So I've been looking for a new brain bucket to replace my old and worn out HJC SP. I've been toying with the idea of dropping some cash and getting a real nice Arai or Shoei but then I stumbled upon this review (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/gmax/gm68s/) on Webbikeworld. Apparently the 2007 helmet of the year is a $110 special with some fancy lights on the back of it (not a fan per say but I could just leave them off).

Any of you cats have a cent or two to throw my way on this thing?

Geez... the Countach of helmets?

I'm an advocate of most of the cheaper brands and I've rocked a KBC and now a Scorpion, but I can't say that the Arai lineup doesn't make me curious. I'm going to save for one and probably make the unnecessary purchase in the next year or so. I say kill the beast while it makes sense to do it.

Haven't tried it or seen many reviews on this one, but I'm tempted to now.

For a dollar ten I don't see a lot of downside to trying a helmet that was tested by bikers and rated highly...

The batteries in the flashing led thing will be forever dead (or just as good as) as you'll be constantly forgetting to turn it either off or on.

Thought you might like this one even better.

http://www.akumahelmets.com/product_helmet_GhostRider-matte.html

I'm waiting for this one.

http://www.akumahelmets.com/product_helmet_DevilDog.htm

Ooo... I like it. Maybe worth waiting for. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a Navy one. Only down side is it's back in the $300-$400 price range and then why not get an Arai or a Shoei...

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a Navy one.

Sorry bud, I looked at your avatar and saw Pensacola, but did not read your sig line and just well ASS...umed.

Thought you might like this one even better.

http://www.akumahelmets.com/product_helmet_GhostRider-matte.html

That is pretty cool, but

I think I like this GhostRider helmet more... :twisted:

http://www.helmetguy.com/gallery/albums/Ghost-rider-helmet/Ghost_Rider_helmet_left_front.thumb.jpg http://www.helmetguy.com/gallery/albums/Ghost-rider-helmet/Ghost_Rider_helmet_right_front.thumb.jpg

http://www.helmetguy.com/gallery/albums/Ghost-rider-helmet/Ghost_Rider_helmet_left.thumb.jpg

http://www.helmetguy.com/gallery/Ghost-rider-helmet

That Akuma Ghost Rider helmet is pretty cool tho.

You can even fire photon beams out of this thing!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-helmet/akuma-ghost-rider-led.jpg
akuma-ghost-rider-led.jpg (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-helmet/akuma-ghost-rider-led.jpg)

Too bad those afterburners aren't functional

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-helmet/led-exhaust-lights.jpg
led-exhaust-lights.jpg (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-helmet/led-exhaust-lights.jpg)

Webbikeworld Akuma Ghost Rider Review (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/akuma-helmet/)

Take WebBikeWorld for what they're worth - they try to find the best "bang for the buck" products. Don't think that a "Helmet of the Year" award means it's anywhere near the best helmet on the market, but more that it makes an outstanding value statement.

I have the luxury of a great local store with a lot of helmets, so I'm able to compare quite a few options. I am not as impressed with the quality of the Akuma helmets as WBW is - particularly for the pricepoint. When you can get Arai's on closeout for nearly the same cost, there's not a lot of competition. Unless, of course, you are crazy about the paint scheme or LEDs.

I picked up my Shark RSI on their glowing reviews and it is a good helmet. However, recently I picked up an Arai Corsair and it absolutely blows everything else away. I couldn't be happier and any recommendation for any other brand is dead. Unless you're needing something on the cheap - then go for a Scorpion 400/700.

Yeah I think I'm going to shell out a few bucks and buy something nice; you only have one nugget to protect right? I think a Shoei will do. Why spend double for an Arai. Now if I could just find a store in the area that sells them so I can try them on...

Why spend double for an Arai.
Either you want the best or you compromise for something less. That said, you don't have to spend double if you look. New Corsairs can be found under $500 and new Quantums/Profiles/Vectors under $400 - and those are for graphic models, not the single colors. Unless your budget absolutely restricts Arai, I wouldn't get anything else.

Got a good place to buy them online Transient?

Got a good place to buy them online Transient?
Picked mine up from Competition Accessories - http://www.compacc.com/

A local store here, who you have to e-mail or call for prices - had some of the Corsairs at a flat $400 last time I looked. - http://www.wilzgarage.com/

Keep in mind, I picked up a closeout from last year. Which is no big deal to me at all and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

check this one out, built in shades are a nice feature. http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1451431

Another note about the GMax GM68S Helmet - noted in the comments on the WBW article and I verified in person:

"Before giving a helmet its final rating, you should always check to see whether the helmet has EPS below the ear, around the jaw and at the chin.

The GMAX does not. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed. Most helmets in the GMAX price range do have EPS in these areas, something that does make a helmet safer."

EPS is the impact-absorbing foam/liner in a helmet.