Best helmet for money around $300? [Archive]

Gremlin

19th June 2005, 00:16

yep, can't go wrong with an HJC CL-14. When I got mine, (bout 1.5 months ago) they were currently on special (o/s order didn't happen).

$200 for a plain, $250 for graphic, if they are no longer on special, add $100 to either price. I also got a breath guard which goes over the nose for $17, but some say it never helped them. Made specially for the CL-14.

Whatever you get, make sure it meets the Snell Standard (voluntary higher standard), not just Dot (legal requirement), the HJC meets Snell.

bugjuice

19th June 2005, 00:18

jimdaworm

19th June 2005, 00:25

Thanks very much again! I will be going out and getting myself one of them HJC CL-14 ´s :Punk:

WildBoarMouse

19th June 2005, 07:31

I just picked up one of the HJC CL-14's yesterday. Both stores I went to (Motomail & RedBaron) had the graphic'd helmets for $250, and the plain colour for $200... Good helmet! I couldn't fit the two cheaper models. :argh:

Jantar

19th June 2005, 07:40

Whatever you get, make sure it meets the Snell Standard (voluntary higher standard), not just Dot (legal requirement), the HJC meets Snell.

Also make sure that the helmet is comfortable, and a neat fit arond the ears for quiet riding. Ask if you can test ride a helmet as that's the only way you'll know if the fit and noise levels are right.

Dafe

19th June 2005, 07:57

I would not consider anything that is plastic mould - Not if you value your head. Unfortunately most helmets below $350 are plastic.
You can pick up some AGV helmets on specials that are carbon fibre mould for $400. You may need to hunt around though, but in the end it's better than a piece of plastic crap.
I purchased an AGV Demon Top Vent Carbon Fibre for $400 new 2 years ago.
Read this article:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/agvdemon/

and if you like the helmet style and graphics, ring around the motorcycle dealers and try to secure one. They come in different colours. $500 you're paying too much. $400 is a good price.

FEINT

19th June 2005, 10:24

I got a HJC CL14 "TRIBE" for my dad and I paid $220.00NZD.

I personally have a SHOEI and I paid $469.00 on offer. I have been looking around on the net and it seems that helmets are cheaper in the US. I will probably buy my next helmet from the US and ship it in. :yes:

good question... I was wondering the same. Mine needs replacing..
I've seen a nice Shark lid for $350 at Cycletreads. Anyone care to comment on Shark brands? can't remember the model, will check next time, but a nice lid for a good price, I thought..

I saw those as well, if they aren't polycarbonate, maybe they are better? They have nice graphics though!

jimdaworm

19th June 2005, 10:48

Thanks for your reply Dafe.

What does everyone else thing about what Dafe said?

If it will make the difference for saving my head when I fall off... I will spend the extra but if it going to offer pretty similar pretection then I won´t
:whistle:

Jantar

19th June 2005, 11:12

The important thing is that the helmet meets the Snell standard. The actual shell construction is less important.

Remember that in an accident the shell is designed to fracture, but over as large a surface area as possible, in order to spread the load and not allow your skull to receive a point impact. Then the internal lining is designed to crush and hence reduce the accelleration experienced by your brain.

Carbon fibre is just one form of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) material that meets this standard. Its main advantage is that it is lighter than the earlier GRP ones or the cheaper polycarbonates.

I tend to agree with the comments about buying a FRP shell, but not so much because of the type of construction, but simply because they are lighter on the head.

750Y

19th June 2005, 11:36

or buy mine for $500. check the classifieds... you know You want it...8-)

MacD

19th June 2005, 11:40

The important thing is that the helmet meets the Snell standard. The actual shell construction is less important.

The two types of construction respond differently in an impact. The Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic shells fracture on impact. The analogy is an eggshell. This absorbs some of the energy as does the crushing of the polystyrene foam inner. This damage, whether visible or not is why it is essential to replace a FRP helmet after an impact.

The Polycarbonate/ABS shells deform/deflect on impact but rarely fracture. It is also extremely resistant to penetration by objects. These properties are why polycarbonate is used to make face/eye shields. Again the liner crushes to absorb impact/spread the load across a large area of the skull.

The question is then which mode of failure provides better protection? Polycarbonate shells provide better penetration resistance and are claimed to grip less on the road surface therefore less likely to cause neck injuries. FRP shells tend fracture on impact which is claimed to better protect the wearer on impact.

Both types of helmet meet the various standards. I have read that the Snell standard may actually be inappropriate for motorcycle helmets as it is weighed too heavily towards penetration resistance?

Buy a helmet that fits well and meets the various standards. Remember higher prices may simply be associated with the paint/pattern on the outside and not the performance of the helmet.

SlashWylde

19th June 2005, 12:59

HJC CL-14 is excellent value for money.

I concurr, Allun and I each own one and find them comfortable and relatively quiet.

FROSTY

19th June 2005, 13:53

Must be my day to be a disagreeable old sod--Hey there is nothing wrong with the CL14 as a lid. seems safe and comfortable. But quiet it aint.
I was just in a situation last week where I wore my ARAI my Shoe and ml CL14 all back to back for 5 minutes or so The CL was by a country mile the loudest lid. -not so much in itself but in the sound it let through.
One other issue Ive found with the CL is a negative for me but I'd guess a positive for tourers.
The back rim of the helmet bangs on the top of my back when Im in a full crouch -rotating the lid around and down so I couldnt see.
It happened so often that I broke the rear rubber/plastic rim off of the lid with the pressure.

MacD

19th June 2005, 14:35

The back rim of the helmet bangs on the top of my back when Im in a full crouch

Hump? What hump!? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072431/)

http://www.michaela.it/frank/igor1.jpg

;)

Jabez

19th June 2005, 14:43

Buy a helmet that fits well and meets the various standards. Remember higher prices may simply be associated with the paint/pattern on the outside and not the performance of the helmet.
I agree go for good fit with no pressure points, :yes: I have a solid colour shoei, I figure I could get it custom painted for less than they charge for the racer wannabe :whocares: paint jobs.

jimdaworm

19th June 2005, 22:42

I don´t care about custom paint jobs I just want one that protects my head... if it looks cool thats just a bonus.

I am not planning on any long rides so I don´t think a little noise will hurt me too much :)

idb

19th June 2005, 22:49

I'll be in the market for a new lid soon.
The Sharks seem to be getting pretty good raps and appear to be reasonably priced.

MagicMarker

19th June 2005, 23:20

I'm looking for a helmet aswell, going more towards the hjc cl-14 as my budget is quite a bit lower than yours, really wanted a fibreglass shell, but polycarbonate will have to do. :) I suppose in the end most of it all comes down to fitting.

Big Dog

19th June 2005, 23:39

HJC CL-14 is excellent value for money.
I'll 30th that. Like my old helmet with earplugs. Smooth moving parts. Cheap accessories.

Only down side I see is it is the largest selling brand in America, and that many Americans can't be right about the same thing can they? :rofl:

Also the largest sizing I can find without going custom.

Not as practical as my old flip face but quieter and more comfortable. :clap:

justsomeguy

19th June 2005, 23:55

Well waddya know...... I got one too...

But the damn thing insists on fogging up around my right eye - no idea why - bloody frustrating......it's only a month old........ played with all the vents......

Had a CL-12 before also a nice decent lid - protected my head well and saved me from eating with a straw.

Devil

20th June 2005, 08:42

vifferman

20th June 2005, 09:06

Here's more info for those wanting to make helmet-buying decisions. Note that some of the models may not be available here:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

Lou Girardin

20th June 2005, 12:10

We still have black CL14's at AMPS for $169.00 inc.

bugjuice

20th June 2005, 13:10

Dont forget the earplugs mate, no matter what helmet you buy!
:ride:
The shark lid I'm kinda lookin at, the sales guy was telling me how he has/had one and was going full whack on the back straight of Puke, without plugs. Kinda find that hard to believe and still keep your hearing. I wouldn't be trying that. I can't stand doing 100kph on the motorway without plugs.

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then? Cos I'm tempted to ask (once I've saved) to go to a few shops on Barry's Pt rd and just jump on the northern one stop there and back to try it out in which case..

Mr Skid

20th June 2005, 13:18

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then?
If a retailer wants your money badly enough, I'd expect they'd accommodate such a request.
You're not buying a lid to stand around inside a shop now are ya?

Devil

20th June 2005, 13:25

We still have black CL14's at AMPS for $169.00 inc.
Shite, thats almost worth buying a spare one.

bugjuice

20th June 2005, 13:32

You're not buying a lid to stand around inside a shop now are ya?
may be.. if I look cool enough..

sefer

20th June 2005, 13:38

vifferman

20th June 2005, 13:53

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then? Cos I'm tempted to ask (once I've saved) to go to a few shops on Barry's Pt rd and just jump on the northern one stop there and back to try it out in which case..
I bought my last AGV mainly because I was offered a test ride*. In the shop, it felt way too tight, but after a half hour or so on the streets, it was great!

*Mind you, the trade-in on my old one ($100) and the $45 discount helped too.

mono

20th June 2005, 13:54

I'd look around for a special if I were you, my flat mate got a Shoei XR800 and a visor for $250.00 from Mt Edan motorcycles just the other day. Sharks are good, and if its safety first for you the only advice I’d give is make sure you buy one with D rings and not a catch... Oh, and don't paint your lid!!! :yes:

bugjuice

20th June 2005, 13:56

I bought my last AGV mainly because I was offered a test ride*. In the shop, it felt way too tight, but after a half hour or so on the streets, it was great!

*Mind you, the trade-in on my old one ($100) and the $45 discount helped too.
they gave you a trade-in? that could help things.. Didn't think they'd do that. What can they do with them afterwards? Can't see a second hand helmet being sold off. I had thought about keeping mine anyway, just for any pillion that it might fit, or if I go gokarting, or even just as a backup, should anything happen to the new one..

vifferman

20th June 2005, 14:09

they gave you a trade-in? that could help things.. Didn't think they'd do that. What can they do with them afterwards?
I was told they had heaps of requests for them, for just the sorts of things you mentioned.
I think the salesman was just being good to me. When I said, "A trade-in?!? But I just finished telling you about how my 5-year old helmet has a crack in the chin piece and a worn strap.." and he went, "Didn't hear nuttin..." :whistle:

bugjuice

20th June 2005, 14:11

I was told they had heaps of requests for them, for just the sorts of things you mentioned.
I think the salesman was just being good to me. When I said, "A trade-in?!? But I just finished telling you about how my 5-year old helmet has a crack in the chin piece and a worn strap.." and he went, "Didn't hear nuttin..." :whistle:
lamo.. sweet. might be an option then.. for a hundy off or so, I could live with that

louisb

20th June 2005, 14:28

I was just in a situation last week where I wore my ARAI my Shoe and ml CL14 all back to back for 5 minutes or so The CL was by a country mile the loudest lid. -not so much in itself but in the sound it let through.

I'll second that (or is that forth)... the CL-14 is loud and fogs up instantly. I've got a Progrip Anti-fog insert which is amazing. It only fogs up when extremely cold.

However, the CL-14 is comfy.

I'll be getting a shark, Arai, AGV or Shoei soon. :)

Devil

20th June 2005, 14:33

Any opinions on the HJC CS-10? a local store has them for $189.00 and the large seems to be a good fit (though I feel like a goldfish :) )

I'll have to have a bit more of a look around of course (and the CL-14 above sounds like a good price)..
cs-10 is the very bottom of the line (for HJC) which was selling for $99 not long ago at motomail. That CL-14 @ $169 that Lou mentioned is an excellent deal. Buy one!

Devil

20th June 2005, 14:35

[QUOTE=louisb]I've got a Progrip Anti-fog insert which is amazing. It only fogs up when extremely cold.
QUOTE]
I'll need to get me one of thems. I do have fogging problems with my CL-14 as well.

Sparky Bills

20th June 2005, 14:56

I'll be in the market for a new lid soon.
The Sharks seem to be getting pretty good raps and appear to be reasonably priced.

I have an RSF2 Shark helmet.
Real quiet, warm, cumfy, visor easy to remove and refit, antifog visor, removable liner.

BLOODY GOOD!!!
You'd be looking at about $350-400 for one these days.

jimdaworm

20th June 2005, 17:53

I am now the proud owner of a cl-14 :) Thanks for all your input! :yes:

bugjuice

20th June 2005, 18:46

well done ;)

the lid I was thinking of is the Shark S800 for $349

sefer

20th June 2005, 19:22

cs-10 is the very bottom of the line (for HJC) which was selling for $99 not long ago at motomail. That CL-14 @ $169 that Lou mentioned is an excellent deal. Buy one!

Thank you, after a bit of net searching a suspected as much but good to know that they are cheaper than that elsewhere.

Big Dog

21st June 2005, 23:13

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then?
My CL14 was a emergency purchase so no test ride.... No regrets. (staff member dropped my old helmet on gritted cement from about 7ft.) Staff did say I could bring it back if there was anything wrong with it.
My CL12 was purchased after a test ride. (Red Baron)
My K2 was after a weekend test ride... Fair enough given it was a custom I had already sent back twice. (K-Force Kawasaki (NP)).
My FFM was a weekend test (took 3 weeks to procure and have the pads customized for my massive melon).... (K-Force Kawasaki (NP). Then again they had loaned me a helmet for that whole three weeks while I got my learners.

Right ho then any questions as to why I am extremely loyal to good service regardless of price? (most companies recognise loyalty anyway).

Companies that missed out on my money because they would not allow test drives (h = helmet, b=bike 0= other gear.)
Motomail hhooo
Colmans hhbbbooo
Mt Eden Motorcycles oo (never had anything other than jackets or pants I wanted to buy.)
Boyds Honda (sp)ooo(never had anything other than jackets or pants I wanted to buy.)

New Plymouth motorcycles hhhbbbboo (they later shaped up and I bought gear off them when they started allowing me test rides on stuff that k-force could not supply)
Callandars bbbhhoooooooo (great gear bikes etc but service sucks and you leave feeling like your wallet just got serviced by a elephant unless you are recommended buy a current customer!) Out of 20 visits bought one pair of boots (sole supplier in NP) and a service when K-force were unable to do it and offered to pay for it because of the inconvenience!

Reno

23rd June 2005, 12:50

good question... I was wondering the same. Mine needs replacing..
I've seen a nice Shark lid for $350 at Cycletreads. Anyone care to comment on Shark brands? can't remember the model, will check next time, but a nice lid for a good price, I thought..

I just had a tumble on my Shark helmet (don't know the model number but it cost around $299) at approx. 60kmph and all is going well so far. The lid needs replacement and I'm going Shark again.
If you want to buy Shark see Scotty at Cycletreads, he's got good relations with the distributor and gets them at a good price.

MagicMarker

23rd June 2005, 19:32

I am now the proud owner of a cl-14 :) Thanks for all your input! :yes:

Nice, i just bought a cl-14 3 days ago. Did you buy graphics? which one did you choose?

I'm happy with mine, it's comfy, it's my first helmet aswell :D

jimdaworm

23rd June 2005, 20:55

Yeah its got the red and what ever graphics on it, haven´t really used it yet but I will start on saturday

Lou Girardin

24th June 2005, 15:11

sefer

25th June 2005, 19:10

Anyone have much to say on Nitro helmets? I've looked at 2, N311 and the N500. I can't find a single review or test on the net about them thou..

shadow

26th June 2005, 09:06

HJC good value for money, i got a anti fog slip that sticks to visor as a second skin seems to work fine sell for about $20.

Big Dog

26th June 2005, 15:34

HJC good value for money, i got a anti fog slip that sticks to visor as a second skin seems to work fine sell for about $20.
Yes good for protecting against dreaded scratches if you like me keep your gloves in your helmet.
Easier to ride home sans fog guard then sans visor.

Also HJC have really cheap tinted visors etc.
Although a visor and fog guard combo will set you back more than some of the above quotes for the whole helmet. I paid $100 for a tinted visor and a Pro grip fog guard.

Big Dog

26th June 2005, 15:36

Test rides of helmets is a really difficult issue because they're easily damaged. Even a stone chip means you can't sell it as new. If this happens and you force someone to buy a helmet they don't want, you've lost a customer.
Not if the person test riding it knows this in advance.
Admittedly I did have to leave the whole sale cost of the helmet as a deposit at each of the stores that I did not already have an account at.

jimdaworm

27th June 2005, 20:37

I am happy with my helmet I have been riding all around the place... only thing is it fogs up really badly :(

Big Dog

27th June 2005, 21:23

I am happy with my helmet I have been riding all around the place... only thing is it fogs up really badly :(
I have that problem in any helmet. Try progrip light sensitive. Fantastic. Best thirty dollars you can spend even if they lose their self tint after only a couple of weeks. :Punk:

jimdaworm

3rd July 2005, 16:54

Hey Big Dog thanks for the tip, I will do that once I get a chance to do some real riding :D

Lou Girardin

4th July 2005, 09:21

It could be possible to fit the Nolan pinlock anti-fog system to other brands of helmets.
Holes for the locating pegs would have to be drilled in your visor, which is not difficult.
And the correct screen to match your visor is a must.
A Pinlock system is $35.00 inc.
These are very good systems, you can remove the anti-fog screen easily and they just don't fog, not even when stationary in pouring rain.

jimdaworm

5th July 2005, 17:49

Thanks for the tip. I might have to try that... as long as it doesn´t make it unsafe for any reason

SixPackBack

5th July 2005, 18:14

--I bought a shark helmet from cycle treads.....great helmet , doesn't fog, comfortable. couldn't tell you if its that noisy as i'm a deaf old prick.

250learna

14th July 2005, 00:48

I got a HJC CL14 "TRIBE" for my dad and I paid $220.00NZD.

I personally have a SHOEI and I paid $469.00 on offer. I have been looking around on the net and it seems that helmets are cheaper in the US. I will probably buy my next helmet from the US and ship it in. :yes:

I saw those as well, if they aren't polycarbonate, maybe they are better? They have nice graphics though!

my m8 did that and got a cl12 with some fancy graphics for bout $170 straight from manufacturer delivered to his door, not bad since he recons it would cost more than a cl14 if you bought it localy.

As for shark helmets i have been told that they are very good as far as the noise inside the helmet is concerned compared to other brands, but im not sure how they compare in a crash

jimdaworm

17th July 2005, 12:05

I ended up getting an antifog sticker from wellington motorcycles. I am very impressed, its great being able to see all the time :devil2:

dealn1

5th April 2009, 18:33

Anyone know who has the best price on a HJC CL-14 in Auckland at the moment? Thanks!

Rover

5th April 2009, 19:49

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
I've just been through the looking for the ideal helmet. For me safety was No. 1. The attached site gave a good guide to what looks good and what will really save you when it matters most. When looking I kept hearing you wouldn't put a $1000 head in a $10 dollar helmet, and I've always worn these so it must be good. Bit like crash tests on a car, what some people think is good is often miles from what is really safe. So I ended up with a 5 star safety rated helmet for under $400.

Squiggles

6th April 2009, 03:05

Anyone know who has the best price on a HJC CL-14 in Auckland at the moment? Thanks!

I got one a month or so back from Colemans for $130... Mighta been the last one tho
Man this thread is old

sil3nt

6th April 2009, 17:09

I wouldn't rely soley on those SHARP ratings when your buying a helmet. Apparently a UK magazine pointed out that the tests they do don't simulate a real bike crash that well. But in saying that i wouldn't ever get a 1 or 2 star helmet thats listed on that site. I ended up getting an 3 star HJC for about $250. Wanted the Shark s500 Air which was even cheaper just not available in my size.