Shoei X-12

Shoei X-Twelve Review
by Rick K. for webBikeWorld.com

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Summary:  Superb build quality, paint and graphics but it's very difficult to get around the fact that this helmet is very expensive, which may be a difficult obstacle for many to surmount.

Background
We ran a "First Look" of the new 2010 Shoei helmets, including the RF-1100 (Review and First Look) and the X-Twelve (First Look) in October of 2009 when the helmets were released for production.  I'll be repeating much of the information from the X-12 First Look in this review.

The helmets became available on October 1, 2009 and we purchased an X-12 in the "Streamliner TC-1" graphics shown here (size XL) along with a new Shoei RF-1100 (review) in the "Monolith" graphics, also in size XL.

One thing I'd like to reiterate here is that previous Shoei X-11 owners who are considering a new X-12 (or RF-1100) should try on the new 2010 helmets first.  Shoei now uses 5 shell sizes across the head size range, which is commendable. 

But this means that owners who were on the borderline between sizes may be able to drop down one size, which could move them into a smaller shell size, which then may make a significant difference in fit, comfort, noise control and safety.  I'll describe this in more detail below.

Shoei X-12 Paint, Graphics and Quality
My opinion regarding the quality of the X-12 and the RF-1100 hasn't changed from my initial impressions.  Both of these helmets have outstanding build quality and construction. 

The X-12 looks stunning in the Streamliner graphics, with its deep red metalflake accent stripes and the metalflake stars along the side.  But, as I also mentioned in the First Look, outstanding quality is expected, considering the X-12 shown here has a list price of $769.99 and the helmet can cost up to $799.99 for some versions. 

Whether or not there is a market for a helmet at that price point and how large that market will be is yet to be determined.  Obviously, the Shoei X-12 is a direct competitor of the Arai Corsair V (review), which can set you back up to $870.00, depending upon graphic and color choices.

The question is this: does a $700+ helmet protect your skull any better than a helmet costing half as much -- or less? 

If a helmet meets DOT, ECE, Snell 2010 -- or a combination thereof -- isn't it just as good?  That's the whole idea of standards.  Does money buy more safety?  Once everyone else comes out with a Snell 2010 approved helmet, what will be the differentiator?

I also stand by my opinion in the First Look: I'm just not sure what you get for a 50% premium over the RF-1100 when buying an X-12.  In fact, after wearing both for a few months, I definitely think the RF-1100 is the better helmet and certainly the better value, even after considering all of the factors, including quality. 

The other factor is that there are just so many really good helmets for sale today at very reasonable prices, making it difficult to justify spending more than, say, $350.00 or so -- much less nearly $800 (or $900, in the case of the Arai Corsair V).

The differences between the "best" (or "best known" or "best marketed") helmets and an "average" helmet have narrowed dramatically over the last few years, and more money doesn't necessarily mean there will be equally dramatic increases in value.

Nevertheless, the X-12 is a beautiful helmet and some of the cost certainly went towards making the fit and finish some of the best in the industry.

Score:  Outstanding, no doubt about it.  See the ratings descriptions in the summary table at the end of this page.

Shoei X-12 Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality
I'm again repeating some of the First Look impressions, so I'll keep it short.  We're very impressed by the quality of both the X-12 and the Shoei RF-1100 we've been wearing since October of 2009.

The X-12 comes in a score of colors and graphic patterns, making it difficult to choose a favorite.  Some money can be saved by choosing an X-12 in a solid color, although unfortunately it is not available in the bright orange, red or yellow that can be had on the RF-1100.

The colors and the depth on the Streamliner graphic is outstanding.  It also has a nice, evenly applied and glossy clearcoat, but, like the RF-1100, the clearcoat doesn't seem as "hard" as others.  In fact, it wasn't long before some "spider web" scratches appeared on the X-12 (and RF-1100) simply from cleaning the helmet.

Some of the European brands, like the Suomy D20 (review) and Nolan N43 Air (review), have addressed this with a "Hi-Brite Protective Hard Coating" for the clearcoat finish.

Otherwise, all of the moving parts on the X-12 operate with precision.  This both increases the owner's confidence in the helmet and enhances the feeling that this helmet is built to protect.

Score:  I'll give the Shoei X-12 an "Outstanding" rating for overall quality, paint, graphics and and overall fit and finish.

Shoei X-Eleven on the left and the Shoei X-Twelve on the right.

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Shoei X-12 Helmet Fit, Comfort and Internal Shape
As far as I can tell, Shoei didn't change the internal shape of the X-12 compared to the X-11, just as they kept the RF-1100 shape nearly the same as the RF-1000.

The internal shape of the X-12 is very similar to the RF-1100, and I think it's neutral enough to call it so.  The internal shape of the X-Twelve should fit a wide cross-section of head shapes other than the extremes -- like mine. 

My head is very round, and I can feel some space in front of my forehead in the X-12 and I can also feel some open space above my head, with slight pressure on my cheeks.  I can wear the helmet without discomfort, but the shape really isn't a perfect fit for me, so other "Round Heads" may find the same.

As I mentioned in the Background section above and also in the RF-1100 review, the X-12 helmet shell does feel different.  It feels larger than the X-11 shell for the same head size.  Shoei told us that the X-12 comes in an amazing 5 different shell sizes, which has to be a record and is probably one of the reasons for the cost of this helmet.

The size XL X-12 shown here has its very own XL shell, so Shoei owners should try the X-12 first.  I think now that I could have use a size L instead; I'm a borderline L/XL anyway at 60.5 cm.

The combination of what feels like a slightly larger shell makes the X-12 feel big on me, although not quite as much as the RF-1100.  Burn has worn the X-12 also several times, and he's thrilled with the internal shape, but he also feels the size is slightly larger than he expected and he feels he could use a size large instead also. 

By the way, more shell sizes are a good thing and they mean that owners will have a better chance of finding the precise fit.  Owners can also order optional cheek pads if necessary to custom tailor the fit on either the X-12 or RF-1100.

Note that in the chart below, other than the small and medium sizes, each X-12 has it's own shell size; probably a first as far as we know.

The padding is very comfortable in the X-12 and there are no hard internal parts that I can feel through the lining.  The liner also has generously sized ear pockets, covered in fabric at the EPS liner, which should make motorcycle intercom speakers fit without much problem.

The back of the chin bar is covered in some type of firm padding, but there are no direct air vents through the chin bar, which is a problem, as I'll describe in the venting section below.

Shoei says the size XL X-Twelve fits a 61-62 cm head and we agree.  So if you're borderline like me with a 60.5 cm head, I think the size L would be the better choice, with a modification of the cheek pads if necessary. 

The liner and cheek pads of the X-12 are removable and the cheek pads are available in six different thicknesses to custom-tailor the fit.

For more information on choosing and fitting a motorcycle helmet, please see the wBW Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page, which also includes a discussion on head shapes.

Score:  I'll give the Shoei X-12 an "Outstanding" rating for fit and liner comfort.

Notice the brow vent above the visor.  The narrow slit above the Shoei logo covers the two top vent holes.
Note the tiny recessed slider, which is difficult to locate when wearing gloves -- especially winter gloves.

The chin vent on the X-12 directs air on to the back of the face shield only.

Shoei X-12 Ventilation
I'll state it right up front that I'm rather disappointed with the ventilation in the X-12, and the three different evaluators who assisted with this review agreed. 

The ventilation problem is surprising, because the X-11 was known for its good ventilation, especially important in a race helmet.  The venting system on the X-12, with a brow vent, top vent and chin vent, is similar to the system used on the X-11, with what appear to be only some minor differences. 

But wearing the helmet for the past couple of months on a selection of different types of motorcycles with and without windscreens, we've simply come to the conclusion that it's very difficult to tell when the vents on the X-12 are open or closed.  There just doesn't seem to be a huge difference that can be felt with the vents are suddenly opened -- and there should be.

Of course, every rider and motorcycle is different, so surely there will be other owners who have a different opinion to relate.  But all I can report on is our findings.

Part of the problem may be the very narrow (4 mm tall) slotted top vent arrangement.  This narrow slot could make it difficult for the air to travel through and then to get to the two holes that act as the top vents. 

The EPS liner inside the helmet has a pair of matching holes at the top helmet, and these holes are not blocked by the fabric liner, but the air just doesn't seem to flow through adequately.  I can blow through the vents and feel the air with my hand inside the helmet, but the system doesn't provide a lot of air flow when riding.

The X-12 also has a slider at the brow, at the top of the face shield that uncovers another pair of holes that have a direct channel through the EPS liner.  Unfortunately, these holes are blocked by the fabric liner.  I can feel no air at all coming through these brow vents when riding.

Unfortunately, the chin vent does not have vent channels directly through the chin bar.  The air is instead directed up on to the back of the visor only, and this air provides some ventilation, but even with the large chin curtain underneath, which blocks most of the air flowing in from under the helmet, it's difficult to determine a difference whether the chin vent is open or closed. 

Again, I can blow through the open chin vent and feel the air coming up through the top of the chin bar, but on the bike, closing the chin vent doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

So altogether, we're surprised and disappointed and also puzzled regarding the air flow in the X-12.  I'm sure the webBikeWorld visitors will report back on this issue with their own impressions.

The rear exhaust vent has a slider to open or close the cover over the vent holes.  The front vents use a similar slider system, which is nearly impossible to find when wearing gloves -- again surprising for a race helmet. 

Also, the left/right slider system used on the top vent and the brow vent isn't very intuitive, in my opinion.  The owner must remember that left is open and right is closed. 

It's more intuitive to have a vent opening that is pushed back to open the top vent and pushed forward to close it.  The narrow slot that covers the top vent is so small that I had to peer into the vent slot with a flashlight to see which way was open and which was closed -- there's no arrow or anything else that indicates the direction.  I had to do this for the rear exhaust vent also, which is very difficult to see even with the flashlight.

Once the left/right system on the X-12 is learned, it's fine, but that doesn't make it any easier to locate the tiny sliders when riding and wearing gloves. 

Actually, the system isn't all that different from the ventilation system on the original X-11, but for some reason it just seemed to me that in 2010, the mark of an excellent design is thinking through all the little details like this that make a helmet user-friendly, especially at this price.

The sliders do have a solid feel when they are operated.

As mentioned in the RF-1100 review, we were evaluating the Nexx X1R1 helmet around the same time as the two new Shoei helmets.  This gave us a good benchmark for comparison, and the Nexx quite frankly has it all over both Shoei helmets in terms of ventilation, lighter weight and visibility, if perhaps not quality.

Score:  The X-12 gets a "Neutral" rating from me for weak ventilation (see rating system in the Summary Table below).  We're interested in hearing from other X-12 owners on this issue.

Slider operates the rear exhaust vent.

Shoei X-Twelve CW-1 Face Shield
The Shoei CW-1 face shield is used on both the RF-1100 and the X-12, and it works very nicely.  It fits very tightly to the eye port gasket and, like the RF-1100, it has a built-in rain ridge to help prevent leakage that actually works.  The water runs along the top of the gasket and then can drain at the bottom of the face shield along the sides, before it enters the helmet.

The X-12 proved just as leak-free as the RF-1100 while riding in some huge rainstorms we experienced here recently when a couple of us were out evaluating jackets.  The small slot for the top air vent probably helps in this regard, as does the tight seal of the air vents when the sliders are closed.

The face shield has just about everything necessary for a proper fit and function with strong detents, a firm feel and an excellent removal mechanism.  The special Shoei lock on the left-hand side of the face shield can be flipped up to lock it shut tight when riding or flipped down to push the visor out very slightly for defogging.

I noted also in the First Look that Shoei is offering a Pinlock anti-fog visor insert option for the X-12 (and RF-1100).  Several helmet manufacturers, including Suomy and Caberg, have also apparently given up on coating their original equipment face shields with an anti-fog treatment and are instead going with the Pinlock anti-fog insert system (review).

Our feeling is that the Pinlock inserts work, but they have several disadvantages, including cost, installation issues and the care that must be taken to clean the face shield with the Pinlock installed.  This seems to be a step backward, although the Pinlock does work.  However, not all is lost; we have word that a revolutionary new motorcycle helmet face shield anti-fog treatment is being developed and we'll keep you posted on that.

Shoei claims that the Pinlock for the CW-1 face shield on the X-Twelve is "larger and offers fog-free viewing to the very top of the helmet’s larger eye port".

The eye port on the X-12 offers about average viewing area to the sides and top/bottom, despite Shoei's claims of increased visibility through the eye port.

Score:  The X-12 gets an "Excellent" rating for the construction and operation of the face shield.

Outstanding quality in the construction of the Shoei X-12 liner.  Note the large chin curtain and the
red pull tabs for the cheek pad removal system.

X-12 Helmet Weight
The X-12 in size XL weighs 1766 grams, a gain of 131 grams over the Shoei X-Eleven reviewed several years ago.  The X-11 currently sits at number 66 out of 128 helmets on our Motorcycle Helmet Weights page listing, while the X-12 is at number 104, which puts it in the top range of the weight chart.

The X-12, like the RF-1100, is one of the first helmets to meet the new Snell 2010 safety standard (more here), which may (or may not) account for some of the weight gain.  The X-12 does have excellent balance and aerodynamics.

Here's a chart comparing the RF-1000 and X-11 along with the X-12 and RF-1100 helmet weights, taken from the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Weights page, which lists the weights of all 128 helmets we've reviewed to date:

Shoei RF-1000	XL	1610	3 lbs. 8-3/4 oz.	MR
Shoei X-Eleven	XL	1635	3 lbs. 9-5/8 oz.	SN
Shoei X-12	XL	1746	3 lbs. 13-5/8 oz.	SR
Shoei X-12	XL	1766	3 lb. 14-3/8 oz.	N

Score:  The X-12 gets a "Very Good" rating for acceptable weight and good balance.

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Noise Levels
The X-12 seems slightly noisier than the RF-1100, or rather the noise seems to come from different locations on the X-12.  The top vents whistle slightly when the rider is sitting upright, but that noise disappears when leaned forward, which makes sense, since the X-12 is Shoei's race-oriented helmet.

The helmet also seems to generate some noise from the lower rear, under the ears, but this may be due to the slight mis-match between my head shape and the helmet shape.

Otherwise, the X-12 is about average to perhaps slightly quieter than average.  As with the RF-1100, the noise level rating for the X-12 is a difficult call, but I'll give it an "Average" rating in the Estimator.

Note that our helmet evaluations are normally a combined effort of several riders over time, on different types of motorcycles with and without windscreens.  We always wear correctly fitted, high quality earplugs and a helmet liner.  We strongly recommend that you hearing protection is always used when riding.  See the wBW Earplugs and Hearing Protection page for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs. 

Note also that noise levels will most likely differ from rider to rider.  Noise levels are caused by many factors, including the rider's head shape and the how well the helmet fits; the type of motorcycle and windscreen; the individual rider's noise level tolerance; and even prevailing winds and the type of clothing that is being worn.  For more information on helmet noise, visit the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.

Score:  The X-12 gets a "Neutral" rating for noise control.

Miscellaneous
The AIM+ shell used on the X-12 and RF-1100 is a combination of "fiberglass with organic fibers that are so strong they can only be cut with a laser", according to Shoei.

The chin strap uses a D-ring system and the padding is comfortable.  The helmet has an excellent five-year warranty and meets DOT safety standards and is Snell approved.  The Shoei X-Spirit 2 version is sold in Europe and meets ECE safety standards.  It has a list price ranging from £480 to £580, according to our sources.

The X-Twelve also features red pull tabs under the cheek pads, which can be pulled to "disengage (the) cheek pads for easy removal by emergency medical personnel", according to Shoei.  This allows the helmet to be removed hopefully without damaging the downed rider's neck.

Conclusion
Much of what was said in the closing remarks for the RF-1100 review can be repeated here.  The new Shoei X-12 is an excellent design loaded with high-quality features.  It's not revolutionary, but an evolution of the X-Eleven, a very popular race helmet.

The lofty price of the X-Twelve does justify a very close critique.  Let's face it: a lot of issues can be overlooked on a $100 helmet that become very annoying when that helmet costs nearly $800.00.

The problems we are experiencing with the ventilation in the X-12 are surprising, as is the increase in weight, both should have been improved over the X-11 in what is supposed to be a top-of-the-line race helmet.  

But it's not just the price of the helmet per se.  Many riders might be willing to pay a lofty premium for a helmet that offered some outstanding features that were head and shoulders above the competition.  For example, super light weight or extremely low noise or superior venting; something -- anything -- to justify the cost. 

But I just can't find a single superior area where I can honestly say that the X-12 completely outshines any other motorcycle helmet.  Thus, the X-12 has let me down in a number of ways. 

It's a beautifully made helmet, absolutely.  But it's very difficult to justify spending 2-3 times more on the X-12 than for other helmets that are just as satisfying. 

I wish I could say that the price of the X-12 is justified, but for me it isn't.  I am interested in hearing opinions from other X-12 owners and learning more about their decision tree in choosing the X-Twelve over other helmets.

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►Reader Comments and Owner Feedback

From "H.S.W." (12/09):  "I’m an MSF certified instructor and I (paid extra to take delivery on the release date of October 1) so I could wear it on my trip to the Midwest.  I did 2000 miles, round trip.

I found the helmet to fit just like my X-11 -- perfect for me.  It didn’t even need any “break-in” time.  I was unable to detect any weight differences between the two helmets by simply holding them in opposing hands (156 grams probably isn’t worth talking about).

I ride a 2007 BMW R1200RT.  Because of the temperatures (mid 30s to low 50s) on my trip, I rode most of the time with the windshield in the UP position.  However a few times I did ride with the windshield in the low position to see what it was like.

I found the X12 to be a reasonably quiet helmet when the shield is closed.  Is it quieter than the X-11?  I think so.  My big question is whether the ventilation is better?  I was always very happy with the ventilation on the X-11. 

Being close to bald, I didn’t even open the top vents on the X-11 until it was 72° F or higher.  It seemed to me that the ventilation on the X-12 isn’t as noticeable when the shield is open, but once the shield is closed it seems more noticeable.  But I may not even be able to make a real accurate judgment on this issue until the temperatures head up again.

The fit and finish of the helmet is, like the X-11, great.  I can’t really comment on the quality or differences between the X-11 liner and the X-12.  My X-11 was 5 years old and worn out.  My X-12 is neither of those.

The new face shield fits better and tighter on the X-12 than it ever did on the X-11.  According to Shoei, the eye port of the X-12 is larger than anything they’ve ever done before.  Did that make a difference to me?  I don’t think I noticed it.  After all, we’re probably only talking a few degrees, anyway.

On my return trip from the Midwest last week (mid-October), I rode from the western end of the Pennsylvania turnpike to the Breezewood exit, during cold and rain.  Temperatures in eastern Ohio started in the low 40s, but by the time I got into the mountains of western Pennsylvania, they dropped into the mid-30s.

When I was able to close the visor, it completely sealed and no water leaked in.  My biggest complaint about the X-12 is that the standard/stock visor is not fog-free (as other, lower priced helmets have), and I was continually having to open it to get rid of the fog which was clearly not helping my view of the world.

Had I been able to leave the visor closed, instead of constantly opening it, I would have been “snug as a bug in a rug”.  I’m told by customer service at Shoei that a fog-free Pinlock anti-fog insert system (review) will be available “soon”.

I do wish that the top tier manufacturers (Shoei and Arai) would start producing helmets that, like Scorpion, among others, are in the Hi-Viz color.  That’s what I would have liked to buy.  Unfortunately, helmets like Scorpion and HJC simply don’t fit me as well as the Shoei and Arai helmets.

No one I know buys a new helmet every year.  So while the initial price of the helmet may be high, if the price of the protection is amortized over the 5 year life of the helmet, then the cost isn’t nearly so bad, and I’d bet with the discounts that will be available, even the initial cost of the helmet will not be the list price that is currently listed."