Helmets - what brand is the best?

[Tank]

All,

After reading the sharp test - my helmet scored rather poorly with 2 stars.

Its a KBC VR2R Stealth.

Anyhow - I know that the sharp test are not the end all and be all - but its been enough to get me worried (have also been told that its to big for me tonight chatting with a mate about them).

So - Im on the hunt for a new helmet. I know that some fit different shapes of head etc - bur was looking for advise on what are the better brands to try out.

I don't really want to outlay tons of $$$ for a crap lid. What brands would people recommend - I don't mind spending a bit as I expect to keep it a few years. Comfort, noise and safety being my 3 main areas of concern.

[Griffin]

Im about to buy a new helmet too and have had the Shoei highly recommended by lots a people - from bike shop staff to fellow bikers. Im kinda keen on getting a flip face but would like to try before I buy.

Anyways - in answer to your question, I have had Shoei and Arai recommended to me more than any other so those are the two Im looking at.

[Hitcher]

For goodness sake. Unless you buy one at the $2 Shop or Scroty Scooter R Us, helmets are generally approved by DOT, Snell or both. Either of those standards is more than sufficient assurance for what most people should expect of their helmet.

Buy one that fits you comfortably and securely. If you have a preference for a pretty pattern and can get what you want, buy it.

Those of you fortunate to have a huge choice of lids don't know how lucky you are.

[yod]

agv stealth - i managed to get one from the states for less than $300 and i was happy to discover it got five stars

over here about $550 i think?

[Griffin]

Those of you fortunate to have a huge choice of lids don't know how lucky you are.


Ive had to scrimp and save to get the cash for a higher priced helmet... it maybe that Im just throwing good money away seeing as how they are 'all approved to a safety standard' like you say, but I guess its my own feeling of security that makes me want something more than the $100 scroty scooter sale special that I have at the mo ;)

[Mike748]

I've only had an HJC Carbon and now a Shoei XR1000, I didn't like the HJC because it kept contacting my back protector, so when it needed replacing went for a Shoei with more clearance, but the Shoei hasn't been as good at keeping out the draft and fogs easy. I didn't get the pinlock visor though.
HJC was lighter (just) but had more road noise.

[MaxB]

Over the years Shoei and Arai have been considered to be the best helmets. It can boil down to whether the shell and padding fits your head shape. Some say you have either a Shoei head or an Arai head. I have a Shoei head.

I have 2 Shoeis but also a mid-price HJC which I like for longer trips because it is light. They are as good as each other safety wise but the HJC has fewer features and is not as well made. I can get 5 years from a Shoei but I'll be lucky for the HJC to last 2. Plus if I drop it, it goes in the bin.

[cs363]

Add me to the Arai supporters list... :)

Just a note regarding imported helmets whether you are thinking of going down this track yourself or buying one of someone who has, read these:
http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303630.html
You will note that DOT approved helmets are only legal if manufactured AND purchased in the USA, so for instance the AGV Stealth mentioned above is technically illegal for road use in this country, whereas a Simpson would be legal. Not saying the helmet is unsafe as such, but approved to a different standard than most local market helmets and more importantly not legal. I haven't seen an MNZ rule book for a couple of years now but I would imagine they are still basing their helmet rulings on what LTSA considers legal to import into NZ.
There are other issues with importing your own gear whether it's helmets or other items - if you have problems with it eg. sizing,warranty issues etc you may well run into problems trying to get it sorted and often local dealers /importers won't be to keen to help either seeing as you've cut them out of the picture.
Support your local motorcycle industry or pretty soon there won't be one and then who will fix your bike, sponsor your events etc?
Just a thought....

[Taz]

You do get what you pay for. I have 2 helmets. One is a HJC, comfortable fairly quiet but the vents are crap and the visor fors at the slightest provocation. The other is a Shoei Synchrotech and its comfortable, fairly quiet (I wear ear plugs all the time anyway) and the vents really work the visor doesn't fog and it came with a fog insert, smoke visor and whisper kit. The shoei feels like 2 or more times the quality of the HJC and was only twice as much :)

[Stromble]

All,

After reading the sharp test - my helmet scored rather poorly with 2 stars.

Its a KBC VR2R Stealth.

Anyhow - I know that the sharp test are not the end all and be all - but its been enough to get me worried (have also been told that its to big for me tonight chatting with a mate about them).

So - Im on the hunt for a new helmet. I know that some fit different shapes of head etc - bur was looking for advise on what are the better brands to try out.

I don't really want to outlay tons of $$$ for a crap lid. What brands would people recommend - I don't mind spending a bit as I expect to keep it a few years. Comfort, noise and safety being my 3 main areas of concern.

First time I shopped, shoei multitech was the best fit and comfort at the time. I then came off the bike and ruined the helmet, so went shopping again. Convinced I was going to buy shoei again, but tried a couple of HJC lids, perfect fit, wind noise much quiter than the shoei etc. $500 cheaper than the shoei, but still with all the approvals etc..

Though at the end of the day as others have said, its all about the fit. Go to cycletreads and spend a couple of hours really trying them, oh and don't forget to wear your bike jacket to make sure it doesn't fit uncomfortably with the collar.

[AllanB]

Weird post really - you have read the report and are worried about your existing lid due to its low rating - so logic would dictate that you have already eliminated all low rating helmets and now have a short list to choose from. It should be easy from there as your budget and the helmets fit will shorten the list to a couple.

Of interest in that test you mentioned is that some models of the be-all-to-end-all helmets (Arai etc) score poorly.

My advise is also NOT to purchase a black helmet. I find the riders helmet is often the first and most visible item of a bike/rider - its the highest point visible in traffic and black ones simply disappear and blend in. Get something bright.

edit - excuse the pippy tone it was not intended to read as a bitch.

[Bikernereid]

I just had to buy a new lid whilst on a trip and personally I would suggest that as long as it is comfortable and meets the necessary safety regs go for what you like. I was lucky that mine wasn't too dear about $500 and I love the design adn finish too so was very happy with my buy.

I would recommend Shark but then again everyones head is different so try as many as you can.

[The Stranger]

For goodness sake. Unless you buy one at the $2 Shop or Scroty Scooter R Us, helmets are generally approved by DOT, Snell or both. Either of those standards is more than sufficient assurance for what most people should expect of their helmet.

Buy one that fits you comfortably and securely. If you have a preference for a pretty pattern and can get what you want, buy it.

Those of you fortunate to have a huge choice of lids don't know how lucky you are.

Got too agree with Hitcher.
Don't worry about the sharp results.
For some time the argument has raged that the Snell tests are too rigorous. I suspect (at least until we see their methodology) that sharp is a tilt in the opposite direction.

Who is right, Snell or Sharp?

[alanzs]

I have a Shoei now, but have had a few Arai's over the years as well. All have been excellent and both have saved my head when the ground came flying up at me.
The Shoei I have now has a fantastic fit and I can easily get replacement pads for it if I need it. Had this one about 4 years.
My favourite helmet was my Stars and Stripes Bell Helmet. :cool:

[alanzs]

Got too agree with Hitcher.
Don't worry about the sharp results.
For some time the argument has raged that the Snell tests are too rigorous. I suspect (at least until we see their methodology) that sharp is a tilt in the opposite direction.

Who is right, Snell or Sharp?

+1 Snell and DOT have been around for quite some time, and are required approval for helmets used in the US, where helmet companies can get sued out of existence if their products aren't up to those standards. You can't legally wear a helmet in the US without meeting those standards.

As the old saying goes, "$5 helmets for $5 heads." Give me rigor over slack any time when it comes to life saving gear. ;)

[cs363]

Here's a good recommendation for Arai helmets:

http://www.araiamericas.com/News_From_Us/2006-apr-05-damaged.html

I've actually seen this helmet first hand, it was on display on the Arai stand at a trade show I went to in the US. When you consider the guy hit a signpost and a guard rail at an estimated 140mph and lived to tell the tale that speaks volumes in my book. Add to that the large amount of professional racers that stake their lives on Arai every day (and 'test' the helmets in high speed crashes) real life experiences beat static lab tests any day.
I've no doubt the same can be said for certain other brands, and to each his own - I just prefer to put my life in Arai's hands.

[Imbray]

The most important thing is the FIT, if that's not right the rest don't matter:bash:, I work as a nurse in a buzy ED & often in the Resus room, have seen 2 helments cracked down the middle, :Oops: 1 was just last week, seen alot of face/ neck damage (inculding broken vertabrae) from the wrong fit as well as brusing to the brain as helmet to big :bye:.

Had a guy not long ago 200Miles/hr came off with only broken calavicle, right gear, right fit, makes a HUGE diff

[NZsarge]

The most important thing is the FIT

Indeed.
Just so happens Arai seem to fit me perfectly. :niceone:

[Patch]

Just look what MotoGP and WSBK lads are wearing.

Arai
Shark and if you can afford one a Suomy (sp?)

Probably a couple other brands as well but I can't remember everything.
Arai's are hand made, most of the others are made in bulk by a machine.

Buy a top brand that fits you well. Remember that a helmet is only recommended too last 5 years from manufacture.


Its your head, your choice.

[AllanB]

Just look what MotoGP and WSBK lads are wearing.

Hey if Arai are happy to GIVE me a new helmet that I can design my own graphics on I'll happily promote their product as well.

Its advertising - Rossi and co get paid a shit load to wear them.

This does not mean they are not superb helmets, but it is called sponsorship at that level. No different to the All Blacks wearing their poncy Adidas gear.

[cs363]

The most important thing is the FIT, if that's not right the rest don't matter:bash:, I work as a nurse in a buzy ED & often in the Resus room, have seen 2 helments cracked down the middle, :Oops: 1 was just last week, seen alot of face/ neck damage (inculding broken vertabrae) from the wrong fit as well as brusing to the brain as helmet to big :bye:.

Had a guy not long ago 200Miles/hr came off with only broken calavicle, right gear, right fit, makes a HUGE diff

Yes, couldn't agree more - there's no point having an Arai/Shoei etc if it doesn't fit likewise having Alpinestars/Dainese gear etc as all these quality products only work if the fit is correct.

[cs363]

Hey if Arai are happy to GIVE me a new helmet that I can design my own graphics on I'll happily promote their product as well.

Its advertising - Rossi and co get paid a shit load to wear them.

This does not mean they are not superb helmets, but it is called sponsorship at that level. No different to the All Blacks wearing their poncy Adidas gear.

Yes that's true to an extent, though you don't see many MotoGP/WSB riders wearing HJC or KBC helmets, yet both are huge volume sellers (HJC is best seller in the US). And while many of these riders do indeed get free helmets, they still have the choice of what to wear. I couldn't imagine Rossi taking say $5 million to wear a THH for instance....
Same with MX riders particularly - I know that a lot of top level riders use Alpinestars boots not because they get paid to, but because they are the acknowledged best.

You could argue the subtleties of helmets for ages though - at the end of the day get something that fits you well, is well ventilated and has great vision/good visor system and has passed one or more of the required standards. Along with that I personally would say get the best you can afford as with any safety gear and/or the best within the budget you have set yourself.

[dwnundabkr]

interesting Rossi wears a Arai helmet for racing yet when watching super bikes rossi was wearing a agv helmet in saying that it was a scooter helmet

[cs363]

Unless he has changed very recently Rossi was/is wearing an AGV. Lorenzo wears an XLite.

Pedrosa, Nakano, Edwards, Hopkins and Hayden are some the front runners that use Arai in MotoGP. Haga, Smrz and Nakatomi are a few of the WSB riders that use Arai.
Most of the 'big' brands are well represented in these premier classes such as AGV, Suomy, Shoei etc. Which just shows how far some of the other brands have come as Arai & Shoei used to be 'the' helmets to have at this level.

[Swoop]

Had a guy not long ago 200Miles/hr came off with only broken calavicle, right gear, right fit, makes a HUGE diff
200 miles per hour???
322kmh.

Did he say what type of bike he was riding?

[alanzs]

200 miles per hour???
322kmh.

An unrestricted Busa will do it without breathing heavy...:niceone:

[Swoop]

An unrestricted Busa will do it without breathing heavy...:niceone:
Yes, a few bikes can happily do that speed. I was wondering what bike the Hamiltonian was on...

[J_P]

I am stoked with my current Helmet, but it is hard to get hold of... unless you have a contact in the states that can help you out. Haven't checked recently, so may be available in NZ now.
http://www.scorpionusa.com/home.html
Apollo EXO-1000
The Comfort / Fit / Practicallity is awesome.
My previous helmet was a Shoei Diabolic, and I have found the Scorpion to be significantly better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Af9pISZ0X8

[vifferman]

Fit is it. I tried on quite a few helmets before buying my current on (Shoei XR1000) and of those only an Arai Corsair fit well, and it was about twice the price of the Shoei.
Some of the helmets I tried on I wanted to buy, as I liked the features, but they were horribly uncomfortable, including one (Nolan? HJC? can't remember...) the padding of which mysteriously managed to press on a nerve behind my right ear that was unbearable after a few seconds.

Till I bought my the XR1000, I'd owned a series of AGVs, but I don't think I'd buy another one now. The Shoei's more comfy, has less wind noise (but strangely lets more ambient noise through), better ventilation and has better vision (visor opening is larger).
My AGV X-Vent had better visors (and they were cheaper).

You've got to try them on! Doesn't matter what other people think - as long as it's a reputable brand, and fits well, that's all that really matters.

[NOMIS]

I Just got a brand new SHARK RS2R and its the best fitting helmet out of any brand I have ever tried got it for $250 off the retail prive 9 its the new model one aswell ) had to get tit shiped over as they didnt have the new model in the country.

But definatly the BEST helmet for me. bloody looks the biz as well. and has a very got rating

[Tank]

Thanks for all the comments all.

At the end I did a lot of reading of reviews, tried on a ton of helmets and ended up ordering in a Shark RSR2.

It fitted me very well - snug all over. What came as a real surprise me was the HUGE difference in shapes between brands.

A med in shark was great. A soumi med only came 1/2 way down my head and a med Nolan fitted great except for the fact my chin couldn't fit in the helmet.