Comparison SHOEI Raid II vs Icon Alliance

The sizes in which this helmet model is produced.

The appropriate helmet size depends primarily on the circumference of the wearer's head. The circumference is measured at the widest point of the head — usually at a level of 1 – 2 cm above the eyebrows and along the protrusion at the back of the head; more detailed recommendations and descriptions can be found in special sources. Here we note that although manufacturers use the same size designations — XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, etc. — specific sizes for different brands may vary slightly; for example, XL can fit both 60 – 61 cm and 61 – 62 cm. This seemingly small difference can significantly affect the comfort and safety of use. Therefore, when choosing, you need to be guided by the size tables of a particular manufacturer.

It is also worth considering that helmets with the same size designation may differ not only in actual size, but also in the shape of the internal space. Therefore, even compliance with the size table is not a guarantee that the product will be suitable; the most reliable way is to test the helmet "live" before buying.

The material from which the shell is made is the outer hard shell of the helmet.

— Thermoplastic. Material used primarily in inexpensive motorcycle helmets; the most popular option in this category. Thermoplastic (most often it is polycarbonate) is notable for its low cost and has quite sufficient, although not very high, strength characteristics, but it is quite heavy, besides, it “ages” with use due to temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation; These helmets are recommended to be changed every 5 years.

— Thermoresin. In terms of basic properties, this material is similar to the plastic described above; at the same time, it is more durable and durable, however, it also costs a little more, which accordingly affects the price of helmets.

— Fibreglass (fibreglass). In this case, we are not talking about pure glass fibre, but about fibreglass — a composite consisting of fibreglass and a plastic base. Sufficiently strong and reliable, but at the same time quite heavy material, used mainly in mid-level helmets.

— Carbon. It is also carbon fibre — a composite material that combines carbon fibre and a polymer resin base. This combination allows you to achieve lightness and at the same time extremely high strength, but it is not cheap. Therefore, a carbon fibre shell is usually a si...gn of a premium helmet.

— Fibreglass / Kevlar. The fibreglass described above, supplemented with a composite based on another fibre — Kevlar. Kevlar is not much inferior to carbon in terms of strength, while it costs less, and such material weighs noticeably less than fibreglass, which significantly affects the mass of the entire helmet. In this case, the materials are usually arranged in layers.

— Carbon / fibreglass. Helmets partly made of carbon, partly made of fibreglass; such a shell usually has a "puff" construction. About the features of each of these materials, see above, and their combination allows you to combine the advantages and partially compensate for the shortcomings. So, such combined helmets are cheaper than pure carbon ones, and in terms of strength they may not be inferior to them. However fibreglass is a heavy material, which accordingly affects the weight; however, such helmets still turn out to be quite light.

— Carbon / Kevlar. Helmets that combine carbon and Kevlar in construction — usually in the form of layers that make up the shell. Both of these materials are detailed above, and the combination is remarkable for its high strength and lower cost than pure carbon. At the same time, these helmets are still expensive, and weigh a little more than carbon ones.

The results shown by this helmet model in the SHARP safety rating.

SHARP is a comprehensive testing methodology designed to determine the degree of protection and safety level when using a helmet. Each helmet is tested for direct (linear) impact as well as glide impact friction; in the first case, the acceleration acting on the motorcyclist's brain is measured, in the second, the twisting force acting on the neck is also measured. Tests are conducted for different points of impact, each test involves a minimum of 32 test collisions (more if necessary). The data obtained is compared with information about real injuries, and based on this, the helmet is rated on a five-point scale — from 1 to 5 stars.

The higher the SHARP rating, the safer the helmet and the lower the chance of serious injury while wearing it. However, when choosing this parameter, it is worth considering some nuances. First, the SHARP check is only done on models sold in the UK; and therefore the absence of such certification does not mean poor protection — it may indicate that the helmet simply did not make it to the test. Secondly, the cost of a helmet practically does not affect the number of stars: neither 5 stars for a low-cost model, nor 2-3 stars for a top one are rare. Thirdly, the SHARP programme only checks safety in collisions, it does not affect issues of convenience, aerodynamics, visibility, etc. And even the SHARP experts themselves recommend choosing the most conveni...ent models first, and only then choosing the option with the highest number of stars.

Safety certification or certifications to which the helmet conforms. To date, the following types of certificates are found in motorcycle helmets:

—ECE 22.05. The European certification system, which provides for very strict requirements for safety testing among national and international standards (except that in the ACU the requirements can be even tougher). According to ECE 22.05, each batch of helmets must be tested before being sent for sale (for this, several test items are selected), and the testing itself is quite strict and takes into account the fact that motorcyclists' heads can have different sizes and weights. Helmets certified according to this standard are used even in professional motorsport (although, of course, products of different levels and purposes can pass certification).

— Snell. Also known as SMF. Standard developed and used in the USA; appeared in the mid-1950s, and has been regularly improved and refined since then. Snell's requirements are more relaxed than ECE 22.05, but tougher than DOT: products must undergo constant quality control, and the test takes into account the possible difference in head size (although it does not take into account the difference in weight).

— DOT. The standard was developed by the US Department of Transportation back in 1972 and has remained virtually unchanged since then. It provides for very mild conditions for b...oth the testing itself and the control of the results. So, the check is carried out only for the standard size and weight of the head, the manufacturer himself does this and he also determines whether his products comply with DOT requirements, and control by the Ministry of Transport is limited to periodic selective testing. However, even with this in mind, having a DOT is much preferable to no certification at all.

— ACU. A standard developed and maintained by the British Motorcycle Union (Auto-Cycle Union), a public organization representing the interests of the motorcycle community. Provides two main marking options — ACU Gold and ACU Silver; however, the second option is extremely rare for a number of reasons, and it is usually the top, “gold” marking that is used. In order to be ACU Gold certified, a helmet must not only meet certain generally accepted standards (described above by Snell 2005 or ECE 22.05, British BSI Type A, etc.), but also be tested according to ACU rules, which require additional checks. As a result, the ACU Gold marking corresponds to a very high level of safety. Note that some time ago this system was at the centre of a scandal: there were rumors that “ACU Gold” stickers are sold freely and can be found even on low-quality helmets that have not passed (and are not able to pass) an official test. However, the ACU organization has taken steps to correct the situation, and conscientious sellers do not go for such a deception. However, if you have any doubts, you can check from official sources (for example, the ACU website on the Internet) whether the selected helmet meets the safety level claimed for it.

The country of origin is usually considered as the country of origin of the brand — the "homeland" of the company that sells helmets. At the same time, the actual place of release may not coincide with the claimed country of origin, but this is not critical — the quality of the product is determined more by the reputation of the brand (and the thoroughness of quality control) than by the country of actual production.