04-10-2022, 07:33 AM
Since the weather has been terrible for the past several weeks, I haven't ridden with my new helmet, but I do have some observations about helmet progress and design. First of all, this helmet replaces a Shoei X-11 which was a 2005 Snell-rated helmet. Shoei's racer helmet at the time, I bought the X-11 on close-out in about 2010. It had lots of air vents but was very quiet for me.
The new RF1400 is advertised to be smaller, lighter and lower drag than prior or comparable products. Relative to safety ratings, the RF1400 is a Snell 2020D helmet so the shock load to the head is reduced 9% and the impact energy capacity is raised 12% (first strike), relative to Snell 2005 X- in my head size (XL).
So, with all that and crappy weather, what could I do with my new purchase? I measured the shell dimensions and weight. Width and fore-aft length are nominally the same, so the claim of lower drag is a bit suspicious. Surprisingly, the new helmet weighs 1.3-ounces more than the old one (assuming I can trust my wife's postal scale). That's not what I recall from the advertising....
Someday, hopefully, I'll be able to comment on noise level and ventilation.
The new RF1400 is advertised to be smaller, lighter and lower drag than prior or comparable products. Relative to safety ratings, the RF1400 is a Snell 2020D helmet so the shock load to the head is reduced 9% and the impact energy capacity is raised 12% (first strike), relative to Snell 2005 X- in my head size (XL).
So, with all that and crappy weather, what could I do with my new purchase? I measured the shell dimensions and weight. Width and fore-aft length are nominally the same, so the claim of lower drag is a bit suspicious. Surprisingly, the new helmet weighs 1.3-ounces more than the old one (assuming I can trust my wife's postal scale). That's not what I recall from the advertising....
Someday, hopefully, I'll be able to comment on noise level and ventilation.
I knocked, but the door was open.......
Central PA: 2016 Lupin RS - Keys and no TPMS
Central PA: 2016 Lupin RS - Keys and no TPMS