Shoei X-11, Shark RSR2 and Bell Star Helmet Comparison

[hiimbong]

hey Brian!

i noticed that you said that the 2009 Bell Starl's run a size smaller?

i'm currently wearing a size Large on an x-11, but i do want that medium Day of the dead on closeout.

so you think i can fit that helmet? or should i just get the large?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@hiimbong I would say yes the 2009 Version of the Star would work in the medium if you are a large in the Shoei

[TheDevilInsideandrei]

@Sportbiketrackgear

Hello Brian!

Just wanted to know,if you have the 2009 Bell Star XXS? :) I'm a XS in Shoeu and Arai,so as i understand thats what i need.........

Thanks alot man!

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@hiimbong IN the 2009 Stars the smallest we have left is a medium at this point, sorry

[2cool0]

on newer videos can you actually wear the helmet?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@2cool0 I have started doing that. We have had this request quite a few times now. I agree this is a good call as it can give you a sense of how the helmet looks when it is worn

[2cool0]

@Sportbiketrackgear niceee so do you have any videos of it?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@2cool0 The first one that comes to mind is our ICON Alliance Helmet video. We did that a month or so ago

[mrfadeaway45]

Yo Brian, thx so much for all of the videos you guys post up. today is 12/26, will be contacting you guys in the morning to pick up my RSD Star. The customer service you guys offer is top notch ! Ive called probably 10 times and talked to Jason and Jake. I'm retiring my X-11 but will also be picking up a 12 in a couple months. The RSD deal is just something you can't pass up on. Thx for all these videos once again.

[BrettHauls]

Hey I just found the 2009 C-note for about 60% off and REALLY want to buy it. I wore a Shoei RF-1000 size L prior, what do you think the sizing should be for me? M?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@BrettHauls We are selling the C-Notes for $199.95 now. If you are a large in the shoei a medium should fit you in the C-Note

[BrettHauls]

wicked, thanks. that's such a good deal i can't pass it up. I've placed the order (72139 if you have access) but want to know if shipping can be DELAYED for a couple weeks? I'm going on holidays and won't be home to sign for the package, altho i attached my landlord's names to accept if they happen to be here but i think they're going away as well.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@BrettHauls We can do whatever you need. Please send us an email with specific instructions to service at sportbiketrackgear and I will make sure it gets handled for you. Thanks for the order!

[plantmonster]

so, i just got the star gobert replica after watching all your reviews, and some research- very nice, very happy with the purchase. only question, has anyone noticed a difference with or without the track strip at trackdays or at the drag strip?

[anmolks2009]

Hi, who would compare the Arai Corair V. Bell Star for track use?

i have the Arai corair, but it's due for a change.

[audiocable]

if its not fog free, than its not worth it.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@audiocable I agree fog free is a huge deal

[audiocable]

@Sportbiketrackgear yup, if it aint fog free u put more wear on the helmet from constantly opening and closing the visor, i like my scorpion exo i got from u guys, hopefully next year il be getting a nice Arai, are those fogfree?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@audiocable The Arai are not fog free. Look to Bell and Shark for premium helmets with fog free shields. Arai and shoei both accept the pin lock shield system to offer fog free performance. Little extra expense but they work

[audiocable]

@Sportbiketrackgear so is there any sort of liquid u can put on to make it fog free? i heard of people using auto glass fog free liquid to cover the inside of their helmets, coating lasts about 6 months.

[Chilazr]

"a nice hot day. Into the 80s". Wow, I wish that was considered hot here. 110+ for many, if not most, days in August. I hope they come out with helmet-mounted A/Cs soon. :)

[nielzbohr]

Bryan i need some helm here!

You said that you head perimeter is 58cm and you wear size medium right?

Mine is exactly 58,3cm! Should i get the medium or the large?

Keep in mind that i don't have short hair like you.

Also i don't want this helmet for track, but for everyday use. So i don't want to cut my circulation by being too snug.

Maybe i should go for the L huh?

[blayton614]

Brian, which helmet wins the wind noise category?

[sl33pyriceboi]

i love it how you always say you are a "medium athletic build." jeeeeze, your biceps are about to explode out of ur shirt man...

but you always do a good job with these videos. +1 for you.

[ls033189]

I really like the Shark, but damn...it looks huge next to the X11

[yogatriathlete]

Have you had a chance to try on a 2010 model Bell Star yet? I'm wondering if they now size more consistent with the other common models out there.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

@yogatriathlete I have not ridden in it yet. I worked with Bell on the sizing of the Star a bit. They were looking for some opinions on fit and we helped out. I amm actually flying out to CA to visit Bell next week. They are on the gas very hard. They have a new helmet (Vortex) for 2010 which is pretty slick as well as the evolution of the Star

[Educalifa]

I have the RSR2, bought the Titech and since I'm ordering a suit and few parts from you guys I figured I'd get a Suomy Extreme as well but you guys have no review on the helmet (or any other Suomy) is there one coming?

Since I have the RSR2 and the TiTech, any info you can give me in relation to those 2 would really help me!

Cheers!

[peskypeet]

Brian I got my X-11 form you ealier this year. Great helmet. However I'm dissapointed about the wear of the interior. I'd like to try a RSR2 and it seems most are on closeout. Is the RSR2 V+ the replacement?

Any info on the RSR2 V+?

When are you stalking them?

[Blindbusiness]

I need a recommendation, The Shark RSR 2 Duhamel or the Shoei X11, what are the features and the downsides of both in short and which one to choose?

[DPSwhore]

One thing though. The Shark RSR2 just doesn't fit me right. An XL is just a little too big and L is too small. Are there any good helmets for the street rider you can recommend whose sizing sits in between there? I know that a Shoei RF-1000 in Size XL fits me perfectly but I want to know what other options are out there.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

I find the RSR2 to fit a bit snugger than the RF-1000. Have you ever tried the X-11??

[DPSwhore]

I own the Shark RSR2 and I love it. You may say that it has the lowest ventilation of the three but it's still as much as you'll ever need on a hot day. My only problem with the Shark is that the exhaust vent seems to close on its own now and then while I'm riding, which can be annoying on a hot day because I don't realize it has happened until I start sweating.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

I have not experienced this with my RSR2 helmets personally.

[mooosestang]

If my head measures 58-59cm, could I still wear a medium in the shark? I have a large in the shark rsi, but it felt loose after only a few months wearing it.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

The RSR2 fits tighter than the RSI for sure. I wear a Med in the RSR2 and a small in the RSI

[Educalifa]

I have had both the RSR2 and the X-11 and IMO the RSR2 outperforms the X-11... not only it "feels" lighter when riding its visor is on a league of its own. Absolutely brilliant! I'm considering getting a AGV TiTech too, unfortunately it didn't make into the comparo... :(

[MrBlueGixxer]

i do feel some lift with my Shoei. all i do is make sure the strap is nice and tight and that usually helps

[lemonjellies]

The Shark tends to have a tighter fit with high cheek pads and can be uncomfortable or hard to find the right fit. Paint quality is not that impressive and dark shields have been known to chip as they use a coating process. The quality of the fabric inside the helmet is below that of the Shoei. Out of the three I think the X11 is the better helmet. The Bell is just plain ugly and not in the same league as the other two.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

Out of the three I feel the Shoei offers the lowest fabric quality. I agree the Shark offers a snugger fit in the cheeks than the Bell Star. The paint quality of the three is very close. Do you own all three of these helmets?

[lemonjellies]

IMO the Shoei fabric, fit and finish is better overall and will probably last longer. The only criticism is the fabric in contact with the forehead, above the brows, tends to scuff over time. The Sharks fabric is really nice when new, but over time and intense use, wears down worse than the Shoei. I do own both the Shoei and the Shark, amongst others, but not the Bell as it doesn´t convince me.

[Sportbiketrackgear]

I agree the Shoei fabric shows some wear, not a big deal but it does. Now I have more use on the Shark RSR2 and the fabric still looks great IMO. Exterior finish is on par IMO as well. The Bell Star is worth a look, very nice helmet for sure.

[Arif21]

If a Shoei X 11 fits me great in Medium , how do you think a AGV Ti Tech would fit?

[sl33pyriceboi]

@Arif21 i have both x11 and the GP-tech (big brother of the Ti) and the quality of the x11 is much better than the AGV

[buckwheat40]

I bought an AGV Ti Tech in a XL and it fits me good. I will be getting an X-11 also

[SLripley]

Apparently Shark improved the field of vision on the new RSR2 V+ models.

[my09R6]

I like all three but can u do Comparison with the Airframe by icon???

[anandchakraborty]

Though it was not reviewed here, I still prefer the Arai helmet to all these three helmets...

[Sportbiketrackgear]

Have you ridden in all four of the helmets?

[anandchakraborty]

Well to be truthful, no...

[RedDracon1]

Im liking the Bell lots. Great review thank you. i think the Bell is going to be my next helm

[drjones694]

Only thing i dont like so far is the visor colors Shark offers. Most dont talk about it but daily riding u can b out all hours of the day n nght. N TX it has been 100+ so all night riding is very common. Wearing a clear visor doesnt look good at night so Shark Blue mirror is very dark beware. Good n day bad @ night! My blue mirror Scorpion visor is better as they r a yellow/gold color on the inside and mirrored on the outside. good shade n the day brightens things up at night.

[drjones694]

Just got an RSR2 and cant wait to try it tomorrow against my Scorpion EXO-700. As a daily rider in the TX heat my 700 keeps me very cool. Like you guys said buy new pads every year you get a new helmet every year for $40. I got a $300 off deal so thought Id be different from every1 else, shoei, arai etcand try the Shark RSR2. Im hoping it can keep up with the 700 in keeping my head cool on the road. Shark is definitely lighter which is why I bought it. Ill keep you posted

[KTMsmurf]

Thanks for the sums up of these 3.

A lot of peeps compare the Arai Chaser with the RSR2?

What would your opinions be about the Chaser n RSR2?

[Sportbiketrackgear]

The Chaser is the UK name for the Vector I believe. Not even close IMO. The RSR2 is twice the helmet the Vector is.

[KTMsmurf]

Ah yes, you are correct about the name!

And thanks for the fast answer. The shark visor design and changing also seems a lot easier then the "$5" system Arai uses, IMO.

Again, thanks for the answer!

[deadlysuperbike]

Timely review - I just bought an X11 from you yesterday (arrived in one day!). Fit is just perfect, I can't wait to get out and ride tomorrow. Thanks for the awesome service!

[Sportbiketrackgear]

The X-11 is a fantastic helmet, one of my favorites. Thanks for the business and enjoy that new lid!

[colwyn25]

great video im looking at getting my first expensive helmet

[Kalpatriot]

So im guessing that Icon Helmets would not be best if you were looking for a quiet yet stable helm???

[Sportbiketrackgear]

ICON makes a nice lid as well. They were just not included in this effort.

[Kalpatriot]

Ah OK Thanks

[rebelyell91]

Great Comparison.

I have the RSR2 and agree completely with your points.

[motogpslider]

Awesome Review as Always!