New lid review: Shoei X-Eleven

[mistercindy]

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Shoei X-Eleven. I have a "Shoei head" and have worn the "RF" series since the RF-700. For 2 1/2 years I've worn a RF-1000. The RF-1000 is a fine helmet, but I've dropped it multiple dozens of times, the rear vent mechanism broke after a recent drop so that the rear vent was permanently closed, and the upper lining was getting nasty from sweat. Some thoughts about the X-Eleven:

Comfort: The X-Eleven is a few ounces lighter than the RF-1000, but you feel every one of them. Its a pleasure to wear. No buffeting and feels very light. Very easy to turn the head.

Venting: This is the biggest difference from the RF-1000. I live in north Texas where we have several months of 100 degree days. The X-Eleven vents very well and does so much better than the RF-1000. I even feel the venting sitting behind my Aeroflow. The X-Eleven has numerous vents that the RF-1000 does not. I've even noticed significantly less fogging.

Noise: Face it, good venting comes with more noise. Its an expected trade-off. But for the amount of venting you get, the X-Eleven is a quiet helmet. I haven't noticed any more noise than with the RF-1000. I wear earplugs anyway so its really not much of an issue for me.

Lining: The entire lining can be removed and washed which, for me, is fairly important since I ride in hot weather a lot and I sweat a great deal. As I said, part of the problem with the RF-1000 was the nastiness of unwashed sweat over three Texas summers. Also, you can order smaller or larger cheek pads to more customize the helmet (true for the RF-1000, too). After a few months of breaking it in I anticipate ordering the next size larger set of cheek pads. I did it with the RF-1000 and it worked like a charm.

BTW, I bought it at my local dealership which I try to support. They know me as a good customer so they lobbed off a fair amount of change from the price. Color: I got silver. I really wanted the anthracite gray, but they didn't have it, and the next shipment of X-Elevens would come with a higher price tag, so I figured what the heck and went with silver.

I know its a pricey lid, but I plan to wear it for a number of years, and the additional $150 that I paid won't amount to that much in a few years.

[toner87]

Thanks for the report! I've discovered I have an Arai head, so my next lid will likely be an Arai... My RF-1000 just doesn't get worn much. It's simply not as comfortable for me as the Arai even though I find it's quieter...
t.

[fnfalman]

I like Shoei and I went to try out the X11. Alas, it didn't quite fit my head.

I purchased the RF1000 before I knew any better about helmet fitment and it doesn't get any use since I got my Arai Quantum II. I have a Quantum II head.

One thing I like about Arai is that their various helmet models are differently shaped to accomodate different head shapes and not just one shape and then vary the sizes.