Dec 01 2008
Shoei Helmets
In this post we’re gonna talk about Shoei helmets, which many consider to be the best there is. First off: a lot of the success of these helmets has to do with their history. The guys (and gals!) at Shoei have been building motorcycle helmets for a long time. Since 1958, to be precise. Despite the fact that they’re a small company, this little Japanese manufacturer does its job well. The long-standing, impressive track-record of the company is therefore one of Shoei helmets strongest features. However, the quality of Shoei helmets isn’t simply that the company has been around for a long time. I mean, we all know a lot of cranky, old mean people right? Rather, what makes Shoei helmets stand out is the fact that year after year they’ve churned out innovative, creative, cutting edge motorcycle helmet designs.
The creativity and innovation of Shoei helmets is driven by one thing: racing. Nearly without exception, when someone (not just Shoei helmets, but anyone) is designing racing technology, they’ll eventually market that technology directly to consumers. Here’s the thing: Shoei knows their bread and butter is the consumer market, but they get our business by designing for the racing market. Cause when we see racers wearing Shoei helmets, we suddenly want one! The result is a helmet that’s often substantially more than what’s needed for normal, every day riding.
Naturally, many people want just that.
Fundamentally, the folks at Shoei helmets make great helmets. Pure and simple. The motorcycle helmets made by this unassuming company can be things of true beauty, both on the head and off the head. However, Shoei helmets don’t come without a price. Here’s the deal: you better have cash. Cause if you’re gonna buy a Shoei helmet you’re gonna need it. It’s common to see one price for an alternate. Then turn around and see the “Shoei option” priced up to five times higher.
So for all us folks who don’t have millions stashed in the closet, there’s an important thing to understand. Simply put, you’re not getting better protection for your head just because Shoei helmets cost an arm and a leg. When someone doesn’t have their firstborn to sacrifice to the Shoei helmet gods, luckily they don’t have to. At least not in today’s market, where tons of excellent (and more affordable) motorcycle helmets are out there from companies besides Shoei. It’s more than competition too. Basically it’s because we’re not just talking price here, nor are we simply talking brand. The thing everyone needs to start with is their head shape and their head size, and then move toward the “right” helmet from there. The so-called best helmet is found that way. And for many people, Shoei helmets may not be the best fit for their head; it just depends.
Pure and simple. Shoei helmets are very cool helmets. I drool as much as the next guy when I see one. But people think they’ll get more safety by spending more money, but they won’t. Not if they’ve taken the critical first step of only buying safety-certified motorcycle helmets. Sadly, the one thing the designers at Shoei helmets can’t design you is a bit of common sense. But if they could, it would say that you’re always sacrificing safety if you choose brand over proper shape and fit. Cheaper, better fitting helmets will always be safer than poorly-fitted Shoei helmets.
But for those of us not drenched in money, try the following. How bout you don’t start with the Shoei helmets, begin with what’s already on top of your shoulders.
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