Are we paying too much for helmets here?

[haydes55]

...Or are these (http://www.kapscomoto.com/Helmets_s/6125.htm) absolute shit?

[gammaguy]

we pay too much for everything here

Kiwis are being ripped off and its not always because we are geographically isolated

In Singapore I can buy a brand new open face helmet with visor for $30 and a full face for $75.
Oh and my(leather) gloves cost $15:yes:

[Jantar]

That isn't really an either/or type question. Yes, we are paying too much for helmets here in New Zealand, and Yes, those ones probably are shit.

You can get quality helmets from overseas landed here in New Zealand for around 1/2 of the New Zealand price. What you don't get is the opportunity to try them on first to make sure you have the right fit, nor can you take them back to your local retailer if they aren't perfect.

[CHOPPA]

Yes we probably do but if you want people to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of helmets so you can try them on then order off ebay then someone has to make some money somewhere.

Yes those helmets are shit

[oneofsix]

Yes we probably do but if you want people to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of helmets so you can try them on then order off ebay then someone has to make some money somewhere.

Yes those helmets are shit

+1, If you are going to order off e-bay then why should the NZ shop have to carry the stock for you? Some scums even get the shop to get the item in so they can try it on, fully intending to buy it from e-bay, which makes the shop think twice when a genuine buyer asks, shit service for those of us who will support the NZ shop.

[avgas]

You can buy an FFM helmet from the factory shop for that near price.

I like to think we pay just the right price for helmets in NZ.

[willytheekid]

You can get a good deal on helmets in NZ if you shop around.

But at the end of the day...its where we store our BRAIN!...price should be a lower factor than quality!

[GrayWolf]

...Or are these (http://www.kapscomoto.com/Helmets_s/6125.htm) absolute shit?

Yes we do pay a lot here, I would guess like HD, the wholesalers are tied up with Aussie firms as well... (whether it is fact or not I do not know, but I was told that, as an example; the HD XR1200 is not being imported now, as Aussie decided there aren't enough sales for it) So if there is that sort of 'tie up' that we rely on what Aussie importers bring in, it does explain an often limited choice. Buying from overseas can be a good option, BUT will the helmet comply to the NZ standards of safety? My partner has purchased a Nolan from the UK to get the colour she wanted, as we wear nolan lids anyway, the sizes are already a known factor. I was a bit cheaper after the freight costs, BUT it doesn,t have an NZ approval, it has the British safety standard stickers. Really it shouldnt matter but if you research, USA Nolan's are noticably heavier than NZ/UK models.


Yes cheap lids are cheap lids.. there will always be 'cost cutting' in the construction somewhere to make them cheap.
Read the SHARP safety comparison's flip front helmets are a good example.. Nolan, the front stayed closed on 100% of the test impacts, some have a 50-60% failure rate on the locking mechanism.

[Canis G.]

That isn't really an either/or type question. Yes, we are paying too much for helmets here in New Zealand, and Yes, those ones probably are shit.

You can get quality helmets from overseas landed here in New Zealand for around 1/2 of the New Zealand price. What you don't get is the opportunity to try them on first to make sure you have the right fit, nor can you take them back to your local retailer if they aren't perfect.

Almost true, you get to try them on in the shop but once you walk through the door it's all yours brother - a majority of retailers won't take them back because of the risk of you returning a dropped or damaged helmet.

[Fast Eddie]

yea I say the same - the only thing buying online vs in a local shop is you dont get to try on diff sizes and models. However returns - I don't think shops will take a return on helmets for whatever reason eh (unless something was at fault from factory, I dunno.. like a cracked shell or something or faulty strap as example) once you pay for it and take it out the shop its yours.

Sizing can be pretty good these days even with online orders. ROOF just get u to take a bunch of head measurements to get a base size and then slip in extra padding on the cheeks or head to make perfect fit. Wish they sold em here in NZ

[Ender EnZed]

Sizing can be pretty good these days even with online orders. ROOF just get u to take a bunch of head measurements to get a base size and then slip in extra padding on the cheeks or head to make perfect fit. Wish they sold em here in NZ

If you take enough measurements you might be able to work out which size of a particular model will fit you best but that doesn't mean it fits as well as another model of helmet. IMHO the best helmet is the one that fits your head the best, regardless of price, manufacturer or model. The only way to find it is by trying them all on.

[Fast Eddie]

too true..

was just talking about my own experiences with ROOF brand, u send the measurements and they suggest the helmet size to suit as like a base shell size and then the padding is changeable - provide inserts to customize fit, so less forehead padding more cheeks or vice versa to fit diff head shapes. I love my roof daytona its perfect for my noggin.

I believe Arai and no doubt other pricey helmets do the same insert setup to fit individual shapes. so u pick the model u want and then make it fit you :D

[Motu]

No one has mentioned - ''If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet'' Doesn't anyone follow standard procedure these days ?

[Fast Eddie]

I like that one haha

at least the wallet will be safe/protected

[rustic101]

I have bought my last three helmets (Nolan) of ebay for a quarter of the price they sell for here. None of them have been knock off's and they have all had sizing guides prior to buying. I do think its a little dodge trying in NZ then buying on-line. That aside if you shop at the right stores on-line the sizing guides are accurate just buy when the dollar is strong.

[nzspokes]

Ive been looking at a Shark helmet, importing one is not cheaper.

[gatch]

I like to spend my money in NZ.

I want a good deal, but I also like knowing that if I have concerns, I can take my purchase back to the dealer. I can try on a bunch of different models before shelling out $800.

It's just like at my work. If an overseas company can make stuff for half the price we can, more power to the customer. But don't expect my sympathy when it fails to meet expectation.

[avgas]

No one has mentioned - ''If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet'' Doesn't anyone follow standard procedure these days ?
Like I said. I think we pay "just the right price in NZ for helmets".

Let those Aussies, Americans and Chinese have cheaper helmets.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Like I said. I think we pay "just the right price in NZ for helmets".

Let those Aussies, Americans and Chinese have cheaper helmets.

Even when they are the same helmet that we pay 200% of overseas retail for? :facepalm:

It ain't all the bike shops fault. The greed lies more with the brand distributors and the leverage they use on the bike shops. i.e. you sell all of my helmets, boots and gloves or you can't sell my jackets and if you sell brand Y I will have to reconsider your buying privileges for brand X.

[actungbaby]

You can buy an FFM helmet from the factory shop for that near price.

I like to think we pay just the right price for helmets in NZ.

To me you can get good brand helmet not much more than paid in the

80s . so yeah plus you supporting local industry retail .

No use complailing when good bike shop closes if you dont buy locally

I must admit brought things of ebay to fix my bike but also brought like

brake lever here from bike shop because you know your what ur

and just short ride to get it alot less hassle

ditto got some really good buying advice from my local bike shops

you may pay little more but build up realationship they look after you as well its two way street after all

[bsasuper]

Of course we pay to much here in NZ,and thats for everything not just helmets,everyone in the chain of supply is the culprit (Greed is good!),someone will be along soon to point out shop rent,wholesale prices ,its not my fault, I dont make any money I just want to keep the customer happy etc etc.(repeat everyone in the chain of supply)

[SMOKEU]

+1, If you are going to order off e-bay then why should the NZ shop have to carry the stock for you? Some scums even get the shop to get the item in so they can try it on, fully intending to buy it from e-bay, which makes the shop think twice when a genuine buyer asks, shit service for those of us who will support the NZ shop.

Some of us don't have the money to pay full retail price for everything. I have to struggle just to get the money to put petrol in the bike, so why shouldn't I try to save money by shopping online?

[haydes55]

Of course we pay to much here in NZ,and thats for everything not just helmets,everyone in the chain of supply is the culprit (Greed is good!),someone will be along soon to point out shop rent,wholesale prices ,its not my fault, I dont make any money I just want to keep the customer happy etc etc.(repeat everyone in the chain of supply)

But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

[Canis G.]

But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

BRO! You have been thinking again - stop it NOW!
Seriously, in the face of the almighty "market forces" we still have shops that will charge premium prices on commonly available items - and people who will pay it. Has no one read the text book - jeez.

[Hitcher]

I have no qualms about buying helmets on the web. Unlike most motorcyclists, I can't walk into a motorcycle store and browse their racks of helmets. Well I can, but they're not going to have anything there that fits, so I don't bother. There are people who have wet dreams and wax eloquently about the joys of an Arai or of some flip-front spectacular, or one of those wizzy new models with the fighter pilot drop-down tinted visors. Marvellous. I am truly happy for your joy, you fucking mass-market pinheads.

I have two manufacturers who can make me a helmet that fits. Money no object. Mr HJC and Mr Shoei are truly enlightened gents, both making XXXL helmets. A New Zealand distributor will happily fit me, after a short wait, with one that is resplendently black. If I want a graphic pattern, then that's when I head for a US online supplier. New Zealand distributors aren't going to do any favours for people like me who inhabit the Siberian wastelands at the end of the head-size bell curve. They presumably care not a jot for the one sale every two years that they lose. Neither do I.

[Crackedbycracku]

OK, so I'm no expert but as I understand it any motorcycle helmet sold by a shop in New Zealand meets safety standards, right?

Therefore, what it the difference between a $50 full-face helmet, advertised at Red Barron, and a $900 helmet in terms of safety?

I get one may have more vents, be more aerodynamic, have a cooler look or be from a certain brand. Also if one fits you better than another well, that's about that. But in terms of safety does more expensive actually mean safer?

[Asher]

Yes both might meet the minimum safety standard, but thats not to say the $900 helmet doesnt exceed the minimum standard by a significant amount.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
Go there to see how different helmets perform.

[Tigadee]

:yes:


But the customer shouldn't have to pay for the companies inefficiencies. If a big shop in town means having higher prices, surely a smarter idea would be to move to a shop or warehouse out of town, spend more on advertising and have cheaper prices. Utilise Internet and other media of selling instead of the old expensive methods of only having a store in town.

Too many small operators, which is fine in smaller towns and rural areas to have one or two but not many concentrated in large towns or cities.

What we need is a centrally-located 'The Warehouse' or Bunnings-type place where all the brands and models are available in significant stock levels because they were brought in via one bulk shipment to keep prices down, not multiple small shipments. Big media blitz, flash launch, everyone knows where you are and Bob's yer uncle...

Economies of scale for operating costs, good staff levels, competitive (i.e. affordable) pricing, brand recognition, negotiation power with the suppliers, large regular re-stock orders... Everybody's happy. It can still be 100% NZ owned, just work smarter and change with the times.

[AllanB]

Yes.

Stupidly priced for the exact same lid as available online.

I have also noticed that every now and then a retailer will have a pile of brand XXX helmets significantly chearer than the NZ 'retail' - bulk dead, sure but supplied at a 'USA' price.

[onearmedbandit]

...Or are these (http://www.kapscomoto.com/Helmets_s/6125.htm) absolute shit?

I wouldn't wear a $40 pair of gloves let alone a $40 helmet.

And yes we do pay more here in NZ. But fuck me, $40 lids. Jebus.

[FatHead]

I have no qualms about buying helmets on the web. Unlike most motorcyclists, I can't walk into a motorcycle store and browse their racks of helmets. Well I can, but they're not going to have anything there that fits, so I don't bother. There are people who have wet dreams and wax eloquently about the joys of an Arai or of some flip-front spectacular, or one of those wizzy new models with the fighter pilot drop-down tinted visors. Marvellous. I am truly happy for your joy, you fucking mass-market pinheads.

I have two manufacturers who can make me a helmet that fits. Money no object. Mr HJC and Mr Shoei are truly enlightened gents, both making XXXL helmets. A New Zealand distributor will happily fit me, after a short wait, with one that is resplendently black. If I want a graphic pattern, then that's when I head for a US online supplier. New Zealand distributors aren't going to do any favours for people like me who inhabit the Siberian wastelands at the end of the head-size bell curve. They presumably care not a jot for the one sale every two years that they lose. Neither do I.

I have the same problem I have a XXXL HJC that only just fits on my mammoth scone and like hitcher I will shop offshore if a local shop will not see that I am a repeat customer if they treat me right. I have the same problem with jackets and pant since I am altogether a largish bloke. I think I have now found a retailer in NZ that does Customer service and will report back once my first purchase is fulfilled.

[Waxxa]

we pay too much for everything here

Kiwis are being ripped off and its not always because we are geographically isolated

In Singapore I can buy a brand new open face helmet with visor for $30 and a full face for $75.
Oh and my(leather) gloves cost $15:yes:

....airfare...$2500

[theseekerfinds]

I think we do pay too much for helmets here in NZ, I also think we pay too much for petrol, for chocolate, for shoes and for underpants.. but that really speaks more for the brands of each that I prefer than the item's unit price.. I work hard to buy the products that I covet, eg Arai, Shoei, AlpineStars and others, but the fact for me is that if I want it, it fits and it actually does what it claims to do than I will go without a lot of stuff to pay for what I want.. but I prefer to buy from my local bike shop because the transaction is, to me, about so much more than just the dollars involved.. I have been investigating buying a new Arai but the importers won't get it in for me, my local shop got in a plain version of the same helmet for me to try on and then went about contacting shops in Australia to get prices for me.. sure I could do all this myself but I lack the little sliver of chipped plastic that you need to buy online and as such I would rather give my local some of my hard earned dollars to get me what I want.. even if it does end up costing me a little more..