AGV Horizon vs. AGV Dark Rider vs. Shoei RF 1100

[The ModFather]

So I'm looking at all 3 of these helmets in flat black to match my flat black monster. I like the Ducati decals on the Dark Rider but I know I can add those on the cheap after and they look pretty much the same. I'm looking for opinions on these helmets. Of the 3 the Dark Rider looks like its got the worst ventilation but I like the AGV Shape the most. I also know there's a bluetooth slot in the ear of the Shoei not sure about the AGV. Please share your opinions on what I should get and why. Thanks!

[ducpainter]

Buy what fits.

[Ak1nza]

+1 - Buy what fits.

I have the Shoei RF1100.  My friend just got the Dark Rider helmet.  Personally, the Shoei fits me better than the AGV, and I find the inner padding to be softer in the Shoei and little firmer for the AGV.  I couldn't speak regarding wind noise and ventilation since I didn't wear the AGV riding.  Feature wise, I like the Dark Rider's built in sun visor, it really is pretty trick.  It's def got a cool shape to it as well.

Try them both and pick the one that fits you better.

[Zulu]

I have the agv dark rider. It is a great looking helmet and inner sun visor is a huge plus.As for ventilation, only other helmet I have is nexx xr1r carbon, and there is no comparision. Agv dark rider's ventilation is not good at all. I wear it now only during colder weather.

I am not sure about the weight difference between the ones you comparing, but I always felt like dark rider was bit heavy.

Try them all and see how they fits, I have AGV in medium and although its quite snug on my cheek , I feel like there is little space in between my forehead and the helmet.

[R0CKETMAN]

I've had a Shoei 1100, flat black, since they first came out. Great helmet. As stated, buy what fits and feels comfortable.

[BerettaMato]

I would get what fits. if price is a decider I bought my RF1100 off of evilBay for $285 in 99.99% brand new. Now just going to add decals.

[skurvy]

Just picked up an AGV Horizon. My previous helmets were both Arais, a Quantum and Profile. Size-wise my Arais are Large but I went with a Medium for the Horizon. I bought the Profile when I picked up the bike in '06 and I felt it was time for a new lid. The Horizon feels really snug but not uncomfortable, it should be fine when it breaks in.

The main things I've noticed with the Horizon so far:

• has more ventilation vs. Profile which = more noise
• chin takes some getting used to which makes it feel bigger
• the ISV (Inner Sun Visor) not 100% optically correct, minimal distortion but nothing distracting (really slight, some might not even notice)
• can't "crack" the visor like Arai for stop and go traffic, but has an anti-fog visor which seems to really work
• both weigh about the same
• main visor is easier to change than Arai

I wanted to get another Arai but found a price on the Horizon that I couldn't pass up.

Overall it seems like a great helmet, I have no complaints so far. Since I'm a commuter it's great that I don't have to carry 2 visors with me anymore.