Helmets... So many choices, so little money. [Archive]

Ghost Lemur

2nd August 2004, 21:55

andy1

2nd August 2004, 22:25

hey Ghost lemur.
i have imported many helmets to many country`s from Japan.
OGK doesnt meet the NZ safety Standards. sorry.
but im not sorry about the others.

Arai top helmet for sure!
i can send one to you for much cheaper price than any shop in NZ!
i am at the moment sending helmets to NZ but they are offroad.
But i do send road helmets too!

Let me know!

Cheers.
:spudwave:

James Deuce

2nd August 2004, 22:30

Well I started researching helmets a few weeks ago.

And fuck me if I ain't suffering from overload. Not through lack of choice (although it could be argued that there is such a thing in NZ), but rather from too much choice.

Planned purchase is a wee while away yet, still got to finish saving.

Looking for some advice though on a few points.

1. Does NZ recognize international standards (ie DOT Snell) or do helmets have to pass some poxy NZ standard in order to be brought into the country? It's just with the NZ$ being what it is and money tight it looks like it'll be much cheaper to buy from overseas. Also allows increased range of choice?

2. Advice on analizing helmets when trying them on isn't an option?

3. What's your favourite helmet and why?

4. Any resources on the web (or else where) which could help me with my research (comparisions details of manufacture, different materials, etc)?

5. Anyone had experience with any of the following (or opinions based on what you can read on their site).

OGK (http://www.ogk-helmets.com)
ICON (http://www.rideicon.com)
Scorpion (http://www.scorpionusa.com)

The obvious big 4..
Shoei
Arai
AGV
Suomy

Lesser quality?/cheapies?...
HJC
KBC
Nolan

Others I'm missing?

OI, Nolan ain't cheap or lesser quality. Their top end race helmets are branded Xlite, and their whole range usual finishes on top or somewhere near the top of Snell and DOT impact tests. The N100 flip front beat everything in a Europe based competition (so it may have been a LITTLE biased) for top of shell impact strength. That is every other brand and type of helmet, not just flip fronts.

Ummm - I guess you know my favourite now, but that is mostly because it is the most comfortable helmet I've tried and owned. I've owned mid and top range Shoei's and top end Arai's.

I have an oval head shape with klingon ridges, so you'd need to be at least half-klingon for it work well.

Nolan CHEAP... mutter grumble.....

dhunt

2nd August 2004, 22:36

Well when I was looking for helmets, here in Palmy I was told that not many Shoei's are sold anymore at Phil Turnbulls due to the quality of the HCJ-CL14 helmets. Which are good value for money, so that's what I bought. It's a very comfortable helmet and fairly quiet but I notice on my fully flaired bike it is much quieter if I stick my head right up so the wind goes under it as well as over.

My $0.02 worth
David

k14

2nd August 2004, 22:37

Had 2 shoei's for 15 or so months now. Both brillant, low amount of wind noise compared to others I have worn. Probably going to replace my long trip helmet with a Shoei RF1000 at the end of the year, won't go for anything else, they fit well and are really comfortable.

Anyone imported a helmet from the states? Was thinking about doing that and was wondering if the saftey standards from there will be sweet over here?

FROSTY

2nd August 2004, 22:43

i've gotta tell ya dude there ain't nothing wrong with HJC helmets.
The story I was told was that they used to be the shell manufacturer fior shoei helmets and shoei decided to make their own shells.
I've now owned two Hjc lids --a cl12 and a Cl14 both were as good as anything else ive worn in the real world.
They aren't quite as quiet as the latest shoei or arai but only at speed.
I've recently stopped wearing mine on the track but only because the back isn't high enough in a full crouch on the bike.

Badcat

2nd August 2004, 22:48

i have a CRAFT helmet that is basically a rebadged KBC Vx7 i think,
it's a brilliant helmet - and i've owned a few arais...
http://www.speedpro.de/craft/index_eng.html
the good KBCs start at about $399!!!
it's light - quiet and visors are CHEAP!
i just bought a very dark green tint from holeshot for $45!
honestly - take a look at KBC, they have a wicked black chrome one on the way too...
i have a ROOF too - looks the ab. shizzle - but lousy in wind, rain and noisy as buggery (apparantly buggery is quite noisy...)
roof looks like this:
http://www.kenkong.com/album/album.php?albumId=82&libraryId=36&personId=3

Bob

3rd August 2004, 00:46

As the lucky owner of a few helmets (I got some to test ages back), I also put together a review or two...

Personally, I love my Arai RV. I'd recommend it to anybody for everyday use.

For the track? Well the HJC CL-14 is a good one.

Reviews for Arai RV (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/arairv.htm) and HJC CL-14 (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/hjccl14.htm) are here.

Hope these help.

One interesting point made in a UK magazine - if you are thinking of importing a lid from overseas, think very carefully about where it comes from. It seems that European/US/Asian helmets are made with different head sizes and shapes.

Lou Girardin

3rd August 2004, 06:42

How much do you have to spend?
Up to $300, HJC CL14 is hard to beat. Around $500, Shoei Raid is top value. Then you have your high end Nolan's Shoei's and Arai's which are all good, get the one that fits best.
As for importing a helmet, do you want to import visors and other parts every time you need them as well?

Motu

3rd August 2004, 07:36

Good point Lou - Years ago I bought a Nolan in OZ,thinking I'd be about 6mths ahead of the game,but that helmet was never available in NZ.I wasn't that stupid though,and the lining crapped out with one visor to go.

rodgerd

4th August 2004, 14:55

Suomy

One of the few I get a comfortable fit out of, but expensive as all get-out and *not* Snell rated for the cheaper helmets.

HJC

My wife has the CJ14. Seems to be a really good helmet, Snell rated, only ~$300.

Note that some models of the dirt cheap, locally made FFM range are Snell 2000 rated - perhaps they're you're best bet, given you can get them for <$200.

jrandom

4th August 2004, 15:03

I like my Shoei Raid a lot. For $500 I reckon it's as much as a road rider needs, unless you happen to have an Arai head.

But they're all good. HJC, Shoei, Nolan, Arai, Suomy. Buy what fits and what you can afford.

The word is that AGV are shite, though. Overpriced and built to do anything but last. Some may disagree; primarily those who don't want to admit that they've been ripped off, I suspect.

Hitcher

4th August 2004, 15:17

No, there is no choice. There is only one helmet -- it's a Shoei XXXL and it's black.

Not that I'm in any way envious of you poor pinheaded bastards who have a choice or manufacturer, functionality and colour...

vifferman

4th August 2004, 15:20

The word is that AGV are shite, though. Overpriced and built to do anything but last. Some may disagree; primarily those who don't want to admit that they've been ripped off, I suspect.OK, I disagree. (Reel me in).
Not because I've been ripped off (because I wasn't).
I got my first AGV when I bought my VF500, and the dealer gave me a discount on it. Kept it for over 5 years, then (when I was overpaid my travel allowance) I went looking for another helmet, no particular brand. I saw an AGV which happened to match my bike of the time (black, gold and silver) and the dealer said "take it for a test ride if you like". So I went for a ride for a couple of hours and it got more and more comfy, so I thought I might buy it.
"So would you like to buy it?"
"Yup."
"D'ya want to trade your old helmet in on it?"
"Say wha...? I've just shown you all the dings, and the crack in the chin guard, and the worn-out strap....?"
"I didn't see those. I'll give you $100 as a trade-in; someone will buy it. And knock $45 off. Say $200 to you."
"Done!"

I dunno about being "shite" - mine is comfy, fits well, is fairly quiet, has 5 vents, and has one of the best visor systems: no tools required, simple, effective.
The mistake I made was not in buying it, but in not claiming it on insurance when I wrote my bike off. Now I want a new helmet and can't justify it.
What I don't like about it is that I intended to get one with removable lining, and didn't, and the vinyl AGV use on the neck strap cover and bottom of the back of the padding is crap, and doesn't last more than a couple of years before cracking up. Oh yeah - and it's now the wrong colour, like my glubs. I'll have to buy either another bike or another helmet/gloves or both.:msn-wink:

Cajun

4th August 2004, 15:21

My first helmet was an agv was great lasted me 8 years, until it was just ratty looking outside, next was a cheap cms, and now i have a hjc cl12 i have had it about 4 years now, its done about 80,000kms still great, chewed lots of visors, my wife has a shoie xr100(i think she has done maybe 20,000 km in the 3 years she has had it, still on her orginal mirror visor)

Eddieb

4th August 2004, 15:26

I have a Shoei that I paid about $500 for a few years ago. I can't remember the model but it was the 2nd from bottom in their range.

I've had several before and was impressed with them but the current one is crap. The visor has never sealed properly and it's noisy as anything.

vifferman

4th August 2004, 15:37

I've had several before and was impressed with them but the current one is crap. The visor has never sealed properly and it's noisy as anything.Oh yeah - thats another thing I like about the AGV - the visor operation is very good, and it seals well, and riding along at up to 120 with the visor open is good, due to the helmet's aerodynamics.

jrandom

4th August 2004, 15:44

OK, I disagree. (Reel me in) ... it got more and more comfy, so I thought I might buy it ... fits well, is fairly quiet, has 5 vents, and has one of the best visor systems

All very valid points and worth considering for a purchase. However...

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

If it looks all right, do the same to a line-up of 100 randomly selected units off the shelf.

If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.

In other words, I know that there's a large and reasonably well-informed body of opinion that thinks AGVs have bad build quality and are not likely to be as safe or solid as other high-end brands. The existence of that body of opinion is enough to swing my purchasing decision toward the other brands.

the vinyl AGV use on the neck strap cover and bottom of the back of the padding is crap, and doesn't last more than a couple of years before cracking up

At least *one* complaint, then... :p

vifferman

4th August 2004, 16:14

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.Of course I wouldn't be happy to have my head protected by a helmet that's been cut in half!
But then again, people say "Well buy a $50 helmet if you've got a $50 head!"
I've obviously over-capitalised then... :crazy:

Devil

4th August 2004, 16:37

I got hold of a new HJC CL-14 for $200, was going to get a CL-12 orginally, but the 14 had a slightly better shape for my head.

Im more than happy with it. Good deal.

Sensei

4th August 2004, 17:01

My pick is Shoei . Have owned three Over the last 20year's , All my mate's have them now as I rave on about them all the time. Nothing as Quite or safe . Watched my good mate hit a Goat at 180klm while passing me on one of our ride's up North landed three time's on his head & helmet stayed together .Saved his life I belive don't help the rest of his body .Still alive thou & still riding . No better proof of their quality than that ever . Spend the money .$50 head $50 Helmet . Buy the best it may save your Ass one day be it Shoei / Arai etc
Sensei NP

jrandom

4th August 2004, 17:04

Watched my good mate hit on a Goat

Always knew there was summat funny about you Naki boys.

marty

4th August 2004, 18:53

i bought (should say stole) an arai RX7 off trade me off an asian guy who had bought it, then decided that auckland was too wet to ride in - it was still sealed in the box! it is awesome, doesn't move, doesn't leak (has the visor lock setup), but is a bit noisy at speed, and doesn't have a chin guard, so air does come up inside. it keeps the visor clear though. i wear earplugs and a goretex neck guard regardless, so it's not really an issue. i use my hjc zf-7 when rolling about town, the arai for longer trips.

Lou Girardin

5th August 2004, 21:09

All very valid points and worth considering for a purchase. However...

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

If it looks all right, do the same to a line-up of 100 randomly selected units off the shelf.

If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.

In other words, I know that there's a large and reasonably well-informed body of opinion that thinks AGVs have bad build quality and are not likely to be as safe or solid as other high-end brands. The existence of that body of opinion is enough to swing my purchasing decision toward the other brands.
At least *one* complaint, then... :p

Yeah, I've seen that. The AGV shell is half the thickness of an Arai or Shoei. They compensate for that by using foam that's like concrete.

Motu

5th August 2004, 21:53

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

I've got a brand new unused AGV,bring your Shoei around and we'll cut them up together and have a look - put your money where your mouth (fingers?) is.

fastford111

5th August 2004, 22:02

i tryed all the selection and shoie agv nolan didnt fit my head and settled for a axo carbon fibre job same as death wears cost me around $600 its light and fits exl so buy what fits the head and youre pocket not second hand :cool:

NordieBoy

5th August 2004, 22:09

I've got a Zeus 508w (http://202.21.128.4/photoserver/47/4478947_full.jpg) which is a flip front lid.

Mine is black and I got it from a local bike shop for $178 :yes:

Another shop here has it for $300 :lol:

jrandom

5th August 2004, 22:20

I've got a brand new unused AGV,bring your Shoei around and we'll cut them up together and have a look - put your money where your mouth (fingers?) is.

I happen to know that VivaVee has just upgraded his five-year-old XR800, wonder if he'd mind me taking a hacksaw to it...

[Edit: Anyway, it's not *my* mouth or fingers... like I said, I've just heard enough second-hand rumour that I've developed bad feelings about AGVs. When it comes to protecting my precious few remaining brain cells it doesn't take much to get me worried...]

andy1

5th August 2004, 23:16

I got me a V-Cross Narita Helmet. cost me $299! Red Baron sells it for $1299! :shit:
Everyone got a different shape head, some helmets i cant put on and others i can. Arai, Shoei, Suomy top helmets for sure.
HJC`s well not so good helmets in my books :no: . But i guess u get what u paid for.

Ghost Lemur

11th August 2004, 21:53

Well having done further reading it looks like the Nitro n800v is quite highly rated (particularly for the price).

I still can't believe OGK aren't allowed here. What's up with that? From everything I've read they rate right up there with Arai, etc. Is it a case of no one is importing them, therefore no one is willing to fork out the money to get the poxy NZ cert? Doesn't NZ recognize overseas standards.

Turns out Nitro and OGK are sister companies too.

maybe

11th August 2004, 22:00

Not sure on the spelling but have been told the Zuess helmets are good flip tops from about $229 have a look at one on trademe.co.nz under motor bikes/ helmets.

Redstar

11th August 2004, 22:14

I must confess I do go a bit cheap with helmets and it worries me a tad. I have two one for dress one for best but my best was a $300 FFM so were not talkin big bucks. salesmen use the how much do you value your head argument and what about your kids... but I read a recent add for ARIA and they claim a 1mm thickness over cheap. they suggest the test is a squeese test. hold the helmet between hand at entry and apply pressure inwards and feel deflection. I tried this at motomail on all the top brands and price and found that the real budget lids are lacking but no noticable difference from the mid range price up. My theory and its only a theory! is you do get what you pay for up to $300 but from there its the brand you pay for and I would qualify that by saying if you track or race go expensive GP riders are not stupid. its a fact that when your buying a secondhand bike the helmet is a fifth of the purchase price. Its worth putting a good lid into the deal.FFM is a good mid range mid price option for mr average. CCM is a good moped option.
that my opinon only. Its your head

Motohaus

2nd September 2005, 13:38

simple buy the best helmet for your money you can afford that fits your haed or borrow money and buy the helmet that fits you the best that may exceed your budget simple how much do you value your head
you can live a long time in a vegetative state and i'm sure mac d's don't come in liquid form
none of us like tro think of the worst but it does happen so get a good helmet