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Gearbag
GEARBAG: New Shoei RF 1100 Helmet
Shoei RF 1100 Helmet is chock full of new innovations, and it’s comfortable to wear.
The RF1100 is made in five shell sizes so that it is a more optimally engineered system for every size of head, and it should fit properly for almost everyone from sizes XXS through XXXL.(Photo: Shoei)
This summer, I’ve been enjoying wearing and testing the new Shoei RF-1100 full face helmet. Since this is a premium priced helmet, I got some background information from the Shoei people about how the helmet is made and the materials that they use, to learn why they can justify the strong price.
This new RF-1100 is chock full of new innovations, and it’s comfortable to wear. First is the new DOT and Snell M2010-approved shell made of Fiberglas Reinforced Plastic, or FRP, that uses some form of reinforcing fabric fiber, like Kevlar or carbon fiber, which greatly enhances the strength of the fiberglass, allowing for a stronger, lighter, thinner shell. It features an integrated spoiler that is supposed to reduce lift, therefore making it more comfortable at speed. I haven’t done a track day with it, so I can’t verify that, but it looks cool anyway. But there are several features that I could appreciate.
First is the new Quick Release Self-Adjusting base plate system that is spring loaded so that when you put the optically pure, three-dimensionally molded Lexan (not extruded plastic) face shield down, it forces the shield against a rubber gasket, to give a tight weatherproof seal. That meant no drops of water trickling onto the inside of the shield when I got caught in a rainstorm. With lower priced helmets, I often get those droplets on the inside of the shield, which then eventually get on to my glasses, so I’m always trying to peer through three layers of water drops, to see where I’m going. And that seal helps make the Shoei helmet very quiet, too. The shield area is also taller and wider than on previous models, so you have better sightlines up and down, and no obstruction to your peripheral vision. The new base plate system means that the shield will never get out of alignment or need adjustments, and you can change the shield on the side of the road in seconds, and without any tools.
Shoei was the first helmet maker to have its own wind tunnel. It’s used to shape the outside of the helmet for optimum aerodynamic flow, hence that little spoiler on the back. But they also use it to optimize airflow into and around the helmet, and back out again. Now every full face helmet is warm to wear in summer. But after wind tunnel testing, Shoei moved the two top vents to a higher position, which combined with the chin bar vent, allows more airflow into the helmet and through the channels scored into the EPS liner. There are 6 vents to help the warm air escape. The airflow through the helmet is palpable, even on the warmest days. I didn’t have any problems with the shield fogging either. This new model handles the airflow much better than the older Shoei model I have.
Shoei varies the density of their interior foam padding. Firmer foam density goes up against the interior of the EPS liner and the outer hard shell, and that makes for a more stable helmet. Shoei also forms the foam 3-dimensionally so it conforms to a rider’s cheek and neck area. It gives you that wrap-around feel so the helmet fits properly. It takes almost a week to make Shoei’s liner system. The cheek pads and center liner are soft on the skin, as is the integrated neck liner, and they are easily removable and washable, and designed to hold up well over time. The ear pockets have recesses for the installation of speakers. Another nice touch is the liner has openings on the sides to easily allow eyeglasses to be put on easily without bending the stems.
The RF1100 is made in five shell sizes so that it is a more optimally engineered system for every size of head, and it should fit properly for almost everyone from sizes XXS through XXXL. Most other manufacturers use only 2 or 3 shell sizes, and they make up the difference with various thicknesses of EPS Styrofoam and soft interior padding. That means that the helmet has a less precise fit, and adds to buffeting.
This new RF-1100 is chock full of new innovations, and it’s comfortable to wear. First is the new DOT and Snell M2010-approved shell made of Fiberglas Reinforced Plastic, or FRP, that uses some form of reinforcing fabric fiber, like Kevlar or carbon fiber, which greatly enhances the strength of the fiberglass, allowing for a stronger, lighter, thinner shell. It features an integrated spoiler that is supposed to reduce lift, therefore making it more comfortable at speed. I haven’t done a track day with it, so I can’t verify that, but it looks cool anyway. But there are several features that I could appreciate.
First is the new Quick Release Self-Adjusting base plate system that is spring loaded so that when you put the optically pure, three-dimensionally molded Lexan (not extruded plastic) face shield down, it forces the shield against a rubber gasket, to give a tight weatherproof seal. That meant no drops of water trickling onto the inside of the shield when I got caught in a rainstorm. With lower priced helmets, I often get those droplets on the inside of the shield, which then eventually get on to my glasses, so I’m always trying to peer through three layers of water drops, to see where I’m going. And that seal helps make the Shoei helmet very quiet, too. The shield area is also taller and wider than on previous models, so you have better sightlines up and down, and no obstruction to your peripheral vision. The new base plate system means that the shield will never get out of alignment or need adjustments, and you can change the shield on the side of the road in seconds, and without any tools.
Shoei was the first helmet maker to have its own wind tunnel. It’s used to shape the outside of the helmet for optimum aerodynamic flow, hence that little spoiler on the back. But they also use it to optimize airflow into and around the helmet, and back out again. Now every full face helmet is warm to wear in summer. But after wind tunnel testing, Shoei moved the two top vents to a higher position, which combined with the chin bar vent, allows more airflow into the helmet and through the channels scored into the EPS liner. There are 6 vents to help the warm air escape. The airflow through the helmet is palpable, even on the warmest days. I didn’t have any problems with the shield fogging either. This new model handles the airflow much better than the older Shoei model I have.
Shoei varies the density of their interior foam padding. Firmer foam density goes up against the interior of the EPS liner and the outer hard shell, and that makes for a more stable helmet. Shoei also forms the foam 3-dimensionally so it conforms to a rider’s cheek and neck area. It gives you that wrap-around feel so the helmet fits properly. It takes almost a week to make Shoei’s liner system. The cheek pads and center liner are soft on the skin, as is the integrated neck liner, and they are easily removable and washable, and designed to hold up well over time. The ear pockets have recesses for the installation of speakers. Another nice touch is the liner has openings on the sides to easily allow eyeglasses to be put on easily without bending the stems.
The RF1100 is made in five shell sizes so that it is a more optimally engineered system for every size of head, and it should fit properly for almost everyone from sizes XXS through XXXL. Most other manufacturers use only 2 or 3 shell sizes, and they make up the difference with various thicknesses of EPS Styrofoam and soft interior padding. That means that the helmet has a less precise fit, and adds to buffeting.
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