Choosing a motorcycle helmet

[p.dath]

For those keen on a long read (sorry ...), I've written a blog entry all about motorcycle helmets.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet

[onearmedbandit]

What about weight distrubition? Arai make a big deal about this, saying that overall weight (within reason) is almost less critical then the spread of the weight over the helmet. Also you may want to make mention about different markets (ie Asia) having different shell shapes to suit the market, so buying a 'well-priced' helmet from Japan may not be a smart move.

[p.dath]

What about weight distrubition? Arai make a big deal about this, saying that overall weight (within reason) is almost less critical then the spread of the weight over the helmet. Also you may want to make mention about different markets (ie Asia) having different shell shapes to suit the market, so buying a 'well-priced' helmet from Japan may not be a smart move.

Your definatelty right about the inner shape of the helmet varying to suit the noggin.

I'm under the impression that overall is not so important, however I haven't hear the weight distribution argument before. Do you know of any tests that have been done (by someone other than Arai) that might back this claim up?

[NZsarge]

I think more than the weight distribution when talking about Arai helmets it's about varying densities in the EPS liner at various places in the helmet.

[firefighter]

A lot of work gone in there. I dunno what the sharp obsession is though, I just wear what the gp riders wear, and some of them are'nt even rated by sharp.

You could miss out on a good helmet because it has'nt been tested by sharp.

[nodrog]

..... so buying a 'well-priced' helmet from Japan may not be a smart move.

it would be if you are japanese.

[duckonin]

For those keen on a long read (sorry ...), I've written a blog entry all about motorcycle helmets.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet

I seem to of read the same material elsewhere...

[onearmedbandit]

I think more than the weight distribution when talking about Arai helmets it's about varying densities in the EPS liner at various places in the helmet.

Nah, it apparently is about better weight distribution over the helmet to reduce fatigue.


An Arai doesn't just feel good for an hour or so. It's made to feel good all day — and to keep feeling good for years, long after cheap helmets have become loose and shabby. You can't always see the reasons why, but they're there: lower weight from proprietary aerospace fiberglass. Lower center of gravity and better weight distribution to reduce fatigue.

Linky (http://www.mxdirtrider.com/h-category/c-accessories-helmet-brands-arai.htm)

[CHOPPA]

Its easy just go the shelf and pick up the one that says SHOEI

[onearmedbandit]

Its easy just go the shelf and pick up the one that says SHOEI

This message brought to you by Choppa's sponsers. Now you're going to tell me you're not sponsered by them and you pay for them yourself because they're the best helmet...

[NZsarge]

Nah, it apparently is about better weight distribution over the helmet to reduce fatigue.

Oh ok, never seen any reference to weight distribution in any of the blurb on Arai helmets but never the less it makes sense, funny you know though, I find my RX7 GP more fatiguing to wear than my Chaser mind you they do say it is first and foremost a race helmet...

[onearmedbandit]

Oh ok, never seen any reference to weight distribution in any of the blurb on Arai helmets but never the less it makes sense, funny you know though, I find my RX7 GP more fatiguing to wear than my Chaser mind you they do say it is first and foremost a race helmet...

Actually that was one of the reasons I didn't go for an RX7 or their ilk, rather the Viper GT. The road-based helmets offer superior extended comfort, better sound deadening and better ventilation.

[p.dath]

A lot of work gone in there. I dunno what the sharp obsession is though, I just wear what the gp riders wear, and some of them are'nt even rated by sharp.

You could miss out on a good helmet because it has'nt been tested by sharp.

I have an unnecessary dislike of SNELL because of an over-reliance people place on it. And I especially dislike how they set the "g" threshold equal to the point of death. What's the point in setting a limit to 300g if that is the same point that you die? What kind of protection is that?

Weather a helmet has been tested by SHARP or not does not make it a good or bad helmet ... but at least I know how it stacks up against other helmets.


Its easy just go the shelf and pick up the one that says SHOEI

SHOEI is a well known and respected brand - but also attracts a price tag to match. If someone is on a budget they can get a much cheaper helmet with similar levels of protection.

ps. I personally own a SHOEI.

[Latte]

I have an unnecessary dislike of SHARP because of an over-reliance people place on it. And I especially dislike how they set the "g" threshold equal to the point of death. What's the point in setting a limit to 300g if that is the same point that you die? What kind of protection is that?

Weather a helmet has been tested by SHARP or not does not make it a good or bad helmet ... but at least I know how it stacks up against other helmets.



SHOEI is a well known and respected brand - but also attracts a price tag to match. If someone is on a budget they can get a much cheaper helmet with similar levels of protection.

ps. I personally own a SHOEI.


Typo? You seemed to be anti Snell, and pro sharp in you're blog.

Also you should add in the bit about DOT standards only being valid for helmets manufactured (and sold?) in the US ?

Otherwise not bad, feels like a copy and paste from a bunch of websites :D

[avgas]

I must be one of those simple folks who buys something that looks good, works good and fits good.

[blackdog]

Its easy just go the shelf and pick up the one that says AGV

fixed it for ya

[sinned]

The blog is a useful reference.
What is missing from all the tests is noise level testing. It seems that designing a helmet to ensure a safe level of wind noise is too hard for the helmet manufacturers so none of them measure that.

[davebullet]

The blog is a useful reference.
What is missing from all the tests is noise level testing. It seems that designing a helmet to ensure a safe level of wind noise is too hard for the helmet manufacturers so none of them measure that.

Schuberth (sp?) publish noise specs in their ad in BikeRider magazine. At what speed it was tested I don't know. I presume a wind tunnel that removes any background motorcycle generated and tyre on road generated noise too.

I personally find HJC helmets a good fit for the long narrow head. They also provide a bit extra chin space for the neanderthals amongst us.

[p.dath]

Typo? You seemed to be anti Snell, and pro sharp in you're blog.

Oops, correct. Original post corrected.


Also you should add in the bit about DOT standards only being valid for helmets manufactured (and sold?) in the US ?

What gives you this impression? The DOT standard is self-certified. Any manufacturer is allowed to test their own helmet, and if they feel it meets the standard, call it a DOT certified helmet. Of course you can't blatantly lie because other laws prevent this.

I don't think it matters where the helmet is manufactured.

[CookMySock]

I must be one of those simple folks who buys something that looks good, works good and fits good.I reckon. What a load of fussing around just to buy a stupid helmet. Find one that looks good, feels good, and looks sexy, and buy it it quick before someone else does.

All this massive analysis just to ride a bike kills it. Ugh.

Steve

[Latte]

Oops, correct. Original post corrected.



What gives you this impression? The DOT standard is self-certified. Any manufacturer is allowed to test their own helmet, and if they feel it meets the standard, call it a DOT certified helmet. Of course you can't blatantly lie because other laws prevent this.

I don't think it matters where the helmet is manufactured.

I'm having trouble finding the source, but the premise was basically since the DOT standard is legislated only inside the US, there's no "consequence" for selling a Non-Compliant helmet with a DOT Sticker on it outside of the US. So beware buying a helmet outside of the US that is only DOT approved.

Whereas if you bought a non Compliant helmet with a DOT sticker within the US the federal govt. can do something about it (assuming the manufacturer is caught out).

I guess I was wrong to use "Manufactured" , I should have used "Purchased"

[onearmedbandit]

Actually DB, knowing I'm wearing quality kit increases my fun on a bike, the reason why I ride.

[Malcolm]

I'm having trouble finding the source, but the premise was basically since the DOT standard is legislated only inside the US, there's no "consequence" for selling a Non-Compliant helmet with a DOT Sticker on it outside of the US. So beware buying a helmet outside of the US that is only DOT approved.

Whereas if you bought a non Compliant helmet with a DOT sticker within the US the federal govt. can do something about it (assuming the manufacturer is caught out).

I guess I was wrong to use "Manufactured" , I should have used "Purchased"
http://www.scootersurvival.co.nz/gear-up.html


Helmets complying with FMVSS 218 are marked with the letters 'DOT'. This standard is acceptable only for motorcycle helmets that have been manufactured and purchased in the USA.

That is an official(?) govt website so presumably a reliable source.