Helmet advice

[ARtraveler]

View attachment 82386 You just knew that somebody would post something like this...

I like it--but would prefer moose horns. I am guessing they would cause some wind buffeting though. :roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

They double as CB, and XM radio antennas...

 

[ARtraveler]

Looking to buy a helmet. Any advice. Needs to be dual flip. Plan on using it to talk to the passenger, ect.

Everyone has posted very good advice. Fit, fit, fit, fit is the most important. You should be trying a few on to make sure you get that part right.

Not mentioned yet is that you should replace a current helmet if it has been dropped or is more than a couple years old. Just to make sure it will be ready and able when you really call upon it to do its appointed job.

My last four helmets have been Nolan. I like the flip up feature on the front. N-102 to N-104. You get a full face but don't have to wedge your head in it to get it on or off. I also like the drop down, built in sun shield. The Nolan's come with set up for their N-com communication system--but I tried it and don't like it. We currently use Sena and that set up is attached to the helmet.

The Nolan also has a type with a face shield and a removable chin bar--similar to the full face look. N-43 and N-44 series. Not as good or as safe as a full face--but a decision you make.

It's been two plus years on both our current helmets and with a new :spyder2: on order, I now have some encouragement to replace them. I plan on doing some shopping as the season progresses. Good luck in your hunt. :thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

Snell won't test modular helmets so saying they are unsafe because of that is misleading. HJC and Gmax are very similar. The Snell certification test is outdated, a helmet can pass their test and still transmit 300g's to the wearer's head, which is pretty much guaranteed to produce at least severe injury. I would expect them to upgrade their standards soon, helmets can be made now that far exceed either Snell or DOT.

The actual cost of Snell certification is minimal if you sell helmets world-wide, a few bucks per. The Snell certification is a selling point to people that believe in it, in the majority of real-world crashes a DOT helmet may actually be safer; it must transmit less energy in a flat impact, such as falling from the bike and hitting your head on the pavement.

http://www.ridermagazine.com/browse...-modular-motorcycle-helmets-buyers-guide.htm/

I know of one Snell approved modular, so saying they will not test them is not correct. They have tested and published the reasons for failure of quite a few. Every Snell approved helmet will also carry a DOT rating (in the US) the opposite is not true. Snell refuses to lower the standards to go from full face to modular. They refuse to test a modular as a 3/4 or open face standard, they test them as full face, and they mostly fail. Thus why I will not wear one yet. When modular are made to protect as well as full face helmets and are tested to do so, I will consider them.
T
he one that passed last year is a high end esoteric label and when I checked into it, no one in Houston carried it and ordering one was over $1000.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Basically a helmet is only needed for a few micro-seconds after a crash. Other than that, it is just a hat. A hat that can accomplish a few extra things like keep things a little quiet, keep bugs out of your eyes, provide sunglasses, be a sun visor, hold your phone or communications gear, etc. But it is still just a hat. It is a hat that has to be replaced if you smack into a wall or something while wearing it...but except for those few micro-seconds of "wall-smacking" it is still just a hat.

A real cheap DOT helmet provides almost as much protection as a $500 one. However, the "hat" properties are a lot different. So:
1. Make sure it fits.
2. Make sure the retention system will keep it on your head.
3. Make sure it has other properties that you might want such as color, flip up-ness, holds comm gear, has a rear view mirror (really there is at least one helmet that has one!), keeps out the cold, keeps out the noise, etc. This is where the expensive helmets are much different from the cheap ones.
4. Wear it. Those few micro-seconds that it was designed for are important.

 

[NancysToy]

.....Not mentioned yet is that you should replace a current helmet if it has been dropped or is more than a couple years old. Just to make sure it will be ready and able when you really call upon it to do its appointed job. .....

That's a bit overstated. Most manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet if it sustains a significant fall or damage, is involved in an accident, or if it is 3-5 years from date of purchase or 5-7 years from date of manufacture (on a sticker inside the lining).

 

[ARtraveler]

That's a bit overstated. Most manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet if it sustains a significant fall or damage, is involved in an accident, or if it is 3-5 years from date of purchase or 5-7 years from date of manufacture (on a sticker inside the lining).

Better safe than sorry? What would be your definition of "significant fall or damage?" How do I know if I should trust a helmet after that?

I am very conservative and that comes out sometimes. :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Arai

I know of one Snell approved modular, so saying they will not test them is not correct. They have tested and published the reasons for failure of quite a few. Every Snell approved helmet will also carry a DOT rating (in the US) the opposite is not true. Snell refuses to lower the standards to go from full face to modular. They refuse to test a modular as a 3/4 or open face standard, they test them as full face, and they mostly fail. Thus why I will not wear one yet. When modular are made to protect as well as full face helmets and are tested to do so, I will consider them.
T
he one that passed last year is a high end esoteric label and when I checked into it, no one in Houston carried it and ordering one was over $1000.

I absolutely agree. Love my Arai Defiant. Fits perfect, is quiet, and has way more than enough ventilation. In my opinion there is only one reason to wear a helmet. Safety, and I feel safe.

 

[joebryanjr]

Mine is a Scorpion modular with built in flip-up sun shield in addition to the face mask. The "modular" piece can be removed and a short visor installed. The flip-up visor remains with the shell.

 

[TexasSpyder]

Scorpion here fits my head great. Try any helmet on before buying.

J. D.

 

[M109Dreamer]

I know of one Snell approved modular, so saying they will not test them is not correct. They have tested and published the reasons for failure of quite a few. Every Snell approved helmet will also carry a DOT rating (in the US) the opposite is not true. Snell refuses to lower the standards to go from full face to modular. They refuse to test a modular as a 3/4 or open face standard, they test them as full face, and they mostly fail. Thus why I will not wear one yet. When modular are made to protect as well as full face helmets and are tested to do so, I will consider them.
T
he one that passed last year is a high end esoteric label and when I checked into it, no one in Houston carried it and ordering one was over $1000.

I have the Shark EVO modular and it is Snell and DOT approved. Very hard to get them out this way anymore. But I will buy another when the time comes. Take a look at them. There not as quiet as the full face but is nice when open, you dknt have the chin piece in the air with the wind hitting it. Ill look for the link.

Here is the link to video review done on it.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OCmJt8bc7TI


Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Oldmanzues]

I have few helmets but my favorite is the Shark since I can pull the front to the back if is too hot outside, Shark Evoline 3 ST Moovit I got it from Revzilla they have specials all the time and also can give you advise on the helmets...

Fit is very important. different brand/model have different head shapes as well as sizes.
I love my Shark. It feel kind of heavy to hold, but is does not feel that way oh my head.It has a locking system when the "bar" is pulled down, so in effect is as solid as most modular helmets that just kind of flip up
I normally ride with the bar down, but in real hot weather at slow speeds, it may be up. Most PGR escorts I leave it up as they are slow (normally) speed and the helmet still looks good. Mine also mets the EU Standards which are supposely more demanding then US
Oldmanzes

 

[NancysToy]

Better safe than sorry? What would be your definition of "significant fall or damage?" How do I know if I should trust a helmet after that?

I am very conservative and that comes out sometimes. :roflblack::roflblack:

Manufacturers seem to vary on what they consider to be a significant fall. If your head is in the helmet, I would consider it almost any fall where the helmet contacted the ground or another object. There is no way to tell if any of the foam shell's cells may have collapsed without being visible. Without the helmet on your head I'd worry about a fall from anywhere above about waist high. Less likely to cause foam damage, but deep gouges, or scratches penetrating into the fiberglass beyond the outer gel coat could compromise the strength of the helmet. All dents are bad. Any visible, radiating or traversing cracks are cause for rejection, too. These are just my criteria...all helmets pick up a few minor scuffs and dings from time to time. Your thresholds may vary. JMHO

 

[Dan McNally]

Everyone has posted very good advice. Fit, fit, fit, fit is the most important. You should be trying a few on to make sure you get that part right.

Not mentioned yet is that you should replace a current helmet if it has been dropped or is more than a couple years old. Just to make sure it will be ready and able when you really call upon it to do its appointed job.

My last four helmets have been Nolan. I like the flip up feature on the front. N-102 to N-104. You get a full face but don't have to wedge your head in it to get it on or off. I also like the drop down, built in sun shield. The Nolan's come with set up for their N-com communication system--but I tried it and don't like it. We currently use Sena and that set up is attached to the helmet.

The Nolan also has a type with a face shield and a removable chin bar--similar to the full face look. N-43 and N-44 series. Not as good or as safe as a full face--but a decision you make.

It's been two plus years on both our current helmets and with a new :spyder2: on order, I now have some encouragement to replace them. I plan on doing some shopping as the season progresses. Good luck in your hunt. :thumbup:

My current, and best fitting helmet, to date, is my Nolan N104. Lots have folks have stressed fit . . . that is very important. After having a few helmets with drop down, tinted visors, I'll never buy another that doesn't have that feature. The Nolan has a pinlock visor that has also sold me on that feature. No matter how cold it is, I get no fogging on the visor. A wise man once said: "If you have a $50 brain, get a $50 helmet . . . what is your brain worth?" Get the best you can afford, and make sure it fits. Hit every place that sells them, near you, and try one every helmet that has the features you want. If buying online, check their return policy, in case it doesn't fit, properly. Good places will take it back, no questions (or restock fee!)

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Snoopy, The World War II Flying Ace, wears a leather helmet. I'm just sayin'

 

[tobor9]

Mine is a Scorpion modular with built in flip-up sun shield in addition to the face mask. The "modular" piece can be removed and a short visor installed. The flip-up visor remains with the shell.

We have the same model,nice helmet :yes:

 

[bertmc]

Two more votes for Shoei Neotech. Also had Nolan modulars and liked them. If you wear glasses and can put the helmet on or take it off without removing your glasses, it is probably too loose. I did that for years before I got a proper fit.

 

[jcthorne]

I have the Shark EVO modular and it is Snell and DOT approved. Very hard to get them out this way anymore. But I will buy another when the time comes. Take a look at them. There not as quiet as the full face but is nice when open, you dknt have the chin piece in the air with the wind hitting it. Ill look for the link.

Here is the link to video review done on it.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OCmJt8bc7TI


Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Revzilla and the mfg web site both show the Shark EVO as DOT approved but not Snell M2010.

 

[Indyron]

Get one that fits properly! nojoke

The fit of a helmet is more important than the styling or color. It needs to fit snugly all around, with no pressure points or hot spots. It needs fasten securely, and be unable to be moved without moving your scalp with it. Try one on and wear it around the store for 15-20 minutes...no matter who stares. If it doesn't fit right, don't just select a larger size, choose a different model or brand.

Go to www.revzilla.com they have several videos on how to match helmet manufacturer sizing with the shape of your head. Very good videos, pricing and customer service.

 

[Bob Denman]

What is a,"significant" fall?
Any one that gives you time to think...
"Oh :shocked:; this is gonna HURT!" :yikes: