Just wondering what you all out there are wearing for a brain bucket? I am only a year into riding and I wear a HJC CL14. I have one friend who has been badgering me to get a more expensive helmet. He says that just because a helmet is snell/dot approved doesn't mean they are all equal in a crash (i.e. a geo metro and a volvo). He stands by shoei. My girlfriend is in need of a helmet for spring so I want to get the best for her and if any cash is left, a new one for myself. I can't swing $400.00 though! Any input would help!
I've heard people say "Get the best you can afford." Arais and Shoeis are pricy. I have the HJC AC-10 and so does/did my husband. He was in a nasty crash and his head was fine. He did upgrade to a Shoei after that incident, but not because the HJC was inferior.
kbc vr1 my second one wrecked in my first one and am still here good comfy helmets dont have to be expensive
I have a Nolan that was my dad's. I'm thinkin of upgrading depending on what kind of job I get this summer. Right now it would be between a Roof or Shoei.
I've got a Shoei Z-II. Kinda pricey for what you are looking for though. But... it does have a nice feature, the removable and washable liner :) Some other helmets have it too.
Shoei. Usually the least expensive one. This year (or decade) is a TZ-1, that I got for $218. I usually spend $200 on the average. I just can't bring myself to buy anything else. I've tried, but nothing else fits. And, I definitely can't justify spending more than $300 on a helmet, not even a solid color Arai or anything multicolored, no matter how much I like the paintjob. It's just a paintjob.
From what I have seen, , once you are past the Snell/DOT ratings, more $ = more features like venting, lighter weight, removable liners, etc. I have a Shoei X-11 that I like alot, but its not cheap. When I got it my wife was still working, so we had some spare (is there such a thing?) money, but now I would probably get something cheaper. When I did the MSF course, I used an old Bell M2 with almost no venting-very hot until I gave in and rode with the visor up. What I remember from various articles about helmets is the fact that they need to be replaced even if they are not crashed due to the padding degrading over time, so my old Bell, I wouldn't use on the street much if at all.
KBC Wolf. It was $100 on Ebay brand new, but reviews said it was worth it. I believe the VR-1 Replaced it on the lineup. It's a solid all-around helmet from a reputable name brand which is all I could ask for.
Like someone else said, Just because its expensive doesn't mean its better.
If you buy a shoei or something of the likes, they have tons of engineering into them, Tunnel testing, etc... which make them perfect for racers. But if it is DOT, and Snell approved it means that it will save your life as well as the more expensive ones, but it wont have all the nice through helmet venting or a "quick shield release" but in the end they are all the same thing. a hard outer shell with a styrafoam inside.
Dont be afraid to buy a cheaper helmet because it doesn't cost as much $$ as the top of the line widget. Its the same as buying a Hyabusa instead of a GS500, they are both sport bikes but one costs alot more but still get you from A to B.
Yep. Helmets should be discarded every 5 years (I've heard they make really neat targets at the shooting range).
Note I said, 'should', as many of us don't and/or can't afford a new helmet every 5 years.
Shoei TZ1 - a good combo of quality and price - removable liner. :cheers:
Of course, if you get tired of looking at the same old plain white helmet (that's yellowing), it gives you a good excuse to buy a new one.
Quote from: cozyShoei TZ1 - a good combo of quality and price - removable liner. :cheers:
IT'S GOT A REMOVABLE LINER!?? I didn't know that! (I have a TZ1, too)
wavehound, if you're satisfied with the fit and comfort of the HJC helmet, feel free to ignore your buddy.
I personally crash-tested an HJC CL-12 (~$150) back in 2000. (Audience groans. "Here comes that old cow story again!")
To keep it short, I broadsided a cow on the road at about 45 mph. (Don't ask!) I was launched over poor Bessie (torquing the right handlebar forward somehow in the process) and flew ... 15 to 20 feet? ... doing a slow somersault. As near as I can tell, I hit some rocks on the side of the road crown-first. With most of my momentum gone, I completed the somersault and landed flat on my back a few feet later.
The "only" damage to me was a pair of reshaped vertebrae - compression fractures caused by an impact force right along my spine. (Whew!) I can feel good ol' T6 and T7 complaining if I pay attention, but I have taken all 3 of my 3000+ mile trips since then, and I still play racquetball.
What about the helmet? It shows a few scrapes at the point of contact - that's it! I'm no dummy; I don't still ride with it. But I do keep it around for "emergency" 2-up riding. Needless to say, I replaced it with another HJC CL-12.
PS - The cow ran off and got lost in the open-range herd she was hanging with. She probably appreciated being hit in the ribs with a nice "soft" headlight rather than something more pointy.
I have a HJC xx-12 (don't remember the letters) and a pale gold NOLAN N100. I bought the Nolan because of the flip-up feature and the colour, but the shield doesn't seal very well so it's kind of noisy. The HJC seals better so it's quiet and seems to have more padding. Both cost less than $200.
great topic!
I have an HJC CL-12. It seems a little noisy to me but I have nothing to compare to.
Here's a link to a website on safety with a comparison between DOT and SNELL. SNELL seems to be a little more up to date and possibly more stringent.
http://www.mmsp.org/helmets/snell.htm
I'm sure a more comprehensive search might show a comparison between helmet brands. All I could find was a DOT pass/fail list.
Rob
wow, a lot of people have HJC helmets....i got a AGV spectra or something like that
I also have an HJC and a Bieffe....I like the Bieffe better because of it's "venting" system. But both are DOT & SNELL apporved and that's all that matters. Just don't be one of those "stupid" Harley guys that ride around in the Jewish helmets :roll:
Does anyone here have one of the chin buckles similar to what u see on a hiker's backpack? [the kind that clip together in one *snap*]
The thing I found when Helmet shopping was I must have a rather strange shaped head :? In the end the cheapest Shoei was the one that fitted my noggin the best. Other Shoei models an other brands like HJC, Arai etc. didn't fit right so I had to form out a few extra $$$. At least its made in Japan so I know the manufacturing quality control is the best around.
Conrad
I have an Arai Quantum F....it just seemed to fit my head the best. I was lucky because the dealer was selling it out and I got it for under $350. Very comfortable and good venting.
Wayne
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.
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
Quote from: scratchQuote from: cozyShoei TZ1 - a good combo of quality and price - removable liner. :cheers:
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.
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#
I wear a bike helmet. From Canadian tire. $9.95 CDN. Perfect for high speed collisions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
:roll:
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.
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. :thumb:
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?
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?)(http://www.motorcycle-accessories-wiseguy.com/image-files/vx7blackback.jpg)
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.
hey, i can see you.
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]
jeez am i the only one that has a xxl helmet around here i feel so deformed :(
Why not AGV ?
I have AGV Pacific Racer
good helmet :thumb:
will get AGV Kinetic Rossi GP Replica Helmet soon.
(http://www.dexdirect.co.uk/acatalog/agv_pacific_racer_all.jpg)
I also have HJC ZF-7 my first helmet :)
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.
Icon Alliance Aggressor
I've been happy with it and it fits my head really well. I really like how the new Mainframe Halo looks but I heard its a different shape