Scorpion Helmets?

[jimmystartup]

I've been seeing more and more of the Scorpion helmets around. Anyone have one or have any experice with one? Opinions wanted...thanks.

[stevem]

I've been considering one also and I posted the same question over at KLR650.net.  Of the eleven people who responded, all really liked the helmet, especially the ventilation and the no fog shield.  I've got one on order and will post a review after putting on some miles.

[Dave K]

I've been eyeballing the EXO-700 myself. Haven't read a bad review yet. Only complaint is a little bit of wind noise from the venting. Not a big deal if your an earplug or Etymotic ER-6i user on a 90 degree plus day!:lol:

Review:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/scorpion/

[bunsel]

Been wearing one for a year now.  Really like the no-fog shield.  It is a little noisy but a good set of ear plugs (which I always wear) makes the noise nonexistent.  For the money, would buy one again!

[big papa]

This is the helmet stealing market share from Arai.  I am one of the many former Arai Corsair customers too.  Only negative is noise.  No fog shields really work.

[bikerider]

I have an EXO-700. I love it!

[Sport]

I have an EXO-700. I love it!

What he said.  Found a guy on ebay selling them for under $200 delivered.

[Vladimir]

I've worn an EXO-700 and currently wear an EXO-400. Both are comfortable for me and the no-fog shield works great.  The ventilation in hot weather is great.  And the EXO-700 gave it's life protecting my head from pavement in a high-side about a year ago, so it's crash worthy in my opinion!

As an aside, I'd really like to see what these guys could do with a flip-up helmet...

[Ridinghigh]

I think this is one of the best deals out there. I have had a 700 for about a year and it i as comfortable for me as any other helmet I have tried on. It has all the features that other helmets do and some that they don't like the photochromatic shield. It is slightly noisier than more expensive helmets, but no by much and I always have my Shures in. I got mine for $170, so I coud almost get once for each bike...or one Arai...

[chornbe]

I just bought a Scorpion EXO-400 today. My commentary follows:


First, I fit a size Large in my Nolan and my HJC CL-15. I take a size Extra Large (XL) in the Scorpion. They seem to run a bit small; at least for my head shape whatever that happens to be. For comparison, both the Nolan and the HJC CL-15 fit me very comfortably (and correctly).

The EXO's cheek pads sit against my cheeks without mashing in my fase, so the feeling of protection without compromised comfort is +1! The whole helmet just seems to fit me just about right. One of my friends was unable to get comfortable in it, so do try it on before buying it sight unseen. I opted for the gray metallic helmet and I sprung for the additional Photo Sensitive shield which dims to a nice tint in sunlight.

Believe the advertising; the shields do NOT fog up. Today it was between 30 and 50 during an all day, 371 mile ride. I didn't use my heated gear, but I did use my heated grips and seat. It was chilly but not cold. My Noland - anti-fog insert in place - fogged up to some degree between my house and the dealer from which I bought the Scorp. The Scorp did NOT fog AT ALL, all day long, and after dark on the ride home. It just works.

The overall feel of the helmet is nice. The liner is removeable, the chin strap is the conventional D-loop style; there's nothing terribly fancy about the helmet's straps or liner. They do their job, as advertised, giving you good comfort and a good, if basic, feature set.

The shields come off in about 1.8 seconds with a twist of a knob at the center of the pivot on each side. Quick and easy. The ratchet that holds the shield in place is via a metal pin which rides in a plastic cam and seems like it will hold up. The metal pins are part of the shield. Replacement, clear shields run ~$20 if necessary. The photosensitive one is about $55 - well worth it IMO.

All in all the helmet is a fantastic value at the $129 advertised price. Fit and finish is good. The helmet feels mechanically solid and the standout feature - true antifog shieds - actually work; unlike some other "insert" or chemical treatment products (I've tried many over the years).

I can recommend this helmet. This now makes three helmets that fit me well, out of dozens owned and tested over the years, and that have been added to my gear closet.

[r2t2]

I've worn an EXO-700 and currently wear an EXO-400. Both are comfortable for me and the no-fog shield works great.  The ventilation in hot weather is great.  And the EXO-700 gave it's life protecting my head from pavement in a high-side about a year ago, so it's crash worthy in my opinion!

As an aside, I'd really like to see what these guys could do with a flip-up helmet...

Yeah, I'd like to see what they could do with flip helmet!!! Oh, and I really like my EXO-700.

[Guy]

+1 to most all of the positives above, I have really liked my helmet, and since it is getting close to replacement time, I may end up getting the same kind (still up in the air)
 
The (minor) negatives
-kinda heavy compared to other helmets
 
-The finish is fairly cheap. I noticed chips in the helmet paint that was not from dropping the helmet. Looks like maybe the helmet developed some cracks that the wind broke apart.
 
These are small, niggling downsides, and for the price, this is a helmet that can't be beat

[RickC1957]

Great info! Thanks peeps!

[sprint_st]

I wear XXL in both Arai and Shoei.  Arai is a tad tight and Shoei is a tad loose.  Wanted to get a Scorpion but they just dont' fit.  Too small.  They will get on the head but immediate hot spots in the temple.

[SuperHans]

Although I don't own one, I've heard nothing but good things about them.

[JonS]

This is the first "budget" helmet I have ever owned and I love it! It would be best to try one on rather than buy online. The cheek pads were fairly tight on me and I had to break it in to feel comfortable. Now its the best fitting helmet I've owned. Being fog free is a huge bonus.

[olderigetfasteriwas]

What he said. Found a guy on ebay selling them for under $200 delivered.

 
I bought mine at Helmet Harbor......$159.00 a year ago. Paid no shipping (4 miles from my house:lol: ).

[MK96xj]

I have the 400. The negatives are that the chin vent will suck up bugs and fire them behind the visor.
 
Check the seal at the top of the visor. As i understand, many have a gap between the visor and the seal causing the noise and a leak during heavy rain.
 
The seal thing really bothers me and i am trying methods to correct this. Their was one guy in a past post (pre server meld down) that sent his helmet back to Scorpion and it was replaced for this issue. I am trying a piece of wire under the seal to build it out. So far this seems to work.
 
Mike

[jschmidt]

Very popular, people who have them like them. The shield retention system may be faulty, causing the shield to detach in very minor accidents. But other than that, I haven't heard anything bad about them.

[gunwolff]

Love mine with 2 Farkels, 1 is a transition face shield and the other is a Super Visor I have light sensitive eyes and this works great for me. http://www.supervisor.com

[Captain Obvious]

I have the 400. The negatives are that the chin vent will suck up bugs and fire them behind the visor.
 
Check the seal at the top of the visor. As i understand, many have a gap between the visor and the seal causing the noise and a leak during heavy rain.
 
The seal thing really bothers me and i am trying methods to correct this. Their was one guy in a past post (pre server meld down) that sent his helmet back to Scorpion and it was replaced for this issue. I am trying a piece of wire under the seal to build it out. So far this seems to work.
 
Mike

My visor also leaked and I adjusted the mechanism a bit which helped but didn't eliminate the problem. I am also experiencing some pilling on the pads and the graphics do not line up correctly. I spoke with the Scorpion rep at the cycle show and even though this helmet is over two years old, they are going to replace it, free!
He indicted that the build quality is better now and they have a new shield and gasket that has eliminated the leaking. I'll post again when I get the new helmet.

[matkal]

Sportbike Track Gear(google it) has a bunch of discontinued colors for $150. Supposedly $600 helmets.

[xcsp]

I'd like to see Scorpion incorporate the sun shield sytem like they have on their "snow" version snowmobiling helmets, with a retractable tinted shield inside of the clear shield-no need to carry an extra shield or sunglasses!! Just would need to do something to allow the top vents to still function.
 
Here's a link to it:
http://www.scorpionusa.com/products/exo400dp_snow_solid.html

[MuddDawg]

Love mine with 2 Farkels, 1 is a transition face shield and the other is a Super Visor I have light sensitive eyes and this works great for me.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/gunwolff/Picture050-1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/gunwolff/Picture049-1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/gunwolff/Picture048-1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/gunwolff/Picture047-1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f184/gunwolff/Picture046-1.jpg

 
Linkys no worky...
 
The Snow one is DOT and SNELL Certified.

[Ken]

EX-700 -- great helmet. Wicking system works well. Fogless shield is the best I've ever used. Can be a little noisy, but I kind of expect this with a well vented helmet. Just a few ounces heavier than my RF-1000.

Also, one of the top vents developed a rattle after a few months at speeds above 50. One quick call to Scorpion and I had a replacement helmet at my door 4 days later. Great customer service.

[Against The Wind]

I picked up a 400 at the BMWMOA national rally in 2005 and I no longer wear my Arai. It does the job.

[license2ill]

As far as hearing anything bad, they had an issue with a DOT random compliance test last year with the EXO-700. I beleive that was what pormpted the Motorocylist mag article about helmet softness. As far as the meaning of all that and a proper persprective? That's a much harder question. Either way, the helmet put up numbers high in all aspects of impact management, all in the cold conditions, which are extreme. It wasn;t enough to require a recall, and it passed the Snell penetration test which is identical to one of the failure issues in the DOT testing, as well as Snell random impact tests. Sosmeone mentioned to me that they adjusted the formual of the resin afterward, but who knows. Whether or not those numbers are significant enough to stay away is a question as well, it was right at hteh threshold for passing in all of the tests. There is contention that the tolerance levels used by all the helmet standards are inapporpriate, as discussed in that Motoryclist article, but there needs to be a whole lot more info on the subject to have a definitive opinion on all of the aspects. The most bothersme thing, really, is that the helmet designers knew the requirments and failed to meet them in that example.

Other issues I've heard are that they are heavy. They fit round heads. ANd not everyone thinks the venitalation is as great as advertized. The reviewers at Webbikeworld like HJC's newer helmets better for the price.

[Mr.Awesome]

I bought an exo 400 for the GF, and she loves her's.   While looking at them and trying them on I ended up buying one for myself. Only paid $110 for the 400. Have been wearing shoei's for years and find this one as comfortable if not more than the shoei. Sizing is a little on the small size. Normally wear a large but had to get an XL in the scorpion.  Not sure if it is the aerodynamics of the helmet or what, but I get less buffetting with the scorpion as well. Only real complaint would be that if you grab by the chin bar to carry it around, it is easy to pull out the breath guard on it, no big deal to put it back in. Would not hesitate to get another one.

[fourthmeal]

I own both a 400 and a 700.  I originally started with the 400, and it is still holding up (gorilla glue works wonders for the loose pieces!), and then I switched to a 700 and gave the 400 to my wife.  One important thing about the Scorpions that led me to buy a much more expensive Shoei.  And that is WEIGHT.  The Scorpions weigh a LOT more then my RF1000.  So much so, that my neck felt a lot better after the long rides.  Also, the sensation of your head moving and jiggling at higher speeds or on bumpy roads, the Shoei does better.  I think the Scorpion is a great helmet at its price point, and I love(d) the low cost, high quality shields available, and the extreme ease of all of its features.  But, its HEAVY.  

I would buy a lighter, still feature loaded, Scorpion if they made it.

[Stripes]

My dad who has been riding for 40+ years always swore by his Shoei, but recently got a Scorpion for his birthday a few monts back, and absolutely loves it! As for me I'm kind of partial to my Arai RX7 Corsair, but when I replace it, Scorpion's will be looked at.

[turboderek]

I picked up a EXO-700 today.  i'll give you guys a review later next week.

[gunwolff]

see if that worked. sorry about the links.

Linkys no worky...
 
The Snow one is DOT and SNELL Certified.

[gunwolff]

See page 1 I added the visor and the vents work just like they are supposed to and the visor works perfectly, I added a transitions shield to it as well.

I'd like to see Scorpion incorporate the sun shield sytem like they have on their "snow" version snowmobiling helmets, with a retractable tinted shield inside of the clear shield-no need to carry an extra shield or sunglasses!! Just would need to do something to allow the top vents to still function.
 
Here's a link to it:
http://www.scorpionusa.com/products/exo400dp_snow_solid.html

[jimmystartup]

Thanks for all of the replies folks, I figure with all of this positive press I can't go wrong trying one out.

[hobbes]

I own both a 400 and a 700. I originally started with the 400, and it is still holding up (gorilla glue works wonders for the loose pieces!), and then I switched to a 700 and gave the 400 to my wife. One important thing about the Scorpions that led me to buy a much more expensive Shoei. And that is WEIGHT. The Scorpions weigh a LOT more then my RF1000. So much so, that my neck felt a lot better after the long rides. Also, the sensation of your head moving and jiggling at higher speeds or on bumpy roads, the Shoei does better. I think the Scorpion is a great helmet at its price point, and I love(d) the low cost, high quality shields available, and the extreme ease of all of its features. But, its HEAVY.
 
I would buy a lighter, still feature loaded, Scorpion if they made it.

 
I don't believe this info is correct. I did a decent amout of research, and the guys at Helmet Harbor seemed to agree with me. The RF1000 I have is only slightly lighter than the EXO line of helmets from Scorpion.
 
I have both an RF1000 and EXO-700 and they are very similar in weight, maybe a few ounces of difference favors the RF1000. In fact, the EXO-400 is actually a bit lighter than the 700 (though nominally so) because of the plastic exterior vs the polycarbonate. (this was explained to be by the HH guys)
 
I love my EXO-700. For the price it's hard to find a better helmet.

[license2ill]

I don't believe this info is correct. I did a decent amout of research, and the guys at Helmet Harbor seemed to agree with me. The RF1000 I have is only slightly lighter than the EXO line of helmets from Scorpion.
 
I have both an RF1000 and EXO-700 and they are very similar in weight, maybe a few ounces of difference favors the RF1000. In fact, the EXO-400 is actually a bit lighter than the 700 (though nominally so) because of the plastic exterior vs the polycarbonate. (this was explained to be by the HH guys)
 
I love my EXO-700. For the price it's hard to find a better helmet.

Overall weight is often not the real issue anyway, it's the center of gravity, or how the weight is held, and even more importantly it's the aerodynamics of how a helmet feels on the neck at speed, when turning your head, etc.

In that department, I think I've seen and heard the most info about aerodynamic issues and stability from Shoei and more about a balanced, low center of gravity from Arai. How does Scorpion stack-up with those two in terms of those issues? I think you'll find a lot more subjective takes in that discussion, but those issues are arguably much more important than a couple overall ounces between similar sizes.

[evilmedic13]

I'm thinking about getting one for wifey since her shield fogs up constantly,no metter what we do. Maybe put the leopard print liner in too:lol: . Not much of a VD present,but Ive bought her just about evrything but a bike! That's gonna be her bday present.

[scott-sts]

I have an EXO-700.  It vents really well;so well in fact I would never wear it in cold weather.  It makes my eyes water on cool evenings.  The anti fog shield does seem to work as advertised but that could be because there is so much air moving around inside the helmet!
I seem to have a standard XL head and the Scorpion fits a little tight at the temple.  It's not a big deal but if possible, I would try one on before buying.  The padding hugs your face a bit more than any other helmet i've owned.  
The shield pops on & off easily and the paint waxes up all nicey nice.  I wouldn't have even tried one had it not been for the low price.  I like it and would buy another.

[Tyrroneous]

From www.webbikeworld.com :
 

Shoei RF-1000

XL

1610

3 lbs. 8-3/4 oz.

Scorpion EXO-700

XL

1733

3 lbs. 13 oz.

 
 
What L2I said is right...how the helmet carries it's weight is paramount to how it feels while riding.  I lighter helmet that carries its weight higher than a slightly heavier helmet might actually feel heavier.

[Chips]

I have a bowling ball shaped head and find the 700 fits better than the 400 but nothing fits like my Shoei X-11. I'm considering picking up a 700 and trying to mold the pads to my head because they are a phenomenal helmet at any price.
 
If you are looking for a great deal on the EXO-700 Geronimo, a discontinued paint scheme, look here: http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/Scorpionhelmets.html

[Sea Dog]

I've been wearing the 700 for about a year and a half now. I tried it on at a local Triumph dealer and even though I had the top of the line HJC at the time, I bought the Scorpion because it just fit me so well. Now, I am a total gear whore, so I also have a Shoei X-11 to compare it to.
 
I don't care for the graphics much, but I slap SOLAS tape all over my helmets anyway, so looks aren't that important to me. The new models look much nicer IMHO.
 
My initial impression was that the shield mechanism wouldn't last, but after commuting daily and changing to a dark visor almost every afternoon, it has held up just fine. VERY easy to use. Much easier than the HJC, and about the same to me as the Shoei. The reason that I don't buy Arais is because I change the shield so frequently.
 
The anti-fog shield worked great for a couple of months, but its magic properties faded...probably from me cleaning it with windex and Pledge wipes.
 
I like the inner pads and fabric better than HJC. Less pilling and foam compression. Removable for cleaning too.
 
I recently installed a Respro Foggy, and it works even better than the anti-fog shield. It has the added benefit of cutting down on the airflow that someone else mentioned, making the helmet warmer (and quieter).
 
The helmet definitely feels heavier than the X-11 and is not as aerodynamic, especially when turning your head to change lanes. It IS better than the HJC though, probably beacause of the great fit. The weight does not bother me at all during long days on my Bandit, which has a very upright position due to Helibars, but does take its toll on long days on my VFR.
 
There is a great space to install headphones!
 
The first click on the visor opening mechanism is too big. The Shoei definitely has the best one there. Even the HJC was better.
 
When I finish fussing with my X-11 cheek pads, I will probably use it full time, but this Scorpion has been an awesome helmet and I would definitely buy another.

[pyro_]

I like the 700 that i have but do have a lot of problems with the visor foggin up in cold weather.  Fogs up all the time when it is under 45F and that is on multiple visors that it does that not just a single one.

[zero]

I have a 400 and the only complaint that I have , is about the chrome visor. From what a rep. told me, scorpion uses a dip method on their chrome shields which in some cases(mine) can cause nausea because it interferes with the ability to refocus you eyes quicker. I could not tell this by looking through the shield, but every time I used it, I would have to stop and take a break and let the nausea pass. So far, I've only heard a coupla more complaints about this and for most people, I don't think this is a problem.

[Clair]

I've had my EXO-700 for probably a year and a half and love it. Best fitting helmet for my head shape. Shoei's don't fit right, nor do Arie's.

Great ventilation. Great on/off for the visor. I ride with the dark shield and love it.  Don't have a fogging problem, tho it can "mist" up from time to time on me, butno biggie.

Downside is that it is a bit noisy.  I wear ear plugs all the time tho so not really an issue to me.

[VFRMille]

I bought a 700 at the Long Beach IMS show 2 yrrs. ago.  I really like it better than my Shoei RF900 ( which I'm told it is a copy of).  The visor doesn't fog, the fit is a little tighter than the Shoei and noise seems about the same to me.
 
My only complaint - and a small one at that - is the strap. It is thinner than the Shoei & is starting to fray at the edges.  I do like the snap on the end of it better than the way Shoei does it.  I mentioned it at their booth last year.
 
Overall, I would buy another one....
 
YMMV

[lemansiii]

I've had a 700 for over a year as well.

The fit for my head is very good, tight around the cheeks, very secure.  

I use 3 shields, clear, and gold and silver mirrored, and change them frequently.  The visor mechanism has held up well.  I don't recommend the mirrored visors because of the reflection of your face on the inside.  I do get some fogging now, I probably cleaned the coating off the inside of the visor.  The first click of the visor is too big.

Sometimes bugs do come in through the vents.  No problems with rattling or lose pieces.  Vents operate easily, good airflow.  The helmet is pretty noisy, earplugs are required.

I had a big problem with too much airflow from the bottom of the helmet up into my eyes.  Made wearing contacts nearly impossible.   I feel that the problem is mostly due to the windshield configuration of my bike - aprilia futura - dumping air just below my neck.  I tried various things to stop this, including a touring lip.  I went into a m/c dealer and was trying on new helmets, as I'd had enough of this, when I noticed the scorpion air skirt for $8.  Problem sorted.

It does get grabbed by the airflow when turning your head.  They need some wind tunnel time.

Scott

[dabrew]

 
I recently installed a Respro Foggy, and it works even better than the anti-fog shield. It has the added benefit of cutting down on the airflow that someone else mentioned, making the helmet warmer (and quieter).
 

I did the same thing on my 400 mainly to cut down on the swirling air around my eyes. Drove my contacts crazy. Still trying to get the Respro positioned perfectly, but it's working pretty good as it is

[vstormer]

great lid. no fog,comfortable,good price. slightly more wind noise than my shoei. would buy again.

[Dave K]

Hey guys, there is whole bunch of EXO-700 helmets on Ebay right now being closed out. I just scored a brand new "Raider" model for $79.95!

There is a lot of "Buy it nows" for $149...some even with free shipping.

Here's the one I just got:

[ChuckBecker]

I got a 700 about 3 months ago and all I can say is "Wow".  What a helmet for the price!  The antifog is something that the high priced lids need to pick up on,   .  Fit and finish are fine, far exceed expectations at the price point.  I hope that Scorpion comes out with a Bluetooth helmet here pretty soon.

[MK96xj]

I needed to order a new twist lock button as i broke one adjusting the visor so i ordered the Aero skirt (chin spoiler) as i noticed previously while riding that if i put my hand at the chin the turbulence behind the visor was cut down considerably. The skirt works very well and does what i expected it to do.

After adjusting the visor to make sure i do not have gaps at the seal and teh skirt. these 20-30* days are not so harsh on the face and eyes.

http://www.scorpionusa.com/products/aeroskirt.html

[carpe_diem]

EXO-400

Love it.

Get the air skirt/wind skirt whatever they call. Worth the $8

Shield never fogs. I have the dark tint and the clear. Only the tinted and clear shields have the no-fog coating. The mirror ones do not.

I came from an HJC AC-11 and a Sy-Max. I used to get a pressure point on my forehead with the HJC's. No such problem with the scorpion.