Author Topic: Why the helmet mystery? (Read 4145 times)

lwg · « **on:** May 28, 2005, 08:15:28 PM »

So I'm in the market for a new helmet to replace my ages-old Bieffe. In trying to cover all the bases, I've read reviews (both amateur and "professional") and noticed remarks about helmet weight. Everyone has one - an opinion that is- as to which helmet is "a little heavier" or "a little lighter" than some other helmet. My simple question is: What the Hell do helmets weigh? Has no one anywhere ever simply weighed each model of each mainstream brand of helmets and published that information somewhere? Perhaps weight is somewhat low on the list of important things to consider when selecting a helmet but, then again, as the links below explain, trauma physicians seem to think it's probably very important.
Given a choice, I suppose I would pick the lighter of two otherwise adequate helmets. The only problem is, apparently, the actual weight of helmets is a top secret specification unavailable unless you bring your own scale with you when you shop for one. In the age of information, does this information really not exist or am I missing something?

http://www.jtrauma.com/pt/re/jtrauma/abstract.00005373-199611000-00016.htm;jsessionid=CY148fPnClV8QF6CmEiBD856Ott2eqzh2361IECgsJGJDfTdP7D1!-806031158!-949856031!9001!-1
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:LVXVx3nfijEJ:www.smf.org/pdf/articles/choptrauma.pdf+motorcycle+helmet+weight&hl=en&client=firefox-a

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2005, 09:44:13 PM »

Here's some helmets with wieghts....
http://www.aerostich.com/home.php?cat=299

Oh yeah, 1500 grams is around 3.25 pounds. The article suggests that helmets over 1500 grams increase the risk of neck injuries.
Guess I'll have to switch to a 'beanie'!

To me, the 'study' is kind of limited in scope.

ray nielsen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2005, 10:45:02 PM »

I've have an M2R full face M 1000 helmet. Bought it from Dennis Kirk last year -- it's DOT and SNELL approved and weighs about 1300 grams or about 2 lb. 13 Oz.

It's the lightest full face I could find, the cost was reasonable at about $126 and the liner detaches for cleaning, something I really like.

The Outlet Store at <www.denniskirk.com> still has these as discontinued items at about $86 in colors and $81 in white or black. I'm thinking of ordering another just as a spare. The shield has been scratch resistant and I have both clear and dark smoke versions.

The helmet is comfortable, but just a bit noisy as the shield is held on by an external plate and the top vents add a bit more noise if open. I wear earplugs so it's not a problem, but it's noisier than my Shoei RF800 by quite a bit.

I would like an even lighter helmet, but open face seems the only way to achieve that -- some of them outweigh the M 1000, some are lighter.

Just my two bits worth.

Slider · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2005, 12:49:46 AM »

Been there. Done that.
Here comes mister know it all with unsolicited crud but...
It aint weight.
It's noise... and something else that follows.
I had a Shoei of long past. In those days it was called a Jaguar since it had whiz bang graphics or something for us dumb yung'uns.
Shoulda been expensive, I guess, but it was sold out of an otherwise empty appartment lined up like soldiers on the floor. Figured it out later that they were all HOT... when my brain matured and stopped thinkning abour girls ALL the time.
Great helmet and who could tell about noise. I had an H2 750cc 2 stroke which howled at speed which it did with preposterous ease.
Anyhow
This helmet lasted into quiet/performance bike times.
The point of the thread is, What's A Good Helmet?
When I went on to other helmets I found.
The airflow racket went Way up.
Helmet lift went thru the roof bad enough that I scrapped some out.
The airstream over the top of the helmet, (like an airplanes wing), can levitate both the helmet and your skull. I had one that musta put minus 20lbs++ at anything over 200k =120mph. I know we don't do it often but it ruins the moment. To be honest, thought, the 1200S Bandits airflow seems to minimize this somewhat.

Still the racket remains. Such that some BMW riders that I occasionaly ride with. wear earplugs.
Think about it. These bikes are stock 2 holers... um quiet and they ride legal+ dam near squat ... um why the plugs?

jimmym1296 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2005, 09:38:55 AM »

Motorcyclist did a big write on helmet testing recently. I can't remember if they listed the weights, but the article was pretty interesting concerning the various helmet certifications,Snell, DOT,etc. As I get older, I apppreciate quiet more so I use earplugs on longer riders. Hearing loss is accumalative over time. Now if it just quits raining, maybe I can squeeze a ride in today!

lwg · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2005, 10:42:37 AM »

My point was, helmet weight might be an important factor for some people. I find it more than strange that helmets seem to be one of the few pieces of merchandise for which weights are not routinely listed. Given a model number you can easily find the weight of your TV, window air conditioner, motorcycle, car, electric can opener, box of Kleenex and a thousand other consumer items, the weight of which probably don't matter to you at all except for figuring shipping costs. However, when it comes to a helmet, weight info is routinely difficult to come by. Wonder why?

ray nielsen · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2005, 04:15:13 PM »

Weight is a key element for me. Helmets much over 3 lb. cause a severe ache between the shoulder blades near the neck. Changing to a lighter helmet has virtually eliminated the pain. The problem is finding a full face helmet that weighs under 3 lb.

So far, I've only found one, an M2R M-1000 and it appears that brand is no longer handled by Dennis Kirk, which is nearby for me.

My Shoei RF800 causes pain after 25-35 miles, the M2R is painless after 650 miles! It is about the weight for some people. With most helmets I feel the need to wear ear plugs -- they sure cut down on the fatigue during a long ride.

FlyingTurtle1 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2005, 11:44:18 PM »

A couple months ago Rider did a helmet comparo and they listed the weight of all the helmets they tested...Don't have it close by(can't remember the month) but you might check thier web site and see if the article is there.

cb400bill · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2005, 12:34:53 AM »

I recently poicked up an Arai Signet GTR. I hefted many helmets at a number of dealers and it was among the lightest I tested that also fit me properly.

One reason I bet you can't find much on helmet weight is that the helmets come in so many different sizes. EG: An XXL will weigh a lot more than a XS.

And what one mfgr calls an L another may call it XL. Or an M. Hard to compare different helmets when the mfgrs can't agree on what the sizes are.

Bill
02 B6

PitterB4 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2005, 10:48:34 AM »

Quote from: "cb400bill"

One reason I bet you can't find much on helmet weight is that the helmets come in so many different sizes. EG: An XXL will weigh a lot more than a XS.

And what one mfgr calls an L another may call it XL. Or an M. Hard to compare different helmets when the mfgrs can't agree on what the sizes are.

Bill
02 B6

That's a very good point.

chippi · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2005, 04:59:33 PM »

I look for Low wind noise, minimal lift, good through air flow weight. Long nosed looking helmets.. watch out when you turn to look your side at speed.

RF-1000 my favorite yet.