Shoei VFX vs. bell Moto 9

Drakep2
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Loretto, TN US
Edited Date/Time 12/29/2015 8:05pm
Looking for a new helmet and I've gotten stuck between the two. I've got around 450$ so if there is one that I don't know about that out does these please let me know. The shoei is high end but why is it marked down? And the color schemes are awful, is there any kind of wrap I can get to apply? I've heard a lot about the Moto 9 but does it hold up against the shoei? Any help is appreciated
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KTMShane699
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12/28/2015 9:03am
They are similar quality, but they do fit differently. The discount on the Shoei may be that it's leftover stock and able to be discounted to make room for new colors coming in for the current year.

There are companies out there that do wraps. Application is the biggest problem with them to make them really look right. They can make a helmet look great, or look like absolute garbage.

I went with a Moto 9 Carbon Flex personally. It fits well and seems to be well made.

Shane
Indy mxer
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12/28/2015 9:06am
I've had both. I liked the Bell better because it fit me the best. Wearing 6D now and love it.
You might also look at Fly helmets.
RPM68
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DFW, TX US
12/28/2015 9:57am
It is tough to beat either. I personally like my Bell more for fit, ventilation, and weight. However, nothing is built better than an Arai or Shoei. Both of these helmets take a full week to build, by hand I will add, and must go through 6 inspection points throughout the building process. I personally dont think you can beat how theyre built, but the technology is getting old, and they are heavier...But I like my Bell, its cool...Plus Eli wears it now.
Tracktor
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12/28/2015 9:58am
Both are great helmets. We have ran Shoei for years but just switched to Bell. For wraps look up Justin at www.jjwdesigns.com. He has templates for both helmets and ours have held up great.






The Shop

Olson
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SE
12/28/2015 10:11am
Had both, liked them both but prefer Bell. Shoei is aslo very loud.
c0ncEpT
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12/28/2015 10:50am
Grab a left over new 6D off of Ebay for the same price.
12/28/2015 10:55am Edited Date/Time 12/28/2015 11:11am
The fit is the most important. I tried them both but the Moto 9 fit me better. I put the Shoei size M on my head but it was too tight. Then I tried the size L but it felt a little loose. The Bell I currently own is also a size M but it's a little bigger. Fits me like a glove. I don't think there's a big difference in quality. Just try them on and pick the one that fits you. (If one of them does) I paid 340 euro for my solid white moto 9.
djc
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OH US
12/28/2015 11:06am
I bought a bell to try first but it did not fit my head right. I went with the shoei and love it. I also found it much more comfy then the bell. I wanna say I paid like 350 for a plain white one
Drakep2
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Loretto, TN US
12/28/2015 11:23am
Thanks for the feedback! What about buying used? I've loved the 6d ever since i heard about it but it was always so expensive. Do any of you know or have a used 6d thats in fairly good condition? Or any of the other helmets listed. Also i have really no way of test fitting one on so how do i go about sizing? from what ive heard the bell fits big?
Trav138
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PA US
12/28/2015 11:23am
Yes i also vote for the Shoei and the plain paint schemes to save $ or to get it painted.
Never had a Bell. You can't go wrong with either just get the one that fits the best, as a proper fit is most important.
JBernard_401
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Boulder, CO US
12/28/2015 11:27am
you should try them all on first before looking for deals. the shoei fits me great, bell, not so much. i think the bell fits a shorter, more round head, if that makes any sense. kind of hard to describe.
KTMShane699
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12/28/2015 11:28am
Drakep2 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback! What about buying used? I've loved the 6d ever since i heard about it but it was always so expensive. Do any...
Thanks for the feedback! What about buying used? I've loved the 6d ever since i heard about it but it was always so expensive. Do any of you know or have a used 6d thats in fairly good condition? Or any of the other helmets listed. Also i have really no way of test fitting one on so how do i go about sizing? from what ive heard the bell fits big?
To size a helmet, measure your head and compare to the size chart for the brand you're interested in. They'll still all fit differently. For example, I'm not a Shoei shaped head. But fit well in Bell, 6D and Arai.

Personally, I wouldn't ever buy a used helmet. You don't know the history of it and any possible unseen damage. That being said, I'd also never sell a used helmet due to any possible unseen damage and risk of liability. I have one head, I'd like to take care of it.

Shane
loftyair
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riverside, CA US
12/28/2015 11:31am
Got to go with quality first. Which there are a few. Then, fit! If it is new, which is highly recommended, just a tad tight, otherwise fits good with no weird spots, that's the one for you.
mxb2
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Bowie, MD US
12/28/2015 11:59am
Quality, fit, budget in that order. Most helmet companies have size charts.,that being said my shoei and 6d are the same size, both great lids, 6d is lighter though.
bd
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Las Vegas, NV US
12/28/2015 4:16pm Edited Date/Time 12/28/2015 4:19pm
Look on BTO Sports for helmets on sale. As far as Bell Helmets, I only recommend the FLEX or Carbon. No FLEX helmets are on sale. However, 6D and Shoei have helmets for sale. Add PulpMX to coupon and save an additional 10%.

http://www.btosports.com/c/Helmets#/?_=1&filter.facet_hierarchy=Dirt%20…

http://www.btosports.com/c/Helmets#/?_=1&filter.facet_hierarchy=Dirt%20…
Park Boys
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Fantasy
222nd
12/28/2015 6:03pm
I like reading made in Japan on my helmets personally.
Moto88
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TX US
12/28/2015 8:54pm
To size a helmet, measure your head and compare to the size chart for the brand you're interested in. They'll still all fit differently. For example...
To size a helmet, measure your head and compare to the size chart for the brand you're interested in. They'll still all fit differently. For example, I'm not a Shoei shaped head. But fit well in Bell, 6D and Arai.

Personally, I wouldn't ever buy a used helmet. You don't know the history of it and any possible unseen damage. That being said, I'd also never sell a used helmet due to any possible unseen damage and risk of liability. I have one head, I'd like to take care of it.

Shane
As mentioned above, all helmets fit different. For me, 6d nor shoei fit good, Bell and Arai do, but all four of those are good. Gotta try them on. And as far as used, just as KTMshane wrote.
GoonSquad250x
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Fantasy
4523rd
12/28/2015 9:12pm
I got the Shoei VFX last year. It was the Grant replica & was marked down from btosports.com ($350). Christmas time is the best time to buy high priced stuff like helmets. I buy myself a new lid every Christmas. I went to the local dealership to try on the Shoei & FOX V-4. I liked how the Shoei fit the best & knew it was a solid helmet. I'm really am glad I got it. I had a huge get off earlier this year & slammed my head on some rocks & baked clay coming down a hill. Besides being a little out of it from the impact, it saved my head.

I'm sure the Bell is a great lid & it really comes down to comfort & fit for you. If you can try them both on, do so before your order one. Good luck man!
12/29/2015 3:53pm Edited Date/Time 12/29/2015 3:54pm
I use both.

the shoei is a little more roomie inside a little more plush. Feels very good but neck area is a little sharp compare to the bell.

Bell is little more heavy than the shoei, and the bell has to much vents making not good to use in cold. but the fitment is very good even if it isnt as plush inside.

Hope to try Arai in the future, unsure how its compared to my current



dcg141
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12/29/2015 5:54pm
Where are the Bell's manufactured?
mxfiend
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Riverside, CA US
12/29/2015 8:05pm
dcg141 wrote:
Where are the Bell's manufactured?
I believe they have 3 manufacturing plants across asia that they own and do not outsource like others

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