Helment suggestions...??

[Questions]

I'm on the verge of becoming a spyder owner and losing my motorcycle virginity :-) I was wanting some suggestions on helmets, i.e brands or types. Thanks!

[MSGTDOC]

Here is what the wife and I use. They are great for us. But it is up to the person that wears them. I like the built in sun visor that moves up and down when I need it. That way i don't have to carry sun glasses when i ride.
http://www.extremesupply.com/nolanhelmets/n42.htm

[Amanda B]

I like the dual visor option as well. So, I can shade my eyes during the day and one quick flip and I'm good to go when it gets darker. I'm getting this one as soon as it's out. I've had several helmets thus far (Gmax and a couple HJC) not too pleased with them. Gmax is nice as it has lots of vents which is nice when it's hot but it's noisy. HJC helmets are usually cheaper but nothing special. Go check out different ones and different features and try them on, that's your best bet.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...=45&zmap=24295

[SpyderWolf]

I have this GMax:


http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...rd-Helmet.aspx

With a photochromatic shield that changes from smoke to clear on its own. It is a little loud, but I believe it is due to all of the vents that give good air flow to my head. That is important to me in the summer time.

A few weeks ago, I tried on one of the Can-Am GSX2 helmets:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Can-A...Q5fMerchandise

While it may not have a lot of colorful graphics, this is a very nice helmet. It has the flip down sun visor in it, and also includes an air system where you press a button to pump up the inside for a custom fit. I am seriously considering buying one of these. Meanwhile, my wife keeps asking how many helmets I need, as this would be my 5th.

The most important thing is to make sure you have a good fit. The next is to make sure the helmet is DOT approved, SNELL approved is even better but you want at least DOT as some states will not let you ride while wearing helmets that are not DOT. The rest is up to your own likes and style preferences.

[NancysToy]

After an accident several years ago where I hit the ground square in the face, and was knocked unconscious for four hours, I will not wear anything but a full-face helmet on the road. That is what saved my life and my looks, and that is what I will continue to wear. I cannot choose for you, but that is the safest choice.

A helmet needs to fit properly. The only way to find that out is to try them on. Most people wear a helmet that is too big, and thus less safe, just for comfort because they compromised on the fit. Different brands have different shapes, so what is good for me may not be good for you. Some manufacturers, like Arai, make several shapes. Features like different sized, exchangeable cheek pads, seen with the more expensive helmets, can make the fit better, too. The right helmet will contact the head firmly, at the same pressure, all the way around. If you feel a pressure point or a hot spot just trying it on, it will be excrutiating by the end of a ride. The helmet should fit snugly, and should not be able to be readily lifted, twisted, or wobbled back and forth when properly strapped. You will look and feel like an idiot, but I highly recommend trying on the helmet you are considering, and wearing it around the store for 5-10 minutes. A few seconds does not tell you much.

If you can get to someplace like the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, a trained dealer can fit you. There are also a few trained Arai dealers around the country. For most other brands, the fit is up to you. I highly recommend you visit the page on helmet fit on the Arai site, no matter which brand you choose.

BTW, my crash was in a G-Max, and it did its job, yet I wonder if I would have been knocked out in a helmet that fit slightly better. Currently I have a Fulmer and a Scorpion EXO-700. All are nice. There are several good brands of helmets that just won't fit my head, much to my dismay. My next helmet will likely be an Arai. They put me down a whole size or two, once they found the right shape for my head. My wife ended up with an Arai after searching several years for a helmet that fit right. A good helmet may be expensive, but remember the old saying, "How much is your head worth?" On the other hand, due to the helmet testing and certification requirements, if you can find a cheaper helmet that fits well, you should be assured that it will be safe. There are a lot of good helmets out there. Go try some on.

[Amanda B]

I tried on the Can Am helmet too, just last weekend. It was nice, but a little plain for my liking. I was looking at the Shark helmet, and found a different one that I'm thinking about...more visibility at night. Both are the same helmet, it glows at night. I figure with the dual visor, you could open the clear visor up for air...I did that in the summer even with the Gmax when it was hot, but then a bug hit my eye!

[SpyderWolf]

When I bought my Suzuki GSX-R 750 new in 1986, I was able to get the dealer to throw an Arai helmet into the deal. It was by far the best helmet I have ever worn. I have not taken the time to look for an Arai dealer in this area, but it would probably be a good idea for me to look before I buy another helmet.

Amanda, I like the one that glows in the dark as well. Anything that helps with visibility at night is a good thing. The GMax I have has a red LED light bar on the back with 4 modes, solid, slow flash, rapid flash, and off. I use the solid on at night to help the cars behind me see me better, and realize there is something higher than the tail light in front of them. I will not use the fast flash mode, as I am afraid of throwing someone into a seizure and having them run me over.

[Bitten]

Slayer Helmet!

[SpyderWolf]

If you can get to someplace like the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, a trained dealer can fit you. There are also a few trained Arai dealers around the country. For most other brands, the fit is up to you. I highly recommend you visit the page on helmet fit on the Arai site, no matter which brand you choose.

Thanks for that information as well Scotty. It looks like I may actually get to check this out in a few days in Daytona. This page has the details and says they will be there from March 3-6.

http://www.motorcycleshows.com/daytona

[SpyderWolf]

Slayer Helmet!

That is the cool thing about helmets today, they have styles that fit just about any personality out there.

[RShrimp]

There are sooo many options out there but I can cut through all the hype and tell you exactly which helmet to get with only 2 criteria.

1. Full Face (anything else is just a funny hat)
2. The one that fits your head.

Where should you buy it????
Where ever you can get help with fitment.

If you walk in and say "I want to buy a helmet" and the guy says "They are over there" then that's not the place.

If the guy says "let's see which one fits" and follows you over to help you find it, then when you find it, write the check.

[Dudley]

There are sooo many options out there but I can cut through all the hype and tell you exactly which helmet to get with only 2 criteria.

1. Full Face (anything else is just a funny hat)
2. The one that fits your head.

Where should you buy it????
Where ever you can get help with fitment.

If you walk in and say "I want to buy a helmet" and the guy says "They are over there" then that's not the place.

If the guy says "let's see which one fits" and follows you over to help you find it, then when you find it, write the check.

I agree. That's the difference between a shop/store that "sells" helmets and one that "services" the customers.

[1VENOM]

I'm on the verge of becoming a spyder owner and losing my motorcycle virginity :-) I was wanting some suggestions on helmets, i.e brands or types. Thanks!

I have the HJC SY-MAX II, I like the flip down sun visor and in the summer you can leave the visor up and enjoy the air, with you face protected. It has the polycarbonate chin bar that drops down, (making it easier to use). Check out WWW.newenough.com for the best deals on all your personal gear. http://www.newenough.com/street/helm...le_helmet.html
This what I wear.

[wukka]

I'm on the verge of becoming a spyder owner and losing my motorcycle virginity :-) I was wanting some suggestions on helmets, i.e brands or types. Thanks!

I also have the Scorpion EXO-700 and like it very much. That would be my recommendation.

As far as helmets in general, I agree with the consensus that it MUST be a full-face or modular to provide you with the protection that you need.

And if you are shocked by the price of a *GOOD* helmet, just remember...What's protecting your brain worth?

[Sarge707]

I bought a Red Scorpion 400 at a steal for afternoon rides and a G-Max 3/4 (Spyder Yellow) for going to the gym or local grocery shopping.welcome

[DynamoBT]

As others have said, "full face" is the way to go. Modular or "flip up" also fine. Injuries to the chin are the most common. So if you choose less protection, know the risks.

After the type of helmet, fit is the most important feature. If a helmet is uncomfortable and causes pressure points on your head while riding, you won't wear it. That's the reason why you have to go someplace to try helmets on to find your size. I also like to support my local motorcycle stores. So if you go and have a dealer spend time with you to find the right fit, you should buy your helmet from them. Once you know your sized in particular brand, then you can shop online for you next helmet. "Next" helmet you say? I don't think I know anyone with only one helmet!! I've found that not all Mediums are the same. So the same size in different brand than the one you tried on will not necessarily fit the same.

As everyone said too, there are enough graphic options out there to just about please everyone. Keep in mind that your helmet is one of the most visible items in your gear. So "white" or "hi-vis" are definitely options. There are a lot of reflective tape kits out there to dress up a "plain" helmet. You'll find that graphics cost more than single color helmets.

I wear a Shoei RF-1000 The new RF-1100 models are out. Expensive? Yes, But worth it, I think.

Keep in mind that helmets definitely have a finite lifetime. The consensus is 5 years from beginning of wearing it. Some say 5 years from "build date" which can be found inside the helmet. But "finite" no matter how you cut it. Some helmets have replaceable liners and cheek padding. And if they come out, you can wash them. Just make sure you don't settle for anything that you don't love on your head.

[Firefly]

Good advice from everyone so far.
My collection includes:

Scorpion EXO-400
Scorpion EXO-700
Scorpion EXO-1000
Scorpion EXO-100

I use the EXO-1000 full face with drop-down sun screen most of the time. The EXO-100 is a 1/2 helmet with drop-down sun screen that I use in really hot weather. I also have some other helmets that I can't think of what they are right now.

I really like the EXO-1000 the best---- just fits me well.

The reason I'm listing all my helmets is to let you know that your first pick won't be your last.... it's quite common to try various helmets and 'upgrade' pretty quickly during your first year or so of riding.

[Some Guy]

Hey Firefly! Aren't you the "no helmet guy" from Spyders in the Smokies?!

What brand is the white half-helmet?

(sorry...I just couldn't resist! )

[SpyderGirl]

I wear a Shoei RF-1000 and I love it. Lightweight, comfortable, and it does well in blocking a fair amount of wind noise. I rode with it on at freeway speed with my sport bike with no complaints. Shoei can be pricey, but there are closeout deals all the time and you can get them for 50% off or more. Just test fit a similar helmet of the same brand first before shopping online.

This is my helmet.

[Country Spyder]

I have several helmets and all are Scorpions. It should also be noted that everyone who said the can am helmets are plain (which they are), the helmets are just scorpion helmets with a can am logo on the back. the GSX-2 is the Scorpion 1000. the 1000 comes in several pattern options and is a great choice. It also works well with the Scala Q2 headset.

Hope it helps....

CS

[vwatso]

I have all Scorpion
1000
900
700
200
I like the 900 the best. More options.

[bone crusher]

HJC IS-16...

whatever you get, make sure to get a dropdown sun shield...makes a huge difference.

There is really no need to spend a lot of money on a helmet as many well-made helmets are significantly cheaper than others. Provided they all provide the same amount of protection and are DOT approved (new DOT), you're good to go.

Try some on first though...they do tend to fit differently...

[Roger]

I agree with scotty. All the pretty colors and gizmo's on a helmet may look pretty but don't do anything for protection. I have stressed this to everybody that i help to get into the sport. "DON'T BE CHEAP ON YOUR HELMET" find a quality one that fits comfortably and meets all dot requirements and then once you find the right helmet you can look for all the colors and farkles you want. Getting a helmet can be fun trying different ones so take your time and ask questions. let us know how you make out.

[ARtraveler]

I have come to like Nolan Helmets. Prefer a full face helmet and the N103 has a flip up front that makes it easy to put on and take off. There is a pair of sunshades on the inside that work from a lever on the helmet. In addition, you can insert a bluetooth communication device directly into the helmet. We use Cardo 2's--so they just attach on the bottom of the helmet. A wide range of plain colors is available as well as a more "spicier" Motorrad version. Look at Motorcyclesuperstore.com for real good prices and service. About $300. Dont skimp on price or quality--there are $50 helmets out there. Whatever you buy, buy a good one.

[Roaddog2]

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