Who's got the best helmet? Post a picture of you wearing it!!!

[Fat Baxter]

Echoing the post immediately above, fit is important. It's more important to note that not all heads are round. Many heads are oval, and a few more are long-oval.

Arai makes helmets for oval and long-oval heads, but Arais are pricey. Shoei is a round-head helmet, as are most others.

My advice is find a dealer who sells Arai and try some of those on first to determine your head shape. If you have a round head, you're lucky -- you have many brands to choose from. For oval and long-oval, your options are more limited. Arai is the only brand I know of that makes long-oval helmets -- but they are comfortable.

Arai motorcycle helmet page.

They also make a helmet with extended cheek pieces, that makes it more than just a 3/4 helmet but less than a full face helmet.

 

[SNOOPY]

I love my Nolan N104 . . . most comfortable helmet I've ever had. RevZilla has some great videos at their web site that are useful in selecting a helmet and have a great return policy. http://www.revzilla.com/2015-best-motorcycle-helmets-buyers-guide

Love mine too. Easy to hook up a radio. Flip up chin to grab a drink. Face shield "plus" sun shield. Good looks. Got it all.

 

[SNOOPY]

This is an age old discussion and ranks right up there with Oil for the number of posts and wide range of positions people take. The big difference being, the brand of oil you use isn't likely to impact the rest of your life.

In round numbers:
A 1/2 helmet will protect about 39% of your head (assuming it stays in place during the event which is highly suspect).
A 3/4 helmet will protect about 61% of your head (assuming you have a face shield and it is down). Otherwise, a 3/4 helmet will protect about 52% or your head.
A Full Face Helmet will protect close to 100% of your head.

As mentioned, fit is paramount. If your helmet moves around on your head then it is too big. Research has shown that about 70% of non-professional riders are wearing a helmet at least 1 size too big for them. That is better than 2 out of 3 people! For example, J. Leno was wearing a helmet 2 sizes to big.

No one plans for an accident and many don't really want to discuss it. But most people who have had an accident that required the services of a helmet either had a full face... Or they wish they did.

I disagree opcorn:


Jay Lenos head is so big there is no way there's a helmet 2 sizes bigger! roflmao

.

 

[Bob Denman]

But he can afford the BEST medical care possible... :shocked:

 

[PistonBlown]

One of our local riders (not sure why he bothered with the hi-vis as everyone spotted him)

 

[WellsboroSpyder]

Wife's

This is what I got my wife for our aniversery in Jan. @ the D.C. motorcycle show.

 

[Brian Kay]

Internet has a lot to offer...

Check out revzilla.com. motorcycle superstore, and others to do some research, but also listen and watch all of their great videos on sizing, shapes, ventilation, noise, etc. Especially if you call and talk to one of the gear geeks, they can further help you to make sure you narrow down your options. I'm a long oval head shape so I'm limited to the Icon Airmada, Arai Signet-Q, Shoei R-1100 but these are all full helmets because I value my head, face, and chin. I also use ear plugs to help prevent hearing loss... Yes, there are studies showing that wind noise can harm your ears if exposed over a prolonged period of time, and it doesn't have to be much in the way of decibel level.

Anyway, check out revzilla first and then hit the internet in general... So much out there, so many options.

 

[Madrebel]

I use this model.
View attachment 108666

 

[PaladinLV]

Here are 3 of several places to search

www.leatherup.com
http://www.helmetexpress.com
http://www.compacc.com

AJ

I need to get something different for a helmet. Checking to see what helmet options are out there. I'm pretty well restricted to buying online. I'd like something that looks sporty but offers great protection. I like the utility of a visor and the appearance but don't want to have issues with wind buffeting