Help pick a helmet!

[shonole]

Any helmet is better than no helmet. $170 aint bad, its only your head. The helmet im currently looking at comes in at over $600!

True.  Studies have shown that DOT certs are good enough in 90% of all crashes, so anything is WAY better than nothing.

And you're right, it's just a matter of actually getting the funds for the purchase in the first place!   

[Twism86]

Good luck with whatever you choose and ride safe! Hopefully we never need the helmets!

[jestercinti]

My HJC CL16 cost $130 out the door and it's DOT and Snell M2010 compliant.

[bombsquad83]

My HJC CL16 cost $130 out the door and it's DOT and Snell M2010 compliant.

I like my CL16 too.  It is a bit on the heavy side though, so I can see shonole's point there.  Makes my neck muscles a little sore after a long while.

One thing that I love on the CL16 that I will look for on all future helmets is the pinlock system.  Absolutely zero trouble with fogging.

[Thomps991]

I have the Icon Airmada (in flat black) paid 149 at my local bike shop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b4ChzNUrep0) Zero complaints so far, excellent fit for my mellon and its suprisingly quiet and light.

Ratings and fancy designs aside, make sure whatever you get is the right fit for your head.  I tried on a few HJC and they fit like crap and I had gaps above/beside my eyes..the Icon fit much better.  Same for Shoei, it didn't fit my head right, but the Arai did...and thats the one I really wanted but I didnt have 400 bucks    The guy at the shop told me I have an "Arai head" and the icons fit much like the Arai.  This is my exact helmet;

[skunkteeth]

I like my Bell RS1 for the supersoft inside and also the auto tinting visor 

[Janx101]

Drop down interior visors is a great thing to have. I have clear shield and wear sunglasses. Its a bit of a pain if i forget and go to jerk helmet off (get your minds out of the gutter, u know who you are  ) but its better then switching shields to drive at night like a lot of those with tinted shields do.

..... hahahahaahahahaahhahahahha.... oh .... what?!?!?!?!    

[slipperymongoose]

Also check out shuberth or schuberth, I can never get the spelling right. Very comfy apparently and well made, on of if not the quietest, also come with the Bluetooth stuff you need mounted in the helmet.

The brands I would trust in no particular order: arai, shoei, agv, schuberth, Nolan, shark. Find the best fit. A good question to ask is what price do you put on your head?

[el medico]

Shonole,

between the two I'd go with the Sparx, but hey, that's just me.

If you are still looking for helmets, relatively affordable, you may want to look at Scorpion's EXO-750 series. It's light enough for my wife to wear for extended periods of time and not complain of neck pain, it comes with an air-pump that more securely tightens the helmet for a custom fit, the designs are really nice, and it is DOT/ECE certified. You could easily find one for under $150 shipped if you look around some websites.

I have the EXO-700, which is really light, less than 4 pounds, as quiet as a helmet should be on the highways, DOT/ECE certified, and I got my helmet for less than $100.

Whatever helmet you decide to go with remember that it should fit you snugly, and almost make your cheeks bunch up like a chipmunk, and it shouldn't give you a headache if you were to wear it for 30 minutes or longer. 

[Twisted]

Before you buy any of these helmets please try on a Shark brand helmet. Shoei/Arai quality without the price tag.

[NjDan]

+1 on the cl-16 at the price you just cant beat it

[Janx101]

just dont choose any of the following!!!











None are DOT or Snell rated!!! 

[Gorilla]

I have a theory about helmets when it comes to choosing a brand, stick with the big name ones that you see the pros wearing. Watch an AMA or MotoGP race and what names will you see flying by on their helmets.....? Arai arai shoei arai shoei agv bell arai..... Get it? IMO Arai and Shoei dominate in terms of the best helmets for your head, and the best in the sport wear them.

Look for a SNELL certification!

The best way to make it appear to have the best helmet?....BUY ALL THE ADVERTISING.

Thats how they get you man..dont let them get you.

[fetor56]

I prefer the flip-up helmet.Not quite as strong as the regular full face but MUCH more convenient.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HJC-IS-MAX-BT-MODULAR-FLIP-UP-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-SILVER-SM-MED-LG-2X-3X-/151046626669?pt=US_Men_s_Athletic_Apparel&var&hash=item232b149d6d&_uhb=1