Author Topic: Are Pricey Helmets Really Worth It? (Read 23808 times)

Tundrahog · « **Reply #30 on:** November 17, 2006, 05:29:08 PM »

I currently wear a XXXL HJC CL-12. Ive been happy with it but I'd like to replace it with something with better venting and less noise. I tried on a XXL Shoei RF1000 last week end (largest the dealer had in stock), and not only was it tight on my head, but the bottom of the helmet didn't cover my chin. Can anyone suggest another brand that may fit? I'm not unhappy with HJC, but I'd like some options.

Mini4x · « **Reply #31 on:** November 17, 2006, 09:18:49 PM »

Quote from: "chevsuz12"

I am condisering an HJC CL-SP, or CL-15. Both are quite comfortable. My last three helmets have been Shoei rf-700, and 800. Any opinions and/or experience with the CL-SP?

I have a CL-SP (Pheonix) nice lid got it from new enough(of course). Fits my head great. Can't say anything bad about it except at about 90mph the face shield will snap shut quick enough to scare you, sounded like a gunshot inside my head.

Try one on though before buying.

pmackie · « **Reply #32 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:07:56 AM »

I have an HJC FG-12 (FRP Shell) and wife's is an HJC CL-12 (PolyCarb Shell).

The FG fits my head a little better and has a bit better venting, but not significant. Wife only comes on short rides, so long term comfort was not an issue.

The most important part of a helmet is how it fits. It needs to be snug, so that it won't move around on your head in a crash. So...you need something snug but don't want it to give you a headache after 4 hours in the saddle, so get one that fits your head first and formost. Higher priced helmets tend to have better features and comfort, but not always.

I thought the Motorcyclist article was very informative. I will likely look for a BCE rated helmet next (instead of Snell) but will still buy for fit first, features second and then price.

ant_129 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:37:50 AM »

No mention of the Scorpion's? I have been looking at those based on another thread that I thought I read here. Anyone have thoughts on those?

PitterB4 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 18, 2006, 09:57:29 AM »

I just bought a Scorpion EXO700. Picked it up on ebay "used once by a passenger" for $60.

Couldn't pass it up! Still smells new. I won't get a chance to try it out until spring (unless I sneak the F3 out on the streets this weekend). Anyway, it seems really nice. It "feels" high-quality. Everything you read on them is good.

solman · « **Reply #35 on:** November 25, 2006, 03:10:03 AM »

Quote

I remember my first Bell helmet, a $130 Bell Star 120. I was making ~$700/month, so it nearly broke the bank when I bought it. I nearly cried when I saw it fly off my bike's backrest at ~80mph and the van I'd just passed ran over it

So I guess it turned to be just an expensive hood ornament? Helmets tend to work better when they are strapped to your head. Anyways, I was wearing a HJC/CL12 when I crashed on my bike. It seemed to do the job, because I received no head injuries. I have used HJC's mainly because they have been the only one that I have been able to find that fit me right. The helmet I am using now is a AC-11. I have tried on AGV, ARAI, Shoei, and couldn't find one to fit me right. I did try on a Suomy once and it was very nice. It was nice in both comfort and lightness. The price tag was quite high, but it was a very nice helmet that I wouldn't mine owning.

land-warrior.rus · « **Reply #36 on:** December 10, 2006, 05:01:19 PM »

I own shark S500Air Helmet and its pretty good.Got it from http://www.getgeared.co.uk/acatalog/Shark_S500_Air_Esprit_Motorcycle_Helmet.html, size L, since it was the size of the helmet i used before. The first helmet i had was a scooter helmet called B-Square.I realised that it was pretty shit when i put on my new Shark helmet and went for a spin. Have two visors for it, clear one and tinted one(50%).For the price i think its a very good helmet and much more lighter that my old sheap one.

gyrogearcrunch · « **Reply #37 on:** January 28, 2007, 01:37:19 AM »

Quote from: "aussiebandit"

As has already been stated.

The more expensive the helmets are generally, lighter, have more features, easier to get tinted visors and are more comfortable.

However, having said that I have 4 helmets

1. AGV Goddard replica $700.00, light, well vented but noisy and on the B12 is always trying to 'lift' of my head - it didn't do this on my GSX600F.
2. HJC CL12 - basic black $299.00. Not as light or well vented as the AGV, but is quieter and doesn't try and lift off
3. CIRUS (cheap HJC) $150.00. It's lighter than the HJC but not as well vented, doesn't seem to get as much wind noise and buffetting as the other two and I find it fairly comfortable. But I can't get a tinted/replacement visor.
4. HJC - open face - light, well vented (obviously) but as noisy as hell (obviously) and only gets used around town in summer.

When I replace them I'll be getting another HJC, maybe the 'flip lid' I don't know yet.

I had no idea what you guys were saying about "noisy" helmets and face shields that flip up at speed because I always ride behind a full windshield (a 26" tall Silhouette on the Bandit. No idea, that is, until I lowered the 'shield 3" to see if I liked looking over the top of it rather than through the top of it.

Holy crap! It was like sticking my head into a washing machine!! That 'shield is coming back up, ASAP.

Helmets with removable liners are not that easy to come by in the cheaper models, so a skullcap seems like a good answer to the stinkies in hot weather. I run an old half-helmet when it's hot, but prefer the full-face for longer rides, even when it's hot.

I owned two helmets that were murderously uncomfortable because I had been led to believe that a helmet has to be TIGHT to be effective. My third helmet I got at a dealership where the salesman told me I was going way too small, that a helmet should only be snug enough to prevent it from rattling around on your dome. What a difference that made!
That 'ol HJC C-12 is a pleasure to wear because it was sized right.

Herb

Red01 · « **Reply #38 on:** January 28, 2007, 11:13:27 AM »

Quote from: "gyrogearcrunch"

Helmets with removable liners are not that easy to come by in the cheaper models,

Take a look at KBC helmets. Many of their models, if not all of them now, have removeable liners - and many other features found on more expensive helmets.

B6mick · « **Reply #39 on:** May 08, 2007, 07:37:51 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "gyrogearcrunch"
Helmets with removable liners are not that easy to come by in the cheaper models,

Take a look at KBC helmets. Many of their models, if not all of them now, have removeable liners - and many other features found on more expensive helmets.

And Lazer

ZenMan · « **Reply #40 on:** May 08, 2007, 11:31:42 AM »

Quote from: "Sven"

Quote from: "Red01"
I ended up replacing it with a cheap full face from some upstart Japanese company called Shoei for ~$40.

Gee willikers, grandad, tells us about how you used to buy gas for 17 cents a gallon, and they actually pumped it for you and everything!

Well, sonny, I remember when you could get a 4-finger "lid" for $15... lotta stems and seeds, but if you rolled a big fatty...

Gas prices? I remember $0.35 per gallon... took $3 to fill up my VW bus.

Oh yeah, helmets. First thing I look for is a perfect fit... so no internet or mail-orders for me. I gotta try 'em on.

Next thing is function, then lightness, then style, then price. So I don't even consider brand, and price is last... this is assuming all the ones I'm looking at are DOT/Snell approved.

My current helmet is a G-Max modular, it cost about $130 at my dealers. It fits perfect, it's light and comfy, I can wear it all day, has lots of vents and a chin warmer built in, doesn't fog up, and I have several different shields for it.

I didn't like the burgundy color so I stripped it down and painted it satin black using modern hi-tech plastic bond and epoxy paint for a hard, durable finish. Works for me!

GooseMan · « **Reply #41 on:** May 08, 2007, 12:42:32 PM »

does anyone know if helmets really "expire" after a certain amount of time?

I bought a used Shoei RF-700 for $70 (first helmet). Fits me great, but then I heard about the "expiration" theory...and it turns out this helmet is from 1999!

So now, I dont feel quite as safe with it. I found a nice BRAND NEW Shoei Z-II online for a good price...but again, it is an older model (2002) so its nearing the end of its life.

Is it a huge deal? Or should I be OK?

PaulVS · « **Reply #42 on:** May 08, 2007, 12:55:13 PM »

I just bought 2 Scorpion EXO700's for ~$50 each new from Ridenow.com - I believe they still have some left in their clearance section.

Sold one of them on Ebay, so mine was basically free!

Overall it's a nice helmet. It is pretty lightweight... lots of vents... but my everday summer helmet is still my HJC SyMax even though it's noisier.

Here's the EXO-700 that I kept for myself...

Red01 · « **Reply #43 on:** May 08, 2007, 02:16:22 PM »

Quote from: "GooseMan"

does anyone know if helmets really "expire" after a certain amount of time?

I bought a used Shoei RF-700 for $70 (first helmet). Fits me great, but then I heard about the "expiration" theory...and it turns out this helmet is from 1999!

So now, I dont feel quite as safe with it. I found a nice BRAND NEW Shoei Z-II online for a good price...but again, it is an older model (2002) so its nearing the end of its life.

Is it a huge deal? Or should I be OK?

I'm no authority one way or the other, but I try to buy as new of a helmet as I can. I've heard the same sort of stories and the age seems to vary from author to author. I think how/where the helmet is stored and how often it's out in the elements will have some impact (no pun intended) on it's life.

I found this blurb on a site that sells helmets:

Quote

Brockton Cycle Center says:
The inner foam lining of the helmet compresses, and that is what provides the majority of the protection. The inner foam lining is also what causes a helmet to 'age'. The foam itself dries out over time, and a good rule of thumb is to replace your motorcycle helmet every 5 to 7 years. Storing a helmet in an area free of significant temperature changes, excess humidity, and petrochemical fumes will help extend the life of the helmet.

Red01 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 08, 2007, 02:31:57 PM »

Quote from: "ant_129"

No mention of the Scorpion's? I have been looking at those based on another thread that I thought I read here. Anyone have thoughts on those?

My daughter and her husband have Scorpions and they like 'em. Look like a well-made product to me. Helmet Harbor says good things about them, too.

Quote

Helmet Harbor says:
How good is a Scorpion™ helmet? Well, I like to put it this way. What’s the difference between a $600 helmet and a Scorpion Helmet? About four hundred bucks.”

Don't trust us? Here is what JD Power had to say about the Scorpion. While Arai took top honors, look who else scored a 5 out of 5 score...