On the Saturday that we went to the One Motorcycle Show, we left Corvallis early to do a little shopping on the way. One of the places we stopped was a motorcycle shop in Beaverton that is known for all of the gear they carry in stock, particularly helmets.
I have been thinking of a new helmet for a few months now. My current helmet is a Scorpion EXO 400 "Spring Chameleon" I bought in June 2009 for our ride to California and it has seen me through 4 summers. It is quite warn inside. The leather/vinyl around the bottom is cracked and the padding inside has compressed enough that I can now wear my hair in a pony tail under my helmet and if I shoulder check too quickly my head moves inside my helmet more than my helmet turns with my head. Not good.
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| (Scorpion EXO 400 Spring Chameleon) |
At the show in December I tried on an Arai since Troubadour is really happy with his. Once again I tried on a few different models of Arai but they didn't fit right. The cut outs for the ears hit at the wrong spot and were not comfortable at all. Small was too small and medium was too large.
And then I tried on the Shoei Qwest and it fit like it should. The medium was a little on the large size but the small fit perfect. Luckily the shop was having a sale and when I found it was $200 under Shoei MSRP I snapped it up.
I now have a Shoei Qwest "Goddess" and as soon as hubby changes over the Sena and I'll be able to use it. I could attempt it myself, but it is best left to someone that knows what they are doing.
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| (Shoei Qwest Goddess - stock photo from internet) |
And so it went.....out with the old......and in with the new.......
* * * *
And then.... a week or so ago Troubadour was helping out Pat Hahn to film a Team Oregon group riding video. He was to play the part of the newbie being left behind (yeah right) so instead of riding Lucy he needed to ride Max - a believable newbie bike. They were meeting at Saturday Morning Coffee and heading out from there. I was taking the car and meeting him there a few minutes later. When I was leaving the house I realized he didn't take a camera with him, so I grabbed our little Canon HS300 (without the case) and brought it to him.
Neither of us were thinking it was going to rain as hard as it did on their ride or that the Scorpion jacket he chose to wear didn't have waterproof pockets like his TourMaster jacket. When he got home he pulled the camera of his pocket by it's strap and it was dripping wet. Doh!
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| (Canon HS300 - photo by Canon) |
Several days of drying in rice on the pellet stove later we acknowledged the electronics were fried. It would almost turn on. The lens would come out and an error message would occur but the lens would not go back in or close. The camera is now a paper weight. Double doh!
However much I liked the picture quality of the Canon, I didn't appreciate how hard it was to find all the special features and use the menus. Now for a tech guru like Bobskoot this wouldn't be an issue, but for someone like me who likes to keep it simple, I thought I'd use this opportunity to explore my options.
I did a little research on cameras and on Saturday we went to Costco as I wanted to see the Nikon S6400. I played with the display model and was immediately impressed with it's touch screen and ease of use. I could actually find features quicker on it than I could the Canon we'd had since August 2011. The Nikon came as a package deal with a Nikon case and 8 GB memory card. It was $40 off too, so I managed to purchase it for only $159. If for some reason I don't like it Costco has a 90 day return policy.
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| (Nikon S6400 - photo by Nikon) |
Ummm yeah, I bought the blue one. So far I like it. I haven't really taken many pictures but Basil let me take one of him and I took a few of the yard on Sunday. The sizes seem odd (long and skinny) so I may have to look at the settings and change them up a bit. They are 4600 pixels on the long side so I have to re-size every one before uploading to blogger.
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| (Squire Basil on the sofa) |
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| (Citronella tiki torch) |
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| (Viburnum Spring Bouquet) |
And so it was again..... out with the not so old, and in with the new.......
- Au Revoir
"The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius." - Sid Caesar
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Trobairtiz:
ReplyDeleteso sorry about your camera but deep inside I knew you really wanted a Blue one. Too bad they don't make left handed ones for riders. So many of us would buy one if they were available.
I also bought a new HJC modular helmet and I finally mounted my Sena last night but I've got no one to talk to
I'm not sure I can get used to a modular as I feel a bit confined, being used to 3/4 styles. I think "fixed" full face are stronger but I am taking small steps . . . You needed a new helmet if it was that loose, either that or buy new padding
As for your camera, check your aspect ratio setting you have 4:3 or 16:9 to pick from
http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cps6400/specification
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Camera color doesn't matter too much, hence the last one was red, but given the choice I picked blue. It was better than the pale lavender.
DeleteI'll take a peek at aspect ration and see what I can see. I am still trying to decide if I like the ration it is. Thanks for the link, there is good info in there. Makes for a quick reference guide.
Fun fun! Love new stuff :O)
ReplyDeleteYep, new toys to play with.
DeleteI don't know, I kind of like the way the 16:9 aspect ratio looks. The new helmet looks pretty good, is it quiet? I think I may be looking for a new helmet soon as mine is now 6 years old. I like the convenience of the modular helmets though they all seem noisy. (Except the Schuberth C3 I'm told. But at that price, it better be nice and quiet.)
ReplyDeleteHave you looked at the waterproof/shock proof/freeze proof point and shoot cameras? You wouldn't have to worry about a little rain again. Especially since you insist on living in the PNW...
I too am thinking it might be neat to leave it on this ratio for a while. Wondering if it cuts off some of the top though to compensate for a wider view. Thinking back to when we switch ratios on the TV. But then the other ratio might cut off some of the sides.
DeleteHaven't tried out the helmet for noise yet. Sadly I have yet to use it. I am hoping to ride to coffee on Saturday so we'll see. Paul over at Invictamoto just bought one and seems to like it so far.
Haven't seen the waterproof, etc camera you were thinking. Do the different brands all have them out? Maybe I need to do some googling.
We love the PNW - at least we don't have to shovel rain or block heater the car, lol. I miss the sun sometimes though.
Trobairitz:
DeleteIn that photo you snapped of me down in Hell's Canyon, I was holding my Red Panasonic Lumix TS-3 shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof camera, the one I am using as my google avatar.
http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmcts3
I wanted a camera with internal focus and waterproof so I could snap photos while riding and not worry about the weather. Lenses that telescope outwards have a habit of creating a vacuum and sucks the dirt inside the mechanism then they retract. Also if it is extended and you hit the lens you damage the gears inside.
I have had problems with two cameras which got dirt sucked inside the lens and contaminated the sensor. It creeps in between where the lens retracts as the seals get worn. You will not have a problem with a camera which focuses internally. You may be able to get a deal on one
Nikon makes a similar one, the AW110, but you may be able to find the prev model AW100
http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cpaw110
I bought mine at a $100. discount because the new TS-4 was coming out so you may be able to find a discontinued model down there.
The image quality is slightly less than a regular camera as these cameras are in waterproof cases and have an extra glass filter in front of the lens. Go and see one. You don't have to put it in a case because they are nearly indestructible and you don't have to worry about it getting wet
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Thanks for the info Bob. I will keep that in mind for next time. We do not need more than one camera each (even if it is on sale).
DeleteI am a minimalist and try not to buy too much. I don't like a lot of stuff hanging around.
My yellow helmet is a Shoei Qwest, too! XS, and it fits just right.
ReplyDeletePocket cameras do get in trouble more than non-pocket types. I'm sure my Fujifilm Finepix that I had fixed is probably filling up with more grit and dust from the way I treat it. But pocket cameras just get used and abused that way and accidents happen more often than not. I'm pro-Nikon, so congrats on that purchase.
Are you telling me the viburnum is blooming now?
The Shoeis are popular, must be for a reason I figure.
DeleteOne of the reasons for going for a $150 camera this time instead of the $250 Canon again was because this is the second camera this has happened to and if it happens again I'd like it to be with a less expensive point and shoot. They are made to pack along which is nice. I just haven't been using the neoprene case because it is smaller in the pocket and is quicker to pull out and take a picture.
And yes the viburnum is blooming as you see in the picture. We also have a Viburnum dawn in the front that has been blooming for a few months. The forsythia is starting to show yellow, the tree peony is leafing out and the maple, ash, and red bud all all showing signs of bursting soon. We'll see.
You didn't have to tell me ALL OF THAT! I'm going back to bed now. Wake me when it's spring over here. :*^ c
DeleteThe blooming forsythia is the hardest to hear about...
Sorry 'bout that. The forsythia is just starting to show yellow, but by no means has bloomed yet. I did notice at the post office this morning the crocuses are blooming. I hadn't seen any prior to that so I wasn't sure. Every year we see them we think we need to plant some in our yard, then promptly forget every fall.
Deleteyay! (hmmm theres a theme round here) OOOOOOUT with the old! :)
ReplyDeleteawh..hi basil :) i want to scratch that cute chin...
let us know if you love that helmet and camera after a few miles. thanks!
He does have a nice chin for scratching, One of his favorite places to be scratched too, something about his neck and head he loves pet and scratched.
DeleteWill do a report after I get some miles with the Shoei and more pics taken with the Nikon.
Woot! I was in serious want of the Shoei Goddess Qwest and was going to buy the white one, but then the Shoei Sylvan came my way for $100 brand new - I was lucky. Love the Shoei, fits perfect and quiet on the road and vented well. The same thing happened to me with my camera and cellphone in my old Joe Rocket jacket (which they said had a waterproof pocket - NOT) Luckily I was able to dry out both and save them. Nice little camera.
ReplyDeleteBasil is the cutest kitty and very photogenic!
I thought my $299 was a good deal on the Shoei, you got yours for a steal, good job. I am hoping this one will be just as quiet as yours. I have heard good things and it has great reviews so we shall see.
DeleteGlad you were able to save your camera. I should have known to put it in a ziploc but we weren't expecting rain.
Basil is cute, but it isn't always often he sits still for pictures when he is awake.
I'm having trouble leaving a comment ... but it looks like you really scored with a new helmet and camera!
ReplyDeleteSorry you had trouble leaving a comment - this one worked fine and I don't see any stuck in the spam filter.
DeleteTrobairitz,
ReplyDeleteGood luck and smoother sailing with the camera and the helmet; they both look like a good fit.
Pat Hahn?? He's no longer working for the State of Minnesota?? I was on a group ride with him, H.S.T.A. and MN Sportbike guys, lunch in Galesville, WI, maybe 4 years ago? Wish him well and happy movie making!
Yes Doug, that would be 'The Pat Hahn'. He has been at Team Oregon for a while. In fact the picture of Brad and I at the Team Oregon banquet I put on my year in review post was taken by Pat. He is working with Irondad of Musing of a Intrepid Commuter blog fame. I think Pat is the marketing director - I'll say hi to him for you, but you can say hi to him too - his contact (email) is on the Team Oregon website: http://team-oregon.org/contact/
DeleteAh, yes...nothing like the feel of a new helmet! Almost ad good as a new pair of shoes... But not quite. Enjoy it and the new camera. Let us all know how you like the Nikon. I have two Canons like your poor drowned one but am always interested in new products.
ReplyDeleteShoes would get worn more often. We don't seem to be doing much riding lately. Well, I haven't hubby has been commuting by two-wheels when it isn't icy.
DeleteBlue is best.
ReplyDeleteThe photos look good.
"Blue is best" I like that saying, thank you Keith.
DeleteI was happy with the way the photos came out. I took some pics of the soup I made last night for the food blog and was happy with those close-ups too.
Nice new lid - I need one soon too. Interestingly, once when I was trying on helmets the salesman reckoned that you either have a Shoei head or an Arai head - not both.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess you and I both have Shoei heads and Troubadour an Arai...
I could have gone with replacing the cheek pads, etc on the Scorpion but that wouldn't have fixed the cracked edges and it has been banged around some. I am thinking the Shoei is bound to be quieter than my $169 Scorpion.
DeleteI hadn't heard about the two head types. I know Brad likes his Arai Profile because he has an oval head so it is one of the only ones that doesn't give him a 'hotspot' on his foerhead and a headache after wearing.
I think I have a round head so the Shoei fit.
Love the new Lid. Shoei are good lids, as well Arai. I had 2 Arai's and my current shoei which will need replacing soon. I like the shoei quick release on the visor, makes cleaning it real easy.
ReplyDeleteNice new camera in snazzy blue too. They say great minds think alike. I also like the 16:9 format you can reset that back to 4:3 if you want quite easily.
I haven't attempted to remove the visor yet, but anything that helps with cleaning it is a bonus. I will probably get a tinted one for summer since I am so light sensitive the shades don't always cut it.
DeleteI have thought about resetting the size format for the pics but think I will keep it this way for now and see how it goes.
That helmet is a great find Trobairitz .. isn't it nice when you find just what you're looking for at the right price.
ReplyDeleteLove the new camera, I'm a canon girl and just got myself a new second hand DSLR that I've wanted for ages and I'm so pleased that after only bout an hour of playing with it (cause the menu's are so similar) I've got a lot of it figured out .. now to just work out the SLR bits ... anyways it's fun learning all bout that new stuff, hope you love trying out your new presents.
Oh and bout time Basil got his mug shot back on these pages .. he's so cute makes me want a new kitten :)
I was quite happy finding the Shoei at that price. It wasn't one of the ones I was looking out so I was pleasantly surprised.
DeleteSo far I am happy with the Nikon, our other camera is a larger Canon that we like but it is bigger and doesn't fit in the pocket as easy. Takes great pictures though and is easier to use than the HS300 was. We had Kodak camera before that and back in the 35 mm days I had a nice Minolta I could change lenses and filters on and also a Kyocera 1/2 frame camera which was pretty cool.(I think it is still kicking around here somewhere - although why I don't know)
I try not to put too many pictures of Basil up thinking people would rather see pics of bikes, but every once in a while he sits still for a pic. We ask him if it hurts to be that cute, but he doesn't answer. We think of getting a kitten all the time but with Basil being almost 8 I don't know how he would like it. He is pretty set in his routine and we lucked out with a cat that doesn't scratch the furniture, climb the curtains or make 'messes' in the house. Not sure if we'd get that lucky next time around.
Nice to see another Qwest owner. Have only had a chance to wear mine once so far... The weather has been appalling and weekend time has been taken up with other non-biking essentials.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review and post on your purchase of the Qwest. I was thinking of it when I bought this one.
DeleteOur riding weather has been crappy too. Spring is coming, of course that means more rain, but the rain is warmer than snow.
Am a Shoei owner too, only problem is hubby and I bought our red helmets to match our first red bike but now we have a blue bike! I keep my Samsung galaxy mobile phone in my pocket to take pictures, have a canon slr but it's too big and cumbersome!
ReplyDeleteHowever, we have just recently received a GoPro Hero 3 camera as a gift(http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition). Am going to try it out next week when we go away for two nights to the mountains again :-)
Love your pictures as always! Enjoy your new helmet, hope you get to try it out!
Yeah, sometimes we have the helmets longer than the bikes. Luckily my last ones was black with accents so it goes with everything. I like to find something a little girlie, but not pink.
DeleteHopefully you will have great fun with the GoPro. Hubby felt it was a little annoying to use and ours had a glitch to it so we took it back.
Looking forward to seeing pics of your trip to the mountains.
Bummer with the camera. I also recently killed mine in the rain but haven't thought about replacing it just yet. I like the blue one, and you got it for a nice deal. And you got a new helmet, too. Did you plan a money tree in your garden?
ReplyDeleteWhen are we getting to see the movie star in action?
Bummer your camera went kaput too. Costco usually has a great deal on cameras and I like their 90 day return policy too.
DeleteNo money tree, but Brad has been back at work month now, so it's all good.
I don't know when Pat will have his video done, but I believe it will be linked on the Team Oregon website when it is ready. I think Brad might do a post with a link when done.
I have to agree with you on the fit and feel of the Shoei's. I've tried a couple different brands and the Shoei fits better on my noggin.
ReplyDeleteI do think the image quality and sharpness are quick good on the new Nikon. You did well!
I am pleased that I keep hearing good things about the Shoei. I am hoping to ride to coffee Saturday 80% chance of rain be damned. We'll see.
DeleteTrobairitz - I lost my first Nikon Cool Pix to rain (tank bag...) I loved my second one as well, but couldn't pass up the deal that I got on the Panasonic last year. So far, I'm happy with it.
ReplyDeleteYour Shoei looks like the black version of the white one I bought in the fall (round heads unite!) I tried on a few models and found each to be slightly different, even within brands ... am looking forward to your review of it since I haven't had the chance to take it out of the carry bag since I bought it - 6 more inches of snow last night (arrgh!)
I forgot you bought a new helmet last fall. I liked the white version but I wanted blue flowers instead of silver. The white will go with your bike though and you'll be all matchy matchy.
Delete6 more inches of snow? Ick blah. We woke to 51˚F (10.55˚C). Cloudy but not raining, which is nice.
That new helmet looks very nice and the blue swirls will match your Gladius!
ReplyDeleteI noticed the same "turn your head and the helmet didn't turn" with mine too but once I installed a windshield on my Gladius, the problem never popped up again.
Yeah for blue - one of the reasons I chose the black helmet instead of the white was the blue. I would have liked a white helmet with blue flowers but they didn't come that way.
DeleteI wonder if the turn your head thing was related to the force of the wind that changed with the windscreen. I am reluctant to add one as I have heard of so much troubles trying to get the wind to go over it right without buffeting. a little fly screen might work.
How do you like the helmet and camera? I never have used Nikon, but the photos I have seen from that model are really good. I have the red Canon too. Its easy to use, but I'm with Bob, wish they would make a lefty.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good. I rode to coffee and back on Saturday. Only 10 mile round trip but I was impressed with the helmet so far. Nice and quiet and it stayed put when I turned my head. I think the peripheral is wider too which is nice.
DeleteThe camera I like so far. Although I find every once in a while I go to take a picture and the shutter doesn't release. I wonder if it isn't focused and doesn't let me take a picture if it isn't. We'll see. I still like how easy the touch screen is to operate compared to the Canon but the Canon had such high quality pictures. Still getting used to the Nikon I guess.
Mrs H is an Arai fan. I am too as they are always instantly comfortable for me and my noggin. I have used Schuberth (a J1) for the last 5 yrs but have just gone back to full face but with a flip front for the first time, ie a BMW System 6 (made in part by Schuberth) and heavily discounted for me by the nice Motorrad dealer where I bought the 1200R. In truth, you only need the best lid in the world just before you hit something really hard, but glad you recognised the warning signs. The latest school of science is saying that the interior padding is too hard. Bring on the crash test dummies.
ReplyDeleteThe Arai and Shoei seem to be the two most popular brands of helmets. I have never used a flip front helmet, but hear they are good for people who wear glasses.
DeleteI did notice that the interior foam in the Shoei is firmer than the Scorpion. I am hoping this helps with longevity.