in favor of the Shoei.
Competition accessories has the Shoei Quest in solid colors for $330 right now with free shipping over $100. I bought mine from a local dealer, paid $20more for it plus tax but kept it local. This dealer also donates items each year to a silent auction I help to organize, so it's the least I can do to support them for supporting the auction.
Maybe the price alone is a deterrant for many of us, however I am convinced with helmets, at least for me, I get what I pay for and amortizing the cost of a helmet over a 5 year span is pretty easy justification.
Since my HJC now has 5 years on it, and I've been exposed to lots of helmet info over the past 5 years from magazines, forums, etc, I chose to go with the new Shoei Quest full face helmet this fall.
There is no comparison. Not just the fit, but the quality of the fit that the Shoei brings to the table compared to the HJC. It's a lighter helmet, much quieter, very well ventilated when needed, and just plain feels better on my head. I suspect there are similar comparisons that could be drawn to other lower priced helmets of other brands as well. Even if the helmet fits in the purest sense, the quality of the fit is what I can see as the big difference as explained above. As well, most of us (I think?, I hope?) wear ear plugs when we ride, but regardless of that, the Quest is extremely good with aerodynamics and keeping it quieter than any helmet I've test rode, even with ear plugs.
I'm not saying or implying by any stretch of the imagination that the Shoei might protect me better in an accident than an HJC or other brand, but I do know when I swap helmets just to show the 'ol HJC some love, it's a night and day difference in comfort in favor of the Shoei.
Competition accessories has the Shoei Quest in solid colors for $330 right now with free shipping over $100. I bought mine from a local dealer, paid $20more for it plus tax but kept it local. This dealer also donates items each year to a silent auction I help to organize, so it's the least I can do to support them for supporting the auction.
Maybe the price alone is a deterrant for many of us, however I am convinced with helmets, at least for me, I get what I pay for and amortizing the cost of a helmet over a 5 year span is pretty easy justification.
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