Hey guys,

I've ALWAYS loved the look of the Simpson Bandit full face helmets. Does anyone own one? If so, how do you like it?

I live in Florida, and it gets REALLY hot here during the summer. I need to start wearing a helmet, as I NEVER wear one. I've been looking around, but I need to find a helmet that has incredible ventilation to keep me from cooking in that helmet.

So, if not the Simpson Bandit model, what other helmet would you guys recommend?

Most important keys: VERY well ventilated, and light weight.

Thanks guys,
Adrian

 

I like the Outlaw Bandit but having no experience wearing one I can't say how well they ventilate but I know this much - Any Arai model will have great ventilation and the higher end ones have a multi piece removable liner that can be washed, they are also the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.

 

I got a super bandit. Love it. The only thing was the metal tab made on the helmet ( used to hang the helmet up on a roll cage) flapped bad with the wind. I just took a pair of snipes and cut it off. I have wore simpson, arai, suomy, shoei, bell. They are all good helmets. All about let the same air flow through. Hope this helps. Thats my 2cents.

 

Thanks guys!

Tallguy: I don't suppose you would happen to have any pictures with the Simpson on, do you?

 

Owned one years back, great helmet. Ventilation is ok, overall good helmet.

 

Check out the Shoei RF-1100

Video review
http://www.helmetharbor.com/shoei-rf-1100-review/

Shoei RF-1100
http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet....-1100&h=18&t=1

 

Had a Simpson Bandit for when I was racing World Challenge. Used to call it the "Pigs in Space" helmet . . . although it really does the Darth Vader look pretty well. For M/C riding it has two issues in my experience: 1.) It isn't made for M/C type "Incidents." It's made for Car type crashes (AKA Incidents) so it's protection on a M/C isn't what a helmet with a Snell M/C rating would be. 2.) On a M/C it's rather loud. The shape that make it look so good sitting still or in a car with a windshield, doesn't do real well in the open wind riding a bike.

 

Here's a picture of me in my Simpson Helmet . . . Willow Springs Raceway . . . didn't calculate the fuel load quite right . . . so I got promoted to spectator.

 

Simpson makes the Outlaw Bandit which is a motorcycle helmet and DOT approved, the regular Bandit is not. I have one and it is a good helmet with adequate ventilation. I use it often but do prefer my Arai over it. The Arai is quieter and just feels better when I wear it. I always use a head cover made by Under Armor and ear plugs because the humidity in FL is pretty bad and the liner helps wick the moisture away. It also keeps the helmet cleaner inside. I occasionally use an open helmet, it is cooler but flying road debris is more bothersome to me than the heat is. Most of my riding is highway so the helmet stays pretty vented.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll go over to a local shop and try on the RF-1100. Don't know of any places around here that stocks Simpson helmets.. I don't like the thought of buying it without trying it on first.