Ive got a few quid to spend and i need a new lid so far the shoei hornet ds looks good.
I know most would recommend the arai but even with my discount its still to expensive for somthing thats not nearly as good as the shoei,

seriously guys is there only 2 decent dual sport lids out there...

Help!

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...On a steel horse i ride.

I know this is the XT forum, and before you pass judgement I ride a Tenere, and wear a Shoei Hornet (mighty fine lid if you ask me), but there's always the BMW lid � it is, apparently, very good. Lots of people rate the Airoh S4, though it is cheap.

Wore an S4 a couple of weeks ago on an off road day, very comfy. Maybe not as plush as the other 2 but bloody good value @ about 100 quid

I've used both.

The Shoei is lighter and more comfortable for me. It suffers less wind effect but the peak isn't as good, if like me you use it as a sun visor.

Another good reason I think is the cheak pads can be removed whilst the lid is on your head, I know the Aria can also, but not as safely and Aria don't bother telling the emergency crews, where Soei have at least given the Air Ambulances an overview of how to do it (at least here in the North West they have). To me, this is a big plus point

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

I think there is a big thread on these somewhere , personally i have had the Arai tour x3 ,Marushin xmoto (2 off) ,HJC , Airoh s4 ,Wulfsport and two other cheap marques i cant remember the name of .Currently using a Nitro MX450

My first choice would be the Marushin , i have had 2 very nasty offs and the second one i could have been killed very easily ,basically hit the ground head first at 50mph ,not even knocked out ,only down side is they come with a dark visor as standard and the colours are limited .

Second choice would be the Nitro i currently use ,no real downside but only had it about 6 months .

Third would be the Arai ,very comfy but way over priced and very noisy

Fourth choice would be the Airoh ,not bad ,but again colour choice and water leaks in through the top of the visor .

Would'n bother with the cheaper ones

There are a couple more on the market now like the uvex ones ,very good quality and may try one of them in future

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OFFICIAL CRASH TEST DUMMY

Could I surgest looking at the Icon Variant to me its the midway beween the cheaper lines and the Arai and Shoei . It ticks all the safty standards ect. http://www.ultimatebikegear.co.uk

well its between the s4 and the hornet but ive already had the s4 ad its god aweful at speed and no good in cold weather so i think its gonna be the hornet.

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...On a steel horse i ride.

Good choice, very happy with mine would buy again.

I had the Shoei Hornet which is a great helmet but just bought a Uvex Carbon Enduro. Normally retail at arouns �465 but have a look on ebay as theres a chap selling bankrupt stock and has a few left at �325! Fits perfectly, light and acu approved. I couldnt find anyone else who would match that price. Boxed etc and new just bought from stock from a bankrupt company or liquidation. Fast delivery and certainly a top shelf helmet and padded bag.

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Previous bikes:TS50 - RD125LC - XT250 - ZXR750L3 - BMW 650 Funduro - BMW 1100GS - XT660Z Tenere

I have an arai xd3. I tossed up between the arai and the shoei but the arai was just a better fit for my head. It might just be me but I dont mind spending a lot on a helmet. There may be no difference in safety between an arai and a cheaper helmet but just knowing that I have a 'top range' helmet gives me more confidence in the helmet (rightly or wrongly) but that confidence means I enjoy my riding more.