Quick release helmet buckle

[Spazman727]

What's with most helmets having the quick release thingo? Is it just me or do other people find them annoying? I would much rather have a d ring buckle than a quick release.
On a similar note, anyone know what brands still use the d ring system?

[Kendog]

Quick release is fine.

[oneofsix]

I'd rather the quick release. Always got myself in a tangle with those D rings :lol:
I think Shoei still use the D rings but can't afford them.

[jim.cox]

I much prefer Double D (cups or rings :) )

My newish Bell helmet uses them

[p.dath]

What's with most helmets having the quick release thingo? Is it just me or do other people find them annoying? I would much rather have a d ring buckle than a quick release.
On a similar note, anyone know what brands still use the d ring system?

I prefer a D ring buckle as well.

[CookMySock]

D ring is a PITA, QR FTW!

[sil3nt]

My first helmet was quick release. My new helmet is D ring. Still not use to the D ring so takes me a minute to get it all sorted. I do prefer it to QR as sometimes I would get home and find the QR was not done up. No idea whether this was simply me forgetting to do it up or me just not clicking it in properly.

[Bassmatt]

After having a helmet with the quick release mechanism I will never buy another helmet with d rings.

[scott411]

i would never own a helmet with a quick relaese system, i much prefer something you have to tighten, have seen to many people with slack straps with the quick release systems,

[aderino4]

Arai and Shoei are both using D rings...

How the heck do you have loose D Ring?

Put strap into one ring and then another then just pull...

[nzspokes]

Both systems are stronger than your neck. So which you choose is down to preference.

[Rhubarb]

I bought a new helmet with a quick release buckle - I hated the buckle !

It didn't matter how I adjusted it, the buckle would always sit in the wrong place and either pinch or push into one of my chins (I have a couple to choose from).

I took the helmet to a saddlery who cut off the buckle and put on the Doulble D rings. (I used the rings off another helmet I had).

I could have done it myself but thought it would be better sewn with a commercial sewing machine rather than a domestic one.

The D rings feel safer, more secure and very comfortable.

[oneofsix]

i would never own a helmet with a quick relaese system, i much prefer something you have to tighten, have seen to many people with slack straps with the quick release systems,

Have you tried the ski boot style quick release system? You have to tighten it, thread the tongue through the buckle, but still has the quick release. Haven't tried it myself btw, mine is the seat buckle style and I usually give the adjustment a tug each time to ensure its tight.

[awa355]

i would never own a helmet with a quick relaese system, i much prefer something you have to tighten, have seen to many people with slack straps with the quick release systems,

It is easy enough to check that either system is tightened correctly, although, having said that, I have ridden off down the road with both strap systems undone. :nya:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'll only ever use a d ring system. Only take a few seconds and is fail safe, plus you can easily adjust it on the move, and it's more comfortable.

[scott411]

Have you tried the ski boot style quick release system? You have to tighten it, thread the tongue through the buckle, but still has the quick release. Haven't tried it myself btw, mine is the seat buckle style and I usually give the adjustment a tug each time to ensure its tight.

i have tried Nolans on with this system and like it, think its a good comprimise with still tightening and ease of use,however the helmet brand I prefer to use still use D rings (Shoei)

[5150]

There is a reason why most/all Moto GP and SBK spec lids have a D ring system. After owning few Arai helmets I would never ever go for a Quick Release system.

http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/2010/the-double-d-chin-strap/

[Crasherfromwayback]

If you can't operate a d ring system with the greatest of ease, you shouldn't be riding a fucking motorcycle.

[skippa1]

had both....D rings every time. Quick, easy and Im old so they are what I was brought up with

[Gremlin]

I've mostly had D rings, but my current city helmet is quick release (HJC).

I'll take D rings any day. The quick release very slowly loosens off and you keep thinking, shit, I should adjust it, argh, it's Ok for now. Also, if sometimes using a balaclava, the quick release wouldn't be correct for both. D rings, you tighten to the correct amount every time.

[Maha]

Hate 'em...D for me.

[wysper]

If you can't operate a d ring system with the greatest of ease, you shouldn't be riding a fucking motorcycle.

Extra points if you can operate the D ring system with winter gloves on.

For the record I am a D ring fan.

[george formby]

Extra points if you can operate the D ring system with winter gloves on.

For the record I am a D ring fan.

Or when you stop after riding for hours in the snow bursting for a pee & your fingers are blue then realise you don't need to take your helmet off. Habits are funny things.


I've never thought about QR v's D rings, all my helmets are quick release now that I have. I always check the straps when I put my lid on, the finger tug & the chin jut pressure test. Will check betterer next ride.

[onearmedbandit]

Or when you've got only one hand to use. I've had both, and prefer the 'd' ring. It's far easier to adjust depending on whether I'm wearing a neck/mouth mask or not.

[nzspokes]

My one with a quick release clicks up untill its tight.

[Henk]

Seems like D rings are only on higher end helmets these days. Used to be a clause in the rule book that for racing it needed to be D rings. Not the case any more.
Have had both, prefer D rings although some of the QR systems seem better than the early ones I've had.

[mikemike104]

I have a Caberg v2r with the quick release system, I like it. Quick on quick off, no fumbling to thread strap through the D's. It's great !

[Geeen]

I prefer the double D's, my old Suomy had a QR and it was never comfy whereas my current Shark has the D's and I love 'em. Can be a bitch
to get off with FROZEN fingers though. :cold::nya:

[cs363]

There is a reason why most/all Moto GP and SBK spec lids have a D ring system. After owning few Arai helmets I would never ever go for a Quick Release system.

http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/2010/the-double-d-chin-strap/


If you can't operate a d ring system with the greatest of ease, you shouldn't be riding a fucking motorcycle.

+1199 What they ^ said!

Any chance of a failure in the fastening system is one too many, and quick release buckles are way too prone to failure and/or misuse. No matter how much I liked the helmet, if it had a QR fastener I wouldn't even consider it.

[kiwigjt]

Have both ATM, first was the QR which I thought used to slacken off all the time, I guess because I sometimes use a balaclava. The new helmet has D Ring system and is right first time, everytime, don't think I will be wearing the QR very often now.

[willytheekid]

Currently on my LS2 helmet im using a quick release.

Its ok, but I did noticed that if I didn't carefully "wedge" the red fabric "tab" thingy into the helmet properly when wearing all my wet weather gear...I could arrive at my destination with my helmet completely undone! :crazy: (Not a nice feeling!...I store my brain in there FFS)

But since I have re-adjusted it and now make a conscious effort to ensure this little fabric tab thingy is tucked away properly, it hasn't happened again.
...but I much prefer the OL D ring system, easy to adjust and its a tried and proven system.

[Grantman_]

LS2 quickrelease for me. After having QR there's no way I'm going back to D rings. Ever. No competition in my opinion. Surprised so many like D rings.

[Bad Biker]

I have an HJC with a quick release and although it is slightly easier I found i had to keep ajusting the size. Just brought a new HJC with D rings and after a few uses got use to the D rings again and much happier with the D rings.

Won't go back to quickrelease ever again

[Crasherfromwayback]

LS2 quickrelease for me. After having QR there's no way I'm going back to D rings. Ever. No competition in my opinion. Surprised so many like D rings.

You may notice the ones that do have been round the longest.

[Grantman_]

You may notice the ones that do have been round the longest.

and how long have QR's been around? Sounds like 'it's what I'm used to' thing because there's no way D rings are a patch on a decent QR, by a long shot.

[Madness]

Suomy use D-rings - it seems all the quality brands still do.

[Crasherfromwayback]

and how long have QR's been around? Sounds like 'it's what I'm used to' thing because there's no way D rings are a patch on a decent QR, by a long shot.

Nah they've been round for years. I had an AGV race helmet years ago with it.Fucking hated it, and will never use anything other than D rings since. And I've seen all of the various new systems, as I work in the industry.

[Grantman_]

Suomy use D-rings - it seems all the quality brands still do.

yeah, and they have quick release also - like most brands.

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/425-flip_front/1329-suomy_tre_flip_helmet.aspx

http://www.planetdsg.com/suomy-d20-style-p-1572.html

[cs363]

Nah they've been round for years. I had an AGV race helmet years ago with it.Fucking hated it, and will never use anything other than D rings since. And I've seen all of the various new systems, as I work in the industry.

Totally agree Pete, we've both been in the industry a long time and I've sold and used a bunch of different brand helmets and I've seen how prone to failure, wear and misuse QR buckles are which is why I'd never use one.
A helmet is arguably the most important safety item you'll buy for your bike, I'm fairly keen that mine stays on my head with a foolproof fastening system.

[Kickaha]

I'm fairly keen that mine stays on my head with a foolproof fastening system.

The only helmet I have ever seen come off in an accident was a d ring

The Lazer I had back in the eighties had a qr system and given the choice it is what I would use but so far with all the helmets I have had it's been about 50/50

[cs363]

The only helmet I have ever seen come off in an accident was a d ring

How did it come off?!

[Grantman_]

Totally agree Pete, we've both been in the industry a long time and I've sold and used a bunch of different brand helmets and I've seen how prone to failure, wear and misuse QR buckles are which is why I'd never use one.
A helmet is arguably the most important safety item you'll buy for your bike, I'm fairly keen that mine stays on my head with a foolproof fastening system.

Hate to think what would have happened had my original LS2 had a QR system. Oh wait, it did. No problems.


<a href="http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii191/Grantman_album/?action=view&amp;current=P1090686a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii191/Grantman_album/P1090686a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Kickaha]

How did it come off?!

Fuck knows but he head butted the front window of the van out and left it sitting on the front seat while he fell back out and smacked his head on the road

Oh yeah my QR attached helmet didn't come off when I was hit by the same vehicle

[hellokitty]

i would never own a helmet with a quick relaese system, i much prefer something you have to tighten, have seen to many people with slack straps with the quick release systems,

I have a few helmets, only 1 with a QR, and I find it loosens while I am riding :eek5: plus it takes me longer to get the QR done up and undone... I much prefer the D rings because that is what I am used to.

[Ragingrob]

First helmet was quick release, now I use the DD buckle and find it so much better... Every time I do my helmet up I can easily tighten the strap to fit perfectly.

[Spazman727]

and how long have QR's been around? Sounds like 'it's what I'm used to' thing because there's no way D rings are a patch on a decent QR, by a long shot.

I haven't been around for very long and have mostly had QR helmets, the one D ring helmet I had was my postie helmet and I prefer that.

[Spuds1234]

I have a few helmets, only 1 with a QR, and I find it loosens while I am riding :eek5: plus it takes me longer to get the QR done up and undone... I much prefer the D rings because that is what I am used to.

This sums up my opinion well. My first helmet had a QR buckle and it would always loosen no matter how it was adjusted and regularly I would pinch myself with the buckle on it. It was just a pain in the arse.

The D rings on my last 2 helmets however never seem to loosen, never pinch and only take perhaps half a second longer to undo.

I'll stick with D rings I think.

[pritch]

I have used both, never had a problem with either. The quick release are more convenient on a multi stop trip to town, never had one lose adjustment. Some good brands use QR, my BMW Schubert had that.

Most of my helmets now have Ds: Shoei, Arai, AGV, but I didn't buy them for that, I bought them for the pretty colours :whistle:





(Actually, there is some truth in that...)

[matdaymon]

I've got one of both, my original cheapy BOX helmet I got when I was on my learners had DD and my current Oxford BZ-1 has QR. After riding for over a year with each and only replacing the BOX because I was getting sick of forgetting my sunnies and getting blinded on my way home I still prefer that helmet.
Have found the QR on the Oxford like what others have said is tricky to adjust to that perfect adjustment, have had the little tab jam in the mechanism and the strap undo while riding, and I also find it damn uncomfortable at times too.

If i could afford it I would choose my next helmet on fit and DD ring system alone but I'm povvo as so will have to deal with whatever I get. So long as the lid fits

[Rhubarb]

I've got one of both, my original cheapy BOX helmet I got when I was on my learners had DD and my current Oxford BZ-1 has QR. After riding for over a year with each and only replacing the BOX because I was getting sick of forgetting my sunnies and getting blinded on my way home I still prefer that helmet.
Have found the QR on the Oxford like what others have said is tricky to adjust to that perfect adjustment, have had the little tab jam in the mechanism and the strap undo while riding, and I also find it damn uncomfortable at times too.

If i could afford it I would choose my next helmet on fit and DD ring system alone but I'm povvo as so will have to deal with whatever I get. So long as the lid fits

$25 at a saddlery (a place that makes horse riding stuff) changed my Oxford QR to a DD

I supplied the DD's off an old helmet.

[Dangsta]

Not too sure why but I always felt the d locks were a pain in the arse on my cheaper, earlier helmets but when I got my Shoei it didn't feel as awkward. Probably less to do with the helmet and more to do with me getting used to them being a bit fiddly by then. I like pulling my strap tight and don't think I'd feel quite so secure with a QR....but that's just me.

[darkwolf]

I've got QR on my helmet and I'm looking at another helmet with the same. I can see how the QR may be an issue. I've just adjusted mine after 10 months because the helmet started moving in the wind. I'm sure this wouldn't have occurred with DD. My main concern with the QR is the varying ways that they connect, some of them don't look like they would take much to come loose. I don't think I'd make a decision based on the connection, but I'd prefer a DD over QR if it was an option on the same helmet.

[PrincessBandit]

I have both and either is fine with me. I do all helmet stuff with bare hands so the issue of gloves getting in the way doesn't affect me.

[Katman]

Sometimes I think people overthink things.

[onearmedbandit]

Sometimes I think people overthink things.

I think you're overthinking it.

[meteor]

I've had a few off road helmets that use Double D's they're fine. My road helmets are both Shark with QR and I haven't got a problem with them either.

[pritch]

Sometimes I think people overthink things.

True. I've been waiting for someone to pop up with the line,
"I'll use QR when it is approved for racing."

There's usually one.

[Crasherfromwayback]

True. I've been waiting for someone to pop up with the line,
"I'll use QR when it is approved for racing."

There's usually one.

Normally from someone who doesn't anyway!

[Henk]

Normally from someone who doesn't anyway!

And I'm pretty sure someone who doesn't keep up with current affairs. I'm pretty sure the DD only that used to be in the rule book isn't there any more.

[Crasherfromwayback]

And I'm pretty sure someone who doesn't keep up with current affairs. I'm pretty sure the DD only that used to be in the rule book isn't there any more.

Fair enough too.

[scumdog]

Got a helmet with each type.

D-ring is a pain when you've got cold wet fingers, q/r buckle can be awkward to re-adjust when the weather gets better and you wear a bandana instead of a polarfleec muff. Or vice-versa.

My full-face HJC has a q/r, my H.D. brain-bucket has D-ring. (For whatever that means to anybody)

[Maki]

I much prefer DD. QR never seems to fit correctly...

[Swoop]

Yup, double D's are much more fun.

Oh?
Helmet related thread?

You sure?:shifty:

[sleemanj]

I think a lot of the anti-QR brigade are comparing D-rings to older seat-buckle type quick releases. I agree with that assessment, buckle type quick releases aren't that great because of the difficulty to adjust.

Modern ratchet style releases however are a whole different thing, every time you put it on you are adjusting it just as tight as you want, just like with a D-ring, but unlike a D-ring there's no fumbling about with bitterly cold hands trying to de-thread it... just release the ratchet.

[Ocean1]

Guess they all do the job reasonably well, only bitch I have is I really don't like the D rings made from flat sheet, they always seem more fiddly to undo than the round section ones.

[G4L4XY]

Had both, D-ring is good for hooking it under the pillon seat. D-ring was my second helmet, took some getting used to but im young so that didn't take long :P

QR was really easy to use, was always nervous about the strength of it though. Turns out it stayed on fine when I came off though, not that it was a vicious crash though. Didn't have a buckle to hook under the seat though when parking it up, that shit was fucking gay.

[oneofsix]

Had both, D-ring is good for hooking it under the pillon seat. D-ring was my second helmet, took some getting used to but im young so that didn't take long :P

QR was really easy to use, was always nervous about the strength of it though. Turns out it stayed on fine when I came off though, not that it was a vicious crash though. Didn't have a buckle to hook under the seat though when parking it up, that shit was fucking gay.

My HJC quick release has a single D ring which just enough for hooking under the seat. Best of both. :Punk:

[G4L4XY]

Lucky cnut :P

[GrayWolf]

had both, and mainly D rings over the years... What I have noticed is the 'price' of the helmet seems to have a little 'influence' on the quality of the fittings... the QR on my Nolan is superior to the one on my everyday helmet (commute lid).... And I have usually found the cheaper lids have the flat D rings rather than the nice rounded ones.

[caspernz]

All helmets, except for the new Shoei Neotec I got a few months back have been DD closure. On the Neotec the closure is a micro ratchet type, so adjusting the strap to allow for the minor difference such as when wearing a balaclava, and still being 'in-range' for a bare head...no sweat.

As for concerns of the lid coming loose on account of the closure...meh, by the time the ratchet gets munted I'll be seeing white light in a tunnel anyway. Or with a bit of luck a nurse with double dees...

[Rhubarb]

I think a lot of the anti-QR brigade...............

I'm not anti QR. I had a QR on a new helmet (only a few months ago).

I didn't like the QR because I found it uncomfortable and bulky. That's why I changed it.

It just didn't sit right between my chins !!!