Rounding out our string of Motorcycle Helmet Guides, today we present our newest installation which is for all you racers and trackday riders out there. Our Motorcycle Race Helmet Buying Guide details the important nuances that separate the better from the best and will help racers determine which helmet best suits their needs. We cover helmet weights, aerodynamics, ventilation, comfort, shell shape and price point for our six picks for the best racing helmets available on the market. This should serve as a good starting point for anyone looking to buy a new race helmet. Also, be sure to check out the full video reviews on the individual product pages on RevZilla.com or RevZillaTV.com
The first helmet in the group, the baby of the bunch, is the HJC RPS-10 Helmet. The RPS-10 was developed over the course of two and half years with HJC's collaboration with MotoGP rider Ben Spies (who is currently sporting it on the circuit). Here are the stats:
-Price: $314.99 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 6oz
-Shell: PIM (Premium Integrated Matrix) Fiberglass
-Fit: Round Oval
-Excellent Stability and Ventilation
-Snell 2010 Certification
Next up is the Shark RSR 2 Helmet, currently being worn by Randy DePuniet in the MotoGP circuit. Out of France, Shark has been manufacturing high-end helmets since 1929. Here are the stats on the RSR 2:
-Price: $444.99 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 7oz
-Shell: Carbon Fiber / Kevlar Blend
-Fit: Long Oval
-Excellent Ventilation, Extremely Quiet Ride
-3mm Faceshield
-ECE and DOT Certified
The third helmet in our lineup is the AGV GP Tech Helmet and any racing enthusiast who hasn't been living under a stone for the last decade will recognize this as MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi's lid. AGV Helmets, an Italian company, has sponsored Vale for quite a while. The stats on the GP Tech:
-Price: $529.99 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 7oz
-Shell: Two-Piece Dual-Density Carbon Kevlar
-Fit: Intermediate Oval
-Exceptional Ventilation and Stability
-ECE and DOT Certified
The Bell Star Helmet, completely redesigned for 2010, has quietly been making a big splash in the racing community since it dropped earlier this year. It's being worn in AMA by Josh Herrin and the hype surrounding it is much deserved. The stats on the Bell Star:
-Price: $549.95 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 9oz
-Shell: Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass Tri-Matrix
-Fit: Round Intermediate Oval
-Great Aerodynamics and Ventilation (with added Track Strip)
-Photochromatic Transitions Shield Available
-Snell 2010 Certified
The Shoei X-12 Helmet arrives as the replacement to the mega-popular X-11, which led the industry for years. The X-12 arrives with many upgrades over its predecessor, including updated certification and shell improvements. The stats on the Shoei X-12:
-Price: $613.79 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 10oz
-Shell: AIM+ Fiberglass and Organic Fibers
-Fit: Intermediate to Long Oval
-Good Ventilation, Noise Levels and Aerodynamics
-Emergency Release Cheek Pads
-Extremely Low Profile
-Snell 2010 Certification
Lastly, we have the helmet that is ultimately the measuring stick by which all other race helmets are compared. The Arai Corsair V Helmet, which replaces the Arai RX-7 Corsair, is worn by most professional racers whether they are sponsored or not. Racers turn down other helmet sponsorships to buy a Corsair V on their own. Here are the stats:
-Price: $692.95 and up
-Weight: 3lbs 4oz (lightest race helmet on the market)
-Shell: Super Complex Laminate, Super Fiber
-Fit: Intermediate Oval
-Adjustable AirWing for Exceptional Aerodynamics
-Great Stability and Ventilation at Speed
-Emergency Release Cheek Pads
-Snell 2010 Certification
There you have it. Our round up of the top race helmets on the market. Please be sure to check out the in-depth reviews of these helmets on their individual pages at RevZilla.com. Check out our full selection by visiting the Motorcycle Helmets section of the site.
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