Being a helmet nazi...

[tnarg]

I'm a bit of a hemet nazi and wont let any one on a bike without a helmet...for obvious reasons( My friends are dumb enough without a head injury).
Ok heres question, there now seem to be alot of people importing helmets etc from overseas and selling on trademe and I can only assume most of the sellers/buyers are not aware of the laws regulating this. Do I educate with a quick question or let natural selection take place? I would be happy to buy a helmet off the net but would suck if it was as much use as a pillow on me head. :bash:

[Taz]

I think you should mind your own business.

[Trudes]

So, what's the problem? Are they not up to NZ standards or is it that these helmets may not be any good, ie some unknown brand, second-hand/pre crashed??

[gijoe1313]

So this thread isn't about the purple-headed yoghurt throwing vein monster? :pinch:

[Ragingrob]

I'm a bit of a hemet nazi and wont let any one on a bike without a helmet...for obvious reasons( My friends are dumb enough without a head injury).
Ok heres question, there now seem to be alot of people importing helmets etc from overseas and selling on trademe and I can only assume most of the sellers/buyers are not aware of the laws regulating this. Do I educate with a quick question or let natural selection take place? I would be happy to buy a helmet off the net but would suck if it was as much use as a pillow on me head. :bash:

Apparently there's a study and it's up here on KB somewhere, where an $80 helmet from trademe or wherever has the same if not more protection than a pricey branded one...

[Romeo]

The standards should be enforced TBH - since a good percentage of new riders/scootlers would most likely go for the cheapest option available. The number of scooter riders I see around wearing pre-90's helmets is shocking.

[Balding Eagle]

My understanding is (and this should be checked) that any helmet brought into the country and has been approved by NZ standards, is safe regardless of the price. A helmet imported privately may or may not achieve the required standards. But really it is a matter of buyer beware and it might be a case of you get what you pay for. Seeing it is my brains under my helmet and I know that they are worth protecting, I shall get one that will do the job and I shall do the research to make sure that is the case and pay the required dollars. If you haven't got much of a brain and go out and buy the cheapest because it is the cheapest, your brain is probably not worth protecting.

In the end, it is a matter of personal responsibility.

It might help raise the country's IQ.

[offrd]

A mate bought an $80.00 helmet to go with his hoysung, Brand new off tardeme. Its got a strange plastic strap catch. Its like a ratchet tounge..

Its got an E and a number like it meets euro standard...

Safe or deadly........ Who knows....

:blink:

[slopster]

I've always believed that cheap helmets and expensive helmets offer similar protection. The expensive ones offer better comfort, less noise etc. How many helmet ads do you see promoting their helmets crash protection? Not many compared to the ones promoting style, low noise and the like. At the end of the day they are all just a plastic or composite shell over a polystyrene inner with a bit of padding for comfort.

[Soul.Trader]

I think you should mind your own business.

I think you should piss off. It's one thing to promote freedom of choice regarding helmet wearing - it's quite another to sell (potentially) unsafe helmets to unsuspecting buyers. The OP has a good point.

[@mmie]

Well interestingly enough, I was reading an article in 'Two Wheels' today regarding a new design of inner shell for a helmet called a Cone Head.

check out the mag when you are in the supermarket next it is worth a read, also check out the video of the guy who has invented it.
The helmet is not available on the market yet but is scheduled to be available in Australia next year.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2006698.htm

I'll sift through the article a little bit and post some of the interesting bits but basically the helmet acts like crumple zones in a car progressively absorbing impact forces from head movement significantly reducing the risk of head & brain injury.

[tnarg]

My understanding is (and this should be checked) that any helmet brought into the country and has been approved by NZ standards, is safe regardless of the price. A helmet imported privately may or may not achieve the required standards. But really it is a matter of buyer beware and it might be a case of you get what you pay for. Seeing it is my brains under my helmet and I know that they are worth protecting, I shall get one that will do the job and I shall do the research to make sure that is the case and pay the required dollars. If you haven't got much of a brain and go out and buy the cheapest because it is the cheapest, your brain is probably not worth protecting.

In the end, it is a matter of personal responsibility.

It might help raise the country's IQ.

Yeah hemets are meant to meet standards but how many newbies know that? both sellers and buyers.
If you buy a car the seatbelts have to meet a standard and they get checked/replaced to meet our standards or they cant get a wof or meet import regs so buyer never needs to be aware, everything done for them. Buy an unknown brand off the net and who knows what ya get.

[@mmie]

Actually the article has really valid points through out so what I might do is scan it at work tomorrow & post the whole article, the Don guy who invented this totall deserves to get this off the ground I think in is a fantastic idea and can only hope that the helmets can be created at a reasonable price so the helmets aren't too expensive so everyone can afford to have one!

[Grub]

A mate bought an $80.00 helmet its got a strange plastic strap catch. Its like a ratchet tounge..

That catch is probably ok, our $600 Nolans have that catch (assuming it is the same)

[@mmie]

Just found another video on the Cone Head liners http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4e45dXrB9k

The talk about Australian Standards in the article & videos, in NZ we go by the same standard for helmets

[jcupit69]

Seen some shockers at uni!!! Saw a guy today with a full face helmet, dints all over it, no visor and looked at least 10 years old, i was horrified :shit:

In my last crash i face planted into the back of a 4x4 that pulled infront of me and then did some head surfing down the road.....needless to say this left me absolutly fucked in the head for about 6 weeks and i still have some residual memory problems now, so personally i do not mess around when it comes to getting a good helmet and im glad i spent the money before i crashed!

If you look at bit but the rear window just above the rear light you can see a dent.....my head made that!!!!!

[Mully]

I think this is a valid issue. You used to have to have permit numbers from the LT(S)A to import lids (Customs Brokers had to put the permit numbers on the Customs Entry), but a couple of years ago, they changed the rules, so you didn't need a permit at the time of importation, but the importer was responsible (with regulatory monitoring) for ensuring the lids were safe.

I'd bet that Joe Bloggs bringing in a couple at a time is circumventing those requirements nicely.

And lets be honest. These days, it's easy to knock-off anything, even Safety Standards labels.

Buyer beware, like anything really. But I certainly think it's worth bringing the issue to the attention of newbies who may not be aware.

[FJRider]

Its YOUR head. YOU choose what you wrap around it. If YOU risk YOUR life in search of a "bargain" ....

[Mully]

Its YOUR head. YOU choose what you wrap around it. If YOU risk YOUR life in search of a "bargain" ....

I agree totally. Let those who ride, decide and all that. I'm concerned about scooter riders and noobs who aren't aware of the difference. I certainly couldn't tell you the difference when I started riding, and as a poor student, I may have taken the cheaper option if it was available.

[Robbo]

A higher priced helmet does not necessarily mean that it is any better than a cheaper priced one, in many cases it just means it has a bigger profit margin in it for the various people in the chain, that is the manufacturer, the importer, the distributor and the retailer and finally on to you, the buyer. Just like the fashion game i guess where many clothing items sre made in the same factories but the brand that is put on them decide the percentage of markup that is put onto them. I have seen some good helmets that have been sold on Trademe and because there are no middle men involved then their prices are going to be cheaper and they can make a good profit by having volume of sales.
My view is that if it meets all our required NZ Standards and it fits and feels good, then buy it.

[FJRider]

I agree totally. Let those who ride, decide and all that. I'm concerned about scooter riders and noobs who aren't aware of the difference. I certainly couldn't tell you the difference when I started riding, and as a poor student, I may have taken the cheaper option if it was available.

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

[Mully]

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

Again, no argument. I think though that we should be pointing things like this out to scooter riders. I've done it, and been told to fuck off for my trouble. I've also had people think about it. They simply hadn't considered an off. Personally, I blame the European scooter adverts with a smiling couple in shorts and open face lids. They also don't have to do a BHS course, where they drummed ATGATT to us. As well, I think scooter dealers should be informing these people, but I digress.

At the end of the day, if/when scooter riders get cleaned up and injured, ACC will classify it as a motorcycle accident (with the associated costs) and punish everyone on two wheels even more than they do now.

[jcupit69]

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

:first:
:clap::clap::clap:

Give this guy a medal!!!!

[FJRider]

Again, no argument. I think though that we should be pointing things like this out to scooter riders. I've done it, and been told to fuck off for my trouble. I've also had people think about it. They simply hadn't considered an off. Personally, I blame the European scooter adverts with a smiling couple in shorts and open face lids. They also don't have to do a BHS course, where they drummed ATGATT to us. As well, I think scooter dealers should be informing these people, but I digress.

At the end of the day, if/when scooter riders get cleaned up and injured, ACC will classify it as a motorcycle accident (with the associated costs) and punish everyone on two wheels even more than they do now.

AGAIN... its freedom of choice (even if its a silly one) I have also advised same,of same. SAME result. AND ACC do ALREADY. Lets not start on that topic. YET !!!

[90s]

My view is that if it meets all our required NZ Standards and it fits and feels good, then buy it.

Sure, but you cannot assertain this from a TM helmet. Might not meet standard, if black import could be a knock off but look like the real thing with stickers, and might not be new. I have seen 2nd hand helmets that look mint but inside the liner is seriously deformed from some kind of incident - ie. worthless.

Even worse any helmet is only as good as the fit. And size varies a lot.

I found cheaper better helmets when I was looking for a 2nd one for the wife in the cycetreads sale than anything on TM. And I had seen some cheap helmets on TM that CT actually sold, and in reality they were nasty, and odd sizes. If you must buy from TM make sure you try the lid on in a shop, and buy from someone who you feel is actually supplying the legit same item.

There has been reference on this thread to studies that stress in terms of safety anything meeting basic DOT/SNELL is pretty good. In general this is true, but if price is a factor I would still check out a shop, because as I said, a $1000 Nolan or an $100 Can or both pointless unless they fit *you*.

[Ivan]

Sadly it is the way.
I wont ride in anything that isnt a known brand you know they have crash tests etc done.
I know my HJC helmet is well up to the mark as I have crashed in one of these before and believe it did an excellent job.
Also I have crashed in a Suomy helmet and hit my head twice in 2 of these helmets they were perfect.
At the time we were struggling with money unning 3 race bieks and trying to buy gear but never ever contimplated running on the cheap stuff

Moral of the story...

Dont buy cheap stuff it aint worth it.. Unless you can geta a good record shown of how safe this helmet is under impact.

And

IF YOU CRASH AND HIT YOUR HELMET ON THE GROUND
REPLACE IT

I have seen so many people go its just a scratch shell be fine sad to tell you once its scratched that helmets knackered it absorbs moisture and under a serious blow to the helmet it could crack.

The momment myne just tap the ground its instant replacement

By the way HJC Helmets rule

[Fooman]

Apparently there's a study and it's up here on KB somewhere, where an $80 helmet from trademe or wherever has the same if not more protection than a pricey branded one...

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

You're welcome,

FM

[Robbo]

Sure, but you cannot assertain this from a TM helmet. Might not meet standard, if black import could be a knock off but look like the real thing with stickers, and might not be new. I have seen 2nd hand helmets that look mint but inside the liner is seriously deformed from some kind of incident - ie. worthless.

Even worse any helmet is only as good as the fit. And size varies a lot.

I found cheaper better helmets when I was looking for a 2nd one for the wife in the cycetreads sale than anything on TM. And I had seen some cheap helmets on TM that CT actually sold, and in reality they were nasty, and odd sizes. If you must buy from TM make sure you try the lid on in a shop, and buy from someone who you feel is actually supplying the legit same item.

There has been reference on this thread to studies that stress in terms of safety anything meeting basic DOT/SNELL is pretty good. In general this is true, but if price is a factor I would still check out a shop, because as I said, a $1000 Nolan or an $100 Can or both pointless unless they fit *you*.

Yep! I would agree with your comments also, and if it was'nt a genuine standards approved sticker on it then my understanding is that to sell such an item would be illegal.
The fitting and comfort are also extremely important so if you are able to try before you buy on Trademe then you may very well end up with a Good Helmet at a Good Price.
For me, i have worn HJC helmets for many years now and have always been more than satisfied with them and they are quite reasonably priced at most reputable bike shops.
However, it is still a personal choice and i would not criticise anyone who had spent $100 or $1000 on their helmet of choice.

[FJRider]

I believe second hand underwear has the same appeal, as a second hand helmet.

[Virago]

I believe second hand underwear has the same appeal, as a second hand helmet.

So they get stolen by weirdos...? :rolleyes:

[Forest]

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

You're welcome,

FM

That's a really good article. Thanks!

[fizbin]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Helmets/auction-145773089.htm?p=1
are these any good i see alot of people wearing them?
do they meet nz standards if not then should the trader be even selling them:Police:

[Richard Mc F]

I have seen them.............excrement

[FJRider]

So they get stolen by weirdos...? :rolleyes:

And worn by... (my opinion )

[Bonez]

The FFM Tourpro II I just bought conforms to the ECE 22.05
A bit about it here-
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/ece-22-05.htm

[Romeo]

Well, my FFM M7 has the same standard as that one - and I bought mine from a shop. So I presume it's legal in NZ?

Mine's ECER22.05

[James Deuce]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Helmets/auction-145773089.htm?p=1
are these any good i see alot of people wearing them?
do they meet nz standards if not then should the trader be even selling them:Police:

NZ uses the Australian helmet standards model. Google it.

Now what did we say before? Fit is more important than anything.

If you can't try before you buy, don't buy it. The only helmet I would buy off the Internet is from a reputable dealer and a model and size of helmet I've used previously.

Fit is everything. Fit. Fit. Fit.

[Bonez]

Its YOUR head. YOU choose what you wrap around it. If YOU risk YOUR life in search of a "bargain" ....Yeah and if the cheaper helmet comforms to exactly to the same standard and is a good fit?

This it a reality some folks don't seem to be able to get their heads around. Excuse the pun.

[Robbo]

I believe second hand underwear has the same appeal, as a second hand helmet.

What's your point here? We are talking about new helmets for sale on Trademe, not second hand.
If you are obviously wealthy enough to spend mega-bucks on your helmet with a "Brand" on it, then good luck to you. Unfortunately not everyone is so lucky and they may have to shop around to find the best price for a good helmet and this is where Trademe can sometimes help, and again, i am referring to Brand New, Not Second Hand.
The same can be said about the bikes that they can afford to ride..

[James Deuce]

What's your point here? We are talking about new helmets for sale on Trademe, not second hand.
If you are obviously wealthy enough to spend mega-bucks on your helmet with a "Brand" on it, then good luck to you. Unfortunately not everyone is so lucky and they may have to shop around to find the best price for a good helmet and this is where Trademe can sometimes help, and again, i am referring to Brand New, Not Second Hand.
The same can be said about the bikes that they can afford to ride..

You have a point, but you MUST try one on before you buy. A bad fitting $2000 helmet does the same job as a bad fitting $50 helmet. A perfect fitting $50 beats a bad fitting $2000 helmet hands down, any day.

[Nick from the nick]

Just how are the standards set and what are the tests, is it anything like the BS kite mark stanards that are in the uk, and with all the best will in the world newbies don't seem to realize you only get 1 chance with your head, so they go cheap every time.
Is carbon fibre any better than polycarbinate/plastic when it comes to helmets ?? I like my carbon fibre lighter and i think safer

[Bonez]

Just how are the standards set and what are the tests, is it anything like the BS kite mark stanards that are in the uk, and with all the best will in the world newbies don't seem to realize you only get 1 chance with your head, so they go cheap every time.
Is carbon fibre any better than polycarbinate/plastic when it comes to helmets ?? I like my carbon fibre lighter and i think safer
Just read the links about helmet tests and find out. The foam compaction (less g's, within reason, to compress= better protection according to experts) on the inside is a big factor and ability for the shell to flex and not delaminate.

[James Deuce]

I should post it again, shouldn't I? Hey look! No need. It's at the top of the page in a quote bubble!

[Bonez]

I vote the link be put in a sticky in the gear section. So it doesn't get lost. Along with links to other standards helmets are subject to in this country.

[James Deuce]

I vote the link be put in a sticky in the gear section. So it doesn't get lost. Along with links to other standards helmets are subject to in this country.
I've requested rights to post it in the Wiki. Just waiting for Motorcyclist to get back to me.

[FJRider]

Yeah and if the cheaper helmet comforms to exactly to the same standard and is a good fit?

This it a reality some folks don't seem to be able to get their heads around. Excuse the pun.

The same stated MINIMUM standards are passed. Same thing for exams...pass mark 50%. If you get 75% you still passed but which mark would YOU want ???

[FROSTY]

Heres an argument from left feild.
Lets say for a moment ALL helmets protect you just as well in a crash.
What value therefore is placed on the fit/comfort /quietness from a safety point of view.
Ie less noise,less buffetting making riding more comfortable therefore the rider is less fatigued and more able to concentrate on riding.

[Bonez]

The same stated MINIMUM standards are passed. Same thing for exams...pass mark 50%. If you get 75% you still passed but which mark would YOU want ???You didn't read the article did you?

[AllanB]

A mate bought an $80.00 helmet to go with his hoysung, Brand new off tardeme. Its got a strange plastic strap catch. Its like a ratchet tounge..

Its got an E and a number like it meets euro standard...

Safe or deadly........ Who knows....

:blink:


Hmm depends where they come from - there is a lot of 'replicated' shit coming out of China nowdays, to the point whewre they copy logos and standards stickers etc.
I have seen a couple of recent Nokia & Sony copies that are very well done (until you use them!).

I'd buy ex USA from a big name brand store, but not a no-name helmet from Trademe.

[FJRider]

Heres an argument from left feild.
Lets say for a moment ALL helmets protect you just as well in a crash.
What value therefore is placed on the fit/comfort /quietness from a safety point of view.
Ie less noise,less buffetting making riding more comfortable therefore the rider is less fatigued and more able to concentrate on riding.

It matters only to those that do the time with a helmet ON. The rest are only concerned with how much they saved.

[Robbo]

The same stated MINIMUM standards are passed. Same thing for exams...pass mark 50%. If you get 75% you still passed but which mark would YOU want ???

Hey FJ, we both obviously agree on the required quality of the helmet and also, as Jim has referred to, the fitting correctly factor. What seems to have got lost here is the question of the cost of the helmet. Obviously you won't get anything worth wearing for $10 but you also don't need to spend $1000 either. In many cases an expensive product just has a very high markup% and probably is'nt necessarily 100 times better than a cheaper equivalent. Several people seem to think that just because it is for sale on Trademe that it will be crap. This is not necessarily so as i have also seen some cheap "made in China" helmets at motorcycle shops.
Maybe the "Standards Details" need to be clarified a little better and shown very clearly on all helmets sold in NZ so that the buyer can be in no doubt as to the safety of their purchase.
Food for Thought i guess.

[FROSTY]

Hey FJ, we both obviously agree on the required quality of the helmet and also, as Jim has referred to, the fitting correctly factor. What seems to have got lost here is the question of the cost of the helmet. Obviously you won't get anything worth wearing for $10 but you also don't need to spend $1000 either. In many cases an expensive product just has a very high markup% and probably is'nt necessarily 100 times better than a cheaper equivalent. Several people seem to think that just because it is for sale on Trademe that it will be crap. This is not necessarily so as i have also seen some cheap "made in China" helmets at motorcycle shops.
Maybe the "Standards Details" need to be clarified a little better and shown very clearly on all helmets sold in NZ so that the buyer can be in no doubt as to the safety of their purchase.
Food for Thought i guess.
Sorry Robbo I'm with FJ on this one. Not wanting to do my dick is bigger than yours but i've been riding/racing for 25 years and the difference between a cheaper helmet and a better one is huge.
The ONLY exception is where you are sensible and choose a plain color instead of the latest graphics on a lid.

[FJRider]

Robbo, I believe SAFETY issues are only a PART of pricing issues. As Frosty mentioned, wind noise, comfort, aerodynamically better, better venting etc,etc, are factors few consider untill their dollars (helmet) are strapped on their head, and heading (excuse the pun) away for a ride.

[Bonez]

Another thing to consider is how they are strapped to your head. Clips or double Ds.

[James Deuce]

Robbo, I believe SAFETY issues are only a PART of pricing issues. As Frosty mentioned, wind noise, comfort, aerodynamically better, better venting etc,etc, are factors few consider untill their dollars (helmet) are strapped on their head, and heading (excuse the pun) away for a ride.

Absolutely - Motorcyclist lost Arai and Shoei as advertisers over that article, because not only were the cheaper helmets safer, they had features that worked significantly better.

But the biggest thing in that article is that the mega buck helmets weren't/aren't doing their job because they are too stiff. They take so much force without absorbing it that significant inter-cranial damage occurs long before the helmet fails. In other words your brain is jellied mush from a simple angled kerb strike at low speed.

You can either continue the $10 helmet $10 head argument in the face of principled independent research by respected researchers (Dr Harry Hurt) or accept a company's marketing line about how safe their helmets are. The standards are passed at the same level for all helmets. It's pass or fail, not a percentage figure. The SNELL standard is bollocks and the DOT standard is questioned extensively as well. Helmets are developing crumple zones as a result of that research too, testing chin bars that crumple to prevent the broken neck that has become prevalent in face first landings. The chin bar forces your head down and transmits a large chunk of the force generated by your body rolling your head forward and levering your head away from your cervical spine. The inherent conundrum is how to protect your face and prevent the spinal injury at the same time.

Check this article out and then tell me that helmets that meet ECE22.05 are worse than SNELL or DOT helmets only? The testing is much more extensive and varied and tests a greater range of possible impact types. Looks like DOT + ECE22.05 compliance are what you'd want.

http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedings/a-Thom-ComparisonTestsofMotorcycleHelmets.pdf

[Motu]

A knot is pretty damn strong - but I can never get it remember.......left over right,but I can't see with my helmet on?

I've been using a helmet I bought second hand maybe 7 years ago,but who know how old it is.You guys would of been dead a week after putting it on....but I know how to use a helmet properly.....

[Robbo]

Robbo, I believe SAFETY issues are only a PART of pricing issues. As Frosty mentioned, wind noise, comfort, aerodynamically better, better venting etc,etc, are factors few consider untill their dollars (helmet) are strapped on their head, and heading (excuse the pun) away for a ride.

Hey Frosty and FJ, you'll get no argument from me on that one as i also appreciate a comfortable, quiet and snug fitting helmet, where i am coming from is that there is room for compromise in the comfort zone but NOT in the safety zone for a young rider starting out with a very limited budget. Hell, when i first started riding over 40 years ago, we did'nt even have any helmets at all. Things have come a long way in that time, and just as well cause i would'nt ever contemplate riding without a good helmet nowdays.
After all, they are probably also starting off on a compromise bike as well just like you and i did back then. However, when they can afford to buy their new or dream bike then they can also afford a quality lid to go with it.
Cheers Guys

[Ripperjon]

For the people who don't know what's a legal helmet in NZ...

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/gear-and-clothing.html

[90s]

For me, i have worn HJC helmets for many years now and have always been more than satisfied with them and they are quite reasonably priced at most reputable bike shops.
However, it is still a personal choice and i would not criticise anyone who had spent $100 or $1000 on their helmet of choice.

My current lid is a HJC CS-12.
Reviewing the AC-12 Carbon webbikeworld said (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/carbon/) "HJC is equal to the best and, we think, better than Arai quality, which in our experience is highly over-rated. Unfortunately, some riders still have a perception that owning an HJC helmet doesn't offer the same prestige as other brands."

Back the the point and hopefully the end of this one - no-one has said on this thread at all that a cheap trademe helmet is a bad choice for a budget rider, if they can establish:
1) that it meets an accepted standard (ie. DOT)
2) that they can be sure the above is geniune and not fake, and the helmet a knock-off
3) that the helment is 100% new, remembering what I said about it being very hard to tell sometimes if a lid has been trashed
4) THAT IS FIT YOU (not your mate who tried one on)

If you can be sure of the above, save the cash and the store dealer mark up, or the mark-up for comfort, style, graphics etc. and get the minimum. Why not if it is all you can afford - but you CANNOT afford to do LESS.

However, as I said, if you look in the stores for end of line stuff you don't have to worry about 1-4 as you can try on, and can still save as there are often 1/2 price sales on old stock.
I tried many budget helmets with the wife for her (as she rides very infrequently on pillion) and many were nasty - too nasty that even a young guy trying to save money wouldn't get fed up with - but managed to find an $80-off CAN that actually impressed me, being not much down in terms of quality from my CS-12 (admittedly a fairly budget helmet).

Save money where you can, but be sensible.

[FJRider]

Hey Frosty and FJ, you'll get no argument from me on that one as i also appreciate a comfortable, quiet and snug fitting helmet, where i am coming from is that there is room for compromise in the comfort zone but NOT in the safety zone for a young rider starting out with a very limited budget. Hell, when i first started riding over 40 years ago, we did'nt even have any helmets at all. Things have come a long way in that time, and just as well cause i would'nt ever contemplate riding without a good helmet nowdays.
After all, they are probably also starting off on a compromise bike as well just like you and i did back then. However, when they can afford to buy their new or dream bike then they can also afford a quality lid to go with it.
Cheers Guys

I started riding in 1975, helmets WERE required by law. ANY helmet. My first bike was a Kawasaki 100 farm bike (5 speed, high/low ratio) road legal and cost $2,00 to fill the tank. My first helmet was an ex MOT pudding basin with the leather bottom. $5,00 from a second hand shop. TIMES CHANGE

[Robbo]

I started riding in 1975, helmets WERE required by law. ANY helmet. My first bike was a Kawasaki 100 farm bike (5 speed, high/low ratio) road legal and cost $2,00 to fill the tank. My first helmet was an ex MOT pudding basin with the leather bottom. $5,00 from a second hand shop. TIMES CHANGE

LOL. The old Pudding Bowl Helmets. Yep! i remember them well, even owned one myself for a short while before they started making modern looking helmets, although they were all open face back then. Full face came later. Reminds me of George Roper from "George and Mildred.
We sure have come a long way with motorcycle safety gear since those days and the modern bikes are sure damn fast compared to their predecessors.
It is all good though.

[FJRider]

LOL. The old Pudding Bowl Helmets. Yep! i remember them well, even owned one myself for a short while before they started making modern looking helmets, although they were all open face back then. Full face came later. Reminds me of George Roper from "George and Mildred.
We sure have come a long way with motorcycle safety gear since those days and the modern bikes are sure damn fast compared to their predecessors.
It is all good though.

A F' KING LONG WAY !!!!!!

[heyjoe]

All helmets imported by people have to meet the same standards as the helmets sold in shops in NZ to be allowed. Otherwise it is not legal to sell them I suspect.

[FROSTY]

All helmets imported by people have to meet the same standards as the helmets sold in shops in NZ to be allowed. Otherwise it is not legal to sell them I suspect.
Why?? if a "private" sale you can sell any crap.
Im not saying stuff on tard me is crap --just that the potential is there

[heyjoe]

Why?? if a "private" sale you can sell any crap.
Im not saying stuff on tard me is crap --just that the potential is there

I agree that people selling privately can sell any crap and don't want laws and rules interfering. My info reference (which I had read some time ago and have just looked up again) is here: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html

I interpret that as someone who may be selling or importing to sell helmets in NZ. That is why I stated what I did in my earlier comment.

I also agree that there is potential for online auction sites to have sellers sell crappy goods.

[90s]

I agree that people selling privately can sell any crap and don't want laws and rules interfering ... I also agree that there is potential for online auction sites to have sellers sell crappy goods.

Sure, and the obvious reading of 'crappy' re: private imports is whether they are legit imports or not officially declared, and therefore not officially imported and meeting none of the official NZ specs.
On auction sites you can get anything from electronics to DVDs to whatever that has been bought into the country and does not meet local standards and is not technically legal.
If its electronics from HK that cost 1/2 the price and you need an adaptor for, sure if it doesn't go wrong then you can save a lot of money.
But if I hit my head on the road then I would like to be sure it is a pukka item I've bought. When I did hit me head on the road following my one and only car-vs-bike smackdown, my AGV shell split in half down the back, but did the job as I had only mild concussion. If I had not had had a decent lid on I might not be here now.

[Bonez]

LOL. The old Pudding Bowl Helmets. Yep! i remember them well, even owned one myself for a short while before they started making modern looking helmets, although they were all open face back then. Full face came later. Reminds me of George Roper from "George and Mildred.
We sure have come a long way with motorcycle safety gear since those days and the modern bikes are sure damn fast compared to their predecessors.
It is all good though.You can still buy pudding bowl helmets new.

http://www.trophycycleapparel.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=71_93

[heyjoe]

Sure, and the obvious reading of 'crappy' re: private imports is whether they are legit imports or not officially declared, and therefore not officially imported and meeting none of the official NZ specs.
On auction sites you can get anything from electronics to DVDs to whatever that has been bought into the country and does not meet local standards and is not technically legal.
If its electronics from HK that cost 1/2 the price and you need an adaptor for, sure if it doesn't go wrong then you can save a lot of money.
But if I hit my head on the road then I would like to be sure it is a pukka item I've bought. When I did hit me head on the road following my one and only car-vs-bike smackdown, my AGV shell split in half down the back, but did the job as I had only mild concussion. If I had not had had a decent lid on I might not be here now.

Yep I agree with ya on whether items are actually officially declared or not. I am sure the online auction sites have heaps of goods as you describe. I do not doubt it. And I too would expect a helmet to do what it was expected to do.

[FJRider]

All helmets imported by people have to meet the same standards as the helmets sold in shops in NZ to be allowed. Otherwise it is not legal to sell them I suspect.

But it is to WEAR them

[Bonez]

But it is to WEAR themRead the post you replied to again SLOWWWLY.