Author Topic: Helmet discussion (Read 2652 times)

Skunk Stripe · « **on:** April 12, 2011, 02:56:26 PM »

So we all know about the big name helmets of course and dot and snell ratings and such.
My question is this: Would you try out a helmet that is NOT a big name such as hjc or icon YET is dot rated BUT also ece 22.05 rated?
Knowing that to pass ece ratings, each batch must be tested.

lately I have been checking out less expensive helmets that have still gotten fair reviews and some that have yet to be tested.
It seems to me that an ece rated lid would have to be pretty good when it comes to protection and has better quality control, protection-wise.

Not really looking for a "get what you pay for" line as there are plenty of times that axiom does not hold up. If we went down that road, we should all be dressed in full race leathers with armor everywhere and the whole 9 yards.

Have some of you bit the bullet and gotten cheaper helmets?

Gordon · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:29:54 PM »

I don't buy into the whole "If you have a cheap head buy a cheap helmet" thing either, but I would be leery of buying a helmet from a company that hasn't been around long enough to build up a good history and reputation. If each batch is tested, then safety may not be a big concern, but what about the other parts that can break easily or suffer from poor quality? Visor, hinges, vents and vent controls, strap, etc...

simon#42 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:41:56 PM »

in the early 80s i was sponsored by aria helmets , as no one had heard of them at that time and everyone thought i was mad , i got all the cheap head cheap helmet jokes . turns out they where and still are great helmets . dont be afraid to buy a make just because you havnt heard of them , go and have a look at them, check the quality for yourself and above all make sure it fits properly

kirkn · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:48:13 PM »

Yep - I've worn HJC's for 10 ~ 15 years now. Over the years, I've had open face, full face and flip-front full face.

And as far as I'm concerned, if it passes one of the certifications, I'm OK with it. Maybe I'm just gullible that way...

Kirk

Duanob · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:21:18 PM »

I'm looking at buying the HJC seems like they've been aorund long enough to know if they work or not.

I had an Aria back in 1979 for riding my cb360. I wish I would've hung onto it knowing how expensive they are now days.

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:39:01 PM »

Check this article that was published in Motorcyclist magazine:

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

They actually lost advertising over this article but they did their own independent study with some very interesting results. As for me, I have had to seek a better fit for my noggin as opposed to a better fit for my wallet. Arai is the only helmet maker that uses three different head form shapes. They have the "Standard" that all other helmet makers use, then there's the "Short Oval" which is a little longer than it is wide, and then there's the "Long Oval" (mine) that is a LOT longer than it is wide. The "Standard" shape always pinched me across the forehead, even in 2X (which starts to be a sloppy fit around the jaw), to the point I would have a headache after 2 hours (or less). Riding was starting to lose it's appeal for me due to the level of discomfort I was experiencing. After finding the "Long Oval" headform shape in the Arai "Profile" series the joy of riding has returned. I had to find the helmet at the closeout price of $350.00 (new) since I couldn't afford the $650.00 suggested retail. But if you find the "Standard" headform a comfortable fit then the above mentioned article can provide some very valuable insight. I think most members here will find that article very interesting, I know I was very surprised at the results.

Ride safe!

flopshot · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2011, 05:46:48 PM »

i've always been a helmet snob. pretty much a Bell junkie. the last helmet i bought (a Simpson) cost me 400.00. we used to look at the DOT helmets as red headed step children. i'm rethinking since i have more faith in standards these days.
one thing i can't stand is the look of many of the offerings as they seem more appropriate for a Japanese animation than something i'd actually put on my head.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2011, 01:44:46 AM »

The key thing for me is not the price but the standards it passes. If its BS standard in the UK and has ACU gold stickers then I'll wear it if it fits whether it costs £79 or £579. On the expensive helmets you often only get more toys like extra air vents with opening and closing shutters etc but no more protection.

With all kit, helmets, gloves, boots, leathers, you get what you pay for. The trick is to weed out those bits that cost money that you personally don't value and get the best protection you can...

gnarlycharlie4u · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:45:08 AM »

Quote from: lordmoonpie on April 13, 2011, 01:44:46 AM

The key thing for me is not the price but the standards it passes. If its BS standard in the UK and has ACU gold stickers then I'll wear it if it fits whether it costs £79 or £579. On the expensive helmets you often only get more toys like extra air vents with opening and closing shutters etc but no more protection.

With all kit, helmets, gloves, boots, leathers, you get what you pay for. The trick is to weed out those bits that cost money that you personally don't value and get the best protection you can...

this +1

I just bought a brand new HJC for $130ish. It's dot and snell approved and is way more comfy than about 3/4 of the helmets I've ever tried on. It's even more comfy than some Arai and Shoei helmets I've worn.

It really surprised me as I always thought that performance was a function of cost with helmets. Now I know it's not always true.
I was reluctant to try it on even b/c I'd developed this prejudice towards HJC. I always thought they were big heavy cheapo helmets.
It appears they've really stepped it up lately and I have totally changed my mind about the brand.

bikerbart · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2011, 04:20:23 PM »

I read the helmet test a couple of years ago and bought a Z1R full face which got rave reviews and tested better than the big money brands.I have been happy with it other than the shield attachment mechanism breaks at least once a year.its only about $12 to fix it so its still worth the $$$ I paid for it(about $120)I really want an Arai or a Shoei but I dont have 400-600 for a helmet.(I too dont buy the crap about the how much is your head worth((salesmans pitch))

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:07:00 PM »

Quote from: bikerbart on April 13, 2011, 04:20:23 PM

I read the helmet test a couple of years ago

I was beginning to wonder if anyone had checked out the link. The testing that was done, along with the list of experts in the field that were brought together, and the sheer depth of the article left me completely impressed. Based on the results of their testing I was seeking either a DOT or EU certified helmet when my research uncovered the fact that Arai was the only one that used different shapes (as opposed to different sizes of the same shape). If I could find a DOT certified helmet that didn't pinch me across the forehead I would rest assured that I would be as well protected as any other helmeted rider, if not actually better protected. Almost all helmets today are tens or hundreds of times better at absorbing impact than those from just 15 or so years ago. Find one that fits well, in a color you like, and if you get it for a reasonable price then take the money you saved and spend it on a Motorcycle Foundation Rider Safety Course.

Wheels down!

RatBikeRandy · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:10:35 PM »

HJC tends to make a great helmet. All of mine are Snell approved and every bit as nice as a Shoei or Arai for much less. I currently wear an Arai, but have not been extremely pleased with some of the features such as the way the eyebrow vents open.

Skunk Stripe · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2011, 08:15:38 PM »

I read that article which what prompted me to look for ece rated lids since each batch must be tested to be re-certified.

Nikkisixx · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:47:51 PM »

Quote from: madmtnmotors on April 13, 2011, 05:07:00 PM

I was beginning to wonder if anyone had checked out the link.

Yeah, it was a little light midnight reading

I was a surprised by Snell's response of - "nuh-uh!"

gnarlycharlie4u · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:55:10 PM »

Quote from: RatBikeRandy on April 13, 2011, 05:10:35 PM

HJC tends to make a great helmet. All of mine are Snell approved and every bit as nice as a Shoei or Arai for much less. I currently wear an Arai, but have not been extremely pleased with some of the features such as the way the eyebrow vents open.

yea it's the little things about arai and shoei that really sell the helmet. they are lighter, their profiles are great and their non-fog visors actually work.
but is it worth $800?
I don't think so. I could get another basket case on top of a new helmet for that kind of money.

MoMo · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:01:14 PM »

Quote from: bikerbart on April 13, 2011, 04:20:23 PM

I read the helmet test a couple of years ago and bought a Z1R full face which got rave reviews and tested better than the big money brands.I have been happy with it other than the shield attachment mechanism breaks at least once a year.its only about $12 to fix it so its still worth the $$$ I paid for it(about $120)I really want an Arai or a Shoei but I dont have 400-600 for a helmet.(I too dont buy the crap about the how much is your head worth((salesmans pitch))

Same here(yes, I read the article a couple years ago,too) and am really happy with the price(got a close out from Dennis Kirk for $12 new) and quality. I have not had any problem with the shield...Larry

gnarlycharlie4u · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:10:36 PM »

Quote from: photolar on April 13, 2011, 10:01:14 PM

Quote from: bikerbart on April 13, 2011, 04:20:23 PM
I read the helmet test a couple of years ago and bought a Z1R full face which got rave reviews and tested better than the big money brands.I have been happy with it other than the shield attachment mechanism breaks at least once a year.its only about $12 to fix it so its still worth the $$$ I paid for it(about $120)I really want an Arai or a Shoei but I dont have 400-600 for a helmet.(I too dont buy the crap about the how much is your head worth((salesmans pitch))

Same here(yes, I read the article a couple years ago,too) and am really happy with the price(got a close out from Dennis Kirk for $12 new) and quality. I have not had any problem with the shield...Larry

you bought a helmet for $12? #$%*.

MoMo · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:14:34 PM »

Yes, 12 plus something like 15 to ship. Total was $27, it was a Dennis Kirk close out on Ebay and no one else bid on it. One of my better deals

...Larry

gnarlycharlie4u · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:15:28 PM »

Quote from: photolar on April 13, 2011, 10:14:34 PM

Yes, 12 plus something like 15 to ship. Total was $27, it was a Dennis Kirk close out on Ebay and no one else bid on it. One of my better deals ...Larry

oh on ebay. haha I thought you meant through the website's closeout section.

socalenduro · « **Reply #19 on:** April 14, 2011, 08:13:03 AM »

like anything else the less you play the more often you should plan on replacing it.
and that does not imply that doing so is a bad move.

Skunk Stripe · « **Reply #20 on:** April 14, 2011, 09:54:58 AM »

Well, few years back I get some no name helmet and while it fit ok(a little large)nothing ever broke on it and as I was careful with the shield, there are few scratches. So low cost, does not always mean cheap or needs replacing more. My lid has just reached, actually past, its replacement age. Of course that does not mean all cheap stuff will hold up but expensive stuff can break too. Kind of crapshoot.

Grnrngr · « **Reply #21 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:16:34 AM »

Got my HJC at the Goodwill for $40, like new, fits great, has a Honda wing on the back of it...

socalenduro · « **Reply #22 on:** April 14, 2011, 01:09:27 PM »

just be aware alot of the materials that actually help displace the impact of a crash break down over time.
just because the outside shell is strong and uncracked does not mean the helmet has the protection it did when it was made

Skunk Stripe · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2011, 01:57:08 PM »

Yup. The eps loses its effectiveness over a few years. The shell, unless damaged by impact or exposure, is usually not much of an issue.

Kong · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2011, 04:26:40 PM »

My wife and I both use HJC helmets, and she has a second helmet as well. I bought mine first, and got it because it was the only helmet I could find that didn't interfere with my glasses, that and it was very comfortable. Ours are 3/4 Helmets with full flip-up face shields, I believe the model number is CL-33. I think I paid right at $100 for mine and my wife's was a little less. The best use I've ever had to put it to was and is executing bugs; it has killed them by the thousands.

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Author Topic: Helmet discussion (Read 2652 times)