PMK
Active member
When I worked in the motorcycle dealership, helmet sales was a portion of my job tasks. Especially this time of year when new gear was released and being received, it was not uncommon for the sales reps to show the features of new or upgraded items.
We stocked and sold many brands, models, and sizes of helmets. This was in a time just prior to the internet, so the current method used by some to try on at tne local dealer, then go home and find the cheapest price was not a concern.
On days when it was slow, many times I would try on the various helmets, allowing me to learn more about how they tended to fit, how the features actually functioned and worked, plus any optional items a customer might desire.
One common trend was to have a customer arrive, wanting to buy the helmet his or her buddy recommended. I have no issue with that, however would always ask that they try it on and wear it for a few minutes. Almost everyone was willing to do this. Many times, the buyer learned quickly that helmet sizes vary between brands. They should not, but they can. So as an example, the customer states they need a medium size helmet, since that is what they currently use, that would be the first to try. Not uncommon that the person might need a larger or smaller size, or merely optional pad kits to get a proper fit.
Other times, even though their buddy raved about a certain helmet, it is possible that brand helmet just does not fit the persons head shape, regardless of the helmet size or optional pads. In those cases, it always required purchasing another brand.
My simple point being, sure, go on a recommendation, but be sure it fits correctly, anything less is wasting your money.
Myself, I prefer other brands than HJC, not based on quality, simply based on fit. For me, the HJC line tends to have pressure areas that are capable of causing headaches, whereas a Shoei or Bell do not. As I mentioned, buy what fits, certainly safer and you are more likely willing to wear it at all times vs having to wear it because you are required to by law in your state.
We stocked and sold many brands, models, and sizes of helmets. This was in a time just prior to the internet, so the current method used by some to try on at tne local dealer, then go home and find the cheapest price was not a concern.
On days when it was slow, many times I would try on the various helmets, allowing me to learn more about how they tended to fit, how the features actually functioned and worked, plus any optional items a customer might desire.
One common trend was to have a customer arrive, wanting to buy the helmet his or her buddy recommended. I have no issue with that, however would always ask that they try it on and wear it for a few minutes. Almost everyone was willing to do this. Many times, the buyer learned quickly that helmet sizes vary between brands. They should not, but they can. So as an example, the customer states they need a medium size helmet, since that is what they currently use, that would be the first to try. Not uncommon that the person might need a larger or smaller size, or merely optional pad kits to get a proper fit.
Other times, even though their buddy raved about a certain helmet, it is possible that brand helmet just does not fit the persons head shape, regardless of the helmet size or optional pads. In those cases, it always required purchasing another brand.
My simple point being, sure, go on a recommendation, but be sure it fits correctly, anything less is wasting your money.
Myself, I prefer other brands than HJC, not based on quality, simply based on fit. For me, the HJC line tends to have pressure areas that are capable of causing headaches, whereas a Shoei or Bell do not. As I mentioned, buy what fits, certainly safer and you are more likely willing to wear it at all times vs having to wear it because you are required to by law in your state.
