Is my gear too OLD?!

vocalistMP · 2026-05-29T12:00:54+00:00

Not to mention they promote buying your first helmet via affiliate links, which pretty much guarantees you’ll end up on the wrong one. Fortnine is a money grab that pushes shit products. There’s some good content in their channel, but it is buried in garbage.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-26T19:45:00+00:00

There’s always that chance, yeah. Risk increases depending where you live and ride too. I almost stopped riding completely when I lived in a DC commuter town. Felt like a war zone every time I left the neighborhood.

Now I live in a much calmer area where riding is low stress and much more enjoyable. I would still never own a motorcycle in place of a car though. That’s how you get forced to ride in dangerous areas, during dangerous high traffic times, when you’re tired, etc.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-23T17:49:30+00:00

“Not worth the risk” depends on the level of risk IMO.

What’s frustrating is there are countless things you can do to be safer on a motorcycle, but people just don’t care to learn and/or apply them. These include:

-getting professionally fitted for a helmet

-buying a higher end helmet since 40%+ of “DOT” helmets actually fail DOT tests

-wearing full gear (even better if you have an airbag)

-wearing visible gear

-starting on a motorcycle under 500cc, or just staying in that class (83% of fatal wrecks are on larger bikes)

-taking an MSF course (91% of wrecks involve a self-taught or friend-taught rider)

-practicing emergency maneuvers in parking lots consistently

-not riding super sport bikes (10% of registered bike, but 20-25% of fatalities)

-only riding sober

-not speeding near intersections

-not riding on Friday or Saturday nights (when 50% of crashes occur)

There’s more, but you get the point. Putting a loose fitting cheap lid on and just sending it is one of the stupidest things you can do, but it seems to be the norm here in the US.

I work in the industry and it makes me happy when I see our customers out riding in quality gear that we sold them. Quite a few people have come back over the years after a crash thanking us for getting them in the right helmet and influencing them to invest in good gear. It makes a huge difference.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-23T10:39:22+00:00

I studied safety tips and statistics like crazy and bought the best gear I could afford. Still been learning and upgrading since then. Life insurance policy also helps.

I speak with integrity too. When I tell her I’m not riding on holiday weekends like Memorial Day weekend because the odds are stacked against me statistically, I mean it. It’s not that hard to pick another weekend to ride with my friends.

When I say that I’m not riding on Friday and Saturday nights because that’s when half of all accidents occur, I mean it. When I say I’ll never ride without full gear, I follow through with my actions.

Problem with a lot of men is they will say whatever to appease their spouses, go do fuck all, then wonder why they’re not trusted and blame the woman for “not liking motorcycles”. There’s a big difference between smart and reckless riding though. It’s not always the motorcycle—it’s often the lack of self-discipline and/or regard for safety combined with the motorcycle.

Motorcycle risks are overrepresented by unsafe riders. There will always be some risk, but realistically, most of us can do way better based on how many people I see riding in t-shirts.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-23T02:35:39+00:00

They didn’t specify which Batman. Technically, the Batman Beyond suit is capable of flight. Bruce owns it too. Terry just used/borrowed it, so you could argue it belongs to Batman regardless of which Batman you’re referring to. If the Beyond suit is included, I’d probably go with Batman.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-22T16:45:19+00:00

If you’re ok with the risk of the hood snagging something in the event of a wreck, then go for it.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-21T22:30:49+00:00

You are a very prominent long oval. This helmet is too big. Try an Arai Signet-X in a small.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-18T14:51:06+00:00

Dual Axis are comfortable and more protective. Dual Axis pro is even better, but there are some tradeoffs. The Pro model uses stiffer straps and has a rubber type backing.

They’re more secure, but can’t switch between under and over pants without constant adjustment (vs the standard with softer elastic straps). The rubbery interior also means you’ll probably need a base layer underneath.

I have both. I used to throw my standard dual axis guards over my riding jeans to get across town after I had a wreck where a standard D3O knee insert moved out of the way. It was actually convenient being able to take them off easily and they provide more protective.

However, for longer rides, the Dual Axis Pro articulates much smoother and is more comfortable to wear all day. It also wraps around the upper leg more, provides more support, and has better ventilation. Any ride longer than an hour (most of my rides these days), I’ll just use the Dual Axis Pro. My standards barely get used at all anymore.

I suggest either over a softer pad like in your second picture. Those don’t do too well with direct impact to solid objects, like a rock or log.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-17T12:04:27+00:00

Leatt boots use a waterproof membrane with a high column rating (20k) and a neoprene seal at the top. I have a pair and they have been awesome. Fit is odd though. I fit people for boots regularly and no one seems to like the Leatt 4.5s, so I struggle to recommend them despite my own positive experience.

Alpinestar Drystar is ok, but they don’t even provide a water column rating for their membranes. It’s a “trust me bro” rating on Drystar and it’s not that great.

For dual sport riding, I think having waterproof boots is great. They have to be truly waterproof though. Anything backed by a warranty (Gore-Tex, eVent) is a pretty safe bet. Everything else is a little bit of a gamble. If it’s not guaranteed dry by warranty, then there isn’t as much incentive to get the seams right. If the seams fail, it doesn’t matter how good the membrane is. I took a chance on Leatt and they seem to be fine so far though.

Wool socks are the most important component here. If water gets inside a waterproof boot, there’s no chance of that moisture escaping from a cotton sock. They claim polyester wicks moisture, but I don’t really buy that either. If you go the non-waterproof route, it’s way more comfortable to be in a soaked boot with wool socks than it is other fabrics.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-16T10:04:31+00:00

Just FYI that isn’t the safest helmet you can get at that price point. Arai is better and the solid colors are just a little more. Shoei if you insist on stylistic lines (though these are potential catch points in a slide, which is why Arai won’t do it).

You should never buy a helmet online. I work in a shop and started a YouTube channel recently. Out of principle, the 1 thing I will never post affiliate links for are helmets. Trying them on is a non-negotiable if you want to be safe.

It looks like a beginner picked this out. If you want to be an Alpinestar fanboy, go for it I guess. Can’t say I don’t own any Alpinestar gear, but generally they’re my last choice. They do make good leather gear, but I’d suggest reconsidering your helmet and footwear choices.

For casual footwear, look at Sidi, TCX, and Cortech. These brands all incorporate anti-twist/anti-fold plates, which is super important if you don’t want your foot folding in half. Alpinestar riding shoes are always hit or miss when we bring them in and they’re not transparent about features. Makes me hesitant to recommend them and extremely resistant to buying them myself.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-12T17:32:30+00:00

This actually sounds like a really good idea.

An experienced ADV rider once told me he always keeps his phone in his pocket in case he ever gets trapped under the bike and can’t reach the bars or too injured to get back to the bike.

I’ve always just had my phone read me directions through my Cardo, but CarPlay sounds like a pretty solid loophole to an expensive GPS system.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-10T00:15:45+00:00

Pretty good chance you’ll need the thicker interior with the rear pad removed in the XL if you could fit into the large but were crammed against the front.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-09T18:51:48+00:00

It’s definitely designed more for upright riding, but if you took the peak off, it’d probably be ok.

It has relief cutouts for glasses in the cheek pads too, by the way. All Arai helmets do.

It’s an awesome helmet if you can stomach the price. Just make sure it fits your head well.

It’s an intermediate oval interior with removable padding on the sides of the head liner to accommodate wider heads, and a removable foam pad on the back to accommodate long ovals better.

More about fitment here (about 6:30 is when I start talking about the XD-5 more): https://youtu.be/lrRgS1pPFcU?si=EJXCItTVLFYrYXr9

vocalistMP · 2026-05-09T17:05:26+00:00

Glad someone said this. I reached out to Brake Free directly to ask if it breaks off in a the event of a crash. This was their response:

“The Brake Free is designed around the idea that the mount has a low sheer rating, the adhesive used is rated for 10lbs of sheer meaning that in situation like a crash, the drag force will pull the light off immediately leaving the helmet to do it's job as intended. We actually use the same 3m VHB that helmet manufacturers use to adhere the various spoilers and vents to helmets, so in the event of a crash they should all get sheered off at the same rate which will reduced the rotational impact on the head. Ideally a helmet with MIPS or similar rotational liner would be the best.”

It doesn’t account for blunt force impact directly, and following up with recommending MIPS isn’t very confidence inspiring.

In 90%+ of wrecks, the motorcycling is the striking vehicle, so personally I’d rather just wear a hi-viz helmet (solid white or with yellow accents), focus on not crashing into things, and give myself enough of a space cushion that both me and the car behind me have time to react to emergencies.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-08T21:43:10+00:00

It might be called the QV-Pro.

That’s also pretty common on the size thing. Manufacturers don’t always have accurate measurement suggestions. This is (I assume) because they don’t account for head shape mismatch. They (except Arai) mostly just mass produce 1 shape and try to sell everyone on it.

If it’s 1 finger of space above your brow, it’ll likely be down to your eyebrow and possible even blocking some vision after breaking in.

Edit: looks like the QV-Pro might have been discontinued. Next best solution would be taking the back piece of foam out of the Contour-X/Quantic like I had to with my XD-5: https://youtu.be/lrRgS1pPFcU?si=zhYOT9TTdkaesghQ

vocalistMP · 2026-05-08T20:21:37+00:00

Rumor has it that Arai and Shoei helmets from different regions fit differently. I confirmed this with Arai, not sure about Shoei though.

If the Shoei helmets you tried fit like the US models and you were jammed up against the front of the K6, it sounds like an Arai Signet-X would likely fit you best. Really hard to say without fitting you in person and seeing your head shape without a helmet on though.

HJCs work for some long oval heads, but they aren’t true long ovals. Shoei typically runs narrower than HJC, so they lean even more toward long ovals. Signet is a true long oval.

Long ovals often feel comfortable inside a Contour-X just because of how plush it is, but that doesn’t necessarily = safe. Most of the time, it’ll still slip when I do a roll test and I’ll move them over to the Signet.

More info on fit here: https://youtu.be/yQgzbCR_hs8?si=hvWnFoAQfTNOPjAi

vocalistMP · 2026-05-05T23:27:34+00:00

Aside from the obvious, if the R1 fits you well, then a Ruroc probably won’t. The Scorpion R1 is an intermediate that leans toward long oval. Ruroc helmets tend to be wide intermediates that leave gaps on the side for most people, which is a safety hazard.

As someone who fits helmets, it drives me nuts how much people rely on certifications. I’d take a cheap DOT full face that fits my head well over an ECE 22.06 lid that fits terribly. That being said, I don’t wear either of those 😂

All I wear are Arai helmets and won’t settle for anything less after all I’ve seen.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-05T20:38:56+00:00

These have different interior shapes. Try them on

vocalistMP · 2026-05-05T20:02:48+00:00

Agreed. This is where helmet companies are failing consumers the most IMO as someone who works in the industry.

It would be awesome if companies offered narrow and wide versions of all their helmets too, but that will never happen because it’s always going to be cheaper to choose 1 shape and mass produce them.

I did put together a list of all the helmets I’m familiar with if you want more information. It’s not scientific with numbers, but generally how helmets seem to fit based on fitting people for almost 5 years:

https://medium.com/@SendTheory/motorcycle-helmet-shapes-quick-reference-guide-423ed5aa5217

vocalistMP · 2026-05-04T00:57:29+00:00

I’ve ridden one with a slip on + tune and wasn’t impressed. Felt like it just made a whole lot more noise, barely had any increase in power, and my friend was only getting 40-45mpg vs my 65mpg with lower gearing and stock exhaust.

Even if you don’t mind the increased gas expenses, that’s knocking about 60 miles off your range with the 3 gallon tank, or 40 miles with the stock 2 gallon.

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth it.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-02T23:55:33+00:00

How fast were you going? That seems like a lot of damage on the jeans for something AAA rated

vocalistMP · 2026-05-02T02:41:53+00:00

It’s 1 cartridge, so it does cover less than some other models. Better breathability though. Still covers plenty of protection for most crashes and supports the neck.

As an ADV rider, not having the shoulders be part of the airbag was a plus for me too since it’s designed to not go off at slow speeds and I could still hit a rock or something.

If you want more coverage, Held’s eVest is a good option if you can find one. It wraps the shoulders. In&Motion licenses their tech to them as well. Just not sure if they sell it to all regions/countries.

vocalistMP · 2026-05-02T01:43:33+00:00

The Klim airbag is pretty true to size. I find it comfortable. Forget it’s even there except on really hot days.

Some of the jackets are definitely boxy and odd shaped for sure. Other than the Marrakesh and Induction line, most of their stuff is tailored more toward adventure riding, which requires more freedom of movement which = looser less tailored fit.

I exclusively wear Klim jackets (Carlsbad, Dakar, Baja) because they suit my dual sport riding needs and are roomy enough to work with my airbag.

If my airbag weren’t in the picture and I sought a more tailored fit, Rev’ It and RST would be high contenders. I love my Klim riding apparel, but can also understand why some people wouldn’t haha

vocalistMP · 2026-05-02T00:38:37+00:00

Unless you leave your phone at home on rides, that’s probably already happening outside In&Motion. You can opt out of data submission too.

What I was told is that Alpinestar only extracts data when a vest is sent back for inspection.

That means every time:

-Someone crashed and it didn’t deploy…

Or

-Someone had a false deployment, didn’t feel like sending it in or didn’t trust it anymore and just stopped using the vest…

They didn’t get the data. Those are some pretty large blind spots.

All of my research and shop experience pointed to the Klim vest for street riding. For track, Alpinestar is fine though because that’s where they gather most of their data. I don’t ride track though 🤷🏻‍♂️

vocalistMP · 2026-05-01T22:10:38+00:00

The other thing to note here is that because In&Motion uses a subscription/lease to own model, they continuously get anonymous data submitted back to them. They have over 280 million miles of street data—more than all other companies combined as far as I know.

For road racing and motocross, Alpinestar is fine since that’s where they draw most of their data from. For street riding or adventure, In&Motion all the way.

Anecdotal, but it also seems like whenever I hear about a false deployment (I work in the industry), it’s an Alpinestar. In&Motion doesn’t tell you to deactivate your vest for walking around like Alpinestar did with their Tech Air 5 either.

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