Shoei Quest vs Arai RX q

[num]

I'm looking into one of these helmets my current helmet is a shoei rf 800, the new rf 1100 didn't fit quite right. I don't like modular helmets and I'm looking for something cool, light and quiet. The ability to not fog up is also great. The rf 800 comes with a piece that prevents you from huffing all over the inside of the helmet.


Had anyone had experiences with either ?

 

[BaldKnob]

I recently purchased the RX-Q to replace 10-12yr old Arai Renegade. The RX-Q has great ventilation that is easily opened or closed while riding. Fit and finish is top shelf and very quiet (still... wear earplugs) and cheek pads have a layer of foam you can remove to fine tune the fit. Round head types fit best. Get the Signet if you have a long-narrow head shape. As for the Quest, I am not familiar with it but have owned Shoei in the past and found their helmets to be almost as good as the Arai. Get the best deal and don't look back.

 

[num]

nice,
Thanks for the info.

Gotta try on the signet. didn't know about that one

 

[JohnB]

I can give a 2 thumbs up to the Qwest. I also have an RF1100 which is great when riding my Street Triple but was too noisy when riding the Tenere. I recently bought a Qwest and have to say it's the quietest helmet I've ever owned. It was also comfortable from the first ride. It also comes with a breath guard. I'm not sure how it will perform with the Street Triple but it's a great helmet for the Tenere. It was designed for touring bikes with a more upright riding position.

 

[Icecold Dan]

I also recently got a qwest. For comfort and quiet it is hard to beat. The down side to the quiet is that its going to be hot in the summer due to the poor venting. I guess that's the trade off for quiet. It also tends to fog up badly. Anything below the mid 50s and its fog city. The breath guard makes little difference for me. It's still the best helmet I've ever had.

 

[JHKolb]

I tried them both and wound up with the RX-Q. It is a really nice Helmet, but the more I wear it the more I miss the convenience of my old modular Nolan N-102.

The RX-Q is lighter, quieter (w/o plugs), and vents better but I think I am more a modular guy than a full-face.

You really need to find a shop that has a good selection and try them all on. And wear them for a bit and walk around, just putting them on your noggin' and right off again is not enough time to make sure of a good fit. I spend a few hours at Revzilla (in Philly) trying on helmet and hanging out at the store until I found a good fit for my head shape.

 

[Kingoffleece]

I have both. A white ARAI for when it's hot and a black/hi-viz SHOEI for when it's reasonable.
Very close to each other-no real difference for me.

 

[bloodline]

I own the RX q. I wish I'd held out and bought the Defiant for the S10. The RX q is meant for a sportier riding position than the s10.

 

[talonboy]

I bought the Qwest last year, after spending the last 15 years or so with Arai helmets. The Qwest is quiet, and fits well. The shield snaps closed very tightly, so there is less air leaks around the shield. The Qwest has less ventilation than the previous two Arai helmets, I can't really recall the earlier ones too well.

In the end I am happy with the Qwest, and have no regrets.

 

[clint64]

I own the RX q. I wish I'd held out and bought the Defiant for the S10. The RX q is meant for a sportier riding position than the s10.

I wear the RX q as well since I had it on the previous bike. Your observations are spot on. The Defiant will be my next helmet.