Topic: Helmets, head shape, and a pain in my wallet

[super pasty white guy]

So,

In preparation for the 750 I'm about to buy (haven't ridden since high school), I'm buying a helmet.  I went over to several stores and the one that fits best is an Arai profile at nearly $500 and it fits really nice too.  Anyone have a helmet recommendation for my long-oval noggin?

I tried on the HJCs and they press uncomfortably on the forhead, the Shoei x-1000 was ok.  I couldn't get the Ikon and Fulmer off my head fast enough- Ouch!

It's my brains and I'm not going to cut corners, but if there's another possibility out there, I'd like to try it.  I was really hoping to be in the $2-300 range.

Dave

[kghost]

The nolan X100 series with the flip up chin bar has always been my favorite. The latest model even has a flip down tinted portion ala fighter pilot brain buckets. Quite the handy feature if your riding west a sunset or east a dawn.

They run about $300.00

Another cheaper option is the Vega line. They have solid full face and flip up chin bars. They run about $150.

I have an AGV at the moment. Made in italy at about $250

You have the right Idea trying them on if its not comfortable you won't wear it.

Keep looking

[tsflstb]

Arai makes a good helmet.  I probably look stupid, but I wear a $500 Arai when I ride my $600 motorcycle.  I really like it, but when it needs replacing, I'll probably find something cheaper.  They stopped selling over the internet, so you pretty much pay retail for one now.

I also have a Shoei and a cheapie M2R helmet.  The big difference between these and the Arai is the weight.  I had to use the Shoei for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I could feel the additional strain on my neck.  Of course, if that's all I had, I'd probably be used to it.

Motorcyclist did a big writeup a couple months ago and concluded that the cheap helmets work just as good if not better than the pricey ones.  The only tradeoffs I can see are the weight and comfort.  Look at some of the Nolans, AFX, KBC, THH, Icons...etc out there and see what feels good.

[Chris Liston]

I've been using Arai Quantum helmets for about 7 hears now.  Best helmet, but pricey $450-500.  Think of it this way.  If you have a $5 head buy a skull cap.  My heads worth alot more than that   I have no issues every justifying $500 helmets.  Helmets are you get what you pay for.  Probably one of the only things.

[Gordon]

I have no issues every justifying $500 helmets.  Helmets are you get what you pay for.  Probably one of the only things.

Care to let us in on the reasearch to back this up?

[kghost]

I have no issues every justifying $500 helmets.  Helmets are you get what you pay for.  Probably one of the only things.

Care to let us in on the reasearch to back this up?

Certainly not what testing would indicate is it Gordon? The myth lives on 

[Rushoid]

Apparently, some months ago, Motorcyclist did an artical about Snell-rated helmets and ones that are just DOT-rated. I didn't get to read it though. Something about how the Snell rating doesn't really amount to a hill of beans because their testing methods were outdated. Anybody know the details of this article?

For the record, I'm using a DOT approved, $65 (new), full-face Vega. Fits my $65 melon just fine. Seems pretty light - but I have a pretty thick neck (and head, and belly, and.... well you get the idea). The only thing I don't like about it is that, if I don't put it on at just the right angle, the lining creases at the forehead. Ouch.

[cbjunkie]

search for it here - somebody posted the link...

it's a good article, you'll need some time to read it as it goes into depth on the rating systems, materials and costs...

pasty,
too bad you don't like the HJC, man...I guess it comes down to fit, huh? When I put on an HJC it was after a day of trying on many other inexpensive brands and it fit so perfectly I knew I'd found my helmet.

AND, it saved my life this past October...now I need a new one, but it saved my life.

If anyone finds that article re-post it here - it's worth reading and might save you some bucks...

junkie out...

[tsflstb]

Here it is...remember I'm just the messenger. 

http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

I think pretty much any proper-fitting full face helmet will do the job.  Some free benefits (for me at least) are reduced noise, wind buffeting and fatigue.  The dynamics of a real crash are so unpredictable it's hard to put too much trust in a helmet.  I wear mine hoping to never know how good it is.

[Terry in Australia]

Luckily for me, I get new Shoei's for free, (Army) I just replaced my 2 year old RF700 with a new one, (can't remember the model) no schmancy graphics mind, but good quality and good fit. You need to throw 'em out after a couple of years, (we don't have riding "seasons" in the great land of Oz, it's good to go 24/7 here) as the styrofoam liner goes hard and will damage your noggin if you get spat down the road.

I bought a matt black Chinese open face helmet (HJC?) and it doesn't feel as "snug" as the Shoei, but at under 100 bucks it's fine, I just have to remember to throw myself backwards on impact so as not to grind off my beautiful face...

I really want one of these "Reevu" helmets, http://www.reevu.com/

I watched a science program last night ("Beyond Tomorrow") and I thought they were amazing, they're around the same price as a Shoei, and I can take those mirrors off my bike too, bonus! Cheers, Terry.

[super pasty white guy]

Well, this discussion is coming back around to what I've concluded myself after reading everything I could find for the last 2 weeks-  You can argue about standards, but the only thing that matters is what happens when your own head hits the pavement.  And there's no predicting which helmet will be best when it happens.  So you might as well buy whatever is the most comfortable for the $ you have to spend.  I was just hoping the most comfortable didn't cost as much as it's gonna.   At least my local Honda dealer is offering me a 10% military discount to take a bit of the sting out of the final bill (good chaps-  they may have a bit more business heading their way).

And dang if webbikeworld doesn't say that the Reevu fits like a HJC.

thanks for the input all

Dave

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

WOW! I want a reevu!!!!!!!! I just emailed them to find out where you can buy them. I'm stoked!

[Terry in Australia]

They really are a brilliant piece of kit, I should try to convince the Army to buy them................ 

[CaféElite]

I have a icon alliance that I got for 130 via a local shop. The helmet fits great compaired to some of the 300 plus helmets I tried on...

That reevu looks pretty cool but it probably cost a good chunk of change and I would fear reflection via the sun and headlights. They make a comment under the FAQ about reflection but I would have to see in person to believe its not going to blind your eyes off your face if you get hit w/ a good chunk of sun. I didnt see a comment on weight either...

[hawkeye]

I have a icon alliance that I got for 130 via a local shop. The helmet fits great compaired to some of the 300 plus helmets I tried on...

That reevu looks pretty cool but it probably cost a good chunk of change and I would fear reflection via the sun and headlights. They make a comment under the FAQ about reflection but I would have to see in person to believe its not going to blind your eyes off your face if you get hit w/ a good chunk of sun. I didnt see a comment on weight either...

I also have an Icon Alliance but the damn shield flips up when I turn my head on the interstate.  Next time I think I might put a little more money into my helmet.  Icon is comfortable but the details are just not there for me.

[toycollector10]

Here is some more info on the Reevu helmet.  Reevu's website wasn't much. This explains it a bit better.

http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4855/

[Bob Wessner]

So, just how much is this little bit of technology?

[Terry in Australia]

The projected price was around $400.00 US, and that must still be right, because trhe program I watched last night quoted the price as around $500.00 AUD, which translates to around $400.00 US.

As much as I'd prefer it to be half that price, I'd still buy one if I could scrap my mirrors. (on my racer project) I wonder if the cops would let me off a fine if I showed 'em my "Reevu"? Cheers, Terry.

[scott_cb650]

I love my Zeus flip lid.

I tried on many styles and brands in the stores and then bought it on-line.

I also bought a M2R that my wife and kids share.  It's light and has full coverage.

[Chris Liston]

I have no issues every justifying $500 helmets.  Helmets are you get what you pay for.  Probably one of the only things.

Care to let us in on the reasearch to back this up?

Don't have personal accident experience, but put on a $100 Helmet and go riding.  Then put on a $500 helmet and go riding.  Chances are it will be alot quieter, have better padding and feel and general better workmanship.  The DOT/Snell part is just a minimum requirement so you can't really say there the same because the of that.  All I know from personaly experience is that Arai helmets are the most comfortable for me.  I've had Shoei RF8xx's and they didn't fit right, pricey though.  I've tried on HJC's, Icon's,etc...  There nice helmets but compared the the Arai in my opinion there is no comparing.  Granted, Arai makes less expensive helmets too and they probably fit good, but its little things like noise different contruction technics and finish (not paint jobs) that make my Quantums awsome helmets. 

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

Emailed Reevu for some dealer info: and it seems like the folks in the states will have to wait a litle while before we can put our grubby little hands on one of these. Here's what I got back:

Hi Jay
 
Due to the huge demand created here in Europe, we do not have distribution in the USA yet. We are going through the preliminary tests for the DOT and should have the full certification this year hopefully around September. We will then be able to put distribution in place and introduce the helmets into the US market.
 
Until we have the DOT the helmets can not be shipped into the USA.
 
They retail for around 400 Euros in Europe, we hope that it will cost no more than $400-450 when it lands in the States, but due to local taxes etc, will not know an exact price.
 
We have a mailing list to keep you updated of when the helmets are available in your country.
 
I will keep you posted once I have news.

Nicola

[Bob Wessner]

Hmm, not yet DOT certified. Wonder what standards they use in Europe?

[volthause]

I just replaced my several year old Shoie with a Scorpion EXO-700. It's lighter, quieter, fits better, and it comes with a treated no-fog faceshield. All for right under $200.

I'm pretty happy with it.

[meanboyjr]

I've ridden with an HJC of one type or another (CL-12, CL-14, AC-10) over the last few years. I have the exact same problem with the pressure thing with a new HJC - leaves a red spot on my forehead - but after a few days, it seems to work itself out and the fit is very good. I also have a Scorpion EXO-400 that I'm pretty happy with, too.

Two of my riding buddies swear by their new Icons, for what it's worth.

[Terry in Australia]

Hmm, not yet DOT certified. Wonder what standards they use in Europe?

Here you go Bob, have a read of this article: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

It appears that the DOT standard is the minimum of four standards applied in the US, the European standard is apparently more realistic, and is accepted by 50 countries.

I'm guessing that Reevu have been so busy selling them in Europe that they haven't gotten around to handing some over for DOT testing to allow them to be sold in the US, or more likely, the DOT testing is being held up by beurocratic red tape. Cheers, Terry.