How do you go about buying a helmet online?

[Karson]

Of the helmets I've bought, HJC & Scorpion, have all been at brick and mortar stores here locally. Unfortunately, no dealers in Central Iowa (Des Moines included) carry premium helmet lines like Arai and Shoei, even though they are authorized dealers.

I called one or two dealers during my initial hunt several months ago, and it seemed like a headache for them to "special" order them. I don't even know if it's a "special" order or how that works for them. If it doesn't fit, are they stuck trying to offload it, or if they can return it to Arai or Shoei if it doesn't fit? I certainly don't want to buy a helmet and be locked into a brand not knowing how they fit at all, ya know?

So, I'm considering going online through a reputable shop like Revzilla. It looks like I get on free exchange where I only cover the shipment back if it doesn't fit and they'll send one out on them for the next one. But, subsequent swap-outs will be on me both ways for shipping.

So, what's your recommendation for how I go about this?

 

[jasonc32amg]

Revzilla is good but also check out compacc.com. I bought my x11 through them for peanuts. If you watch thier sizing videos and take care in measuring you should be good to go. Even if you have to eat some shipping on an exchange you will still be far ahead compared to retail.

 

[Karson]

Thanks - from some quick googling, it sounds like i'll just have to chance it going online, if that's the only route. I highly doubt there is something/one out there that compares different brand/model helmet fits against one another. Especially modular vs full face DS helmets.

Oh well...

 

[jasonc32amg]

Thanks - from some quick googling, it sounds like i'll just have to chance it going online, if that's the only route. I highly doubt there is something/one out there that compares different brand/model helmet fits against one another. Especially modular vs full face DS helmets.

Oh well...

Premium Touring Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide at RevZilla.com

 

[MikeBear]

I went thru exactly same thing not too long ago. I would not recommend you buying one online. Even Revzilla only pays one return. Last December I froze my ass all the way from Long Island to Philly and back to visit Revzilla, but I am very glad I made that trip. No pictures, reviews, videos or opinions will compare to going there yourself and trying a bunch of helmets. I spent hour and half trying half a dozen helmets and comparing one to another. Do yourself a favor and find store.

 

[creggur]

What are you looking for, Karson?

A little info on what works as far size and fitment vs. what you're In the market for may help the braintrust here chime in with helpful recommendations...

BTW, I bought a Shoei Neotec from Revzilla with zero issues - couldn't be happier with the lid...

 

[Karson]

I had an HJC IS-Max in size XL that I had for a long time. I now have a Scorpion EXO-900 in XL and after a couple hours on, kills my forehead. I find myself having to tilt the helmet in order to keep going, but ultimately end up having to pull over after about a half hour of doing that.

I really like the dual sport aesthetics of the XD4 and Hornet DS, even though the peak on the DS is useless from what I've gathered. I also don't mind the AGV AX-8 EVO too for the price.

Thanks creggur


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[hANNAbONE]

Karson, StruthersBrothers Suzuki has Shoei & Arai (*at least they did when I was in DSM.*)

Did ya try them?

Get with Dave Funk - he is the local Tucker Rocky Rep and a very close friend o mine.

tell him I sent ya.

 

[NittanyXT]

Karson, there's an XL Hi-Vis XD-4 in the for sale threads, good price too. I just got an XD-4 in a large, fit me well everywhere except center of my forehead, took a spoon and SLIGHTLY compressed the eps in that area and took care of the problem. My noggin measures just under 60cm which is the max recommended for a large, I think an XL would swim on my head. Just a tip whatever you get, check the fit on your head without the cheek pads.

 

[Mzee]

I go to the local dealer, find what I want: colour, size, etc then order online. ::025::

 

[Karson]

Ended up buying a Hornet DS at Struthers Brothers(dealer in Des Moines). I'd rather spend a few bucks and help keep good local resources in business than save a buck online.

 

[greg the pole]

damn.

I was going to say Iron pony.
Bought a shoei neotech for $300 under local price. Tossed it in my carry on, and went home.
win win.

 

[terrysig]

Ended up buying a Hornet DS at Struthers Brothers(dealer in Des Moines). I'd rather spend a few bucks and help keep good local resources in business than save a buck online.

Bought the DS a couple months ago. Pre cold weather it was great. Now with temps down in the 30s had to go back to the X12...way to "breezy" at speed. Off road and slower it works fine in the colder temps.

Bought the XD4 and immediately found that I had a Shoei head!!! Sold it to a buddy within days to finance the DS.

BTW anyone wants an extra XD4 clear shield still in the revzilla box i'd sell for $45 including shipping?

 

[Karson]

Rode 9 hours at 27 degrees this past weekend with the chin guard in and thought it helped tremendously. Have you tried that?

I've exclusively rode with modulars prior and they were OK, but the smaller less buffety peak compared to the XD4 make the Hornet DS my favorite helmet ever.

 

[advswede1981]

I buy all my motorcycle gear, including my helmets, from Revzilla. They got all the good stuff, great videos that actually tells you what you need to know and their customer service and return policy is outstanding. I've exchanged a helmet and a jacket no questions asked. To say they are as good as REI on taking care of their customers would be an exaggeration but I haven't seen anything better from any other dealer when it comes to mc gear.

 

[RED CAT]

Every helmet has a different head shape. Try a bunch on before you buy. Only way. Finally found the right one size and shape after buying the wrong helmets for 25 years. Arai Vector XS for me. I always thought I was a Medium. Arai has several different head shape styles. Best advise, Try em on!

 

[greg the pole]

modular lids have come a long way. I don't think I would go back to a normal helmet.
On decent days I usually ride with my helmet flipped open, and close it at higher speeds.
That and the fact that you don't have to take it off everytime you g into a shop, bank, gas station etc...
looking like you're going to rob the place.

 

[Tippo]

Several years ago I went to an AMA Superbike race. Arai had a truck there. They weren't selling helmets but they were fitting people. I waited in line for a bit and found out I have an intermediate oval head shape and a size medium. I now buy Arai helmets in my size from Revzilla (currently Arai XD3) . As others have said great service. BTW Arai (and only Arai afaik) makes helmets for different shape heads so it helps a lot to get fitted. After wearing my helmet for a while I ordered thinner cheek pads for a better fit. I pull the bill off the XD3 for long trips on the slab.

Jeff

 

[terrysig]

About the ARAI fitting. I did the same thing at Indy this year. Still have the card they give which is what prompted me to buy the XD4. Standing there wearing it and wearing it while riding were two different things for me. Just never felt right. The DS on the other hand fits like a glove. Very nice.


@KARSON: Yeah I use the skirts on all my helmets. No air (or minimum) from underneath. For me it seems to be in the upper corners of the faceshield on both sides. Not a big deal but my X12 only lets in what I want so is perfect for the cold and fog control. Having said that the DS does not get fog issues so must be a little breezier?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

... fit me well everywhere except center of my forehead, took a spoon and SLIGHTLY compressed the eps in that area and took care of the problem.

Had to do the same thing with my XD3. I know it's not recommended, but it is the most comfortable helmet I've ever owned.