Schuberth Fans! They're baaack. http://bit.ly/aV7gz3
Motorcycle Helmets for Women
I have often come across the term "women's motorcycle helmet". Is there such a thing? Do manufacturers categorize helmets that way? The simple answer is no, not really. Technically, every helmet is a woman's motorcycle helmet. The same goes for motorcycles, in my opinion. Every motorcycle is a woman's motorcycle.
So what kind of helmets are best for women? How do you make that decision? Some manufacturers have tried to do that for you by creating cute, pink helmets to distract you from the reality of how to properly choose a helmet. And, they're pretty good at it. Let's face it ladies, we're attracted to cute things. Pink! Glitter! Gold! Flowers! It can be overwhelming at times. But, when it comes to protecting ourselves, it's crucial to find a helmet that's real, has proper DOT and Snell or ECE certifications to show that it's been properly tested to ensure that it's going to save your head from serious injury.
I posted awhile back with a few full face options that were a little 'softer' in design and made to appeal to women riders/consumers. A couple of these might be discontinued designs, but manufacturers are continually trying to come up with more that women might like.
http://www.gearchic.com/blog/?p=621
Another one I want to add to this list is the Arai RX-Q Oriental. It's a gorgeous helmet with a very unique design. Arai seems to be getting back to more complex designs and this one is far more beautiful in person.
Remember that although many women do have smaller heads, not ALL women do. I've had to put a few women in Large and XLarge sizes before. For the most part though, I will say that the majority of helmets I've had to fit for women are between XXS and Small (and one time, XXXS). It's all about fit and shape. Any helmet that fits the shape of your head will be your helmet! Hopefully that manufacturer will have color schemes that fit your styles and color choices too. But if not, I hope that won't keep you from buying 'the one'.
(The helmet pictured above is a Shoei X-12 Vermeulen)
Need an ultra light full face …
Need an ultra light full face helmet? http://bit.ly/bMfJwk
'Feminine' Helmets for Women
My friend Christina asked me for some recommendations for cute styles of helmets for women. These are the rec's I sent her, all of them are Mid-High End helmets, because as you know, I'm not going to recommend a low end or just any helmet. I know what you're thinking. Why on earth is that helmet almost $600? Is it the flashy graphics? The sparkly paint? Not really. A combination of weight, advanced shell materials, construction and the research/development that went into the helmet. Some like Shoei and Arai are handmade in Japan, not on an assembly line in China.
It's like buying a Honda Civic vs. a Ferrari. They're both cars, but made in an entirely different way, with different functions, features and guidelines. Everything is like that in the world of motorcycle apparel manufacturers. Each company does things a different way, in different countries, using entirely different methods to create a product. Some cost more to make, some cost less. The question is, "What's your head worth"?
Many of the helmets, including Shoei and Icon are on sale at Revzilla right now. The RF1000 is being replaced by the RF1100, as well as the X-11 which is being replaced by the X-12. Arai's Quantum 2 is also being replaced with a new version.
http://www.revzilla.com/womens-motorcycle-helmets?partner_site_id=115
Listed in order of High End to Low End Styles:
1) Suomi "Spec 1R Extreme Flower" $550
colors: varies
2) Arai "Profile Riptide", $567
color shown: Lady
3) Shoei RF 1000 "Flutter", $350
colors: white/pink, blue/white, white/silver
4) Shoei RF 1100 "Sylvan" $450
colors: black-silver, black-pink, white-bronze/brown
colors: white/red, matte dark grey/blue, black/silver
7) Icon "Mainframe Regal" $330
(8) Icon "Bombshell GoGo" $300
colors: black, blue, pink
9) Scorpion EXO-700 "Black Dahlia" $220
colors: black, white
