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Shoei RF-1000 Helmet Review
The Shoei RF-1000 is the newest model in the RF series - the most popular Shoei helmet model. Throughout the RF-series, each succession has been improved from the last and the evolution from the RF-900 to the RF-1000 is no exception. The RF-1000 has made improvements specifically in the area of aerodynamics due to the Shoei research team spending long hours in the wind tunnel perfecting the shape of the helmet. The long hours spent in the wind tunnel has led to the RF-1000's superior ability to reduce wind noise. The RF-1000 helmet is also fantastically styled and looks 'slick'.
style
The RF-1000 comes in a multitude of colors and design variations. Fans of the older RF series will be glad to see Shoei is continuing with it's Axis Yellow - - a bright yellow solid gloss that can be spotted by even the most distracted, cell phone using, A.D.D. afflicted cage driver.
features
Perhaps the most impressive factor of the RF-1000 is it's shape. The helmet at first glance looks rather plain in design but when inspected up close by touching the helmet with your hand you can feel a smooth wave of flowing curves to make the helmet more aerodynamic. This is noticed on the road as the air flows over the top of the helmet causing less noise.
In addition to reducing noise by being more aerodynamic - the RF-1000 also has two large flaps on both sides of the neck area that cover the chin straps to decrease low frequency 'booming' noise as well.
The helmet is relatively light in weight due to it's construction of Shoei's use of it's AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix plus Multiple Fibers) material - a combination of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and organic fibers. The XL size weights in at 3lbs or 1610 grams.
The venting system is excellent in keeping it's bearer cool. There are two parallel brow vents located at the front of the helmet where air is pushed up through the liner of the helmet over and down back of the rider's head and finally out through the rear spoiler. The chin vent on the RF-1000 draws air up and onto the back of the visor, allowing the visor to de-fog and keeping the rider's face cool.
Shoei has implemented on the RF-1000 a visor feature also found on their X-Eleven race helmet. The visor has an adjustable lever with three-positions located on the left side of the helmet. This locks the visor into place at each position level and allows the rider to easily crack open the visor to allow for de-fogging, talking to a passenger, etc. The distance of each position can be adjusted using a Phillips screw driver when the visor is in the upright position. Like most newer model helmets - the RF-1000 visor has a quick release base plate configuration for easy replacement of visors.
A mesh chin guard can be fitted under the helmet for added protection against debris and wind.
safety
The RF-1000 is both DOT and Snell approved in the U.S.A., and ECE 22.05 and ACU Gold approved in Europe.
quality
Shoei states they have been working extensively in their wind tunnel perfecting the RF-1000's design and claim that the RF-1000 model has a 24% reduction in drag and a 17.8% reduction in lift compared to the RF-900.
On the RF-1000 helmet series Shoei offers a 5 year warranty from purchase date or a 7 year warranty from helmet manufacture date! Considering most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every three to four years (without it having been dropped) due to normal wear and tear, Shoei is really putting their money where there mouth is and is backing up the quality standard of the RF-1000 by offering such a long warranty term.
show me the money
The RF-1000 is moderately priced ranging from USD $341 for solid colors to USD $475 for some of the more detailed designs.
overall
Shoei's RF-1000 is excellent at reducing noise levels and is superior in it's aerodynamic shape. If these things are important to you than this is a helmet worth checking out. The range of colors and styles is almost too great as you will be spending much time deciding which one to choose. The helmet is made to protect using Shoei's AIM+ material and is certified by all three major helmet certification standards: DOT, Snell, and ECE 22.05. Shoei's commitment to their customers is surely demonstrated by their 5 year purchase date / 7 year manufacturer date warranty.
rating
- Style: 7/10
- Features: 8/10
- Safety: 10/10
- Quality: 10/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Value: 9/10
not removable. if only it was, great helmet tho.
I just received this helmet as an xmas gift from my gf (she knew which one I wanted). I haven't had a chance to ride with it yet but from just trying it on I can tell this helmet is super comfortable. Even when just wearing it around I can already tell that it shields your ears from harmful noise. I love the color this helmet comes in. The visor is superb with various settings. There's a chin curtain that you can take on/off which Im sure will come in handy on the road. There's just the one vent though so I'm not sure how it will hold up with kepeing my noggin from heating up but that I'll have to find out on the road.
I have a Shoei head and have always loved Shoei. I used to have a RF-900 and the 1000 series has some definite improvements.
1) The main appeal of the RF-1000 was an article I read on Shoei's design team working extensively in the wind tunnel to perfect the helmet. This they did a bang-on job of! When riding wind is but a gentle whisper. I believe this is due to the aerodynamics of the helmet - you'll notice it doesn't have fins like some other types of motorcycle helmets.
2) The visor is superb I have excellent perhipheral vision, the visor itself doesn't fog up as easily and there are numerous settings to lock the visor in place.
3) Probably the most important thing in a helmet - the ability to protect. The RF-1000 meets DOT, Snell, ECE and ACU safety standards. I feel safe when wearing this lid.
Pros: The RF-1000 fits me snugly. I can feel the helmet hugging every inch of my head without any gaps. Perfect noise control! This helmet is quite as a mouse.
Cons: Wish they had cooler graphics. If you don't mind solid colors then check it out.
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