Helmet questions...

[IWN2RYD]

Hey everyone...

We are now starting the hunt for new helmets. So I am looking for input from as many of you as possible. What I am wanting to learn is the following...

1. What helmets "Actually" have different thickness padding available that I can order. Even if it is from a different sized helmet?
2. Where is a good place to go in Washington where we will not be sold a helmet, but helped in finding the best fitting to purchase for our situation? Oh, and has MANY of the brands??
3. Are the helmets made for these earpieces or are there ones that are?
4. What brands (If possible) do we stay away from in regards to top heavy? (We have had a few in the past)
5. Would it be better to remove the padding and earpieces and then drill a deeper indent for the earpieces?
6. What Brand(s) are the ones we should always keep in the "Always try" list?

My wife and I are using the Scorpion EXO-900 helmets... We like them well enough... My wife (Small lady) says hers is pretty top heavy. Now I can say, placing her helmet next to mine, they looks exactly the same size. We have to look inside to see who's is who's. So I can see where she gets this feeling from.

But just like when we ryde in the dirt... you find little things after a few hours of use that our "Fitting" session will not show.

For example... My right ear is hurting significantly after about one hour of ryding. This is because of the earpiece added to the helmet. I was fine before these had been added. Wife has the same issue, but to her left ear. We both end up soar on both ears of course.

But this is causing us to pull over about every 40 minutes to get a break from the pain/discomfort. That is not good for ryding in groups...

We are new to the "On-Road" driving. All of our knowledge is in the dirt. Our "Off-Road" dealer quit selling Can-Am one year before the Spyders came out... They decided to add another building and put Harley Davidson in it for some silly reason or another.:roflblack::roflblack: (Laughing because that was a good idea :thumbup So they are not much help. We get a standoffish form of assistance when we pull in front. We have to sneak in or drive our car to get normal service. This makes me not want to spend any more $$ there. Outside of course folks are all over the "Cool" factor of the Spyder :thumbup:

Anyway... Just looking for the next helmet in the series I know we will end up owning a collection when it is all said and done.

Safety... Well we learned there is no real method to know exactly how safe in what configuration the DOT is vs the other in another thread beyond the sticker. So my focus here eliminates that anyway. All the helmets we would be looking at I am sure have the DOT and potential additional ones..

Thanks for everyone input!:spyder2:

 

[bone crusher]

Hey everyone...

We are now starting the hunt for new helmets. So I am looking for input from as many of you as possible. What I am wanting to learn is the following...

1. What helmets "Actually" have different thickness padding available that I can order. Even if it is from a different sized helmet?
2. Where is a good place to go in Washington where we will not be sold a helmet, but helped in finding the best fitting to purchase for our situation? Oh, and has MANY of the brands??
3. Are the helmets made for these earpieces or are there ones that are?
4. What brands (If possible) do we stay away from in regards to top heavy? (We have had a few in the past)
5. Would it be better to remove the padding and earpieces and then drill a deeper indent for the earpieces?
6. What Brand(s) are the ones we should always keep in the "Always try" list?

My wife and I are using the Scorpion EXO-900 helmets... We like them well enough... My wife (Small lady) says hers is pretty top heavy. Now I can say, placing her helmet next to mine, they looks exactly the same size. We have to look inside to see who's is who's. So I can see where she gets this feeling from.

But just like when we ryde in the dirt... you find little things after a few hours of use that our "Fitting" session will not show.

For example... My right ear is hurting significantly after about one hour of ryding. This is because of the earpiece added to the helmet. I was fine before these had been added. Wife has the same issue, but to her left ear. We both end up soar on both ears of course.

But this is causing us to pull over about every 40 minutes to get a break from the pain/discomfort. That is not good for ryding in groups...

We are new to the "On-Road" driving. All of our knowledge is in the dirt. Our "Off-Road" dealer quit selling Can-Am one year before the Spyders came out... They decided to add another building and put Harley Davidson in it for some silly reason or another.:roflblack::roflblack: (Laughing because that was a good idea :thumbup So they are not much help. We get a standoffish form of assistance when we pull in front. We have to sneak in or drive our car to get normal service. This makes me not want to spend any more $$ there. Outside of course folks are all over the "Cool" factor of the Spyder :thumbup:

Anyway... Just looking for the next helmet in the series I know we will end up owning a collection when it is all said and done.

Safety... Well we learned there is no real method to know exactly how safe in what configuration the DOT is vs the other in another thread beyond the sticker. So my focus here eliminates that anyway. All the helmets we would be looking at I am sure have the DOT and potential additional ones..

Thanks for everyone input!:spyder2:

Regarding DOT, :hun:

The standards are set for that...no questions about it.

You will get more input about helmets from everyone here...do yourself a favor and go into a motorcycle shop that carries many brands...try them on and see what you like. I also recommend www.newenough.com. They have a GREAT staff...call them and talk with them about helmet options.

In addition, there are great sites like http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm where you can become a helmet expert yourself!

Enjoy the quest...you will certainly find something that works for you...

 

[IWN2RYD]

Regarding DOT, :hun:

The standards are set for that...no questions about it.

You will get more input about helmets from everyone here...do yourself a favor and go into a motorcycle shop that carries many brands...try them on and see what you like. I also recommend www.newenough.com. They have a GREAT staff...call them and talk with them about helmet options.

In addition, there are great sites like http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm where you can become a helmet expert yourself!

Enjoy the quest...you will certainly find something that works for you...

Good ideas! Never thought about trying an online site. I figure a helmet would be a "try them on" type of item. But from the sound of the first site you suggest they will be very helpful.

As for my DOT comment... And totally just me speaking in general on it... I think my writing style is the worst for the web. Maybe it is because of my line of work, and it requiring me to be deadly accurate with what comes out of my mouth, and getting straight to the point(s). I do not want to argue, or start any debates. I am only asking for input to further educate myself. I am the first to admit I always need to learn. That said. All that needs to be said (If fully read) is to read this other thread of mine (Link). Fact. DOT is a standard for the US. Even down to the sticker size. So far we have not found any site from the DOT folks that shows to what level the DOT certification is. 3/4 or Full face on a modular for example? Heck even the manufacturers add to the confusion for us consumers.

Yes I am sure there are a few folks out there that actually know, but how do we as consumers find this information from a legitimate source that everyone can agree on? If we only look for a sticker and start "Assuming", we as consumers always loose. In a court of law it is always "Buyer Beware". Not seller beware. I also would not be coming here to ask if I thought enough folks here are like those found on other sites (Not Spyder related) that act and talk like they are all knowing, but after researching we find they are FOS... I mean well and simply want to do what I think is best for my family. Ask questions until I find the accurate truthful answer. Then make the educated purchasing decision. :thumbup:

 

[Sarge707]

Its a lot less expensive to try a helmet on in a retail store for fit then buy it at a site like newenough.com for a LOT less $$$.:yikes:

 

[SSG Bean]

Helmet preference is one of those subjects, like oil or octane, where you'll find many riders with vast differences of opinion. The most important aspect of the helmet buying process is finding one that fits. I bought my last one online, but I tried on several in stores so I knew how the different brands fit me. Be patient and find one that fits correctly, regardless of how hard sales staff may try to push it on you.

As for the padding and ear pieces, most of the manufacturers have different shapes and styles of padding. Some will sell additional sizes of padding separately if you don't think the provided padding is correct. I know the shark helmet I own is only made in a couple of different shell sizes, but they vary the padding to make them size specific. Since the shells are fairly universal, you can order replacement pads of a different size if you find you have a tight spot. Again, try on a wide selection of types and brands to find one that fits. You may also want to take one of your communication earpieces with you when shopping. Do all of your analysis in the store before you spend your money.

Good Luck!

 

[ThreeWheels]

Helmet fit is, as everyone says, a very personal choice.

I will say one thing that I've found to be pretty objective.

Plain simple helmets are the quietest ones.

When you start to add a lot of doohickies to the helmet, the protuberances make the helmet louder. My HJC CL33 is far quieter than my HJC IS33.

For instance, all the vents that manufacturers add makes a larger presence in the wind causing more noise. In my opinion, the amount of ventilation you actually feel isn't worth the large amount of additional noise you get.

One exception, I DO like the internal sunsheild. That is a pretty functional extra.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.

 

[boborgera]

Its a lot less expensive to try a helmet on in a retail store for fit then buy it at a site like newenough.com for a LOT less $$$.:yikes:

:hun:
Yep, that's the way to go. Then when the dealers go out of business, because you can get it cheaper on the web: Well I'm sure you can get your Spyder repaired on the Web. Or travel 200 miles to the last dealer standing. :yikes: [no new rope]

 

[jnt]

For example... My right ear is hurting significantly after about one hour of ryding. This is because of the earpiece added to the helmet. I was fine before these had been added. Wife has the same issue, but to her left ear. We both end up soar on both ears of course.
*****
We are using the same helmet - had same issue (JM headset). I took out the ear pads and cut out (GENTLY, carefully) more of the foam (white stuff). Helpful to mark (tape) inside the helmet where the offending spot(s) are. Cut away, try, cut more, etc. Now quite happy with the fit on both!

Also like the adjustable cheek pads and the great ventilation in the 900s!

 

[IWN2RYD]

For example... My right ear is hurting significantly after about one hour of ryding. This is because of the earpiece added to the helmet. I was fine before these had been added. Wife has the same issue, but to her left ear. We both end up soar on both ears of course.
*****
We are using the same helmet - had same issue (JM headset). I took out the ear pads and cut out (GENTLY, carefully) more of the foam (white stuff). Helpful to mark (tape) inside the helmet where the offending spot(s) are. Cut away, try, cut more, etc. Now quite happy with the fit on both!

Also like the adjustable cheek pads and the great ventilation in the 900s!

This is a great idea, and I tried it. Problem solved!!! Thank you so much! My wife went from an uncomfortable look on her face to surprise. The helmets now fit as good as they did before the headsets. hyea:hyea:hyea:

I worked on ours a bit more than the average Joe might, I wanted to wire to also fall into place you could say.

Thank you so much, we will still look and try other helmets as others are suggesting, but this allows us to buy the next helmet when we come across it instead of the desperate need we felt last night and today.

:spyder2:

 

[Eraser]

I recently purchased an RF1100(Shoei).Very Quiet.A little steep in price,but I really do have only one head!!Nice helmut.

 

[Raptor]

Yupper!! I got this one.

View attachment 7483

Great Lid! I had an Icon before which was a pretty nice helmet as well but the Shoei is a much better product IMHO. :thumbup:

 

[IWN2RYD]

Man those are great looking helmets... Added to our list :thumbup: