AGV K1 helmets

[SheepDog]

Came across a well priced ($239) AGV K1 helmets the other day and was very impressed.

I have the BELL-R1 and its 7 years old now. Tried the new BELL-R2 which is basically the same fit, etc. But the AGV was really a great fit, in fact a better fit. Lighter and just refreshingly different. Nice graphics yet not to over the top like others from AGV (especially regarding Rossi & 46 etc).

Thoughts guys? 

[Mick_J]

Aren't they polycarbonate?  Nothing wrong with that as long as they are replaced at 2-3 years but I would not have one myself.

[grog]

MJGT, your reason why?

[Mick_J]

When I started riding I could not afford a fibreglass helmet so used polly but in those days petrol fumes and the sun and even stickers used to severely weaken polly helmets so they had to be changed more often than a glass helmet, so as soon as I could afford a "proper" helmet I bought one and don't really want to take a step backwards (in my eyes).  I think that if polly was safe they would find their way to the track but none ever do.  All professional riders use glass or carbon or a mixture of the two.

Call me a snob if you want but to me if it don't say ARAI I don't wear it, as nothing fits me as well as an ARAI.  One of the things I don't like about flip front hats is the helmet is made from glass and or carbon but the flip bit is polly, so although very practical I am put of by the flip bit being plastic, and ARAI don't make them but I believe they are working on one.

I know that fit is the most important thing and for me that's ARAI.  As I said in my previous post there is nothing wrong with polly helmets (now) but I just cannot shake off the feeling its a compromise too far and I think my head is worth more to me than a plastic hat can protect, even though it's full of nonsence .

I see polly helmets are for kids just starting out who cannot afford a proper helmet but that's just me.

[grog]

Great answer, thanks for that.

[GSXKING]

I've always purchased the best helmet I can afford, even from the beginning. (early 70's) First road helmet was 7 layers of fibreglass Bell Star. Heavy as fuck, but I felt safe. Now using SHARK helmets after meeting the owner on a trip to Aus. His explanation of his ethos for making helmets just resonated with me. I did buy a Shoei X8 for track days and it's a great fit but too hot for regular riding in Brisbane in summer. 

[VladTepes]

I've ALWAYA bought Shoei and did so with my flip front (not plastic by the way) in hindsight the expense wasn't worth it. It's just not that nice to wear. I'll definitely be looking at alternatives next time.


One thing that people often fail to mention is that a properly fitted $300 helmet is MUCH safer than a poorly fitting/overly loose $1,000 helmet.  It's not ALL about the price / materials.

[KiwiCol]

Have a try at a Nolan N100-5 next time Mike, Flip front & good price, best safety rating of all the flip fronts.  Check them out.

[Bigger Birdie]

If the fit is good and the price is right, that's your hat.

Like MJGT I'm an Arai addict, but I always try one or two more when I'm in the shop, just in case.

Nothing else has come close for comfort and fit on my head yet, and it must be over 20 years now that I've been wearing them.

But brand loyalty isn't enough, either it feels and fits right, or don't bother.

So my advice SheepDog, if you like the colour and it feels nice on your bonce, get it bought.

[Mick_J]

The bottom line is buy the one that fits the best and is the most comfortable head shape for you, but don't trust DOT tested helmets alone, make sure it has been properly certified by Snell, EC or sharp.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/02/20/4-out-of-10-dot-certified-helmets-fail-government-performance-tests/

[BbigMmac]

Shoei now has what they call "personal fit ". Just bought a Neotec II and if needed they can change som of the inner paddings to make it fit your head the way it should.

[bigian14]

Just to add my 5 cents worth, whenever I needed a new helmet I've always gone to a reputable stockist and tried on as many as I could in my size.
It's surprising how many different "fits" there are in the same size across different brands, and also how many different head shapes we all have lol.
I also consider noise as well as fit when purchasing a helmet and how easy it is to do a visor swap, (some can be very fiddly).
I have tried all the major brands, HJC and Arai don't suit my head shape, I'm not really a fan of Arai as I don't like the look and also found them quite heavy in comparison to others. I know others will swear by Arai but maybe they've not given anything else a chance in the same way people think iphones are the best in the world when they've not had any other handset to compare with.
After a lot of time spent trying on various helmets over several weekends I came to the conclusion the Shoei and Scorpion were the best for me in terms of fit, noise reduction, weight and comfort and ease of removing lining for washing, although the Bell Race Star carbon fibre also suits me well and Helmet City are currently doing them at half price (£300).
I usually like to have two helmets available, I bought a Shoei X-Spirit 3 when they came out and last year became the owner of a Scorpion EXO 1400 air-carbon esprit, (my second Scorpion helmet in last 10 years)
I love them both and recommend both in terms of comfort, weight and quietness and the Scorpion has the added features of an internal flip-down sun visor and pump up pads inside to get the perfect fit.