Shoei Qwest / RF-1100 Cheek Pads

I just recieved my Qwest with OE 35mm pads. They were extremely tight on my cheeks, horrible fish face. I immediately placed an order for the 31mm hoping it would help.

In the meantime, I removed my 35mm pads and opened them up and pulled out the foam inserts. They are made of several foam layers glued together. I slowly peeled off the outermost layer and reinserted the foam. It made a big difference and my cheeks weren't as squished. I did notice that there was just a little bit of slack in the cheek coverings now, as the foam was smaller.

I had hoped that the 31mm would give me a little bit more room than my modified pads, and also the covering would be taken in a bit so there wasn't as much loose fabric. IT WAS NOT BETTER. I was totally disappointed. The foam inside was identical to my modified foam, with just the last layer peeled off. And the covering still had excess fabric! They hadn't tightened it up at all.

For $40 I expected a little more than just not gluing on that last layer of foam. The only consolation is that now I have two sets of pads, and can modify one of them to my heart's content without worrying about ruining it.

Save your money and do your own foam peeling...

I ordered the RF-1100 black in color and medium in size. The stock cheek-pads are 35mm and were giving me the in-famous fish face.

I immediately ordered the 31mm cheek-pads and what a difference. The helmet fits perfectly now so I'm wondering what it will feel like when it actually breaks in a little, but I don't imagine it will get worse.

I'm a little upset about having to order additional cheek-pads because the stock pads didn't fit properly. After spending close to $400.00 on a helmet it would be nice if there were some kind of exchange policy. In no way shape or form do I blame Revzilla for this shortcoming. Shoei should step up to the plate and do something for their customers that were shafted by the set of cheek-pads that don't fit. I suppose I'll save them just in case I decide to lose 40lbs or my face starts sinking.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the RF-1100's 31mm cheek-pads. It's nice to be able to customize the fit. I've read Shoei makes a top notch product and so far I can't argue with that.

So to summarize. Two thumbs up for:

- the 31mm cheek-pads that make my RF-1100 fit perfectly.

- Shoei for making the excellent RF-1100.

- Revzilla for their excellent service.

The middle finger to...

Shoei for making me shell out an additional $30 some odd dollars to replace the stock cheek-pads that didn't fit & not giving me an option to exchange them for the right ones.

I read the reviews, seems most guys out there have fat cheeks. I have a Shoei Qwest. It fit good with the 35mm cheek pads, until it broke in. I ordered a pair of 39mm. Fits much better. I do believe it also helped with the noise. Installed the chin curtain. I know this cut the noise down. A helmet is only as good as it fits, for comfort, protection, and noise. I don't like paying the extra cash after spending hundreds of dollars for the helmet, But it was worth it.

My Shoei Qwest fit me a little tight since the beginning but I thought it would stretch a little and become more comfortable over time. It didn't, especially the cheek pads. The new, smaller, pads do make the helmet fit better and have relieved the pressure I felt before making it very comfortable to wear. I find it odd though, that all helmets come with the same size pads. Shoei would do well to offer the option of choosing which size pads you want initially with the purchase of the helmet and not as an added expense. It's a great solution, but I now have a useless set of "standard" size pads.

Like many other people here. I had the same problem of having my cheeks pushed in way too far. Still a nice snug fit, but much much more comfortable now than I was. Not exactly cheap but the comfort is well worth it.

Stock cheekpads made me feel and look like a fish. Had to get smaller cheekpads which fit great, my cheeks aren't pushed up to my eyes anymore. It would be really great if Revzilla/Shoei could exchange the cheepads free of charge (shipping doesn't matter) especially since I didn't use the stock ones, they're still brand new. i guess I can try to sell them....

I purchased the 31mm cheek pads as replacements for the 33mm cheek pads that came in my RF-1100 helmet. With the 33mm cheeks pads in the helmet the fit was acceptable but a bit on the tight side (helmet is a Medium). I occasionally found that I would bite the inside of my cheek if I was chewing gum during a ride due to my cheeks being squished by the pads. After swapping to the 33mm pads that problem has been resolved. The fit of the helmet is still snug, but my cheeks are no longer getting squished.

Removal of the old pads and installation of the new pads was very easy thanks to the included instructions.

Changing the pads was a much cheaper solution than getting a new, larger helmet.

They're expensive, but give a much better fit than the original pads. These make the difference and my cheeks aren't hurting any more. I put them in my XL helmet.

Bought the 31mm for the gf's qwest. She doesn't complain as much about the tightness now.

It was time for me to replace my helmet ~ an older, flip-up design. I bought the Shoei RF 1100. Amazing fit around the crown of my head (round oval shape) and the sizing chart was dead on (use the tape measure method as described in the videos). But the cheek pads were just a bit too tight. I know helments break in... but I opted for the 31 mm pads. When they arrived, they snapped in easily (see video) & now the helmet is extremely comfortable in all areas. Lightweight, DOT & SNELL approved & really high quality.