Just a question. I see there's a huge price range in helmets so I was wondering what the difference is between a $150.00 bucket and a $600.00 one? The other part I have a issue with is sizes I've got a HJC sized at 3X, do they not have a standard sizing system? I find most helmets are two small so if there is something that offers more protection odds are they don't seem to fit. Thanks for the input
Just try on everything and see what fits. More expensive helmets are pretty much better in every way. They're quieter, venting is better, they're lighter, and they're more comfortable. The cheaper ones usually don't have removable padding for washing.
A good idea to drop some cash for a nice one.
Well, almost all helmet manufacturers have their own sizing system. So you might have to check each one's website and measure your head for fitment. And size "3X"? Either you have a very large noggin or that helmet is way too loose to offer the protection it should. Helmets are designed to be fairly tight - there are tutorials online that describe how snug they should actually be.
The differences between a $150 lid and a $600 lid can be HUGE. Cheaper helmets might be DOT / Snell approved the same as more expensive ones, but are almost always uncomfortable to wear in comparison. Seriously, buy the best helmet you can afford and you'll be grateful in the long run.
Ok thanks ......I have a large noggin as u call it my fitted ball caps are 7 7/8 and 8 the helmet is snug just not easy to find one that fits gonna look for the sizing chart thanks again
I feel your pain (a little). I wear a 7 1/2 or 7 5/8 fitted hat. Just wanted to make sure you weren't going TOO big on helmet sizes - a lot of people do.
which way is your noggin large? ... just 'boof headed' all around like me? :D ... egg shape? .. tall head? ... theres heaps of threads to be found online for 'have X head and Y brand fits me better' ..
like Rich says .. budget helmets are still fine ... you pay for extra comfort!! .. brand plays a part in the cost obviously but most manufacturers have their low end and high end helmets .. more $$ means more comfort/adjustability/features pretty much! :thumb:
Quote from: Blairbee on August 01, 2013, 05:33:56 PM
Ok thanks ......I have a large noggin as u call it my fitted ball caps are 7 7/8 and 8 the helmet is snug just not easy to find one that fits gonna look for the sizing chart thanks again
Per the HJC size chart, you should be in a 2XL. Your helmet is too big.
My 2ยข:
I have owned an HJC $150 helmet and a $370 Shoei. As for protecting you in a crash, probably no difference. I found the HJC sizing chart to be accurate for me and my head shape. I wore a M. I wear a Shoei S.
The extra $220? Bought me slightly more comfortable materials, removable cheek pads (not the whole liner), slightly better ventilation, and far worse shield fogging. My next buy might very likely be an HJC. The Shoei premium is not worth it to me.
The 2X isn't wide enough to get my head into
Quote from: RossLH on August 01, 2013, 06:14:08 PM
Quote from: Blairbee on August 01, 2013, 05:33:56 PM
Ok thanks ......I have a large noggin as u call it my fitted ball caps are 7 7/8 and 8 the helmet is snug just not easy to find one that fits gonna look for the sizing chart thanks again
Per the HJC size chart, you should be in a 2XL. Your helmet is too big.
Don't bet on it, try it on and it might be right. HJC sizes used to be a size different from Shoei, HJC XL fit me like a Shoei L. Then about 10 years ago HJC revised their fitments and made them same as Shoei and I bought another HJC in their new L size that fit same as Shoei L did.
Should be easy and all good to go now but wasn't. I bought a HJC IS-33 in L size to replace a long used Shoei RF1000 in L size and starting getting headaches wearing it, it was too tight and didn't wear in like I expected it to. Had to get a $25 XL liner for it to make it right, seems it had been made to the old HJC standard. A check with the webbikeworld helmet reviews confirmed the IS-33 were running a size tight. Make sure you try a HJC on before buying now, I suspect the new HJC 2XL are the same as the old HJC 3XL in most lines but not all like the new IS-33 for example.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm
Oh, yeah. Thanks for bringing up Webbikeworld! They try very hard to quantify the head shapes. It is very subjective, but very important. Blairbee, when you find the right size and shape, you will be quite pleased, regardless of brand I think.
If you have a head that is hard to fit, you should go to your local dealer and get them to size you in the brands they carry. Almost all helmets use the exact same technology to protect your head. The money is spent on the build quality, comfort and features of the helmet. Since it is something you wear every time you are on the bike and interact with very directly, it is a good idea to spend some money. A nice helmet can be the difference between loving and hating this sport.
You could be like me and stick to the cheapies. I started with a basic HJC, and moved up to a $250 (on sale for $150) Scorpion Exo-700 Hollywood edition (yeah, I'm THAT guy...) because it was cheap, DOT and Snell approved, and it's blue. It's not a Shoei or Arai, but it's better than the HJC I had. I've never put an expensive helmet on my head, so I don't know any better. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
Shark make quality helmets without the Arai/Shoei price tag. I used to own a Shoei RF1000 and then got a Shark RSI. Was very happy with it. I now have a Shark S900, a lil noisier than the RSI but cant really complain.
But as others have stated every head is different. Try on as many as you can in your budget. Only YOU will know which one feels right.
Just another thing too. The more expensive helmets usually have more shell sizes. Cheaper helmets usually use 2. Hence why they are hard to fit too unusual sized heads.
My RJays helmet was $229 and has 4 shells and fits like a glove. I love it so far.
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Lots of good input just got to try more on thanks
I've been a fan of Scorpion gear, I've had their bottom line and top line helmets-the cheaper one was actually the more comfortable. I just picked up a Built (cycle gear) helmet with inner sunglass shield on clearence for $34(original 180) as a passenger helmet.
There has always just been 3 criteria for my helmet. How much ventilation does it offer, and how dark can it make my vision. Also, it has to be a modular. I sacrifice quietness for ventilation, but thats fine. I have had amazing luck with the GMax line, I have a G54 now. Love it. To me, it's very comfy, tons of ventilation, and it has a sun shade. Price is killer too. None of the expensive helmets offered the ventilation or comfort for me.
In the end, assuming they are all side by side and DOT approved, the difference is preference. Thats it really. Just like a bike, if it fits, and you like it, get it.