Shoei Hornet DS Helmet
4.7
5
45
45
Nice dual sport helmet
Definitely not as comfortable as high end touring helmets and much louder. I've got a fairly round dome yet wanted a dual sport helmet for the fun offroad. I rode 750 miles straight with this helmet and I realize that any helmet needs time to break in but man my jaw was hurting after that ride. It is quite tight in the jaw area but not nearly as tight as the Arai XD 4. That helmet was very uncomfortable for me and my head shape. Too bad because I loved the graphics on the Arai but the Shoei just fit a little better.
May 20, 2013
Why have I always bought junk til now?
I've always hedged on spending money for a good helmet. Before this purchase, I owned two helmets which I bought in the $100-$130 range. One was a dual-sport style like this one, and the other a flip-up modular. I can't believe I have been putting up these after finally deciding to spring for something like this Hornet DS. First, according to Revzilla, my sizing would be medium. I have never worn a medium, but let me tell you, this medium fits PERFECTLY. I have an oval head, and while it does go on tight, while in there it is pure luxury. I wear eyeglasses and let me tell all you perspective buyers that eyeglasess fit wonderfully! The airflow is absolutely outstanding, measuring against what I've been accusomed to: even at 30 mph it feels like God himself is blowing breeze over the top of my head--almost like there is a gaping hole in the top of the helment! The facesheild fits nicely down against what is obviously quality rubber seals and the helmet is very quitet. In my cheap modular helmet I can't even hear myself talk--no worries here! All of you riders like me owe it to yourself to finally bite down on the bit and ante up a couple extra bucks for a helmet experience you'll be appreciating for years!
May 17, 2013
Walked away from a low-side at 60+mph
I decided to write a review on this helmet after walking away from a low-side at highway speeds. The Hornet DS protected my head and face while I slid about 60ft through an open field. The only damage was a busted lip when the chin of the mask caught a bump in the field. This is a great mask.
I've had the helmet for two years, and I've been through every type of weather imaginable, at high speeds, and on dirt. This helmet will do everything.
The only negatives about the helmet are that it's huge. I have done a side-by-side comparison with my other helmets, and the Shoei Hornet is much larger. I'm okay with looking a bit goofy if it will save my life. As others have noted, the visor can be quite cumbersome at speeds over 80mph.
Vision and airflow on the helmet are excellent.
May 15, 2013
Good Aerodynamics
This is a very good helmet, great visibility, light weight, nice looking and considering this is an adventure helmet a very good job was done in the field of aerodynamics. This is an expensive product but it's really recommended
April 26, 2013
Great helmet for on- and offroad
My road helmet is an Shoei RF-1100, which I beat up pretty well at RawHyde. After that, I purchased this helmet for my "offroad" rides based on the Revzilla video that said the Hornet DS would fit like the RF-1100. And they were right. Very comfortable, good airflow and good peripheral vision. The visor does makes it a bit louder than the RF-1100.
April 22, 2013
Fantastic helmet, excellent quality, perfect for Adventure riding
The Shoei Hornet is exactly what I was looking for in an Adventure Helmet. The fit is typical Shoei. I have a large Shoei X11 for street riding and the Hornet fits the same. The Hornet's ventilation is great. The peak is a compromise but provides adequate shade and doesn't catch the wind too much when riding on the freeway. The matt grey helmet looks great and is high quality. I recommend getting the tinted visor. Visor changes are not fast but I have heard that all Adventure type helmets have the same issue.
March 25, 2013
Great Helmet!
I have the Sonora which is the orange striped version of the Hornet, You can wear goggles under the faceshield, I have the Okleys. I like this helmet so much, I just bought the wife a white one. 2500 mile roadtrips, wearing it 8hrs a day and no issues. Can't say that about many helmets, now can you? ;-)
The addition of a pinlock faceshield makes this great helmet even better. No foging issues in the cold rain of the Northwest. I do recomend this helmet!
January 10, 2013
Best dual sport helmet
Fit and finish is excellent. Cheek pads were a little snug at first. After a few days the helmet loosened up and is very comfortable.
The tab for opening and closing the face shield is located on the left side of the shield. Would be nice if they had put tabs on both sides.
Sun visor attaches at 3 points on the top of the helmet so the visor doesn't vibrate at speed. Also enough space for air to flow underneath the visor so it doesn't push your head back.
It is nice to be able to open and close the air vents. Especially the front one.
November 19, 2012
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