| Author | Message | ||
     Sss99x1 |
Ive always ridden without one, but Im turning a new leaf. Im looking to purchase a new quality full faced helmet. There is a ton of manufacturers out there and prices range from $69 to $690. Id like input from people that can tell me who makes a quality helmet thats going to save the old noggin but wont break my bank account either. I know ive heard people say if youve got a $69 head, wear a $69 helmet. My heads worth more than that, but Im sure theres good helmets out there for less than $500. I bought a used Bieffe thinking it was a decent helmet, but then i saw someone on here say they had been hit and the chin strip broke off at the helmet connection. Looking for something i can feel safe in. Thanks for your help. | ||
| Yttikcat |
I really love my Scorpion EXO- 700. The Scorpion helmets are very well made and run around $200. The inside padding is removeable and can be washed in the washing machine (inside a mesh bag)and the replacement padding is not expensive. www.scorpionusa.com  | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
As far as I am concerned, Arai can't be beat. I have been down (on the track) going 140 MPG (according to my friend tracking me), landed on my head, and have no more dementia than before the wreck. FYI - helmets actually deteriorate over time (depending on how you store them, the fumes they are exposed to, etc). Rule of thumb is that a helmet really only lasts about 4 years. Of course, if you do actually NEED your helmet (ie you crash), replace it immediately. The good news is that happens to match the significant improvement cycle most of the helmet manufacturers are on. My advice - do not scrimp on helmets. You can live a good long life with road rash. Brain dammage - well - quality of life becomes a serious issue. Ride safe. | ||
| Deton8r |
I want to check out that new Scorpion EXO-1000 that comes out at the end of July for around $300. That retractable inner sun visor is a cool feature. I currently ride with a Shark RSI which fits my head great and wasn't too expensive. I agree that you can't go wrong with anything from Arai or Shoei. Not all helmets fit all head shapes so try them all on and you'll know the right one when you put it on. | ||
| Bad_karma |
I primarily use HJC, good value, fit my head. Look for DOT and Snell certification. Joe | ||
| Lightning_bug |
I am a bit late to this topic, but I have always adopted the use what fits best practice. A good fitting cheap helmet is better than a poor fitting expensive one. My wake up call came when my uncle peeled a Arai off my head that I thought fit good. I was close, but had a model that did not fit the shape of my head properly. You might be amazed how the same size can fit entirely different between styles even when comparing the same manufacturer. Identify at least 3 helmets that fit you best and then factor in the price to make the final decision. The process has worked for 3 generations of my family thus far...and thank God, none of us have suffered any serious head injuries despite numerous accidents through the years. | ||
| Tranvk |
Motorcyclist did a good write up on this topic and is worth the read. Web Bike World also do reviews. Just Google it. Like others have stated, get a helmet that fits your head shape, or you will be miserable. I went with a Shoei for that reason. | ||
| Mototoad |
Not a bad helmet mentioned! I would second the Scorpion Helmets and for the $ the EXO 400 can't be beat. | ||
| Zcyclone |
I also would recommend reading Motorcyclist mag test of the helmets. Shoei and Arai were p*ssed off! What helmet did the best, Z1R, followed by Fulmer. I own a Fulmer. But just ordered a Scorpion Warhawk (reduced to $104.00). Scorpion has been rated best helmet under $200.00 for years. I let you know how my Warhawk does. | ||
| Hooligan620 |
I bought a Zox Supercomp for $115. It's DOT and Snell approved. They have a removable liner are very light, very comfortable, reasonably quiet and it flows an adequate amount of air. Visors are inexpensive too. The clear one that comes with the helmet has an anti-fog coating. The designs are ok and they come in matte finish too. It's no top dollar Arai, but then nothing is... Search Zox Helmets, or Zox Supercomp. I bought from motoworldonline.com as they had the best price. Their customer service has been praised in other forums on BWB. (Message edited by hooligan620 on July 13, 2007) | ||
| Diablobrian |
The first rule for helmets is: it has to fit your head snug-ly and comfortably. Never buy a helmet you have not tried on! If the helmet fits you, and has a DOT or Snell rating it is in all likelihood a "safe" helmet. The price of the helmet usually reflects on the number of upgrades over a basic helmet. The high end helmets are usually lighter, better vented, has a removable liner, is quieter, has fancy paint, other tweaks/farkles or some combo of those upgrades. A good gage of what really is the best/safest gear is the race track. Take a look at what the racers are wearing. They always wear what WORKS. It is not a question of if, but more of when they will go down. Personally I wear an Arai. It fits my head and is functional and comfortable. On top of that I've already had one of their fine helmets save my life. Also on a personal note, due to a bad experience it is a good idea to be sure that the chin strap passes through the cheek pads. If not the cheek pads can, and in some cases (on a 2 day old helmet!) HAVE come loose on impact. This is a BAD thing, and allows the helmet to come off of your head. If that's not a concern for you....don't worry too much about it.  There is not always a direct correlation between the price and safety and upgrades on a helmet. Scorpion and KBC helmets are clear examples of this. For me KBC fits but Scorpion does not (although I do hope that the new EXO- 1000 will be a more oval shell). So shop carefully for your new lid.} | ||
| Prof_stack |
I'm looking for a new helmet to replace the full-faced Shoei that Geico kept/discarded after my 6/30 accident. The check arrived yesterday. I thought about getting a modular helmet but thoughts about the crash brought me back to full-faced. This week I've tried on several brands and have just about decided to go with Suomy, DOT and British something approved. The RF1000 Shoei doesn't quite cover my jaw. The Scorpion 700 didn't fit as well. Arai is darned expensive and probably the best. Schuberth (sp) from Germany didn't fit as well. HJC was a decent fit. Anybody familiar with Suomy? I noticed the name on a helmet on the 1125R video. | ||
| Aesquire |
I've got a Suomy Spec-1R. Fits ME nice ( try before buy, really fit is #1 issue ) really light, very good ventilation up top, I can actually feel air move over the scalp, and the chin vent is good for keeping the shield clear if I'm moving at all. A cool helmet. Stable, does not torque your head at speed, ( important, I've thrown away lids that tried to twist my neck off because of unstable vortex shedding. ) and you can look over your shoulder at 100+ with minimal torque. ( off road only, of course ) Finish is very good, I have the Bostrom replica, & it's very colorful. The iridium shield are very dark, & let my light sensitive glasses clear up. Too dark for night riding, and can scratch. Downsides, Loud, expensive, no way to close the vents up top, except tape. LOUD, but a under chin air dam would help. I was using a HJC Symax, but have gone to the Suomy for daily rides. I'm looking for a quieter lid, but not too hard. WEAR HEARING PROTECTION! (Message edited by aesquire on July 14, 2007) | ||
| Prof_stack |
The Suomy I'm looking at has a rotating dial on top to open or close the vents. It is the Suomy Vandal Lanzi model, and here is a picture:  I imagine that the models change every year or so. I understand that upcoming models from some helmet makers will have a built in sun visor. Now THAT sounds like a great thing for evening rides. | ||
| Prof_stack |
Well, I stopped at the local Suzuki store who was having their yearly BIG sale. I was planning on checking out their helmets. What I didn't expect was 20% off all helmets. So, I jumped in and bought this:  Better fit than the Suomy and also the Shoei RF1000 they also had. So, with the insurance money for a new helmet I had to shell out only an extra $60. Nice. Now, when will my Buell get fixed?  | ||
| Tom60 |
I have the same helmet, only in Red(Orange), very happy with the purchase! Cool camo, huh  | ||
| Hepburnhoney |
All excellent advice, Correct fit should always be the number one factor when buying a helmet. The number two factor: buying your helmet from someone who can educate you on fitment and hopefully know more about the helmets then you do. Personally Shoei fits me best I love my RF1000. I did ride with a scorpion for a few years and did not have an issue with it. Then ponied up the $ for shoei. My favorite feature of the Shoei models is visibility I swear I have about an inch more Peripheral vision with My Shoei than I have had with any other helmet. |
