Author Topic: Full face helmet recommendations? (Read 1629 times)

grumpy · « **on:** January 14, 2009, 07:53:33 AM »

I want a new full face.
I'm looking for something the has a small profile and great peripheral visibility.
My current helmet was made w/ extra room for radio headsets so it's big and bulky with a large surface area. Thus it catches a LOT of wind and jerks my head around quite a bit, especially when I turn my head.
Plus the field of vision could be better.

Any suggestions for <$300?

This one is a possibility...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/8202/CITEM/KBC-VR-2R-Helmet-Closeouts.aspx

tsflstb · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2009, 08:27:39 AM »

I have a $500 Arai helmet that is getting old. I bought a new Scorpion EXO 400 on closeout for $60 and didn't expect much. It's so cheap because it has a plastic shell instead of the composite shell. That may actually be better in a crash judging by some tests.

I can't see anywhere where it's really inferior to the Arai. Fit, finish, noise level and weight is all about the same and the visor is actually easier to change out. It doesn't have quite as much venting, but that may not matter to you.

andy750 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2009, 08:31:56 AM »

I love (or loved before it got stolen) my Shoei TZR helmet - $273. Great fit, good for long distances, highway, noise etc.

Keep in mind all helmets are different and one large size from Shoei will not fit like a large size from Arai and so on...Id only buy a helmet online that I had tried on somewhere first. HJC and Shoei (large size) seem to have a similar fit (at least for me).

Good place for helmet reviews is here:

Scorpion EX 400 as an example...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/scorpion/exo-400/

and Shoei TZ-R

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/tz-r/

good luck
Andy

grumpy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2009, 08:49:37 AM »

Actually, I've looked at that TZ-R as well.
Gotta like the orange!

I tried on the KBC in my link. Fits pretty well.

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:05:45 AM »

Love my Scorpion helmet.....have the ex700....I think?? $:-\$

Lighter than the HJC and KBC I compared it to.

Held up great in a race crash I had last october at Barber Motorsports park....hit the pavement pretty hard around 60mph.....scratched the helmet good...but no other damage to the inside.

kirkn · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:13:32 AM »

I like my HJC flip-front. I don't remember what model it is. It was very reasonably priced and fits well and is comfortable. It's a bit noisy, but I wear earplugs always anyway, so I don't really notice. If I happen to ride without the plugs, I notice it.

Ohio, everything I've ever read (admittedly biased by liability-speak) always mentions helmets as being one-crash-only devices. Not meant to provide any protection that second time. Especially rapping the pavement at 60 mph. I'd be thinking about a replacement if I were you.

Artfrombama · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:37:53 AM »

I've always bought Shoei helmets but this last one was an HJC CL-15. Was $100. but is comfortable and easy to get on and off. Liner is removable.

bunghole · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:00:59 AM »

I have the Arai Profile and like it alot. I can't compare to other models though since I went from a half helmet to a full. The visor is a little tough to change, but you don't need any tools, so that's a plus. Seems to vent well enough. I think there is also plenty of room between pads for any headphones you might want to install.

Really? · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:56:36 AM »

I have always had a thing for Shoei. Although, I am due for another one. The wife is ok with HJC. The bro needed a helmet on the spot becuase he didn't have his Arai with him. He picked up a Bell form walmart and was surprised at how much he liked it. At least you can fit the helmet there without worring about a salesman coming up to you.

What heppen to Bell, have they gotten cheap or something? I remember in my youth that it was Bell and Simpson that you wanted to have. Shoei was there but cheaper than them at the time.

ohiocaferacer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:05:13 AM »

Quote from: kirkn on January 14, 2009, 09:13:32 AM

Ohio, everything I've ever read (admittedly biased by liability-speak) always mentions helmets as being one-crash-only devices. Not meant to provide any protection that second time. Especially rapping the pavement at 60 mph. I'd be thinking about a replacement if I were you.

Yeah thats what they say........I dont know that I would completely agree. All depends on the impact and damage to the helmet. I've crashed enough helmets to know when they are done.

Attached pic is Barber Motorsports Park 2008......PRE-CRASH IN THE RAIN!!

Really like the Scorpion helmets.....will buy another one....definately!!

rbmgf7 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:18:56 AM »

i have a fulmer that costs about $130. fit more comfortably then the $200-$300 but does make me look like a bobble-head doll. keeps out a relative amount of noise and does keep me warm when i ride in 20-30F weather. no gripes but i don't have anything to compare to. no one around here sells shoei.

eldar · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:27:16 AM »

Lets add some fire here. DOT or Snell ratings?
Many figure to get snell but an article that has been posted a few times seems to counter that claim. Their seemed to find that snell helmets actually transfered MORE force tho the head than a DOT rated lid.

It is a couple years old now and snell may have changed but given their responses to this article, maybe not..

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

Rocking-M · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2009, 02:26:50 PM »

Quote from: bunghole on January 14, 2009, 10:00:59 AM

I have the Arai Profile and like it alot. I can't compare to other models though since I went from a half helmet to a full. The visor is a little tough to change, but you don't need any tools, so that's a plus. Seems to vent well enough. I think there is also plenty of room between pads for any headphones you might want to install.

I crashed with the Arai Profile and I replaced this helmet with one jus like it.
My crash was a high side with some pretty good height before the inpact,
a short flight with a rough landing is how I saw it.
At about 70mph. Arai fits my head shape the best of any helmet I've tried.
The different version Arai's are made for different head shapes.
I'm sure there are other good helmets but don't skimp.

Jay Leno did a pretty good bit with the Arai Man.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1160709-jay-leno-the-arai-man

my78k · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2009, 02:39:19 PM »

Another thing to consider when considering ratings is whether you have any plans on even a track day. Up here no track that I know of will let you on without a Snell rating....DOT is fine for the street though. I have no idea about down south though let alone State to State variations.

I currently have an HJC but love the Sorpion EXO1000. Just no coin right now...

Dennis

eldar · « **Reply #14 on:** January 14, 2009, 02:50:10 PM »

A lot of people have been taken by the snell rating. I really have to wonder though if it truly is better. We can all agree that lower G forces to the head is better. One of the best helmets in that test was not rated snell, only dot. Yet it did better than the snell helmets. Something to ponder I suppose. biggest thing is to make sure the helmet actually fits good.

Rocking-M · « **Reply #15 on:** January 14, 2009, 03:58:19 PM »

Eldar, the helmet you mention in the test was the Z1-R. I own one and wore it for a while.
Fit was not good. I personally think from my one test that fit is the most important consideration.
The video I posted "again" from Jay Leno's visit with the Arai dude goes into the fit aspect.
Most good helmet makers offer good fitment options.

I don't know if you watched the video but the MotoGP wreck footage shows some serious
helmet slapping. Fit really counts when you wreck and I would add especially when one is
considering g-forces to the head.

alltherightpills · « **Reply #16 on:** January 14, 2009, 04:08:37 PM »

I've got a Scorpion and love it. I ended up going to all of the bike shops in town and wearing the helmets that were in my price range around the store for a half an hour or so each. I knew I'd be there for a while so I brought a book. You'll look like a freaking idiot sitting there reading, but it having the helmet on for longer than a couple of minutes will help you figure out which helmet fits the best.

Some of the ones I tried felt awesome when I put them on, but then after 15 min. I could start to feel some pressure spots. I knew that I'd be distracted by those spots while riding so it was worth the funny looks to find one that fit perfectly and was comfortable. Cause if it isn't comfortable, you won't wear it.

eldar · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2009, 07:35:10 PM »

Fit is every bit as important as protection. I will never deny that. It is just like any other gear. It could be the best in the world but if it does not fit, you will never wear it.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #18 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:14:42 PM »

I've got these:

Gmax GM68 Full Face - WebBikeWorld's Helmet of the Year 07.
http://mavrik-powersports.com/buy/Helmets/GMAX_GM68_Full_FACE_HELMET_526119.aspx

Fulmer D4 Apache Ghost Red
http://www.fulmerhelmets.com/Product/afd4.html

grumpy · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2009, 02:12:01 PM »

Quote from: alltherightpills on January 14, 2009, 04:08:37 PM

You'll look like a freaking idiot sitting there reading, but it having the helmet on for longer than a couple of minutes will help you figure out which helmet fits the best.

Nice!

Rocking-M · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:07:34 PM »

If I had the bucks this would be my next helmet!
Same face I made just before deer impact.

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/performance-motorsports/Store/Search.aspx?sck=19010362&Page=1&Sort=1&key=valentino%20rossi%20face

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Author Topic: Full face helmet recommendations? (Read 1629 times)

eldar

Rocking-M

eldar

Rocking-M

eldar

Rocking-M