Arai Condor vs Shoei Raid 2

[Tim3822]

Which is better? They are in the price range i'm looking at, and they both fit very well. Anyone have any experiance with these lids that could help me make up my mind?

[RichLockyer]

Whichever one is lighter and/or more comfortble.
There is no difference in protection between a $150 lid and a $600 lid, as long as they have the DOT and Snell ratings.

Keep in mind that the lid should be replaced after an impact... don't get the $600 lid if you aren't willing to replace it when you go down.

Honestly, I'm surprised that both of those lids fit you well... there's an old saying that you either have a Shoei head or you don't. Personally, Shoei makes the only lids that really fit comfortably. Arai do not fit me well at all.
I can live with an HJC, but they really do not fit THAT well.

But back to the point... what you are buying, once you get above the basic $150 lid, is light weight, comfort, and graphics.

[Chubs636]

This is true for the most part but SNELL ratings aren't just a true or false type of test. It is a tolerance test...which means some helmets may just slightly make their mark...where other go far beyond the mark needed to be met. The tolerance could play a very large roll in the safety or your head depending on the severity of the accident. But other than that yes you are paying for graphics and the weight of the helmet...but also the quality of the helmets. We have HJC's and Bell's coming back to us with broken parts on them all the time....never had a shoei come back yet. I would personally go with a Shoei if you fit in it because you get the same if not a better helmet for a much cheaper price. Well that's my .02 added on to the great advice Rich gave.

-Aj

[Tim3822]

Ok cheers guys, just ordered the Shoei from infinity as they've knocked £30 off the price.

[SLSChic]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Whichever one is lighter and/or more comfortble.
There is no difference in protection between a $150 lid and a $600 lid, as long as they have the DOT and Snell ratings.

Keep in mind that the lid should be replaced after an impact... don't get the $600 lid if you aren't willing to replace it when you go down.

Honestly, I'm surprised that both of those lids fit you well... there's an old saying that you either have a Shoei head or you don't. Personally, Shoei makes the only lids that really fit comfortably. Arai do not fit me well at all.
I can live with an HJC, but they really do not fit THAT well.

But back to the point... what you are buying, once you get above the basic $150 lid, is light weight, comfort, and graphics.

I think the diiferance is found a year or so later when the lining starts to get packed down and the helmet starts to fit loosly on your head. My husbands old KBC did that after a year. 2 1/2 years later with the Arai and it's as snug as the day we bought it. But like you said, a Shoei head or an Arai head. Shoei's dont fit me and the Arai's dont fit him.

[ervins]

Neither...Suomy all the way in regards to fit. I have an Arai head and I will get one before years end. Got rid of my ICON Mainframe. Good helmey but in regards to fit and comfort the Suomy hands down put it to shame. Yes, as you go up in price, you pay for little things that don't warrant the extra $$$ but then again I'm all about quality and peace of mind.