Does anyone know much about Suomy helmets? I heard that they run small, does anyone know if this is in fact true. Also, I was thinking about getting a Vandal helmet, which is not the top of the line, and I was wondering if this would impact the safety factor of the helmet. I'm not sure in the construction different between the SPEC and and the Vandal but they both have the same certifications. I had two concussions last season, so I want to make sure and get a helmet that will protect my noggin as much as possible. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I've never used Suomy before, so I know nothing about them.
I have a Suomy.. The spec 1-R are small compared to my old Shoei. I used to wear a medium Shoei, and I've been wearing a large Suomy.
Not sure about the Vandal, I'm looking at getting one of those and Don said they have a slightly 'longer' shape (front to back) instead of a more rounded/shorter shape.
I use the Spec 1r, have a few of them, solid colors will save you some $$. They were a bit snug at first but sort of molded to my head after a bit. They are nice and light too. Hit my head pretty hard last year without any physical head trauma, helmet did it's job well.
I found my Spec1R is similar in sizing as my old Arai Quantum/e. Just go find a store that sells Suomy and try some on.
I had to be corrected about the quality of the Suomy Vandal helmet. I though that it was a "lower level" helmet because of the cost.
But the Vandal is a different helmet that had things about it that resulted in substantial cost savings from the manufacturing process.
The Vandal series has two shells while the Spec1R series has three. The shield system on the Vandal is more simple requiring fewer parts. Additionally, it has no side plates. Because is has no side plates, there is no labor involved in setting up the complicated decals for the side plates that the Spec1R's have.
It still has the same BSI high level certifications.
It is very different in it's shape inside. For me, it didn't fit right. I'm a Spec1R shape.
I believe that someone from Suomy will be bringing some helmets to my schools at Blackhawk Farms for display and for sizing.
Cool, thanks for the info. That helps out a lot. Yea, I wasn't real sure about why they were so much cheaper, I was thinking/hoping it was just because of what you were talking about. If it is that much of a different shape, I guess I should find a local dealer that sells them and try some on. That was some very useful info, THANKS!!!
Glad I could help on that one, Fred. Had the same thoughts as you. I like the fact that there are those kinds of opportunities for that kind of cost.
Yes, also the fins/air vents are built in to the shell making it cheaper.
I have two spec 1r's and really like them. I was a Shoei guy for years before I got my suomy. I hit both sides of my head in turn four at VIR in a crash with no trouble at all. No vison problems or headache at all.
The visor thing takes some getting used to, but just get someone to show you the trick and you will be set.
The Suomy helmets are excellent. Top notch designs and more importantly, top notch quality. I've run them the past 3 years after running Arai's and haven't looked back.
The Spec1R's are great and normally what we've used. The Vandal is new and is actually what Troy Bayliss was wearing when he won the WSBK title last year.
We sell the Suomy's and we're seeing a lot of our Arai customers convert to them. Their customer service is outstanding, the quality of the helmet is terrific and the fact that they are built to the BSI standard rather than the Snell standard is a big positive for many people.
The Vandal (stupid name) is the actual helmet worn by Bayliss, Pitt and Toseland. I had originally assumed that these guys were wearing Spec 1R's with graphics similar to the Vandal replicas but they are actually wearing the Vandal. There is no compromise with safety with the Vandal.
Another safety factor is that the shield retention is very positive compared with how easy it is to lose a shield in a crash with Arai or other brands.
I have 2 extreme's... I wear a large in signet gt arai and a large in suomy but the suomy took awhile to "break in".. they run a little tight..
The Suomy helmets are great - and so are the people behind the company!!!! I crash tested two Suomy Spec 1R's this week at Daytona - and I can say that the helmets really do their job.... I had the opportunity to use any helmets I wanted this year - and after being turned on to Suomy by Super Dave last season- I wasn't going to be comfortable in anything else.... I am a Suomy guy for life!!!!
And no concussions like the previous manufacturer's helmets?
I'm betting not. :biggrin:
Absolutely for the record and sworn on a stack of bibles, I've never seriously concussed myself in a Suomy, although I've had probably my several worst crashes in them. Other brands I'd tried rang my bell every damn time I fell off, no matter how light the hit. In my opinion, a Suomy helmet is the finest investment one can make in the possibility of having a future beyond one's next crash.... :boink:
I have had many concussions wearing other brands of helmets - but not one while I was wearing a Suomy.....
Well, I have. "Where are you pitted?", says the EMT. "What track is this?" says I.
But I like them better anyway and still wear them.
Nice riding Scotty. :thumb: