Shoei Qwest Helmet Review at RevZilla.com

[@jack_irl]

Man, the video quality has highly improved since 2010; Thanks for making these RZ Team

[@matic00]

I've had this helmet for about 1 1/2 years, and I have no complaints. It's a great high quality helmet, very quiet on long trips, the visor mechanism is well designed and super comfortable. I went from a mid priced HJC and the difference is night and day. Couldn't be happier!

[@Fisticuffs48]

I picked this up from RevZilla a year ago or so in flat black. Fit perfect out of the box, paint looked great, and everything was up to spec. The interchangeable cheek pads are a nice feature, as well as the adjustable visor for a quick vent of any fog build up while at a light. As always, Shoei delivers. RevZilla also did a fantastic job with the shipping and customer service and definitely have a sort of local-shop feel to them despite stocking every type of brand and gear.

[@JimMarkham]

My wife bought it for me a little over a year ago, and I've put nearly 10,000 miles on the Concours 14 with it. Comfortable, quiet, and the built-in speaker 'pockets' work great with my Autocom headset. Significantly quieter than both my HJC and Scorpion lids, with better fit and finish as well. No complaints from the couple of times I've been caught in the rain, and the chin curtain and vents make for great airflow adjustability - I've worn it at over 100 degrees and down to below freezing.

[@RevZilla]

The cheekpads are removable for cleaning, but not the center comfort lining. It can be spot cleaned inside the helmet after prolonged use.

[@RevZilla]

Arai just recently came out with the Defiant model, which is made specifically for that riding style. The other option catered to riders of naked bikes is the Shark Speed-R Helmet. An RF-1100 will suit you fine, but these other two do a bit more to stabilize the helmet when you don't have a fairing to hide behind. -CK

[@agubser07]

The Qwest is a very good helmet. It was my first helmet and I logged about 10k miles with it until I highsided and landed on the helmet and my shoulder. I walked away from that one with nothing more than a bruised hip. The helmet held up quite well and protected my dome. It is very comfortable with a medium oval shape, more oval than my rounder Arai Vector 2. The venting I found adequate,not as good as my Arai, but overall it's a great bang for the $ and I don't regret buying it.

[@derekmcnamara5286]

This was one of the first items I purchased from RevZilla. Great product, great price, great customer service.

[@RevZilla]

Both Shoei's are great options, so I would think about fit for help deciding. The Shoei Qwest has a slightly more round fit and the RF-1100 has a more intermediate oval fit. Give our Gear Geeks a shout for a more detailed comparison. ~Ali

[@RevZilla]

The Qwest is definitely more of a commuter helmet in my opinion. It will be quieter than the Variant and more stable at high speeds. -CK

[@TheKubaF]

I bought this helmet a few months ago, and it's incredibly comfortable.

[@rezultz]

Great Helmet, extremely comfortable. My only gripe with it is the standard faceshield fogging which is pretty bad in colder weather. The shield fogs almost instantly when closed in 50 degree or below weather.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I wish all KZbin reviews were this good. This is the gold standard others should aspire to achieve. Very informative, from someone who clearly knows his stuff. I just received my new Qwest helmet, and only now am I seeing this video when looking for some help to reattach that detached face plate. There were no instructions with my new helmet, and I probably couldn't have figured out this cleverness without this video. Thanks! Apparently, I made a good helmet choice for my riding style and the Qwest fits my head very well, but I should have seen this review before buying the helmet. I guess I lucked out for a change.

[@RevZilla]

Liberty4Ever Thank you. It means a lot to here our customers making the most of our videos. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@buckswindle]

Picked up one of these on closeout to try after seeing one in person. I am normally an Arai wearer as I have an odd shaped head. Great helmet for the money. Fantastic fit and finish, love the quick change visor. May not be as light as as an 1100 or x12 or have the same ventilation but a great hat for the money.

[@irarcher]

I own one of these, and I'm happy with it. It is very comfortable. The visor may be advertised as "Fog Free" but in my experience it is not. I'm buying the pin lock shield for it, but it would be nice if it came with one. It is fairly quiet with the chin curtain installed.

[@RevZilla]

We never carried the Raid 2, so I can not speak to fit or function differences compared to the Shoei Qwest. I suggest taking your head measurement and comparing it against the Shoei size chart to determine size. You can also give our Gear Geeks a call for more info. We are well versed in the Shoei offerings for North America. ~Ali

[@triumph5ta]

I have one, really good to wear, nice and light. Did a 400 mile round trip last weekend, very comfortable.

[@TheGgbk]

I bought this helmet from Revzilla thanks! Great so far - its warm enough that i think i leave the vents open even in the winter (never bothered to close them so i think they are still open) I also was able to fit some $20 headphones in the ear pockets with velcro So now when i need gps or something in my ear i can velcro in the earbuds I got the high viz yellow so people can see me - but i guess black could work to with some reflective stickers

[@DixieFatline]

i damage to my helmet. cheek pad not come inside. had to herd sheeps with no cheek pad. thank you for show how.

[@RevZilla]

@Rezaroth You might want to check out the RF-1100 as a more sportbike oriented option. PLus they have some boss graphics for 2011-12!

[@RevZilla]

Awesome. Please let us know what you think of the Qwest once you log in some more miles with it. ~Ali

[@RevZilla]

@aussybum Tough Call. Depends on your head shape! And of course the RXQ has some boss graphics

[@RevZilla]

@ajthedj In our opinion there is no such thing as "overkill" when it comes to protection - esp for your head. If you like the look and can afford it, the piece of mind knowing you could take a 100mph crash should give you great piece of mind. not to mention the helmet is awesome in its other features as well.

[@ronleon62]

I am looking for a replacement for my RF-1100 but the non-removable liner is a deal-killer for me. Here is Texas we sweat a lot! The liners have to be washed.

[@RevZilla]

The Qwest has a rounder internal shape compared to the RF-1100, so it likely wouldn't be a good fit anyway. If you want to stick with Shoei, I recommend the RF-1200 instead. For a less expensive option, consider the Scorpion EXO-R710 or HJC FG-17. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/shoei-rf-1200-helmets *www.revzilla.com/scorpion-exo-r710-helmet *www.revzilla.com/hjc-fg-17-helmets

[@mindfield7]

Good comfy helmet. I had to get the thinner cheek pads then it was perfect. If you're used to Arais the shield takes getting used to. I alternate between this and an Arai Vector for my other bike. Very pleased and RevZilla is awesome as usual.

[@RevZilla]

This would work on the Ninja 300 (which is an AWESOME bike, BTW). You should take a look at the Shoei RF-1100, which would also be a great choice for your bike. ~Ali

[@cypher9000]

Great review! Enjoyed watching it! Got it for go karting as I started doing some more regular racing, will get to test it in a couple weeks time. Loved how comfortable it was when trying it on in the shop. My first helmet so pretty stoked :)

[@judahman23]

You can wash the helmet itself to get the top padding clean. I've done it many times.

[@RevZilla]

@cadillacfender Hi Caddy, while there is a likelyhood of a whistle with most helmets cracked, I did not notice anything unusual or overly annoying with regard to noise.

[@judahman23]

Bell makes excellent helmets. Good luck man.

[@RevZilla]

@rsoufer Thanks let us know if we missed anything. - Anthony

[@Moleanimationchannel]

I have this in XXL. It's super comfortable.

[@litlemidgetful]

I ride a YZF600R (sport tourer, not R6) and am looking to replace my Bell Vortex which I got as a first helmet. My primary concern is aerodynamics and wind noise. In your opinion, should I look at the RF-1200, the Qwest, or the GT Air? I do like the RF-1200 because of the Snell safety rating but I'm willing to sacrifice a small bit of safety for more comfort on a touring helmet vs full racetrack helmet

[@RevZilla]

Peter W I vote RF-1200 if you have an intermediate oval to slightly narrow head shape. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@bmw4932]

Thanks, I like to compliment you on a great job on all you presentation.You do a really good job. Very informative, very knowledgeable. Keep up the good work.

[@ricardotellezzapata9711]

Just wondered, if the shoei-quest will have the same fit as the old RF-1000. My old RF-1000 fit my head perfectly. Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

Ricardo Tellez Zapata The Qwest and RF-1000 have similar, neutral, head shapes. -Hi-Viz Brian

[@RevZilla]

@xDjAsOnF Not really. Plus the wind will always keep you cool!

[@5280Roadrunner]

Really good lid. Quite, comfortable and fits right.

[@punkybrewstershubby]

It’s also a minivan.

[@curumata]

Love how you present the equipment compared to other video reviews i've seen on youtube. I had my mind set on a Qwest but since you said that it's more for touring, now I also think of considering the RF-1100. Could you tell me which do you think would be best for riding naked/streetfighter bikes like a z750 for example? and not for crazy speed, just around 100 mph...Thanks!

[@blgrnt123]

Damn bro I want whatever you took. You are ON ONE!!

[@ajthedj]

Is this helmet overkill for a new scooter rider? I'm getting a Piaggio Fly 150. I'm looking for comfort and safety and this came highly recommended. And now watching this video, it seems ideal since i'll be riding upright and obviously not going very fast. I don't even think noise will come into play, again, based on the lower speeds i'll be riding.

[@RevZilla]

@Pmason718 Yes, it is!

[@RevZilla]

Awesome. Both are great helmets. ~Ali

[@Jaroszmm]

Great review. My question is - how big improvement from Raid II will I get when buying this helmet? And will the size be the same? I mean now I ride Raid II in S size and I wonder if Qwest in S size will be the same.

[@AlcatrazMeow]

i had a crash with the helmet his monday.. a car passed a red light and hit me at about 80kmh if not more.. the visor is midly scratched, however, i dont know if the helmet really was hurted during the crash... should i buy a new helmet or continue riding with this one for the while till i have the money for a new one? i am buying a new bike so... this also costs here about 300$, yes, 300 dollars, helemets are double if not triple here

[@RevZilla]

Based on your crash, I highly recommend replacing your helmet. -DrewZilla

[@yuraymarstewart]

Is this still a great helmet to buy in 2016?

[@RevZilla]

Even though the Qwest has a fixed, non-removable comfort liner, it's still a really great helmet in 2016. -DrewZilla

[@AlcatrazMeow]

also i cant get those helmets cheeck pads outskirts clicking when i want to put it back... what do i do

[@RevZilla]

You just have to be very careful aligning the snaps, in order for the snaps to click into place. -DrewZilla

[@aussybum]

i wear a AGV and i like it. thinking of getting either a Qwest or the RX-Q...which one would you pick?

[@bazyli23]

Nice video, thanks ! shame that liner is not removable :/

[@xdchata13]

for some weird reason, when I wanted to order the shoie qwest, they dont ship it here in Australia. :(

[@JAAUSSYD]

just a general question here, would you notice a difference in heat between and black helmet and another color?

[@kapitanmorgan]

que pasa no se puede desmontar nada mas que los laterales

[@RevZilla]

Correcto. Sólo las almohadillas son removibles. La almohadilla superior es fija. El reemplazo para el casco tiene almohadillas superiores removibles y almohadillas para las mejillas. Es el RF-SR. (Correct. Only the cheek pads are removable. The top pad is fixed. The replacement for the helmet has removable top pads and cheek pads. It is the RF-SR.) -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shoei-rf-sr-helmet-solid

[@1Warzone1]

Is this better than an icon variant? First helmet and cans can't decide. Just work commute and maybe a little distance ride. I have an sv1000. So kinda sitting up on her. I can't decide! Lol

[@josegrimaldi1625]

Hello Argentina one that asks these Casco is best for your opinion: Shoei Qwest or Casco Double Visor Carbon Nolan X -lite X661 or Helmet X -lite X - 802R By Nolan or Helmet X -lite X -603 By Nolan from as many Thank you

[@Pmason718]

The helmet that you have in your hand is that the Anthracite Metallic in color?

[@Rezaroth]

I like to have a quiet helmet for my new hayabusa, you thing this helmet would do some whistling on a sport bike? ya know because its made for touring and not sports. need the reply please before I buy it :) ... thanks for the effort

[@Antoniocool86]

Is this helmet good as a daily commuter? Is it better than the 1100 for commuting on a sport bike?

[@lmankj]

Wish the comfort liner was removable.

[@freezingCode]

Vintage Anthony!

[@caesareor]

Above 70kph on my F650GS single (G650GS) I have a loud whistle when I open the chin vent. Any of you have the same problem? Any workarounds? I love the helmet 'cause it's unbelievably comfortable (I think the have a mold of my skull at Shoei :) ) and I wouldn't want to send it back. Do you know other helmets have the same fit as the Qwest?

[@RevZilla]

@VideoScenario I guess my ear is above average then :-). I can totally tell the difference. -- Chris K.

[@RevZilla]

@bmw4932 Thanks a bunch. We try. :-)

[@xdchata13]

Will this be good for the ninja 300?

[@Embroik]

Your first bike is a sv1000? dayum good luck

[@HHHSOHS]

Great review man very informative thanks.

[@crackerworld]

I'm looking for the most quiet helmet possible(full face) with good aerodynamics without compromising the safety ...still looking(CB500x rider ..so upright position)

[@RevZilla]

+crackerworld In that case, I recommend the Shoei RF-1200. The Qwest is pretty quiet, but we find the RF-1200 to be even quieter. Hope this helps! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/shoei-rf-1200-helmets

[@zadejweinat8928]

what is the best helmet for a more of a round head

[@RevZilla]

The Qwest is actually relatively round. For even rounder helmets, consider those from HJC or any of the other round oval helmets linked below. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/round-helmets

[@youtuveivy]

I just picked up this helmet and just heard in the video that it's a touring helmet. I'm a female and I ride a YZFR6. I was looking for something quieter. The sales guy said it worked well with sport bikes too. I haven't tried it out on the road yet. Do you think it will work well with a sport rider as well?

[@RevZilla]

youtuveivy The Qwest is actually pretty versatile. While it may not be the best for riding in a full tuck, even most R6 riders aren't riding on the street in a full tuck all the time. In a normal 3/4 riding position, it should be just fine! -DrewZilla

[@youtuveivy]

You're absolutely right!!!! I got a chance to ride this past weekend and didn't feel much of a difference from my previous helmet. Happy with the purchase. Thanks for the feedback!!!!

[@donovan7405]

awesome reviews

[@Rezaroth]

the front or the face of this helmet is tall top to bottom for me, I looked funny in it. wish it it fits me. am intermediate oval though..

[@JoeOberster]

"low triple digits for a little bit" ha! Can't say that online anymore!

[@melvarnio]

Good review

[@mikelangelo1511]

best buy!very comfortable helmet!

[@rsoufer]

very helpful,thank you

[@Genoxide85]

Awesome vid, awesome helmet, thanks.

[@tylerramsdell9240]

This guy is WAY too good at talking... hahaha. Considering buying either this, or the rf1100 for my first helmet.

[@Jaroszmm]

Bought an XR-1100 instead :)

[@HotelBravo1]

Would this helme

[@elcid4593]

Can you take that logo off

[@RevZilla]

No, the logo is fixed. -DrewZilla

[@AdamSternberg]

Worst helmet I've ever owned. Ventilation is a complete joke...it's like riding with an oven on your head.

[@raftika1]

Adam Sternberg what do you recommend?

[@Kevin-im8vo]

Fogs up in one minute

[@typhooonn]

qwest is a phone company

[@MrMengemeto]

Dude you need to talk slower! WTF!?

[@DmanGuitar327]

he talks quick, listen harder