FORUM

AGV K6 versus Shoei RF-1200: Is there a new standard in motorcycle helmets?  
  
They offer a range of options for different riding styles and needs. Shoei's story began in 1959 when Eitaro Kamata started making helmets in Japan. In 1965, Honda chose Shoei as its official race helmet, marking a big milestone. Despite these extras, the X.WED3 maintains impressive aerodynamics, so the weight won’t hinder your ride.  
The first thing anyone will notice about the K6 is how light it is, thanks to the carbon-aramid shell. The medium-small size I wear weighs just two pounds, 14 ounces. Light does not mean unsubstantial, however, as it has an ECE rating as well as DOT (but not Snell). In terms of capital efficiency, Shoei continued to show superior results. Average return on invested capital (ROIC) over the last five years was 39% and reaching 41% by the end of FY 2022. This trend not only highlights a strong business model but also underscores the management's proficiency in efficiently allocating additional capital to profitable investments.  
Sound is kept to a minimum, and the ventilation system—designed with multiple small vents rather than a few larger openings—improves airflow without increasing noise levels. The only noticeable downside is the peak, which causes a droning sound at higher speeds, but it’s easily removable, unlike some competitors’ designs like, say, the versatile $714.95 AGV AX-9. In terms of security, the X.WED3 shines with its all-metal locking mechanism, ensuring a secure connection between the chin bar and helmet chassis, even on rough terrain.  
With the correct size helmet, there is little movement. The first step in determining the proper helmet fit is to measure your head and cross-reference the results using the Shoei sizing chart located on their website. I asked on Twitter, "what do you look for in a helmet." A lot of you guys said a lot of stuff that I expected, but many of you said you wear prescription glasses. So you want to know how the helmet feels with glasses on. I could move my head all around, and I feel the wind pushing my head in a certain way in no position. It was a little weird at first, but after riding down the highway for a little while, I quickly got used to it and I enjoyed the hell out of it.  
In the worst case, these can also leave slight scratches when removed. In 1985, he founded AGV Sports Group, Inc. with AGV Helmets in Valenza, Italy. For over 40 years now, the company has quietly delivered some of the best protective gear at affordable prices for motorcyclist enthusiasts worldwide. Arai helmets are known for their "glancing off" impact mitigation, which provides excellent protection by redirecting impact forces. This feature focuses on direct absorption during a crash, which can be beneficial in certain scenarios.  
Fed by 14 holes in the inner Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) shell, air is drawn out as the wind rushes over the top. This could be a clever move by Shoei, given that heat rises, and while these ports can’t be closed I haven’t noticed it getting particularly cold in use. Both work well, though will of course perform differently depending on the size and shape of your bike’s screen, if it has one. The cheek pads should contact your cheeks, and a little bit of inward pressure is preferred. You should feel your teeth lightly graze the inside of your cheeks when you open and close your mouth. Next, put your hands on the front of the helmet and try pushing it off by rotating it rearward.  
They care about reducing noise levels, in the way that Arai doesn't. And they make helmets with the facility to integrate a comms. Many helmets, from the cheapest to the most expensive, have a drop-down sun-shield. These can be great if you suddenly get caught out in bright sunlight, and they save you lashing out £40 to £60 on a dark visor. But Arai refuses to fit a drop-down shield as it believes it compromises on safety by creating a gap between the outer and inner shell, and introducing more holes for the operating mechanism.  
This caused a bit of discomfort after a while, but may not be an issue for other people with different proportioned features. When the sun set, I remove my goggles and flipped down the integrated clear visor. This can be set at different heights to suit the rider.  
Lo and behold, we have a new Neotec 3 modular touring lid for 2024, and they shipped me one for a test. For a gear nerd like me, getting a chance to use an iconic piece of kit is a part of the journey. My go-to everyday helmet is a Schuberth C3 Pro, which is a pretty damned fine lid, but throwing on a Shoei is another level. The premium motorcycle market shows a moderate consolidation, characterized by dominant, renowned local brands specific to their regions. The remarkable level of craftsmanship in these motorcycle helmets quickly caught the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts.  
The downside, as we have suggested, is that you don’t get a drop-down sun-visor with the NXR. But that partly explains the helmet’s size and lightness. You could always go for a Transitions visor that darkens in the sunlight if you wanted some protection from the sun.