HELMET CHECK

[Ratzo]

I wear a KBC Racer-1. Removeable liner, lot's of venting for summer riding. $243 w/tax from Helmet Harbor.

Everybody has a different shaped noggin. Try on a bunch of makes/models/sizes.

[Laura]

I asked a similar question awhile back, and got some very good information from the members here. I just bought a new helmet, and updated the original thread, which is titled "cheap vs. expensive helmets".

My two cents is that the most important thing is fit. The first time around I only tried on the lower end helmets, and while I bet they protect your head just as well as a more expensive helmet, I'd get the one that fits the best, even if that means you spend $100 more.

I don't know how fashion conscious your girlfriend is, but a less expensive helmet might be a lot thicker and her head might look gigantic. I know it sounds stupid to a lot of people, but that was one of the things that bugged me about my old helmet (HJC CL-14).

I got an Arai Quantum f for $359. I'm sure I could have gotten one for a better price online, but I really like the local shop I went to, so I wanted to support them. They had some great deals on some Shoeis, because he is getting a new model in. So it might be a good time to buy a new helmet.

Laura

[cozy]

Shoei TZ1 - a good combo of quality and price - removable liner.  

IT'S GOT A REMOVABLE LINER!?? I didn't know that! (I have a TZ1, too)

sorry man, i saw "removable" in someone else's thread and fixated- i meant WASHABLE. Although, you prolly could get that liner out and back in with not too much hassle.

[nsoccer3097]

speaking of helmets, while looking around for a new one came across a shoei xr-1000.  only found non-us sites selling it and had to go to shoei's european site to find any info for it?  anyone know any more?
http://www.shoei-europe.com/en/products.php?name=XR-1000&mod_id=1093#

[Rich500]

I wear a bike helmet. From Canadian tire. $9.95 CDN. Perfect for high speed collisions.

[GaryIF]

I'm very pleased with the Nolan E100 Classic Plus -- full face, flip front, and removable/washable liner.  The flip front makes it possible to put it on/take it off without having to remove my eyeglasses.  About $210-215 at most websites.  The sizing is very accurate.

[pantablo]

Laura alluded to her thread on this same issue "Cheap helmets vs. Expensive helmets", http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5957
and it would be good for you to read her update (almost last post in thread). She first started with cheaper helmet and upgraded to an Arai, giving her impressions of how they compare-very enlightening.

I wear an Arai Quantum F because it fit right. ultimately buy the best gear you can afford but make sure the helmet fits right.

[Adam R]

I have a Shoei X-tech which I bought on close out for a little over $200, I think.  

I've been very happy with the helmet, the fit and quality are definite steps up from the Bieffe I owned as my first helmet.  I also had an Arai for a while that I really liked but it wasn't mine and I had to give it back to the owner, even though he never uses it.

[snapper]

I have a Shoei RF900- nice helmet and at the time it was the best fitting.  Now Arai has come our with a double x too.  Yeah I am talking XXS!  Tried one on it and it fit even better!  So I am saving up for it this spring.

The Shoei is pretty quiet and has some great features, but I agree with Laura- fit fit fit!  If you buy an expensive helmet and it doesn't fit right, well its not going to be any use to you.  Find whats comfortable then go for everything else after.

Once I get my Arai I will probably sell my Shoei- so if anyone needs an XXS let me know.    Maybe for your toddler that rides.

[The Buddha]

Bieffe BR16 on close out for $100. Then last year Shoei RF800 or 700 I forget for $125. I typically buy outdated but good helmets cheap. Those paint patterns made to match a particular bike, well when the bikes get BNG's the helmets go outdated faaaast and that's where I come in. And I have never had to wash my helmet liner... it always smells great and 5 years is also a number I dont follow. Of course I give helmets away with each bike I sell, and sometimes get them with each one I buy so I am up to my eyeballs in helmets. Typically I toss the helmet when the face sheild breaks and they dont have a replacement available...
Cool.
Srinath.

[vtlion]

Just another HJC CL-12 owner sounding off... love it...will buy another soon... maybe bump up to the CL-14 to get better vents.  

[sanityfree]

i feel so poor....

I have a GMAX GM-14X flip face that I wear, and my older GMAX 9X(?) for copilots. Except when my fiance is copilot. The cheek pads in the 14X are bigger, so it fits her better. they're both M's, but the 14 has more padding for a tighter fit...

the 9X was like, $60, after a decent discount from the dealer. the 14X was $150, before the dealer gave me a 10% off for being a nice guy. who says nice guys finish last?

[mrslush50]

This has probably already been said, but buy the helmet that fits right.  Price should not matter at all.  I can't wear an Arai, because I would need a size they don't make.  Large is too small and XLarge to big.  I could wear a Shoei, and might in the future, but KBC seems to fit about the same as Shoei, so when I found a deal on a VR-7 I picked it up.  Fits great and works great.  Haven't crash tested it, thankfully, but my dad has tested his HJC Symax (thanks to a drunk driver) and it worked great.  Saved his life.  So whoever told you (refering to the first post) that HJC, KBC, Icon etc. aren't as good as Arai and Shoei even though they're Snell rated is more than likely just another "Helmet Snob".  I see them as being a lot like some Harley riders.  "If it's not a harley it's not a real bike." Gimme' a freakin' break!  If Arai or Shoei fits you the best and you want to lay down the cash then go ahead, but don't look down your nose at me because I can't or won't.  (Plus my KBC looks way cooler than anything Arai or Shoei make.  Dark Chrome anyone?)

[wavehound]

Thanks for the input, I'll probably just stick witht the CL-14, and let her pick out a helmet that fits her best.  Mightl go with another HJC though if it fits well, cause we got to get her in a jacket and gloves as well.  By the way, pantablo, good recommendation on the for sale forum for the teknic gloves from new enough. Just got them in the mail and they are pretty nice.  Another quick question:  Anyone prefer a certain color shield.  Mine is clear, but i need to get a tinted or mirrored one, as riding with glasses and a helmet is difficult and, probably dangerous.

[sanityfree]

hey, i can see you.

[BigRedMonkeyButt]

I have:

KBC VR-7

Bieffe RTX

HJC Cl-12.

[shameless plug]IThe Bieffe and HJC are for sale, so look in the for sale section! [/shameless plug]

[AndyMC]

jeez am i the only one that has a xxl helmet around here i feel so deformed  

[RoundBall]

Why not AGV ?

I have AGV Pacific Racer
good helmet  

will get AGV Kinetic Rossi GP Replica Helmet  soon.

[RoundBall]

I also have HJC ZF-7 my first helmet

[DrtRydr23]

I've got a Nolan something or other (I can't remember the model number and I'm too lazy to get up and look).  I bought it in 2000 because I liked the graphics.  I got lucky that it fit well and doesn't suck.  I like the helmet a lot though.  It's pretty quiet, but you don't notice the vents unless its really cold outside.  I don't think the vents do much for that particular helmet.  It seems to fog up really easily too.  Still, I like it, and I like the graphics still.....even after 3+ years.

Later,

John L.