Best Value for money road helmet $400-500 range

[SkAgS]

Hi Just New To road riding Just wondering what would be a good helmet for around that range 5 hundred or less , And also appropriate footwear , At the moment im just going through my licenses on a 250 witch pick up this week so I don't really know what to look for in gear, Any advice or what you may think is a good deal would be appreciated thanks

[slofox]

The best helmet is the one that fits properly. Take advice on this from a trainer helmet fitter. And try several to find the one that feels comfortable. Take it from me, you don't want a helmet that is ill fitting. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. In your price range you should have no trouble finding something good.

Proper boots for the feet. I have a pair of Gaernes which I love. I also have a pair from 1-tonne which are pretty good as well. I have a permanent hole in the side of my right leg from NOT wearing boots...so I always wear 'em nowadays.

[SkAgS]

The best helmet is the one that fits properly. Take advice on this from a trainer helmet fitter. And try several to find the one that feels comfortable. Take it from me, you don't want a helmet that is ill fitting. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. In your price range you should have no trouble finding something good.

Proper boots for the feet. I have a pair of Gaernes which I love. I also have a pair from 1-tonne which are pretty good as well. I have a permanent hole in the side of my right leg from NOT wearing boots...so I always wear 'em nowadays.

Thanks for reply, Ive had it before where helmets fit nice in the shop but at high speeds for long times with the air are not so nice hard on neck etc although this is with peaked helmets for offload , In saying that i shouldn't have to much open road riding probable more in town for now until i get a bit more road smart , How do you find a trained helmet fitter and not a salesman , Im always a bit sketchy on weather the person with the gear is actually trying to help me out or he trying to sell me something to make them more money or something trying to get rid of for a while haha :)

I guess Im really after Suggestions from people on good helmets that price range and I can go from there , I to am a fan of Gaerners and have had chunks out of my foot / leg so ill look into them to cheers for that :)

[mossy1200]

I just got a HJC R-PHA10

Normally 700 but talked them into giving it to me for 550.
Awesome helmet and very light and quiet.
If I had 500 idd find the extra 50 to buy it again.
Would depend on if it fits you well though.

[BMWST?]

again fit is king.and being able to take it for a "test ride" would be cool too but that obviously presents the shop with some risks .See if you can include a swap over with them id you find it doesnt suit.A new helmet does change a little bit in its fit in the first couple of hours

[1tonne]

Check out the Full Face Raider Helmets.
http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listings&categoryid=10

[slofox]

How do you find a trained helmet fitter and not a salesman

I rang the importers of the helmet I was interested in (Arai) and asked them who was qualified to fit them.

Second part of the answer is in my first post - try several. Allows you to compare how "right" the fit feels.

Biggest mistake I have made over the years is getting one that feels comfortable brand new. Several of these have proven to be too big once the pads compact a little. It's a hard thing to judge - for me anyway, since my head is a weird shape...:drool: When I bought a Shoei I did exactly this.

There is a school of thought out there that says we have either a Shoei shaped head or an Arai shaped head. It may well be a bullshit generalisation, but in my case, the Arai does fit better.

[Maha]

When buying my first helmet, I tried on 2-3 brands from memory. The KBC felt oh so snug :love:
So I have stuck with that...KBC fits my noggen nicely.
I wouldn't mind trying a new HJC.

[Jerry74]

The only issue is 6 months after buying the damn thing changes shape!!!! regardless of whatever brand I buy.

[darkwolf]

You are in CHCH so hit the stores - they're open on a Saturday too.

I like visiting Hampton Honda, Avon City Suzuki and Trevor Pierce Yamaha. On that note, I just bought an AGV Stealth SV from Trevor Pierce and I think it's fantastic. Bought for $459 too. So in out price range and feels great. Give 'em a try.