So my birthday is in a few weeks and I am finally treating myself to a much needed new helmet. Unfortunately I am a college student and still have to shop on a budget...

I have it narrowed down to a Scorpion EXO 700 engine for 125 from motorcyclegear.com or a Icon SSR Alliance in Matte Black for 140 with free shipping from revzilla.

Does anyone have any first hand perspective on which is better between these two and why? I really like scorpions shield system but am unsure which is actually a better helmet.

Other suggestions in the price range are welcome as well

Thanks, as always

 

Fwiw I have a scorpion exo400 and it's awesome. I had an hjc clsp before it and the exo is WAY better in every way.

 

Yea I have heard nothing but good things about scorpion. Havent heard much for the Icon though, other than it is pretty light according to sportbiketrackgear

 

Where did you get the price on the EXO-700? Looks like $220 to me.

 

$125 for the EXO 700 Engine only, the others are still more.

 

I would go with the Exo-700, that is a crazy good price! I am considering getting one myself now... lol

 

If you can shop local, go to a store and try them on.
Everybody doeas a little different profile on the liners.
See which fits better. It should hug your checks, fit comfortable
around the crown of your head. Is your head oval or round, to illustrate my point.
When you shake your head the helmet should follow you.
Snug fit but not crushing you. You don't want it too loose,
if the wind catches it right can turn it side-ways and obscure your vision.

After you've tried em both, you'll know which to buy. THEN order on-line to get the deal, or (i do this a lot) copy your online price-page and talk to your local dealer, he'll
often match (or come close) and I like to buy local when I can. (The online guy ain't gonna stay open 20 minutes late on the week-end so you can grab your doohicky-ma-jig for that ride on Sunday)

As far as safety ratings are concerned...
As long as it has, at least, a DOT3 you will be good to go.
The Schnell standard is a little more rigerous but either is safe. (imo)

Hope this helps, Ern

 

The EXO-700 is a far superior helmet, but yes, make sure you get the right size! Fit can be the difference between life and death! Your local Scorpion dealer will most likely have the helmets in stock, but I doubt they can match that price.

 

+1

 

Indeed indeed, I have tried on the scorpion 700 and the medium felt a bit tight but i felt the large was too much shake. Probably the medium since it will break in a bit. Unfortunately when I was there (an hour away).. I did not try on their Icon helmets because I was planning on an EXO700.

I am going back to that town this weekend, I will have to go a bit early saturday so I can get there before they close and try on an Icon.

Sidenode: I really like the matte black with silver shield (I know they scratch easy), which makes me lean towards the Icon :P