So I Took and Bought a Scorpion Helmet

[XLR8]

You have to say it that way right? "took and bought"  

My last helmet was an Arai Profile and I have to say that...

This new Scorpion is a complete piece of junk. Don't waste your time. Yes, I said it. It really doesn't even compare. That's my review.

So now, I have to send it back and spring for a Signet-Q. You really do get what you pay for. Well, almost, because the Arai is overpriced but nicer.

[miles]

I think you need to get over to the "Who's drinking what tonight?" thread.

[XLR8]

I think you need to get over to the "Who's drinking what tonight?" thread.

This is kind of my return to ST.N and I'm finding it hard to come up with stuff to talk about. I thought my disappointment with cheap Chinese helmets was a good place to start. I'm really just bummed that I have to fork out $650 for a new lid.

[flips21]

XLR8,

There is still time.  You can find some Profiles on closeout.  Google is your friend

Really sad to hear that the Scorpian didn't work out.  I was hoping there would be another long profile out there for under $500.

Flip

[ConPilot1]

It's all about the price point. Is Scorpion a good quality helmet for the price point? Yes. Will it protect your noggin? Yes.
Are they as good as an Arai or Shoei? Probably not.

Is an Ebay EXL suit as good as an Aerostich? No. Will it do the job? Yes.

IMHO, My EXO700 is one of the nicest lightweight FF helmet's I've owned for 200 bucks brand new when they were new on the market. I'll never part with it for what I paid.

[garry]

What model did you buy and what don't you like about it?

I just bought a Scorpion EXO-750 "Live Fast" to replace a Suomy Spec-1R. I really like the air pump feature to dial in the cheek pad pressure. I thought it was quite the good value for $260. There are too many other things that need money thrown at them around here to spend $500+ on a helmet, so I was shopping for bang-for-the-buck.

I guess I'll see how it works out this season, as I've only used it for a couple rides so far.

[still kickin]

XLR8-- How does it feel to be in the minority?? Many riders who can afford to buy any helmet choose to wear a Scorpion. I just bought a new 1000 from New Enough for $159. Damn fine helmet.

IYO what makes the Scorpion "junk?"

[ChrisZRX]

I'm really liking my EXO 750.

[Cozye]

Ive owned a half dozen Arai helmets, used to be a dealer. When I've drawn the line with them though, they have out priced the market. They are well made, and I love the liner material they use, however there are a plethora of great helmets on the market for half the price. And almost everyone makes a lighter helmet than the Arai as well. I've sworn them off. Bought an hjc to replace a corsair v I damaged on the track for my race helmet. I'll be buying something else to replace my rx7 street helmet soon. F&ck Arai.

[2RR2NV]

I loved my EXO-400 until i broke off one of the top vents while wiping it down, getting all the bugs off...... with a paper towel. i still want another and i am looking at the EXO 1100. just need to try one out and see if i really want one. otherwise i'll go EXO 400, 500, 700, 750. i tried the 1000 when they first came out and didn't like the fit. don't know why, but the EXO-400 and 1000 fit differently enough to not bother. Wish there were dealers closer to me so i can try some out.

i "like" my RF1000 but it's old and needs replacement (and they are too expensive for what ya get, so.... not getting another). plus, i usually buy a new helmet every time i get another bike.... i'm weird like that.

[auggius]

I have had Arai Quantums E/F in the past and if Arai still made the Quantum I would have bought one, but their new model line-up don't fit my head like it used to. So I bought an Exo-700 which I got for $170CDN. Fits almost as well and has some new features like the fully removeable helmet liner. Only the cheekpads were removeable with the Arai.

Many cursed the Arai shield system but I quite liked it. It requires a bit of force but once you get the hang of it you can change the shield while wearing the helmet. Check out footage of Arai wearers in IoM during their pit stop. Pit guy lifts shield up and yanks it out, pops in new shield in less than 3 seconds. Admittedly a self-change takes a bit longer but easily doable.

The shield system on the Scorpion is one thing I don't like. Or more correctly, half dislike, because it's easy to remove the right side but awkward on the left. If they had just reversed the direction of the left knob to mirror the right it would be a non-issue.

Overall, the Exo-700 is a really good helmet, made better by its price. Check out the British website, SHARP, which tests helmets. The Scorpion rates higher than the Arai.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=131&sharp-model=EXO-700&sharp-type=All&sharp-rating=1&sharp-price-from=0&sharp-price-to=9999&discontinued=1

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=99&sharp-model=Quantum&sharp-type=2&sharp-rating=1&discontinued=1

[Tyrroneous]

The shield system on the Scorpion is one thing I don't like. Or more correctly, half dislike, because it's easy to remove the right side but awkward on the left. If they had just reversed the direction of the left knob to mirror the right it would be a non-issue.

This is my main complaint too!  I've had two EXO 700's.  Both bot on closeout for around $100.  For that amount, they are outstanding helmets...just a bit on the heavy side.  But they have better than average ventilation and are not too terribly loud and fit my head perfectly.  

[X1Glider]

I have the money to buy whatever helmet I want but I bought 3 Scorpions.  Why?  They fit my head shape better than other brands I've tried on, no matter the price point.  I have 2 Exo-900s and a Exo-1000 which gets little love as the flip ups are more important to this allergy sufferer.  So far, fit and finish have been quite good and they hold up under normal use.  Even Shoei's Multitech didn't score as high as the Scorpion at twice the price.

[greench440]

Boy, really brought out the Scorpion Fanboys with this one.  I bought an EXO-1000 and thought it was a waste of $$.  Heavy and loud.

[Dan K]

My everyday helmet is an Arai Corsair V.  Ridiculously expensive.  

I bought a Scorpion EXO-1000 on clearance a year or two ago for $99.  I think it's pretty close to the Arai in quality, but I haven't used it as much.  I usually use it on the track, as it's tighter on the ears and keeps my glasses higher on my nose even when I'm bending down in the more aggressive position for my Daytona.  Don't see any flaws, maybe the little lever for popping the shield open...Anyway, to say they're junk is a bit overboard from what I can see.  A little heavy, but not noticeably so.  Does have a whistle at high speed.  Still like it.

-Dan

[Max Wedge]

I have a Profile and LOVE it. Tried on a Signet-Q as a possible replacement--but the fit was nothing like the Profile. I actually went down a size to get close (as many people have said) but it wasn't the "ahhh" fit I got with the Profile. Not many left on closeout, I looked, but if you XXS or XXXL and don't care about the colors, you might find one. Tried on a Bell RS1 (?), and it was very close, and pretty well made. I bought a closeout XD3 for the summer until a qualified Profile replacement can be found.

[chosemerveilleux]

I have an EXO-700 that I use in the colder months.  I haven't had any problems with it quality wise, although I fumbled it once walking down into my basement and ripped off the shield.  Totally my bad, and a new visor from Revzilla and new mounting bits from Scorpion (free, shockingly enough-their customer service rocks) and it was good to go.  Sure, I like my Evoline and my Nolan helmets better, but that's because they're modulars, which I honestly prefer to a FF.  I've looked at the Shoeis and Arais, and given their price premium, I damn sure don't think they're worth 3x the price of a EXO-700, not by a long shot.  I'll never buy a Shoei or an Arai when I can purchase a Shark Evoline all day for less than $400, never mind the new Nolan 104, which I just pulled the trigger on for $350.  I've never had a problem paying for quality, but IMHO the quality difference between an Arai or Shoei and a Nolan is nonexistent so the extra $$$ is poorly spent.  And while there is a difference between a Scorpion helmet and an Arai, the difference is negligible when compared to the logarithmic difference between many cheaper helmets and a Scorpion.  Their mid line stuff is a very good buy, period.  Can't ever say that about Arai or Shoei, unless they're the only helmets that fit you.  Just my 2 Sesterce, mind you.

[X1Glider]

Boy, really brought out the Scorpion Fanboys with this one.  I bought an EXO-1000 and thought it was a waste of $$.  Heavy and loud.

I agree with you.  Looks like it should vent well, but it flows air for crap and fogs up extremely fast in the cold.  One of the reasons it hangs on a hook in my garage with very low hours.  Not a buy again item.

[flips21]

I have a Profile and LOVE it. Tried on a Signet-Q as a possible replacement--but the fit was nothing like the Profile. I actually went down a size to get close (as many people have said) but it wasn't the "ahhh" fit I got with the Profile.

The Profile fits my head better than any other helmet I have tried or owned since I started riding in '79.  Now that I know how good it can feel, I fear I will never be satisfied again.  I hope someone has something out there that has a similar fit.  But I doubt it exists.

Flip

[jeepinbanditrider]

I've owned a few Scorpions.

EXO700-  Probably one of the best single helmets I've ever owned.  Vented well, comfy, fairl lightweight.

EXO500-  Heavier than the 700 and the chinbar was a little close to my face.  Internal sunvisor is a huge selling point for me I hate carrying extra shields with me.  Vents ok.

EXO900-  Not a horrible helmet but not great.  Noisy as all get out though not a huge deal for me as I wear ear plugs.  HEAVY.  It now mostly sits in the barn and my EXO500 is back on my head.

[motormike]

Could it possibly be that the unhappiness of the helmet that you took and done bought is actually caused by you selling your VFR?
 

[JonS]

Apparently I have a Scorpion head, as the EXO700 fits better than any helmet I have owned. It never fogs up either. These days, I just don't want to spend the money for an Arai, either.

[ChrisZRX]

I bought an EXO-1000 and thought it was a waste of $$.

Should've bought an EXO-750.  

[ChrisZRX]

I tried on a new EXO-1100 today.  I thought it was a damn nice helmet.  

[2RR2NV]

I tried on a new EXO-1100 today.  I thought it was a damn nice helmet.  

i sooo can't wait to try one on.  or any of the Scorp's for that matter.

[XLR8]

Could it possibly be that the unhappiness of the helmet that you took and done bought is actually caused by you selling your VFR?
 

I think that's the reason.  

Actually I think that I was disappointed with a product that I had too high of expectations for. I had read a lot of hype and many good things, but when it comes down to it, you get what you pay for and there's no way a $159 helmet on closeout is going to be as nice as a helmet like an Arai. For those that disagree, I think it's great that the Scorpion works out for you and you like it.

The other reason, to be fair, is my damn head shape. I had heard the Scorpion would fit a long oval head shape but it does not; at least not mine.  

[NoGear]

I've had Arai, AGV, Bieffe (loved them, wish they were still around), Bell, Shoei, HJC, and Scorpion helmts.  I currently have a HJC and Scorpion EXO-1000. My only complaint with Scorpion is that the sun visor supplied was way too light and I had to buy a darker one.

I bought the EXO-1000 on closeout for $99!! Originally priced it was $399.   I usually get a new helmet every couple of years. Given that, I refuse to pay that kind of money for a Arai, AGV or Shoei anymore.  I didn't find the quality that much better to justify the cost.

I personally have never found any motorcycle helmet to be heavy, then again, I have spent 24 years wearing a Kelvar ACH on my head, including stretches of wearing it every day for a year at a time so when I get home any bike helmet feels light on my head.

[dietDrThunder]

On a side note...if you have any Scorpion helmet and you have fog issues in any way, you're doing it wrong. They all come with permanent anti-fog shields that are easily the most effective no-fog that there is. There are two common mistakes: first, when they first came out, the mirrored shields did not have the coating on them, so they fogged. Second, you can't use anything but water to clean the inside. The no-fog works because of the microscopic texture off the inside of the shield. If you put something on it (Honda Spray Polish for example) you will fill in that texture, and render the anti-fog useless.

I raced in these hats from 20f to 105f, and I'm a giant fat-ass...never one time had any fog in any way. I did have to crack the shield open in the most extreme conditions, but that's it.

I was a life-long Shoei guy, until I tried one of these helmets. An EXO750 is a better helmet than any of the RF-series Shoei jobbers in every meaningful way imo, and they are 1/3 the price. The liners last longer, are removable and replaceable, they don't fog, the shield mount system is faster/easier (although both are good), the shields are cheaper, they're quieter, and...oops...they don't vent as well. Ok, _almost_ every way.

[X1Glider]

Second, you can't use anything but water to clean the inside. The no-fog works because of the microscopic texture off the inside of the shield. If you put something on it (Honda Spray Polish for example) you will fill in that texture, and render the anti-fog useless.

I've only ever used water on mine and they fog still.  After a bug fest, I get a wash cloth and soak it in warm water, set it on the shield and let it soak the bugs off.  Once loosened up, I wipe it off and dry with a towel (not a paper towel).  Still, the EXO-1000 and 900 will fog in the Texas heat when I hit the micro-climates.

[JHG57]

I have a 700 that I wore daily until I put on a Shoei RF1100. The Shoei is lighter, more aerodynamic and quieter. The 700 is nice but the Shoei is in another league. YMMV ...

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[ConPilot1]

I don't understand all the fretting over fogging. Crack the shield open a half inch. Problem solved.

[chosemerveilleux]

I have a 700 that I wore daily until I put on a Shoei RF1100. The Shoei is lighter, more aerodynamic and quieter. The 700 is nice but the Shoei is in another league. YMMV ...

It should be, as the RF1100 costs 2.5 times as much, and that's if the EXO-700 isn't on sale.

[Dan K]

I don't understand all the fretting over fogging. Crack the shield open a half inch. Problem solved.

Agreed, but if you do that in heavy rain, you lose the watertight seal around the visor opening and water drips onto the inside of the shield, which I try to avoid.

- Dan

[BigChris99]

I guess I drink the Scorpion Kool-Aid, cuz I really like my Scorps.

I'm a big fan of bang for my ( hard earned ) buck, and Scorpion

delivers  that in spades. Could I afford an Arai? Yes, but all three

of my helmets, two EXO-400's and a Hi-Viz EXO-700, fit, are comfortable

and just plain work. They do what a helmet is supposed to do. And, they

leave me money in the bank account for trips, food and gas. Your head,

your money, spend it as you see fit. Scorpions being junk? I don't think so.

[motormike]

I have a hi-viz EXO-700 and like it.  The bad thing about the EXO-750 is the lack of colors compared to the EXO-700.  I think there are only three colors and white is not an option.

[Mastros2]

I have a hi-viz EXO-700 and like it.  The bad thing about the EXO-750 is the lack of colors compared to the EXO-700.  I think there are only three colors and white is not an option.

If I remember correctly, the 700 was available in limited colors when it was released as well.  Give it time.

[greench440]

Anyone want to buy my exo-1000, blue/white?  I wore it on one long trip  and a couple day trips before I decided I didn't like it and went back to my Shoei.

How about $120 shipped in the USA?

[2RR2NV]

I don't understand all the fretting over fogging. Crack the shield open a half inch. Problem solved.

unless your eyes don't like cold air on them, even a little. i try to do the cracking it a bit open, but my eyes will start watering shortly there after. so i have to close the visor and then it fogs back up. repeat...F that. give me a Scorp. i had a Shoei and it starts foggin up in the low 50's. seriously?  hate it. the helmet works fine above 65+ but there are mornings that it's only 50 or so when we head out and the foggin up is quite the annoyance. if my eyes didn't tear up so quick, there wouldn't be an issue, but alas, not the case.

[AnotherOne]

You have to say it that way right? "took and bought"  

My last helmet was an Arai Profile and I have to say that...

This new Scorpion is a complete piece of junk. Don't waste your time. Yes, I said it. It really doesn't even compare. That's my review.

So now, I have to send it back and spring for a Signet-Q. You really do get what you pay for. Well, almost, because the Arai is overpriced but nicer.

I went the other way. I had a Scorpion EXO-700 and went to an Aria Profile. The Scorpion is a fantastic helmet for the $150 I paid for it but no comparison to the accurate fit, better venting and lighter weight of the much more expensive Arai. The one thing Scorpion did better though is it has a better quality visor and I wish Aria would put a breath guard in their helmets so they don't fog quite as easily.

[Jason F.]

I have gone through a fair number of helmets in the last few months just trying to find the right one for my needs. I settled on a EXO-1000 Scorpion.

My HJC CL-15 was getting long in the tooth and needed a new shield. Rather than fork out the $30 for the shield I just decided to go with a new helmet. The HJC fit great but I could tell the interior fabrics were breaking down from use. The seal around the shield was letting in water in the rain and it was fogging more than I would like.

I picked up a Bell Revolver in Hi-Viz because I wanted to try a modular. The Bell was louder than the HJC but I attributed that to the modular design. Big problems was the shape/fit. While it felt good on my head in the show room anything over 15 or 20 minutes on the bike resulted in headaches and forehead hot spots. It went on the shelf after two rides.

I then picked up a close out RF-1000 Shoei. Best interior fabric quality and feel of any helmet I have tried yet. Aerodynamics are very good. It is about the most quiet helmet I have tried to date. I have not had any fogging issues to speak of yet but I have not tried it in any real extreme conditions. My complaint is the ear pockets are too small, well really almost non existent. There is no way I could put my blue tooth com system speakers in the helmet and still wear it. Without any speakers it already presses slightly on my ears. Also the helmet is a touch short in the chin bar area. I have very little clearance between my chin or mouth and the chin bar. That can be a touch annoying at times.

I borrowed a new RF-1100 Shoei to see if it was an improvement. I thought the fit and finish were outstanding. It was as nice as my RF-1000 and it seemed to have possibly a bit more room for the com systems speakers. It was a bit louder than my RF-1000 but not anywhere near as bad as the Bell. I wanted to try it with the com speakers just slipped in place but unfortunately my friend crash tested it. He hit hard enough to take chunks out of the shell in several spots as he tumbled through the rocks but he did not even have a headache when it was over. The helmet without a doubt saved his melon from injury. Others might have done an equal job but the Shoei impressed me.

I then picked up the EXO-1000 to try. Wind noise is equal to the RF-1100 and only slightly worse than the RF-1000. Fit is near perfect for me and I like the adjustment feature of the cheek pads. Quality of materials and finish seems good. Maybe a little short of the Shoei but certainly ahead of the HJC and Bell. No fogging issues so far and the internal sun shield is a nice added feature that since I frequently get caught out after dark and hate to carry an extra shield. Com system speakers fit just fine and because of that has it has become my preferred helmet on trips now.

I more or less have settled on the RF-1000 for short around town runs and the commute when I will not be on the bike more than 30 minutes. For any longer rides I throw on the EXO-1000 so I can have use of the com system should I desire to hear my gps, stream music, or check in at home with the wife.

[ConPilot1]

For some reason the EXO1000 was not received very well and a weak seller for Scorpion from what I understand. The 700 and 400 series were excellent sellers.

I tried on an EXO1000 and found it to be quite heavy, much more so than my 700.

[expatbrit]

I went the other way. I had a Scorpion EXO-700 and went to an Aria Profile. The Scorpion is a fantastic helmet for the $150 I paid for it but no comparison to the accurate fit, better venting and lighter weight of the much more expensive Arai. The one thing Scorpion did better though is it has a better quality visor and I wish Aria would put a breath guard in their helmets so they don't fog quite as easily.

I wish Arai would go to a different visor change system. I know the method, but when I'm in a a hurry (inevitably) I'll snap a pod mounting. Probably BECAUSE I'm in a hurry, of course, but the mechanism is a bit fragile.

[2RR2NV]

i've been trying a bunch of helmets lately (but not on the bike since the 750 is 800 miles away). still loving Scorps fit. tried a 500, 700, 750, 1100. think i'll be goin with the 500 for the money. BUUUT  if i find the EXO-1100 Liberty version cheaper than the current $299, i may pick up one of those.

i tried on a Bell Star and was totally let down. there was nothing about it i liked except the colors. i was sooo wanting to get one of those, but then i got to try one. good thing i didn't order one online.

lately, i noticed a new helmet - LS2. looks cool but it didn't have all the features the EXO's had. plus, the sales chicks were way too pushy. Can't stand when people do that. just find me what i'm looking for and leave it at that.