Vemar helmet review

[fnfalman]

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[fnfalman]

http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=19&idproduct=334

This is the Vemar VSREV model. It's supposedly designed to fit a round head type that is similar to the Arai Quantum II. I tell you guys what, that's where the similarities begin and end. The Arai is a much higher quality piece of work.

The Vemar venting suck. There's not much ventilation and the build quality is OK, but nothing special. It isn't cheap, but it's not too outrageously expensive either. The graphic VSREV is cheaper than the solid color Quantum. MSRP at $475 while I think that the Quantum II solid is $500. Anyway, I paid $352 for mine.

The size does run a hair bigger than the Japanese brands like Arai and Shoei though.

The visor is secured in place via a hex bolt. Good in that it won't come off...knock on wood. Bad is that you need a hex wrench to take the visor off. Mine came with something loose on the left side that no matter how much I tighten down the hex bolt or the other plastic bolts that hold the visor mechanism in place, it won't stay tight but vibrates loose during the ride. The dealer is trying to get another Vemar helmet to replace mine.

The padding is on the thin side, but seem to be comfortable enough for a quick 100-miles ride.

I've heard a lot of raving about Vemar helmets, but now I must wonder what's the big whoopdedoo is all about.

Quality wise it is not in the same caliber as Arai, Shoei and Shark. The only reason why I bought it was because of the Italian tricolore graphics on a helmet that fits a round head.

My recommendation is that unless you MUST HAVE an Italian-brand helmet, save your money and get an Arai or Shoei. This one is going on the shelf as my poseur helmet because of the Italian flag graphic, but for regular riding, I'll take any one of my Arais.

[PhiSig1071]

Thanks for the heads-up (no pun intended). I was thinking of the Vemar Carbon for my next lid (I have a Shoei RF-1000 now and had an RF-900 before that), but I'll probably go with the Shark next, or possibly the new Bell helmet. Hell, I have been very happy with my Shoei, I might just pony up for an X-11.

[Amber Lamps]

Yea I looked at the Vemar carbon but got the HJC instead. Btw the Vemar looks suspiciously similar to my Akuma helmet down to the "pull-out" venting system in the rear. I honestly think it's the same helmet.

[Amber Lamps]

Here is my evidence....

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00202.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00203.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00204.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00205.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00206.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00207.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll220/lontigger/DSC00208.jpg

I don't know but they look very similar to me!

[DLIT]

Thanks for the heads-up (no pun intended). I was thinking of the Vemar Carbon for my next lid (I have a Shoei RF-1000 now and had an RF-900 before that), but I'll probably go with the Shark next, or possibly the new Bell helmet. Hell, I have been very happy with my Shoei, I might just pony up for an X-11.

X11=tits.

[anyexcuse2ride]

thanks for the infor

[azoomm]

Thanks for the info! I pick up my new helmet from AF1 tomorrow... went with one of the new Suomys. After the fit they have for me (feels like a ball cap) I don't ever want to buy a different helmet again. I just hope with them ending their US operations they will continue to sell and support here.

[JoJoYZF]

X11=tits.

No doubt

[DLIT]

I wonder why those two helmets are the exact same? Weird.

[Amber Lamps]

I wonder why those two helmets are the exact same? Weird.


I know! Maybe the same factory in China makes both helmets.... I don't know if you can tell from my crappy pics but those two helmets are almost exactly the same. In fact the only differences are vent hole covers(same exact locations tho') and the shield mechanism (but the ratchet plate mounts in the same places and in the same way). It's probably the same situation as the HJC and Joe Rocket helmets.

Oh and if I can't get the carbon fiber Vemar,I guess I'll settle for the Power Puff Girls model!:wink:

[Cutty72]

Thanks for the heads-up (no pun intended). I was thinking of the Vemar Carbon for my next lid (I have a Shoei RF-1000 now and had an RF-900 before that), but I'll probably go with the Shark next, or possibly the new Bell helmet. Hell, I have been very happy with my Shoei, I might just pony up for an X-11.

Do the x-11 and the RF-1000 have the same fit head shape wise?

[Rider]

I know! Maybe the same factory in China makes both helmets.... I don't know if you can tell from my crappy pics but those two helmets are almost exactly the same. In fact the only differences are vent hole covers(same exact locations tho') and the shield mechanism (but the ratchet plate mounts in the same places and in the same way). It's probably the same situation as the HJC and Joe Rocket helmets.

Oh and if I can't get the carbon fiber Vemar,I guess I'll settle for the Power Puff Girls model!:wink:

Actually HJC makes lots of helmet brands... Joe Rocket, Icon.. a few others so it wouldn't surprise me is Vemar and Akuma re made by HJC as well.

[pickle.of.doom]

I have a Vemar VSR that was a trackside special for $100 and BLOWS my Shoeis and Arais away. Lighter, quieter, better face shields, great fit. If I would have known it would be such a great helmet I would have bought 4 of them.

[JoJoYZF]

Do the x-11 and the RF-1000 have the same fit head shape wise?

When I tried em on they felt pretty different. I instantly knew the rf1000 wasnt right for me, then I tried on the x11 and it was perfect. Bought one very shortly after.

[Cutty72]

When I tried em on they felt pretty different. I instantly knew the rf1000 wasnt right for me, then I tried on the x11 and it was perfect. Bought one very shortly after.

hmm, so then cutty should stay away from x-11... cutty likes the fit of his RF-1000

[fnfalman]

I have a Vemar VSR that was a trackside special for $100 and BLOWS my Shoeis and Arais away. Lighter, quieter, better face shields, great fit. If I would have known it would be such a great helmet I would have bought 4 of them.

With all due respect, I find it hard to believe. The VSREV is supposedly Vemar's top of the line helmet and while it's lighter than a typical Arai or Shoei, it is no more quieter and the face shield sucks. In the intermediate raised positions, it can't resist the wind blast and kept getting blown down into the shut position.

Yea I looked at the Vemar carbon but got the HJC instead. Btw the Vemar looks suspiciously similar to my Akuma helmet down to the "pull-out" venting system in the rear. I honestly think it's the same helmet.

The resemblance is uncanny. Not much of a difference in MSRP either. $399 versus $475 for the Vemar VSREV.

[pickle.of.doom]

Well, Mine isn't the EV, just the VSR from a few years ago, and it is a bad ass helmet. Has a normal style visor release, not the one like on yours. Maybe they took a step backward with the new model or something..