Shoei Qwest

I really want to like this helmet, and i do. But there are things that really are unforgivable especially for a top shelf brand like Shoei.

I'll run through quickly what is not so good.

The wind noise coming up from the bottom of the helmet at just 30mph is incredible. My other 3 helmets, a Shoei XR1000, Shark S800 and a new 2014 Shark Vision R Series 2 are quieter at 60mph than this Shoei Qwest is at 30mph.

The helmets rear exhaust vents are noisy too, creating a whistling wind rushing noise, enough that i don't bother having them open.

I ride a standard Honda VFR and at 80mph the Qwest has a light buffeting motion like its trapped in the air flow? Really stupid but only way i can describe the same happening is if you remember the old chocolate Malteaser advert where the guy suspends a malteaser in the air by blowing upwards where it it floats.

And it's very difficult to adjust the visor side plates perfectly.

So that's the things i've found which i wasn't happy about, but i have to stress this is still a good helmet that i still really like.

The fit and comfort is typical Shoei, second to none. Something most reviews also echo. Its so plush. The build quality is top too. Interior cheek pads are secure, vents open and close with a positive feel, the visor mechanism is complicated but works flawlessly when adjusted correctly.

The wind noise problem can be mostly cured by purchasing Shoei's Whisper Strip, an extra piece thats fits to the underside of the helmet and stops wind getting up around the ears and neck. Not cheap at £21.99 but good quality and does a good job. Lowers wind noise substantially and is comparable to my other helmets.

I don't feel the top/rear vents doing much, if anything??? so the extra wind noise the rear creates i just have them closed.

Front chin vent is good tho, directing a healthy blast of air onto the back of the visor and into the helmet.

With the extra Shoei Whisper Strip kit fitted it does make the helmet warmer but a worthy trade-off for the wind noise it reduces.

Pinlock ready visor is almost flex free and optically very good, with the pinlock fitted it does reduce the clarity a bit but stops the visor fogging up. Visor has a demist position and 7 opening positions well spaced and good strong detents on the lower positions.

Chin strap is Double D ring and is well located causing no problems with regards to feeling like its choking you, unlike my Shark Vision R!

Weight of the helmet isn't an issue either. I weighed my Large Shoei Qwest with visor, pinlock and Shoei Whisper Strip fitted and it weighed 1587g, on a calibrated digital scale. It feels light to wear and the comfort too must add to this feeling.

It doesn't have a drop down visor or removable head lining like many nowadays but these really aren't essential, my Shark Vision R Series 2 has both and i don't rate drop down visors at all, much better having a dark visor.

One point to mention, the Qwest has good upper brow vision and side to side too, they've got it just right. No complaints here.

Overall this is a good helmet, a very good helmet, once you address the wind noise problem. How Shoei can defend themselves with comments about how every rider is different and too many variables like bike setups etc is beyond me as everyone complains about it, but a £21.99 Shoei Whiaper Strip kit solves this and bar the noisy rear vents there is alot to like on this helmet. The next one up from this £300 Qwest is the GT Air at £460 so quite alot more.

Reason i said i'd not recommend to a friend is that at £300 the wind noise is unacceptable and theres plenty more choice out there for your money. But with Shoei comes good quality and safety and that means alot. BTW i always wear earplugs regardless but tested each helmet without just for comparison.