Interesting Shoei helmet info

[sparky300]

Bounce-checked my 2 year old Qwest on asphalt 2 weeks ago (yes, with my head in it) and found out that Shoei will inspect it for free (I pay shipping to their hq in CA) and they determine if its junk or not and send it back to me, at their expense, regardless. I did some nosing around and discovered...

Bell - will also inspect their helmets - no info if there's a fee or not. They MAY offer a discount on a new replacement in exchange for sending them a crashed helmet for R&D

Arai - no crash inspection info found

HJC - no crash inspection info found

Icon - no crash inspection info found

Shark - no crash inspection info found

Schuberth - will replace a helmet (C3, C3W, S2 only) involved in a crash for 1/3 current retail price PROVIDED you send them
1. damaged helmet
2. proof of pre-registration
3. photocopy of drivers license
4. copy of accident report
5. copy of sales reciept

I really just thought that it was cool that Shoei has the customer support to even offer a free inspection and considering that there are only superficial scratches on the outer shell with no other visible damage, I'm interested in the final report as to how well (or not) it held up to the impact. Besides, I've pissed away more $ on worse things.

Final note, Shoei only offers the service to US and Canada only

[go cytocis]

I have never tried Shoei's inspection service. Then again I've never had a helmet hit the ground (knock on wood).

After also owning Arai, HJC, & Shark helmets too, I can say that Shoeis have been the quietest, most comfortable and most durable helmets I've owned.

On another note, I often hear folks rave about Shoei's ventilation. Personally however, I have never found the ventilation very effective on any helmet, Shoei or not...

[sparky300]

BOINK...

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o737/sparky300nm/0b376c6f-8a4c-44c3-b29a-47f986fcd8b5_zpscd2547aa.jpg

[Cooter]

Thats great info thank you!
Always been a fan of Shoei since my very first helmet (a RF-800 for my Aero 50 scooter):D
That was way back in Orygun, but now in Floriduh I truly appreciate the ventilation, and my head not hurting after 300+ miles.
If you think your head is worth $50 or a stinky 10 year old helmet, thats fine. I'll be comfortable and safe instead.

How the heck did you get that pic???

[wolfo68]

Icon won't do it, I talked to them and commended them on how comfy mine was in the accident. If they would do it I'm sure they would have mentioned it in their response if for nothing else R&D for the future.

[sparky300]

Yep, I believe you get what you pay for. Hard to find a helmet made today that won't protect your nog in a crash but there's a lot to be said for comfort. I would say the Qwest had adequate (but not exceptional) ventilation and fit my shape head well enough that I seldom had "helmet itch" after a ride.

My father used to say, "If you think you have a $10 head, then buy a $10 helmet"

How the heck did you get that pic???
Haha, it's a still frame from the video my wife shot while watching from the stands.

[BuellRonin]

I went down on the track at Button Willow and got some scratches on my helmet. It was a soft impact, but nevertheless I sent it in just to be sure it wasn't fouled. I didn't have the original box, so I went to Cycle Gear and asked if I could have a box to ship it in. Though Shoei suggest you put that into another box when shipping, for safety.

Shoei ask you to provide a small write up of what happened.

A few days (I live in CA) later I received my helmet with a good bill of health. Peace of mind.

Easy.

[chevy42083]

Bell had EXCELLENT customer service after my brother's wreck.
He notified them that the face shield cracked into a few pieces (small cut on cheek), which MOST face shields don't. It was the auto-dimming one, so he was just kinda FYIing them about it.
They said, "It shouldn't do that. Send us the shield so we can test it, and tell us what replacement helmet you'd like... doesn't have to be the same one you had." He got the Bell Star (a $500 helmet) in replacement for the wrecked low-end Bell.
AND... it worked out for both. He has a NICE helmet now, and says he never would've spent that money on one before, but after having it, won't buy a low-end helmet ever again. Win-win for him and Bell.

Generally speaking, unless it's a really new helmet, I'd use a wreck as an excuse to buy a new one. Then again, my helmets are in the $200-$350 range.

[Loki]

Arai will inspect your helmet though they dont list it. You just have to email them and request an inspection.

[Fatty SS]

AFX will replace a helmet damaged in an accident for free if you send in the damaged one for them to use in their education program. At least that was the case a couple years ago. They are inexpensive helmets, but a good product for the money.