the mx9 is updated from the one they tested here, new arai xd5, schuberth e2.. maybe not now but sometime next year it would make sense to make a new video@@Quinnjamin2020
It’s a pure pleasure to watch your reviews - no matter if the subject is relevant to what I am interested to learn at that particular moment. Mixture of professionalism and style.... and a good dose of humor to make it even better. Thank you!
I don't even own a bike and have no idea why I watched this. But it was excellent. Funny, well delivered and clear. Which is the best helmet for sitting on the sofa, bored during a Thursday evening? haha
Yeah - RF9 makes the best motorcycle and gear reviews on YT hands down. Witty writing and excellent production values. I love it when I get a notification of a new video from FortNine.
The Bell MX-9 MIPS is definitely a solid entry choice from my experience with it. I’ve enjoyed it despite issues of screw mounts falling out or not working with their rubber spacers and plates. It could vent a bit better, but cracking the transitions shield is a pretty easy common practice. I’ve used the breathbox for the snow version during short winter commutes at 0-10F and never bothered using the heated shield. It now easily hosts a Cardo Packtalk (Slim custom mounted to the side, but Bold should mount out of the box) rigged with all audio to a GoPro Hero 6 on a ProShot mount. Peak is optional for those who may spend some time on the highway. I’ll consider the Arai XD-4 or a few other options if I truly need to upgrade. I’m unsure without testing, but it would be nice to cut down on some of the external noise if possible. Even with the thin yet breathable breathbox and it’s chin curtain, Bell’s MX-9 lacks any kind of block to wind and noise from underneath. That’s great on slow hot rides or hot rides in general. I might consider weight since I’m adding a bunch accessories, but I’m not usually feeling like too many helmets are hard on my neck. Great video, I always enjoy them!
I took that Arai (same colour and all) through Australia last year and it's an amazing helmet!! I couldn't agree more with Ryan on the praises of the Arai! And boy did we get heat and dust and cold and rain crossing a continent in 16 days... tip top.
I bought the XD4 as my first helmet (I'm 42, rookie rider) half a year ago, and I had a hard time justifying the price tag. Kept trying other alternatives. Kept coming back to the XD4. Finally took the plunge at my local dealer and after the usual chat he went "this is your FIRST helmet? Sir, you're already making the right choices the first time" . I felt confident and happy with my choice, but my bike (and license) was still a month off. Now I've worn it every day. +2C, +30c, rain, wind, short rides with mates, and 250km stints to a family emergency. It feels weird to say it, but it's completely brilliant. Coming from someone who's never ridden in anything else, that's obviously a tame statement, but you owe yourself to try it. I ride without the peak (commuting and short joyrides) and I love the look. My two friends I often ride with wear Shoei GT Air and ..the previous model.. and they both ride with earplugs. I don't. Not even for two hours at 150km/h on the motorway. It's *that* good.
You can get a dark visor from Arai or wear sunglasses. Internal sun visors make the helmet less safe and that's why Arai won't put them in their helmets. It's also why they get Snell safety certification and others don't.
I have watched Ryan for a while and he is invariably entertaining and when he gets into the technical it is accurate. I learned much from his video on DOT vs Snell. I researched hard for a dual sport for an Alaska trip in 2019. I was biased toward BMW as I own a K1200GT and did own an 1150GS. I was leaning toward the BMW F800GSA and his video on that bike sealed that decision. I now own one. Before I watched this video I bought an Arai XD 4 because of the Snell rating. What he says here is right. After a Nolan and 4 HJCs including the RPHA ST I really like the XD4. Quiet and great fit. I never got the right fit that from any Shoei I tried. It should come with pin lock. It was fogging in the rain last week. Nice work to the whole F9 team.
I’ve been using an Arai xd4 for a few years now on and off road. Best helmet I’ve ever worn. Here in the states you can catch them on sale for under $500 occasionally. Worth every penny.
Did a multi-state adventure ride on a light adv bike last year (DRZ400), and decided to use my Bell purely off-road helmet for the ride. I've had the helmet for a couple of years and it is great for off-road use. Light enough with good air flow. As it turns out, off-road helmets don't make for particularly good adventure helmets. Air deflection is terrible at road speeds and dangerous in crosswinds. Noise is awful and exhausting after 8 hours in the saddle and rain is nothing short of painful. After four days of suffering, I stopped at a small motorcycle accessory store in western Colorado desperate for a change. Selection was limited. They had very few adventure style helmet options and what they did have landed at both sides of the spectrum. Super cheap, and then the Arai XD4. I dropped $650 on the XD4 and had my Bell shipped back home. They XD4 changed the entire nature of the ride and improved my mood substantially. Rain, wind, technical riding in Moab - didn't matter. What a GREAT helmet!
I have that Scorpion lid, actually that exact orange one, and I love it! I find it really comfortable, and after years of breaking arms off sunglasses I put a ton of value on the drop down sun visor. Had it about 2 years and it only seems to get more comfy. Will agree it's a bit loud, but this helmet and some decent earplugs are a great combo. Enormous value and features for the price IMO
Have owned the AT950 since March, put over 2000k of highway, city, and dirt. Comfortable, Vented, and good field of vision. Fits speakers no problem. Peak does create issues for on road riding. Overall, louder than most. Requires neck tube and chin curtain for cooler temps. Runs on the small side until worn in. Overall, would by again
After watching multiple reviews from Ryan I can honestly say I'd be comfortable blindly buying anything he recommends. I never do that with anything...
I don't even do ADV, this video helped me in no way, shape, or form. I watch anyway because you are great at what you do! You might be the next Billy Mays!
regarding Schuberth: you either got a scrappy unit you want to replace, or you want to reread the manual. I ride that bucket since my last 20.000 Km (around 14 k miles?), and was utterly astonished to see you handle it. Summary: works just perfectly. BTW, it cost me around 700 Euro incl. SRC sound system, for which antennas are pre-installed anyway.
My Scorpion has 6 years now, nothing rattles amazingly - I love this helmet, the very big visibility is amazing (I took the sunshield of, much better on the highway, don‘t do any offroading).
Just bought the Arai today. I had the MX9 bell and this is by far more comfortable and quiet than the MX9. Yes the price is pretty steep but I won't change this one for the next 5 years. Bell last only 2,5 years.
I also tried many helmets but keep coming back to my 4 year old xd4. Its fits as nice as it was new, its smal and has decent ventilation. I wish it was a little quieter but earplugs on long rides helps a lot. Quality of the materials and build quality are top notch. I dont think that something will check as many boxes as Arai does.
One other interesting thing about the Arai is that the screws holding the peak and visor on are designed to sheer if the force going through the peak in a crash is too much, meaning again, less torque applies to the neck. Same principal as the rear plastic vents you mentioned.
I think ive had pretty much every iteration of the Arai, from the OG tour X back in the day, to the X3 that survived a head-on collision through a car window and now the Tour-x4 (XD4) It is truly a fantastic helmet, the best if you ask me.
Owned an Arai XD4 for almost five years now. The vent switches are starting to lose their ghost and the back of the helmet has always been hot: I've never really had much luck getting airflow over the top of my head. Admittedly, I have long and thick hair. All that being said, I'm purchasing another one once this one hits its anniversary. It is absolutely the most comfortable adventure helmet I've ever owned and the highest quality. Worn it on multiple cross-country trips. Not sure I would call it perfect, but definitely a solid 9.8/10. Plus the hi-viz model can be seen from the International Space Station.
I took the scorpion adventure helmet battlefage colour. It's a really good product. The unique issue is with the pinlock that tends to move down, losing the sealing. So you have to push it above to make sure that it remains in position, this happens probably due to the high curvature of the visor. For all the rest is a very good product, for the right price. I'll probably rebuy it. For it was better than my previous agv compact.
I prefer inexpensive quality helmets like the Nolan N70s and Airoh's for dual sport. It is because dirt/adv riding is prone to scratches. I won't buy an expensive helmet only to chip the beautiful paintwork with crashes and dirt. Plus I get the chance to buy another helmets so that one doesn't wear off. Although, the content is all about Best ADV/Dual Sport helmets for 2018 and it is worth to watch. Quality content as always F9!
yes FortNine is a great channel, but this list doesn't completely hold up 2 years later with certain helmets now being completely different, like the Klim Krios Pro with Koroyd, a fidlock , and a transitions visor honestly make the xd4 a hard sell when you consider their prices. I just bought a Schuberth E1 and an AGV AX9 plus an iridium shield for less than a Arai XD4 graphic. Doesn't make the XD4 any less of a great helmet, but plenty of people still bitch about it on the internet (which I guess is the case for literally everything). But the truth is you probably need more than one helmet if you're an adventure rider and they're are helmets out now, like the ax9 and the hornet X2, that do things better for certain riders. For example those 2 helmets I just mentioned work really well without the peak and they actually look good in that configuration. Personally I just feel they should edit the intro to this video and write a note saying this video is from 2018 and the market has changed haha.
Like my arai quantum II from years ago, the xd4 accommodates the klingon bump above my forehead. No hot spots or splitting headaches after 30 minutes. The beak definitely catches wind above 60 mph. Ventilation is pretty darn good at the expense of noise (higher speeds) and shield fogging (low speeds).
Ryan, you have to start to make 2 or 3 videos per week. Not sure how you will manage but these are the bread and butter for anyone into the subject of motorcycles or motorcycle equipment, cool stories and any kind of cinematography enthusiasts as it seems you get it just right every time. Big thumbs up, If I could like your videos all over again I would do it :) PS This goes for the whole team, I know you are not the only person working on them and the whole team is contributing it just right!
Shoutout to MX-9 adventure. Had a 100kph collision that launched me airborne. No head trauma, no concussions, not even a bruise. First thing I bought when I got home was another one.
I use an MX-9 as my daily along with Biltwell 2.0 goggles and I've had no real complaints yet. I couldn't fit sunglasses under the helmet without pinching myself, and the goggles with a tinted lens were cheaper than the tinted visor, and MUCH cheaper than the transitions visor. The goggles fit the helmet well and it doesn't feel cramped even with the visor down. Wind noise is real, but I feel like I stopped caring about that after a week.
Finally the perfect comparison! I've been searching for the quietest and lightest helmet. This is the perfect buffet of information to pick and choose from! 👍
Part of me wants this channel to grow as it deserves millions of subscribers. Part of me doesn’t as it’s a well kept secret and the effort that is put in to win more subs is incredible, I worry that when it does eventually become the most popular bike channel the quality, humour and effort might slip (ala digitalrev). Just my doubting Thomas tendencies perhaps. I guess in short... this is the best review channel out there!
You were totally in my mind before I watched this video: a year and a half ago I got the Schuberth C3 basic and I’m suffocating! I live in Greece and temperatures can get pretty high, so it’s kind of a hell with that thing around my head. I can’t wait to go back to the Arai!
Just bought the Scorpion AT950. I've had alot of helmets over the years (no high end) and feel that Scorpion are the best bang for the buck for me. Also have the EXO 1100 sixty six and love it.
I just bought the Bell featured here in a black camo with high-vis yellow stripe. $235 shipped. It's comfy and fits my big head well. I wear ear plugs with 100% of helmets, so noise isn't much of a factor. It can be adjusted up and down without removing fasteners. Maybe that was a recent development.
i like my at950 so far, anti fog is not as good as my last scorpion helmet but I love being able to flip up the helmet in the trails when needed. comfortable and fairly quiet
Soooooo happy with my Scorpion at950. Ive had it for over a year now and love it. I ride an sv1000 so all street for me, the helmet comes with side panel covers for when you take off the visor. Couple that with a shiny tinted shield and you get a very comfortable and functional commuter/street modular that doesnt mind a day or two offroad when you get invited to your buddys farm with the atv's. Not mentioned with the scorpion as well, shield has notches on the side so goggles can be worn without taking the shield off, and pads have speaker cutouts.
I have both the Arai and the Klim helmets. The Arai is not so perfect. The visor is difficult to change and it does seem to distort vision. It is not any quieter than the Klim either. I prefer the Klim, but I agree it could do with more padding for highway use. I await the Arai XD-5!
Thanks for the great video as always Ryan. Looks like the Arai XD4 is called the Tour-Cross 3 here in Japan. There also seem to be different graphic options here, and the base model (no graphics) has an RRP which equates to around US$400 before sales tax (which you should be able claim back if you bought it as a tourist...)
Your videos are pretty good man. I find myself watching them even if they don't really give a crap what you're talking about. I always learn something. Good work, thanks.
I purchased the scorpion Adv helmet. I am very happy with it. Fits Great, not too heavy not super loud. All-around great helmet. Thanks for the tip it was very helpful
Excellent as usual. It almost like the Arai: perfect (unless you use prescription glasses - then the Scorpion is my choice - I own two). Update (5 years after)t: used up my Arai Tour x4 and went back to the Scorpion. Half the price, equivalent quality and much more practical (and with a dropdown sun visor). One obvious cons of the Arai: couldn´t take the neck roll off to clean it, cant dethatch the cheek padding from the EPS on them, to clean, unless you tear them apart. The Scorpion ADF9000 is a much better design, where the cheek pads include almost all of neck roll, so very easy to clean.
I've have been riding for the last 2 years with the Schuberth E1. The pins that lock the chin bar down do tend to miss a little while off your head, but when it's on it's doesn't miss as much and I only noticed that when the helmet was new, after a few months the chin bar locking loosened up and stop missing the pins. Ryan is right though, it's more of a touring helmet. And Schuberth does have its own Bluetooth to fit this helmet that replaces the neck roll, but I wanted a Sena. Where the drop down shades control is, that is right where any BT device should go so mine is mounted a little farther back from perfect, but you get used to it. I think the venting is pretty good around 30+mph under that it is just meh, and I ride with the chin bar up even though you're not supposed to. The visor is surprisingly stable at interstate speeds but you can pull it off and the helmet comes with caps to fill the spots where the visor mounts.
I've never commented on a TH-cam video before but I think this is FortNine's most in-depth, comprehensive, and honest review yet. No bullshit, just straight facts. Thanks a lot Ryan & crew! Keep up the great videos!
I ride an Arai XD4, always have, always will. Yes, it is the King, and long live the King! However, I like the way the Scorpion has gone about building a value-for-money modular helmet that has ADV cred. Its crash-worthy, functional and cheap! Way to go Scorpion! As for the Schubert, I found it very claustrophobic, hot, expensive and the fact that the internal visor lever is exactly in the same spot I put my comms module really sucks. Nah, give me the Scorpion any day and I have recommended to my friends and my son!
or for a cheaper choice but good quality, you have the Nexx X.Wed2. Little bit lighter that Arai (140 grams), I would say as loud as the Arai but not as compact. But, for me, I have, in the Nexx, internal sun screen and I came back to this option because of being tired moving my sunglasses when driving through tunnels. I had the XD-4 for 3 years, and one of the plastic screws for the peak broke, while I was putting it back, and I brought it to an Arai dealer who sent it to Arai Europe for repair ( I leave in Switzerland ) and they didn't want to repair it under warranty...I found as well that the interior didn't age well, the tissue has like hanks everywhere. I expected Arai to be more reactive to the market and adapt the helmet but the only argument they have is security but it doesn't mean they couldn't use another lining for the interior or maybe adapt an external sun screen like on other helmets. I had to buy a chin cover from Shoei Hornet Adventure to adapt it on my XD-4 to make it quieter (it works)...because the ones from Arai helmets don't adapt on this helmet...and I asked Arai if they don't have the feeling it is completely senseless but no answer...
Great, insightful, witty reviews! Yes, it is official - Ryan likely does the best reviews! Thanks for sharing! I did end up replacing my low budget Fly Trekker with the Bell MX9 Adventure MIPS Torch - Geez... I'm keeping my older Shoei RF-1100 for pure road work for now...
I know it's not a new thing, nor nice nor shiney but I've been hoping caberg tourmax would end up in one of your reviews... cheers for the content! You've cured me from few very bad purchase ideas over here!
If you ride a shitload or commute to work like I did for a couple years and can justify the E1 price tag, do it. It's supped comfortable, vents ok, and the liner doesn't hold oder. I've never washed my liner and it still doesn't stink at all, it just smell like me and my shampoo. In backed up traffic, you can put the chin bar up. And avoid the darker colored ones, I have a solid white one and it stays coolish even in the summer. Having said all that this isn't the best for off-road. I tried single track on a dirt bike with this helmet lol once you start really straining yourself, the sweat comes and at slower speeds, it doesn't vent enough, then again I sweat like a fat guy in a Twinkie factory after peeling an orange. But for on road easy riding it's perfect.
T'was in the market for a new ADV lid so watched all your videos. Still wasn't sure based on noise results but bought an MX-9 MIPS couple of weeks ago. Then this video comes out, talk about affirmation - Cheers Ryan!
I have the Scorpion EXO. I do have some gripes about it that weren’t mentioned in the video, for anyone who’s reading comments here: -It’s heavy. Obviously this is because it’s a modular, but I do feel it needs to hit the gym. -The posts which the face shield drop down to lock on and stay closed came loose, and fell off altogether within a week of owning it. Fortunately it’s a screw and bolt sorta deal and the screw stays in the helmet so the mask locks onto it still, but this is a major concern if they were to ever break, not easily fixed, and the bolt is impossible to screw back on to tighten because the screw isn’t itself tightened to anything. -It fogs, constantly. This is a gripe that many have mentioned in reviews about it, but I think it’s because they have the chin skirt in place. However, even removed it still fogs. -It’s impossible to put the helmet on without opening the face mask. Not so much of an issue, just awkward. -It’s loud. The cutaways for speakers are nice, but this means the speakers are further away from your ear, and thus more road noise gets between your ear and the speaker, which causes you to turn up the speakers…which ruins your hearing altogether. Earplugs an absolute must, even without speakers. All that said, it’s nice to be able to talk to people if need be without having to take your helmet off, and the drop-down visor is fantastic, no need to change out the main visor…nonetheless, I would say, hit up the Bell that Ryan mentioned.
I went with the new Joe Rocket series 25 as a budget option. So far it is decent. I find the shape/fit works better for me then the MX-9 (which I also have)
would be awesome to get a 2022 version of this :)
Or a 2023😂
This.
Puh LEEZE THIS
I don't think many other options have come out. Likely same or similar results
the mx9 is updated from the one they tested here, new arai xd5, schuberth e2.. maybe not now but sometime next year it would make sense to make a new video@@Quinnjamin2020
It’s a pure pleasure to watch your reviews - no matter if the subject is relevant to what I am interested to learn at that particular moment.
Mixture of professionalism and style.... and a good dose of humor to make it even better.
Thank you!
Absolutely the best motorcycle based channel on TH-cam. I wish you shipped to the US, as I would gladly support.
I don't even own a bike and have no idea why I watched this. But it was excellent. Funny, well delivered and clear. Which is the best helmet for sitting on the sofa, bored during a Thursday evening? haha
I would suggest the Scorpion EXO-AT950 because you can open it for your beer and then close it so you don't barf all over the livingroom
Miauu
Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy! :))
Yeah - RF9 makes the best motorcycle and gear reviews on YT hands down. Witty writing and excellent production values. I love it when I get a notification of a new video from FortNine.
AT950 FTW.
Great channel. Excellent reviews with humor. Your reviews helped me buy a new helmet. Thanks!
nice bow tie.
I would watch you review anything, your video on earplugs proves that.
yes! totally agree
The Bell MX-9 MIPS is definitely a solid entry choice from my experience with it. I’ve enjoyed it despite issues of screw mounts falling out or not working with their rubber spacers and plates. It could vent a bit better, but cracking the transitions shield is a pretty easy common practice. I’ve used the breathbox for the snow version during short winter commutes at 0-10F and never bothered using the heated shield. It now easily hosts a Cardo Packtalk (Slim custom mounted to the side, but Bold should mount out of the box) rigged with all audio to a GoPro Hero 6 on a ProShot mount. Peak is optional for those who may spend some time on the highway.
I’ll consider the Arai XD-4 or a few other options if I truly need to upgrade. I’m unsure without testing, but it would be nice to cut down on some of the external noise if possible. Even with the thin yet breathable breathbox and it’s chin curtain, Bell’s MX-9 lacks any kind of block to wind and noise from underneath. That’s great on slow hot rides or hot rides in general. I might consider weight since I’m adding a bunch accessories, but I’m not usually feeling like too many helmets are hard on my neck.
Great video, I always enjoy them!
HANDS DOWN....one of the best, most informative reviewers/moto - journalists on the planet. Everyone of F9s videos are amazing.
I took that Arai (same colour and all) through Australia last year and it's an amazing helmet!! I couldn't agree more with Ryan on the praises of the Arai! And boy did we get heat and dust and cold and rain crossing a continent in 16 days... tip top.
I bought the XD4 as my first helmet (I'm 42, rookie rider) half a year ago, and I had a hard time justifying the price tag. Kept trying other alternatives. Kept coming back to the XD4. Finally took the plunge at my local dealer and after the usual chat he went "this is your FIRST helmet? Sir, you're already making the right choices the first time" . I felt confident and happy with my choice, but my bike (and license) was still a month off. Now I've worn it every day. +2C, +30c, rain, wind, short rides with mates, and 250km stints to a family emergency. It feels weird to say it, but it's completely brilliant. Coming from someone who's never ridden in anything else, that's obviously a tame statement, but you owe yourself to try it. I ride without the peak (commuting and short joyrides) and I love the look. My two friends I often ride with wear Shoei GT Air and ..the previous model.. and they both ride with earplugs. I don't. Not even for two hours at 150km/h on the motorway. It's *that* good.
I was going for a Arai tour-x 4 then I noticed it doesn't have a sun visor. Isn't it annoying ? I'm used to it and unsure I can do without one.
You can get a dark visor from Arai or wear sunglasses. Internal sun visors make the helmet less safe and that's why Arai won't put them in their helmets. It's also why they get Snell safety certification and others don't.
Does the XD4 have MIPS?
Well, I bought 2 tc3 with different graphics.. nothing to complaint..
”unless you run out of kidneys to sell”
I'll never run out of kidneys to sell.
Clorox Bleach ikr how can you run out of gullible people?
I have watched Ryan for a while and he is invariably entertaining and when he gets into the technical it is accurate. I learned much from his video on DOT vs Snell. I researched hard for a dual sport for an Alaska trip in 2019. I was biased toward BMW as I own a K1200GT and did own an 1150GS. I was leaning toward the BMW F800GSA and his video on that bike sealed that decision. I now own one. Before I watched this video I bought an Arai XD 4 because of the Snell rating. What he says here is right. After a Nolan and 4 HJCs including the RPHA ST I really like the XD4. Quiet and great fit. I never got the right fit that from any Shoei I tried. It should come with pin lock. It was fogging in the rain last week. Nice work to the whole F9 team.
F9 really researches everything he reviews and gives the facts not just a vague opinion, brilliant. Thanks!
I’ve been using an Arai xd4 for a few years now on and off road. Best helmet I’ve ever worn. Here in the states you can catch them on sale for under $500 occasionally. Worth every penny.
I wish ALL reviews were done by this guy. Straight to the point, we’ll spoken and unfiltered!
same i agree
got the XD4 remaining stock cheap for 400 bucks including a dark tinted visor. its phenomenal
Did a multi-state adventure ride on a light adv bike last year (DRZ400), and decided to use my Bell purely off-road helmet for the ride. I've had the helmet for a couple of years and it is great for off-road use. Light enough with good air flow. As it turns out, off-road helmets don't make for particularly good adventure helmets. Air deflection is terrible at road speeds and dangerous in crosswinds. Noise is awful and exhausting after 8 hours in the saddle and rain is nothing short of painful. After four days of suffering, I stopped at a small motorcycle accessory store in western Colorado desperate for a change. Selection was limited. They had very few adventure style helmet options and what they did have landed at both sides of the spectrum. Super cheap, and then the Arai XD4. I dropped $650 on the XD4 and had my Bell shipped back home. They XD4 changed the entire nature of the ride and improved my mood substantially. Rain, wind, technical riding in Moab - didn't matter. What a GREAT helmet!
I have that Scorpion lid, actually that exact orange one, and I love it! I find it really comfortable, and after years of breaking arms off sunglasses I put a ton of value on the drop down sun visor. Had it about 2 years and it only seems to get more comfy. Will agree it's a bit loud, but this helmet and some decent earplugs are a great combo. Enormous value and features for the price IMO
Have owned the AT950 since March, put over 2000k of highway, city, and dirt.
Comfortable, Vented, and good field of vision. Fits speakers no problem.
Peak does create issues for on road riding. Overall, louder than most. Requires neck tube and chin curtain for cooler temps. Runs on the small side until worn in.
Overall, would by again
Thanks for your comment man, been looking for a new lid and scouring reviews!
Consistently providing the best motorcycling reviews in YT. Keep up the good work!
Your reviews and video production continue to evolve - and are now best in class. Keep it up!
After watching multiple reviews from Ryan I can honestly say I'd be comfortable blindly buying anything he recommends. I never do that with anything...
I don't even ride anymore and I watched your entire video. You, sir, are a very good presenter.
I don't even do ADV, this video helped me in no way, shape, or form. I watch anyway because you are great at what you do! You might be the next Billy Mays!
The 9 dislikes are from the German football team
I'll wait for the other two
Looks like the subs, the reserves, and the coaches finally watched this video as well.
regarding Schuberth: you either got a scrappy unit you want to replace, or you want to reread the manual.
I ride that bucket since my last 20.000 Km (around 14 k miles?), and was utterly astonished to see you handle it. Summary: works just perfectly. BTW, it cost me around 700 Euro incl. SRC sound system, for which antennas are pre-installed anyway.
My Scorpion has 6 years now, nothing rattles amazingly - I love this helmet, the very big visibility is amazing (I took the sunshield of, much better on the highway, don‘t do any offroading).
Just bought the Arai today. I had the MX9 bell and this is by far more comfortable and quiet than the MX9. Yes the price is pretty steep but I won't change this one for the next 5 years. Bell last only 2,5 years.
I also tried many helmets but keep coming back to my 4 year old xd4. Its fits as nice as it was new, its smal and has decent ventilation. I wish it was a little quieter but earplugs on long rides helps a lot. Quality of the materials and build quality are top notch. I dont think that something will check as many boxes as Arai does.
OMG DUDE IM LITERALLY LOOKING FOR AN ADV HELMET TO BUY TODAY AND YOU DROP THIS AND ITS ABSOLUTLY PERFECT. YOU ARE THE MAN THANK YOU RYAN NOT FORTNINE
2021 I have both the Arai and Schuberth (C3Pro) that I have owned for 2/3 years and the Arai is by far the best helmet by a country mile
One other interesting thing about the Arai is that the screws holding the peak and visor on are designed to sheer if the force going through the peak in a crash is too much, meaning again, less torque applies to the neck. Same principal as the rear plastic vents you mentioned.
I think ive had pretty much every iteration of the Arai, from the OG tour X back in the day, to the X3 that survived a head-on collision through a car window and now the Tour-x4 (XD4) It is truly a fantastic helmet, the best if you ask me.
Owned an Arai XD4 for almost five years now. The vent switches are starting to lose their ghost and the back of the helmet has always been hot: I've never really had much luck getting airflow over the top of my head. Admittedly, I have long and thick hair.
All that being said, I'm purchasing another one once this one hits its anniversary. It is absolutely the most comfortable adventure helmet I've ever owned and the highest quality. Worn it on multiple cross-country trips. Not sure I would call it perfect, but definitely a solid 9.8/10.
Plus the hi-viz model can be seen from the International Space Station.
I took the scorpion adventure helmet battlefage colour. It's a really good product.
The unique issue is with the pinlock that tends to move down, losing the sealing. So you have to push it above to make sure that it remains in position, this happens probably due to the high curvature of the visor.
For all the rest is a very good product, for the right price. I'll probably rebuy it. For it was better than my previous agv compact.
Ryan man I'm binging on all your reviews and I don't even need anything. Best motorcycle-related channel!
absolutely the most enjoyable, informative , high quality production vids out there, your a talented man Ryan!!
I prefer inexpensive quality helmets like the Nolan N70s and Airoh's for dual sport. It is because dirt/adv riding is prone to scratches. I won't buy an expensive helmet only to chip the beautiful paintwork with crashes and dirt. Plus I get the chance to buy another helmets so that one doesn't wear off. Although, the content is all about Best ADV/Dual Sport helmets for 2018 and it is worth to watch. Quality content as always F9!
Omg, best honest, to the point review I've ever watched. Ever. Very impressed. Slow clap. Thank you.
yes FortNine is a great channel, but this list doesn't completely hold up 2 years later with certain helmets now being completely different, like the Klim Krios Pro with Koroyd, a fidlock , and a transitions visor honestly make the xd4 a hard sell when you consider their prices. I just bought a Schuberth E1 and an AGV AX9 plus an iridium shield for less than a Arai XD4 graphic. Doesn't make the XD4 any less of a great helmet, but plenty of people still bitch about it on the internet (which I guess is the case for literally everything). But the truth is you probably need more than one helmet if you're an adventure rider and they're are helmets out now, like the ax9 and the hornet X2, that do things better for certain riders. For example those 2 helmets I just mentioned work really well without the peak and they actually look good in that configuration. Personally I just feel they should edit the intro to this video and write a note saying this video is from 2018 and the market has changed haha.
Like my arai quantum II from years ago, the xd4 accommodates the klingon bump above my forehead. No hot spots or splitting headaches after 30 minutes. The beak definitely catches wind above 60 mph. Ventilation is pretty darn good at the expense of noise (higher speeds) and shield fogging (low speeds).
Ryan, you have to start to make 2 or 3 videos per week. Not sure how you will manage but these are the bread and butter for anyone into the subject of motorcycles or motorcycle equipment, cool stories and any kind of cinematography enthusiasts as it seems you get it just right every time. Big thumbs up, If I could like your videos all over again I would do it :)
PS This goes for the whole team, I know you are not the only person working on them and the whole team is contributing it just right!
Shoutout to MX-9 adventure. Had a 100kph collision that launched me airborne. No head trauma, no concussions, not even a bruise. First thing I bought when I got home was another one.
I use an MX-9 as my daily along with Biltwell 2.0 goggles and I've had no real complaints yet. I couldn't fit sunglasses under the helmet without pinching myself, and the goggles with a tinted lens were cheaper than the tinted visor, and MUCH cheaper than the transitions visor. The goggles fit the helmet well and it doesn't feel cramped even with the visor down. Wind noise is real, but I feel like I stopped caring about that after a week.
Finally the perfect comparison! I've been searching for the quietest and lightest helmet. This is the perfect buffet of information to pick and choose from! 👍
Part of me wants this channel to grow as it deserves millions of subscribers. Part of me doesn’t as it’s a well kept secret and the effort that is put in to win more subs is incredible, I worry that when it does eventually become the most popular bike channel the quality, humour and effort might slip (ala digitalrev). Just my doubting Thomas tendencies perhaps. I guess in short... this is the best review channel out there!
You were totally in my mind before I watched this video: a year and a half ago I got the Schuberth C3 basic and I’m suffocating! I live in Greece and temperatures can get pretty high, so it’s kind of a hell with that thing around my head. I can’t wait to go back to the Arai!
This man is gonna singlehandedly making me quitting my breakfast for a month to buy this helmet
Imagine the weight savings!
And this why I’m a true believer in Bell helmets, MIPS. All of my bike and moto helmets have Mips, because safety is kinda important.
Just bought the Scorpion AT950. I've had alot of helmets over the years (no high end) and feel that Scorpion are the best bang for the buck for me. Also have the EXO 1100 sixty six and love it.
Just bought an Aria…….wow! Can confirm, best ADV helmet I’ve ever worn.
I love my MX-9 Adventure MIPS. It cracks your neck so nicely. Just grab the chin bar with the visor open and do the customary “neck crack” maneuver.
I just bought the Bell featured here in a black camo with high-vis yellow stripe. $235 shipped. It's comfy and fits my big head well. I wear ear plugs with 100% of helmets, so noise isn't much of a factor.
It can be adjusted up and down without removing fasteners. Maybe that was a recent development.
love your honesty in these reviews, think this is why you have so many subscribers, trust is your strength!
Ive watched a ton of your reviews and you are by far the best reviewer Ive seen. Thank you.
I think it is awesome that with you one ones the best helmet but also knows WHY! SO this video is also relevant in 50 years for knowledge seeking.
i like my at950 so far, anti fog is not as good as my last scorpion helmet but I love being able to flip up the helmet in the trails when needed. comfortable and fairly quiet
I could watch these videos all day thanks a bunch.
Thank you Ryan, just bought my new Scorpion EXO-AT950 and all because of this video. :)
Soooooo happy with my Scorpion at950. Ive had it for over a year now and love it. I ride an sv1000 so all street for me, the helmet comes with side panel covers for when you take off the visor. Couple that with a shiny tinted shield and you get a very comfortable and functional commuter/street modular that doesnt mind a day or two offroad when you get invited to your buddys farm with the atv's. Not mentioned with the scorpion as well, shield has notches on the side so goggles can be worn without taking the shield off, and pads have speaker cutouts.
Bought recently the Arai XD4, could'nt agree more. The ventilation and weigth its the best for me...
Shots fired, Germany.... Ekhm korea ekhm
I have both the Arai and the Klim helmets. The Arai is not so perfect. The visor is difficult to change and it does seem to distort vision. It is not any quieter than the Klim either. I prefer the Klim, but I agree it could do with more padding for highway use. I await the Arai XD-5!
Bought myself the Arai Tour X4 (the European trade name) thanks to your review Ryan! Best purchase I've ever made regarding riding gear! Keep it up!
Thanks for the great video as always Ryan. Looks like the Arai XD4 is called the Tour-Cross 3 here in Japan. There also seem to be different graphic options here, and the base model (no graphics) has an RRP which equates to around US$400 before sales tax (which you should be able claim back if you bought it as a tourist...)
Dude simply love all your videos.
Right when i needed it. Your timing is impeccable
These reviews (and your other videos) are so good, I watch them even when the products don’t pertain to me.
Keep it up F9!
Your videos are pretty good man. I find myself watching them even if they don't really give a crap what you're talking about. I always learn something. Good work, thanks.
Great review as always! I just ordered the European version (ADX-1) of the AT950 👌🏻
Your pic of the Scorpion AT950 had me applauding. I own two and love them.
Your videos are so great. No matter what you do, you have an unreal creative talent that is very rare
I purchased the scorpion Adv helmet. I am very happy with it. Fits Great, not too heavy not super loud. All-around great helmet. Thanks for the tip it was very helpful
Bell MX9 or Scorpion AT950? Would love to see a comparison between the two
This dudes voice could lull me to sleep
Excellent as usual. It almost like the Arai: perfect (unless you use prescription glasses - then the Scorpion is my choice - I own two). Update (5 years after)t: used up my Arai Tour x4 and went back to the Scorpion. Half the price, equivalent quality and much more practical (and with a dropdown sun visor). One obvious cons of the Arai: couldn´t take the neck roll off to clean it, cant dethatch the cheek padding from the EPS on them, to clean, unless you tear them apart. The Scorpion ADF9000 is a much better design, where the cheek pads include almost all of neck roll, so very easy to clean.
I've have been riding for the last 2 years with the Schuberth E1. The pins that lock the chin bar down do tend to miss a little while off your head, but when it's on it's doesn't miss as much and I only noticed that when the helmet was new, after a few months the chin bar locking loosened up and stop missing the pins. Ryan is right though, it's more of a touring helmet. And Schuberth does have its own Bluetooth to fit this helmet that replaces the neck roll, but I wanted a Sena. Where the drop down shades control is, that is right where any BT device should go so mine is mounted a little farther back from perfect, but you get used to it. I think the venting is pretty good around 30+mph under that it is just meh, and I ride with the chin bar up even though you're not supposed to. The visor is surprisingly stable at interstate speeds but you can pull it off and the helmet comes with caps to fill the spots where the visor mounts.
I've never commented on a TH-cam video before but I think this is FortNine's most in-depth, comprehensive, and honest review yet. No bullshit, just straight facts.
Thanks a lot Ryan & crew! Keep up the great videos!
I ride an Arai XD4, always have, always will. Yes, it is the King, and long live the King! However, I like the way the Scorpion has gone about building a value-for-money modular helmet that has ADV cred. Its crash-worthy, functional and cheap! Way to go Scorpion! As for the Schubert, I found it very claustrophobic, hot, expensive and the fact that the internal visor lever is exactly in the same spot I put my comms module really sucks. Nah, give me the Scorpion any day and I have recommended to my friends and my son!
I wear and love the crosshelmet from Nexo. Fiberglass, 1250g, lot of air and washable padding.
Always funny, always informative! You really make great videos. Much appreciated!
I tried on a few helmets and that Arai was definitely the best natural fit and very comfy.
Love love love the intro. Straight to the point
Straight up info without the BS. As always, well done.
Hi from Costa Rica, absolutely love you videos and bias opinions are refreshing! keep up the great work!
No time to loose, straight to the point, maan i love your reviews.
Thank you, we ain't got all day
👌🏾👍🏾
Been following you since you began. You & team are REALLY good at arguing what's the best. Thanks for making the video.
And I love my scorpion Exo.. at950.. it did have really tight cheeks but I store a kiss bounce ball in it when not in use and now it fits better.
I was interested to see what was new on the market...turns out I’m already riding with the best, love my XD4. Thanks for making great content!
Your reviews are nothing short of awesome. Well done.
The E1 (and C3 Pro) actually don’t close as intended if there’s no head inside. Try it! Designed that way...
MokumMoto good information, thank you
I love my Bell MX-9, best helmet ive ever used.
or for a cheaper choice but good quality, you have the Nexx X.Wed2. Little bit lighter that Arai (140 grams), I would say as loud as the Arai but not as compact. But, for me, I have, in the Nexx, internal sun screen and I came back to this option because of being tired moving my sunglasses when driving through tunnels. I had the XD-4 for 3 years, and one of the plastic screws for the peak broke, while I was putting it back, and I brought it to an Arai dealer who sent it to Arai Europe for repair ( I leave in Switzerland ) and they didn't want to repair it under warranty...I found as well that the interior didn't age well, the tissue has like hanks everywhere.
I expected Arai to be more reactive to the market and adapt the helmet but the only argument they have is security but it doesn't mean they couldn't use another lining for the interior or maybe adapt an external sun screen like on other helmets.
I had to buy a chin cover from Shoei Hornet Adventure to adapt it on my XD-4 to make it quieter (it works)...because the ones from Arai helmets don't adapt on this helmet...and I asked Arai if they don't have the feeling it is completely senseless but no answer...
You've really come a long way. Great job!
Great, insightful, witty reviews! Yes, it is official - Ryan likely does the best reviews! Thanks for sharing! I did end up replacing my low budget Fly Trekker with the Bell MX9 Adventure MIPS Torch - Geez... I'm keeping my older Shoei RF-1100 for pure road work for now...
I know it's not a new thing, nor nice nor shiney but I've been hoping caberg tourmax would end up in one of your reviews...
cheers for the content! You've cured me from few very bad purchase ideas over here!
If you ride a shitload or commute to work like I did for a couple years and can justify the E1 price tag, do it. It's supped comfortable, vents ok, and the liner doesn't hold oder. I've never washed my liner and it still doesn't stink at all, it just smell like me and my shampoo. In backed up traffic, you can put the chin bar up. And avoid the darker colored ones, I have a solid white one and it stays coolish even in the summer.
Having said all that this isn't the best for off-road. I tried single track on a dirt bike with this helmet lol once you start really straining yourself, the sweat comes and at slower speeds, it doesn't vent enough, then again I sweat like a fat guy in a Twinkie factory after peeling an orange. But for on road easy riding it's perfect.
Made my purchase - Arai XD-4. Thanks for the review.
T'was in the market for a new ADV lid so watched all your videos. Still wasn't sure based on noise results but bought an MX-9 MIPS couple of weeks ago. Then this video comes out, talk about affirmation - Cheers Ryan!
I have the Scorpion EXO. I do have some gripes about it that weren’t mentioned in the video, for anyone who’s reading comments here:
-It’s heavy. Obviously this is because it’s a modular, but I do feel it needs to hit the gym.
-The posts which the face shield drop down to lock on and stay closed came loose, and fell off altogether within a week of owning it. Fortunately it’s a screw and bolt sorta deal and the screw stays in the helmet so the mask locks onto it still, but this is a major concern if they were to ever break, not easily fixed, and the bolt is impossible to screw back on to tighten because the screw isn’t itself tightened to anything.
-It fogs, constantly. This is a gripe that many have mentioned in reviews about it, but I think it’s because they have the chin skirt in place. However, even removed it still fogs.
-It’s impossible to put the helmet on without opening the face mask. Not so much of an issue, just awkward.
-It’s loud. The cutaways for speakers are nice, but this means the speakers are further away from your ear, and thus more road noise gets between your ear and the speaker, which causes you to turn up the speakers…which ruins your hearing altogether. Earplugs an absolute must, even without speakers.
All that said, it’s nice to be able to talk to people if need be without having to take your helmet off, and the drop-down visor is fantastic, no need to change out the main visor…nonetheless, I would say, hit up the Bell that Ryan mentioned.
I went with the new Joe Rocket series 25 as a budget option. So far it is decent. I find the shape/fit works better for me then the MX-9 (which I also have)