The best. I use an RF1400 and a Hornet X2 for the road. Love the fit and finish. Yes, the Shoei line fits more narrow, intermediate oval, specifically, longer front to back is spot on. Correct size is most important in fitting any helmet ansd this is where most size too large. It should be relatively difficult to slip on and off. Cheeks will be compressed somewhat. This will reduce as pads become worn in, about 10% from initial fitment.
Nice review! Exactly the information i have been looking for, trying to decide between this and the Arai. Coming from the scorpion, i think what you said hits the nail on the ehad perfectly... I feel like anything from one of the top brands will be better than the noise enhancing rattle box i wear now. LoL 😂
I have a long oval head and wear a large in Shoei Neotec II. It fits amazingly! I recently purchased the Hornet and I am really pleased with it. I tend to believe a large would have worked best but I really struggled getting my head in it. Once in it felt really snug in all the right ways. But getting my head in it without pain seems important, so I sized up. I think the XL also fits pretty well, but in hindsight I wonder if thinner cheek pads might have helped me get the large over my head. Ventilation on the Hornet is much better for me than the Neotec and I think it’s pretty quiet. Overall I’m really pleased. By comparison I had an Arai XD4 before it. I wore an XL in it and added Large cheek pads to tighten up the fit. Overall the Shoei Hornet is a better fit for my head, and I’m experiencing MUCH less “lift” when riding. I assume it’s the venting of the peak.
Hey Eddie! Thanks for the comment and real world experience debrief. This is the first premium helmet I have purchased and it was a unique experience with regards to fit. I don’t have any local shops within 100 miles that carry these so it was a gamble on size. When I first started wearing it I thought I had gotten a size too small since getting it on was a bit more snug than I was accustomed to especially when putting it on. That turned out to be simply the feel of a helmet that fits. That was another unique experience. I did opt for the thinner check pads and now I really feel naked without this particular helmet and very secure with it on. I guess the most telling part is I haven’t remotely considered looking for another helmet since break in. Thanks and be safe out there!
Thanks for the review. I’ve used shoeis for a long time. They fit my oval head best. Now Moving from a neotec I’m interested in this one. Too bad you did such a nice long review but only rode low speed for 3 hrs. The value of this helmet is functionality for adventure riding AND street riding. So my questions about that dual use mode are still unanswered. Like wind buffeting from visor. Quietness. Long term comfort. Anyway thanks for the review!
Sure thing! I will come back to it for sure. Just need the snow to stop. Any day now would be fine. I need to do a proper test with no GoPro strap either between the visor and helmet. Just for the road at high speed. I did another 2 hour ride and I can safely say I didn’t think about the helmet once which is nice. Thanks for a great suggestion for a follow up!
Hey there! Took a few rides to break in and the skinnier cheek pads worked well. I really feel very comfortable wearing it and miss it if I wear my older modular. Totally agree. It’s a great helmet and super comfortable. I didn’t know what I was missing. Thanks for the affirmation!
Ian at eurocycle Vegas was showing me a 800.00 shoei yesterday Ron. My jaw just dropped open. Deer in the head light look. I wish my dad was around just to tell him I plan to be safe at 62. Waiting for windshield on the new ( 2022) Himalayan. Pick up is now Tuesday the 21st. Hopefully after delivery I'll be able to sleep at night instead of Cruising TH-cam motorcycle videos. Keep up your fantastic content. Love your style. I think I've heard you in elevators All Over America
Shoei helmets are the tightest, most round helmets I've ever attempted to squeeze my nogen into. I give up. I'm a XXXL long oval and the ONLY helmet that fits my head doesn't fit my face. It squishes my cheeks so much that I can't breathe through my nose and the neck roll kinda chokes me a bit. Would love to find an open face or modular besides the C5.
Sounds like you could benefit from a store that stocks it all so you can go down the line until something works. It’s a challenge for sure. Good luck out there!
I’ve emailed about a dozen of the prominent labels, of those that answered ZERO could recommend Dual-Sport / Dirt helmet for adult Long Oval ! 🤯 If the Brands cannot offer a suggestion, what am I left with ?!? I really want to get in to off-road riding, but will Never Again SUFFER with an ill-fitting helmet ! My Sport/Race helmet is an Arai Signet GT that I can wear for HOURS. This followed excruciating Shoei and AGV endeavors … But, now that I’m looking to go off-pavement, I’m left out in the cold …..
I hear ya! It’s pretty frustrating for sure. Good luck on the hunt. I feel naked without mine and I’ve never finished a ride and had my head hurt. But that may be because the rest of the body is hurtin. Thanks!
Exact same problem here. Bell, LS2, Arai...etc....all have written me back and when I ask what are the recommendations for a long oval dual sport or off road helmets, they reply back with a list of street helmets. It's crazy. I can only ride for short periods with the helmet I have now which was the best I could find. Thinking of this Shoei X2 Hornet but afraid I'll drop a bunch of cash and end up same thing, painful head. If you found one that works, please reply. Thanks.
@@swcoloradoadventures By the way, I’ve got that same head. Bought a Neotec 2 about five years ago, but it’s gotten pretty beat up. Looking at the Hornet X2 and the KLIM. I LOVED the Arai X-4, but it was agony for me. The Schuberth was nice, but completely round, like a melon. Back to good old Shoei that always fits me right, probably.
@@pneumaticman5927 I have to admit I rode without or with as little of a helmet as possible for years. I am totally surprised that now I almost feel naked without the Shoei. If that tells you anything. It’s pretty nice. Thanks for the comments on the others that didn’t quite work also!
What helmet do you have?? Does it work?? What would be the ideal helmet??
The best. I use an RF1400 and a Hornet X2 for the road. Love the fit and finish. Yes, the Shoei line fits more narrow, intermediate oval, specifically, longer front to back is spot on. Correct size is most important in fitting any helmet ansd this is where most size too large. It should be relatively difficult to slip on and off. Cheeks will be compressed somewhat. This will reduce as pads become worn in, about 10% from initial fitment.
Hey thanks! Yeah, I can’t wait to break it in. It really does fit like a glove. I just need to run more for the cheeks too😳. Spring is coming…
Shoei is the helmet that I always buy as the fit for me is perfect.... well made also.....
Awesome! I am a newly acquired fan. They do seem to really fit well. Thanks!
Nice review! Exactly the information i have been looking for, trying to decide between this and the Arai. Coming from the scorpion, i think what you said hits the nail on the ehad perfectly... I feel like anything from one of the top brands will be better than the noise enhancing rattle box i wear now. LoL 😂
Totally agree!😂 I sure hope it helped. Thanks and be safe!
I have a long oval head and wear a large in Shoei Neotec II. It fits amazingly! I recently purchased the Hornet and I am really pleased with it.
I tend to believe a large would have worked best but I really struggled getting my head in it. Once in it felt really snug in all the right ways. But getting my head in it without pain seems important, so I sized up. I think the XL also fits pretty well, but in hindsight I wonder if thinner cheek pads might have helped me get the large over my head.
Ventilation on the Hornet is much better for me than the Neotec and I think it’s pretty quiet. Overall I’m really pleased.
By comparison I had an Arai XD4 before it. I wore an XL in it and added Large cheek pads to tighten up the fit. Overall the Shoei Hornet is a better fit for my head, and I’m experiencing MUCH less “lift” when riding. I assume it’s the venting of the peak.
Hey Eddie! Thanks for the comment and real world experience debrief. This is the first premium helmet I have purchased and it was a unique experience with regards to fit. I don’t have any local shops within 100 miles that carry these so it was a gamble on size.
When I first started wearing it I thought I had gotten a size too small since getting it on was a bit more snug than I was accustomed to especially when putting it on. That turned out to be simply the feel of a helmet that fits. That was another unique experience. I did opt for the thinner check pads and now I really feel naked without this particular helmet and very secure with it on.
I guess the most telling part is I haven’t remotely considered looking for another helmet since break in.
Thanks and be safe out there!
Thanks for the review. I’ve used shoeis for a long time. They fit my oval head best. Now Moving from a neotec I’m interested in this one. Too bad you did such a nice long review but only rode low speed for 3 hrs. The value of this helmet is functionality for adventure riding AND street riding. So my questions about that dual use mode are still unanswered. Like wind buffeting from visor. Quietness. Long term comfort. Anyway thanks for the review!
Sure thing! I will come back to it for sure. Just need the snow to stop. Any day now would be fine. I need to do a proper test with no GoPro strap either between the visor and helmet. Just for the road at high speed. I did another 2 hour ride and I can safely say I didn’t think about the helmet once which is nice. Thanks for a great suggestion for a follow up!
Similar experience, 31mm cheek pads for a perfect fit.(intermediate oval)
The most comfortable helmet i have ever worn.
Good presentation.
Hey there! Took a few rides to break in and the skinnier cheek pads worked well. I really feel very comfortable wearing it and miss it if I wear my older modular. Totally agree. It’s a great helmet and super comfortable. I didn’t know what I was missing. Thanks for the affirmation!
Yeah, Shoei makes good coin selling the cheek pads.
Great information Ron! They certainly do not give those helmets away do they. We've come a long way since the Evil Knievel 3/4 face bell helmet.
Thanks! No they certainly do not. Good news is it should last a bit. Thanks!
Ian at eurocycle Vegas was showing me a 800.00 shoei yesterday Ron. My jaw just dropped open. Deer in the head light look. I wish my dad was around just to tell him I plan to be safe at 62. Waiting for windshield on the new ( 2022) Himalayan.
Pick up is now Tuesday the 21st. Hopefully after delivery I'll be able to sleep at night instead of Cruising TH-cam motorcycle videos.
Keep up your fantastic content. Love your style.
I think I've heard you in elevators All Over America
The extra rubber insert is not for the back vents of course… it’s for the front above the nose ( Irrhinian ).
@@MichaelPsyrras hah! Makes perfect sense. Thanks for clarifying!
Shoei helmets are the tightest, most round helmets I've ever attempted to squeeze my nogen into. I give up. I'm a XXXL long oval and the ONLY helmet that fits my head doesn't fit my face. It squishes my cheeks so much that I can't breathe through my nose and the neck roll kinda chokes me a bit. Would love to find an open face or modular besides the C5.
Sounds like you could benefit from a store that stocks it all so you can go down the line until something works. It’s a challenge for sure. Good luck out there!
Hey, I've got the bell helmet but have been looking to upgrade. Appreciate that help dad 😆
Ok, that was fair. I got a little sappy. It's still a pretty good helmet though. Good luck on the hunt. Thanks!
@swcoloradoadventures is this one or the arie.
Both snell and about the same price.
I just need to save up.
@@kittywampus Exactly!
I’ve emailed about a dozen of the prominent labels, of those that answered ZERO could recommend Dual-Sport / Dirt helmet for adult Long Oval ! 🤯 If the Brands cannot offer a suggestion, what am I left with ?!? I really want to get in to off-road riding, but will Never Again SUFFER with an ill-fitting helmet ! My Sport/Race helmet is an Arai Signet GT that I can wear for HOURS. This followed excruciating Shoei and AGV endeavors …
But, now that I’m looking to go off-pavement, I’m left out in the cold …..
I hear ya! It’s pretty frustrating for sure. Good luck on the hunt. I feel naked without mine and I’ve never finished a ride and had my head hurt. But that may be because the rest of the body is hurtin. Thanks!
Exact same problem here. Bell, LS2, Arai...etc....all have written me back and when I ask what are the recommendations for a long oval dual sport or off road helmets, they reply back with a list of street helmets. It's crazy. I can only ride for short periods with the helmet I have now which was the best I could find. Thinking of this Shoei X2 Hornet but afraid I'll drop a bunch of cash and end up same thing, painful head. If you found one that works, please reply. Thanks.
Icon Airflite w/"Visor" [dirt oriented] ... EXCELLENT for LOs@@1122redbird
Nearly ALL of the mentions below in Comments are Not true Long Oval [shaped internals].
Where are you, amigo? Up until 3 years ago, I lived very near Durango. May go back.
I’m just west in Mancos. It’s a fun place!
@@swcoloradoadventures Yes, it is! I’ve downed many a craft beer there! (…or got the “growler” to go, if memory serves). Love that little town.
@@swcoloradoadventures By the way, I’ve got that same head. Bought a Neotec 2 about five years ago, but it’s gotten pretty beat up. Looking at the Hornet X2 and the KLIM. I LOVED the Arai X-4, but it was agony for me. The Schuberth was nice, but completely round, like a melon. Back to good old Shoei that always fits me right, probably.
@@pneumaticman5927 I have to admit I rode without or with as little of a helmet as possible for years. I am totally surprised that now I almost feel naked without the Shoei. If that tells you anything. It’s pretty nice. Thanks for the comments on the others that didn’t quite work also!
Wonder if the helmet will be replaced with new European safety standard ECE 22.06
That’s a great question. Possible. I haven’t actually seen the details. Thanks!
is there a chin curtain, i wear contacts, did you notice air hitting your eyes?
Yes there is. I don’t use it because of the camera but it’s included. Thanks!