Motorcycle helmets - Page 1

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Motorcycle helmets (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:19:50 AM EST

I need a new ECE certified helmet. Preferably modular but a solid wouldn't be a deal breaker. I also don't automatically think that more expensive = better. What does GD wear?

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:24:55 AM EST

[#1]

The helmet that fits best.

The “best & most expensive” helmet that fits poorly will not protect as well as a “cheap” one that fits well.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:29:54 AM EST

[#2]

Yeah, you have to try stuff on.
Some are real round, some more egg shaped, some will fit your head some wont.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:33:25 AM EST

[#3]

Arai or bell, try them on.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:35:58 AM EST

[#4]

I just purchased a new HJC C91 helmet. Like the fit and quality. Around $190 (graphic version was more expensive). Originally brought in a medium size, but it ran a bit small so I had to step up to a large.

Cycle Gear online was great to order from.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:37:20 AM EST

[#5]

https://www.bellhelmets.com/motorcycle/c/modular-street-helmets/

While it is a relief to flip up at a long stop, the back of the helmet has less airflow than my
Ff helmet.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:37:55 AM EST

[#6]

I've got a Shoei NeoTech that's great, but the helmet that I wear daily is my carbon fiber Klim TK1200. I've got neck spinal issues and the lighter weight of CF makes a huge difference with that thing on my head all day. A 'YUGE difference. Regardless of whether or not you've got similar issues... CF is worth it. And yes, modular is a requirement for me. I like having people being able to understand me if I'm talking to them with a helmet on. I watch ebay or look for deals on Revzilla. My Kim was a trade show demo model that was never worn. I bought it directly from Kim, via ebay.. It cost me $300... versus the regular $550.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:42:51 AM EST

[#7]

I'm a poor so I got an HJC i90 about $180 (really good price) and the comm system was about $110

I got my daughter the identical set up just a diff color for her

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:45:42 AM EST

[#8]

Arai has helmets for different shaped heads and you can swap out the foam inserts to better fit the shape of your head.

Eta: did you watch the newest Ryan F9 video? Is that why you want an ECE rated helmet now? In my opinion, snell is still miles above dot rating. I wouldn’t buy a helmet with only a dot rating on it.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:48:21 AM EST

[#9]

I wore an HJC when I rode, and it seemed fine. I never got to crash test it, though.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:52:41 AM EST

[#10]

I had 2 AGV helmets in the past. They were comfortable and reasonable cost.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:54:39 AM EST

[#11]

I prefer Shoei for my head.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:55:26 AM EST

[#12]

I rode for years and never had a fancy expensive helmet. Never went down so no first hand knowledge. Many years ago a very interesting article in a major cycle magazine did some very extensive testing and the result was the more expensive higher rated helmets did not perform as well as the cheaper helmets. The reason being that the higher rated helmets had too stiff of a liner and it did not give enough at average impact speeds which actually equal about a six foot fall not a high speed impact.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:58:04 AM EST

[#13]

FPNI

Try helmets on before buying.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:59:06 AM EST

[#14]

Get ye to the dealer or find an online vendor with a good return policy.

Fit is everything, and comfort is very subjective.

I'm a big fan of Caberg modulars (most are ECE approved). I have a Duke right now that's been awesome. Ordered it from Germany, price was fantastic for the quality.

Posted: 7/28/2021 9:59:28 AM EST

[#15]

Get what fits best and had good reviews and venting. Also consider the amount of shell sizes they make. Some helmets will have the same outer shell for small as they do large. Shell sizing is important imo. Also if you are medium size or smaller it’ll help with weight and also not feeling like a bobble head.

My recommendation is a shoei. Their helmets have many shell sizes and most are snell rated. You’d want snell2015 or newer standard. Snell2020 doesn’t change much in regards to performance.

Fantastic helmets. They fit me quite well and have done well in a crash ??.

I’d also look at bell helmets for good protection and good value. Specially in their MIPS rated helmets.

TLDR: Shoei. Bell if you’re okay with cheaper but great protection with their MIPS helmets.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:02:47 AM EST

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I rode for years and never had a fancy expensive helmet. Never went down so no first hand knowledge. Many years ago a very interesting article in a major cycle magazine did some very extensive testing and the result was the more expensive higher rated helmets did not perform as well as the cheaper helmets. The reason being that the higher rated helmets had too stiff of a liner and it did not give enough at average impact speeds which actually equal about a six foot fall not a high speed impact.

View Quote

Fortnine just dropped an in-depth video on this very topic, good to watch:

The Snell Helmet Standard is Meaningless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76yu124i3Bo

I have a now-discontinued AFX FX-36. Love the way it fits, and AFX customer service (well, the owner really) went above and beyond to track down a replacement shield for me recently despite it being discontinued. ECE certified, and I got it for a great clearance price from Dennis Kirk at the end of the season.

Edit: If you don't need it RFN, Dennis Kirk's clearance section around September / October is definitely worth waiting for.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:03:55 AM EST

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've got a Shoei NeoTech that's great, but the helmet that I wear daily is my carbon fiber Klim TK1200. I've got neck spinal issues and the lighter weight of CF makes a huge difference with that thing on my head all day. A 'YUGE difference. Regardless of whether or not you've got similar issues... CF is worth it. And yes, modular is a requirement for me. I like having people being able to understand me if I'm talking to them with a helmet on. I watch ebay or look for deals on Revzilla. My Kim was a trade show demo model that was never worn. I bought it directly from Kim, via ebay.. It cost me $300... versus the regular $550.

View Quote

+1 for carbon. Big difference at the end of the day.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:05:16 AM EST

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I rode for years and never had a fancy expensive helmet. Never went down so no first hand knowledge. Many years ago a very interesting article in a major cycle magazine did some very extensive testing and the result was the more expensive higher rated helmets did not perform as well as the cheaper helmets. The reason being that the higher rated helmets had too stiff of a liner and it did not give enough at average impact speeds which actually equal about a six foot fall not a high speed impact.

View Quote

That was true but snell fixed that. Any helmet that’s snell2015 rated (or newer) is going to perform much better.

I had a crash at 70mph. Shoei rf1200. Definitely made contact with the pavement. No concussion or other brain damage. If I had my shoe rf1100 I may have had problems due to using a size small and it being hard as fuck.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:06:10 AM EST

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm a poor so I got an HJC i90 about $180 (really good price) and the comm system was about $110

I got my daughter the identical set up just a diff color for her

View Quote

I got the same setup as well. Like it well enough. Seems decently well built for the price point.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:08:14 AM EST

[#20]

Schuberth!

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:10:01 AM EST

[#21]

I wore a Schuberth C3 and liked it. It had an internal visor and the airflow
was decent. You do need to try them on. Different manufacturers make them
for different head shapes.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:17:01 AM EST

[#22]

It depends on your head shape.

AGV and Shoei fit my head. Prefer AGV.

Arai does not make any helmet that fits my head and never has. (I still own one because it's a rep I really wanted but it's mostly decoration.)

Shark also cannot make a helmet that fits my head.

Shuberth fits my head.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:19:17 AM EST

[#23]

Shoei RF-1200 & the RF-SR for me.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:20:50 AM EST

[#24]

Schuberth C3 and Shoei are my favorites.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:21:03 AM EST

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
It depends on your head shape.

AGV and Shoei fit my head. Prefer AGV.

Arai does not make any helmet that fits my head and never has. (I still own one because it's a rep I really wanted but it's mostly decoration.)

Shark also cannot make a helmet that fits my head.

Shuberth fits my head.

View Quote

AGV is the best fit for my 'ead.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:24:47 AM EST

[#26]

I’m an Arai and Shoei guy

An Arai saved my life.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:31:33 AM EST

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
I wore an HJC when I rode, and it seemed fine. I never got to crash test it, though.

View Quote

That's a good thing.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:32:52 AM EST

[#28]

I used an AGV for awhile, but the shape was wrong for me. Got headaches from it. But it was well built and very quiet.
Went to a Shioe RF1200. Great lid. Expensive, but I'm worth it.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:34:20 AM EST

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Arai has helmets for different shaped heads and you can swap out the foam inserts to better fit the shape of your head.

Eta: did you watch the newest Ryan F9 video? Is that why you want an ECE rated helmet now? In my opinion, snell is still miles above dot rating. I wouldn’t buy a helmet with only a dot rating on it.

View Quote

I need an ECE for when I'm riding in the U.K. this fall.

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:45:24 AM EST

[#30]

I'm only second shoei gt air helmet, I'm a fan of them.

I've crashed tested them too

Posted: 7/28/2021 10:59:21 AM EST

[#31]

Crash tested a Shoei back in the 70's and it protected my noggin although I still got a concussion.
My biggest problem has been the AZ sun and heat causes helmets to deteriorate in a few years, lining starts to decompose, plastic starts to craze, etc...:(

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:01:20 AM EST

[#32]

I picked up a Schuberth on closeout a few years back and It's really spoiled me. Awesome helmet. Not cheap at normal pricing.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:06:56 AM EST

[#33]

I'm wearing a schuberth riding adv bike. mine is the open face model with nothing in front of my chin. i like being able to look down at the ground around me when i'm doing <10mph standing on the pegs. prob would get something different if i rode all street

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:10:38 AM EST

[#34]

I use Xlite and AGV.

I might pick up a Suomy soon.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:11:56 AM EST

[#35]

I have a big "grape" HJC fits me best.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:20:22 AM EST

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
I picked up a Schuberth on closeout a few years back and It's really spoiled me. Awesome helmet. Not cheap at normal pricing.

View Quote

I got a C3 a couple years ago at Sturgis, on closeout, as well. I thought my Bell RS-1 was quiet. Ha! I don't think I'll ever get anything else besides a Schuberth, again. I might even pay regular price for it. Damn, they're nice!

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:20:40 AM EST

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
The helmet that fits best.

The “best & most expensive” helmet that fits poorly will not protect as well as a “cheap” one that fits well.

View Quote

FPNI

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:22:27 AM EST

[#38]

Ruroc Atlas.
Full carbon fiber, excellent peripherals and light! SO light that I put the Arai and Shoei on the shelf.
The internal speakers could stand an upgrade but overall, it's my go to.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:24:31 AM EST

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm an Arai and Shoei guy

An Arai saved my life.

View Quote

#metoo

Attached File

Edit: I have a like new size L black Scuberth modular (top left) I only wore a couple of times I'll give you for shipping costs. I got it from eBay and it was too small.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:25:21 AM EST

[#40]

I've been a Shoei guy for decades because of my egghead shape, but since moving to Florida it's a flipped back baseball cap.

Gotta fit some.and know your head shape.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:25:48 AM EST

[#41]

I love my Shoei RF1400. Waiting for mirror lens to come out for it!

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:26:41 AM EST

[#42]

Shoei Neotec II here and have worn them for years. Have had the first version, and now 2nd. Both wife and I wear them in combination with the SENA 20S headsets. Great helmets - comfortable and the interiors are nice. Modular functionality is great for gas stations, need to talk to someone, etc.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:30:38 AM EST

[#43]

I have a massive.. Like seriously .. massive mutant fucking head so I go and buy one that fits retail. Couldn't find a modular this last time around.

Still looking.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:30:43 AM EST

[#44]

" />
Agv on my sport bikes
Shoei in my adventure bike

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:32:47 AM EST

[#45]

I have a Shoei GT Air 2 that i really like.

The reality is, get something with an ECE cert, because as noted, you need it, and it will be safe. Beyond that, it's all about comfort. Each head is different. I can fit a GT Air and Neotec just fine, an X14 or RF 1200 created a pressure point on my forehead. Haven't tried the RF 1400 yet. So even among the same brand, some fit and some don't.

That means make sure you try it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes to see if a hot spot forms before purchase.

My experience from reviews (as noted by someone else posting Fortnine) and my own experience: Anything above $250 is generally good protection wise (and some under, you just have to pick and choose). Where the higher end helmets tend to distance themselves is with comfort. Even then, you can find good values. A $400-$500 Scorpion might be just the ticket due to your head shape over a $750 Shoei.

A tight neck cushion is a must if you want to limit wind noise. It makes putting the helmet on harder, but seals the helmet really well from air intrusion beyond any open vents, which is the biggest noise inducing point you'll have.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:36:48 AM EST

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Arai has helmets for different shaped heads and you can swap out the foam inserts to better fit the shape of your head.

Eta: did you watch the newest Ryan F9 video? Is that why you want an ECE rated helmet now? In my opinion, snell is still miles above dot rating. I wouldn’t buy a helmet with only a dot rating on it.

View Quote

This, watch the video and then go buy something modern.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:38:14 AM EST

[#47]

Quoted:
I need a new ECE certified helmet. Preferably modular but a solid wouldn't be a deal breaker. I also don't automatically think that more expensive = better. What does GD wear?

View Quote

I bought a Bell SRT a few months ago. It meets the ECE requirements, you can get it both in full face and modular configs. Full face is Snell 2015 cert.

Posted: 7/28/2021 11:45:23 AM EST

[#48]

If the brain bucket is a modular and doesn't have D-rings you will have a difficult time ever locking it to the bike. There are adapter pieces which help. If you remember to pack them.