Interesting Helmet Information

[vifferman]

My apologies if this has been posted before.

http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/

It's very long, but gives interesting data about helmet testing standards and methods.

Summary:

Helmets are getting better and better.
Cheaper doesn't mean worserer.
Stiffer / more expensive helmets are necessarily better (and often aren't).
Thermoplastic helmets actually absorb impacts better than fibreglass.(Yeah, that surprised me too!)

[TwoSeven]

Cheers, i'll have a read later (have stuff to do). But while this is on a lid thread - does anyone know who sells 'FM' lids in NZ (not FFM).

[Lou Girardin]

That's fine from a safety testing point of view. But it doesn't go into comfort, stability, ventilation etc. These are the things that involve research, design and testing, and add to the cost.

[vifferman]

That's fine from a safety testing point of view. But it doesn't go into comfort, stability, ventilation etc. These are the things that involve research, design and testing, and add to the cost.
True. :yes:
On the other hand, buying a big name brand doesn't necessarily guarantee any of that either, or that it's going to be comfortable after 2 or 3 hours on the road. It'd be nice if you could road-test a helmet (did that once, with my last AGV - it felt too tight in the shop, but great after 30 minutes or so on the road.)
Ideally, you'd choose a shell, then have the filler custom-fit to your head.

[unhingedlizard]

Just like to add my two cents. I have two lids, a shark s9 (i think) and a 'cheap' FFM. The shark was 99pounds and has graphics on it, it fits like a glove, has a chin flap and a nose guard thing, is quite quiet, and good ventalaion. The FFM cost $300 (so about the same) and is, by comparasion, noisy, doesnt fit as well, feels cheaper and less modern.

Same price, couldnt be different helmets.