HJC FS-10 opinions?

[BugSmasher]

I'm looking around at helmets, and having trouble finding something that fits properly. Most that I've tried even though they feel quite snug seem to rock back and forth easily - in some cases until I actually hit the chin guard, or the brow of the helmet almost covers my eyes. I don't think I have the wrong size - just the wrong shaped head.

So far the best fit seems to be the HJC FS-10 and I'm wondering if anyone has this helmet and what they think of it? One web site I found gave it a very mediocre review.

Also the HJC website indicates that it only has a DOT rating and I didn't think this was acceptable in NZ.

I may have one more option as I haven't yet tried an Arai in my size and I believe these have a different shape to Shoei, Shark etc, so I'll try and track one down before making a final decision.

In the meantime I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on the HS-10.

[jamiey]

I'm looking around at helmets, and having trouble finding something that fits properly. Most that I've tried even though they feel quite snug seem to rock back and forth easily - in some cases until I actually hit the chin guard, or the brow of the helmet almost covers my eyes. I don't think I have the wrong size - just the wrong shaped head.

So far the best fit seems to be the HJC FS-10 and I'm wondering if anyone has this helmet and what they think of it? One web site I found gave it a very mediocre review.

Also the HJC website indicates that it only has a DOT rating and I didn't think this was acceptable in NZ.

I may have one more option as I haven't yet tried an Arai in my size and I believe these have a different shape to Shoei, Shark etc, so I'll try and track one down before making a final decision.

In the meantime I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on the HS-10.

Follow this link for it's safety rating

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/results/?sort=manufacturer&dir=asc&manufacturer=21&model=77b52b326c13f4c0a5e1bbc592a09c2c&type=0&rating=0&size=0&price=0&x=36&y=7

[BugSmasher]

Thanks Jamiey. It only scores three stars there, although I guess a three star helmet that fits properly may be better than a five star one that doesn't fit.

However after trying on a few more it seems that I might have been a bit too agressive with my helmet wiggling when testing the fit, so I might have a few more options than I thought. Cheers for the Sharp site though.

[Tank]

Thanks Jamiey. It only scores three stars there, although I guess a three star helmet that fits properly may be better than a five star one that doesn't fit.


You are 100% right !

Try plenty - When you find the right one you will know.

[PirateJafa]

In the meantime I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on the HS-10.

Great helmet IMO. Not a quietest out there, but fairly light and the flick-down sunshades are worth their weight in gold to a spectacle-wearer like myself.

Only downside I can think of is that the top vent still lets in a little air even when it is closed - but that's only a problem when it's fookin' freezing outside.

[Murray]

I have an HJC and like you found it to be the most comfortable fitting!!! Not to sure about the DOT rating as my wife has a helmet with a DOT rating on the back and she only purchased it 3 months ago. If it was illegal I do not think the reputable dealer she brought it throuigh would have been able to sell it.

[flyingbrick]

My father and I have been doing much helmet shopping recently and have been shown the FS-10 (the full carbon one.. hopefully we are talking about the same helmet) by two stores here in hamilton.

I thought i'd like the full carbon finish a bit more than I do. Guess I feel like its been a bit overdone.

I'm not entirely impressed with quality of finish. I took a look at one at Road&Sport today which was without issue- but I held one at the Honda yard which had exposed glue between the front vent and rubber visor seal which was pretty nasty.

I think you should try Shark and Arai.

[James Deuce]

Hey look, The Internet!

Taa Daaa!

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html

All HJC Helmets are ECE R 22 compliant. It will have a sticker on the back of the helmet that says "ECE R 22-05".

If it doesn't ask the retailer if it is compliant and why it doesn't have the sticker.

[BugSmasher]

Good advice James, although ironically it was the internet that caused my confusion in the first place. The HJC website only shows the FS-10 as having DOT approval, while most of their other models show as having DOT and SNELL.

Anyway I checked one the other day in the shop and it does indeed have approval which I kind of expected it would considering everyone seems to sell them. The internet's awesome but it can lead you astray :)

[James Deuce]

When investigating standards always, always visit the Government Run Regulatory body's website, in this case the organisation formerly known as LTNZ/LTSA. The Manufacturers only care about SNELL and DOT because the market in the US is bigger and has higher turn over of product than anywhere else in the world. Euros and Antipodeans keep their helmets for a lot longer than their US counterparts.

[Quailboy]

I really like HJC helmets, kind of LOUD but I wear air plugs. They might not be the most expensive helmets out there but they spend a lot of money on research and always meets the standards which are up there with more expensive Arai/Shoei etc so is very good value for money.

As PirateJafa said, their air vents let them down a bit though.

Yes, another brand if you are looking for good quality for less money is Shark.

[davebullet]

I own an FS-10. First helmet I've had in years (returned rider) so I can't compare and comment.

They are not the safest helmet going by the Sharp site ratings, but they do meet the NZ standards.

I chose the FS-10 because it fit the best, I wear glasses and the comparable SHOEI was too loose around the side of the head and I didn't want to spend the money on an Arai.

The problem with the SHARP ratings is what does a 3,4,5 star mean? the FS-10 does meet the ECE whatever standard James stated and a colleague of mine said that european standard was higher than the nz one? Not sure.

Anyway, the FS-10 fit me well. and the sun visor is brilliant since I don't have prescription sunglasses.

Negatives - it is a little noisy though at higher speeds. In gale force winds at 80Kph I cannot hear the bike! I would wear earplugs for a longer journey at higher speed to protect my hearing I think.

I have also torn the padding liner on the very bottom of the helmet - so always make sure you put it down on your gloves as it is thin (might be the case with most helmets).

The visor seal is waterproof and the antifog is reasonable although not 100% (then again my specs fog up before the visor).

I like it and am glad with it. It fit the best in the price range. It also comes with a removable chin guard and nose breath deflector thing which I've found useful in colder weather.

Cheers,
Dave.

[madbikeboy]

I have a good shoei, works fine, I also have a HJC HQ-1, which is their top of the line Carbon lid. Works fine, fit is perfect, (my Shoei gives me a blood nose occasionally on the track, I think the hemlet gets a harmonic vibration at a particular speed which sets my nose to trickling blood).

Haven't crashed in either. Relying on my halo of invincibility in any case. HJC is fine for build quality (better than a lot that I've owned), but it is noisy, and surprisingly big.

I like Arai, recommend the RX77r (or whatever it's called now), but can't seem to find them here (at least, from a company that I'll do business with). It's a bad idea to buy lids over the internet, just from a fitting perspective.

[scott411]

Hey look, The Internet!

Taa Daaa!

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html

All HJC Helmets are ECE R 22 compliant. It will have a sticker on the back of the helmet that says "ECE R 22-05".

If it doesn't ask the retailer if it is compliant and why it doesn't have the sticker.


ECE ratings are normally shown on white label label sewn onto the strap of the helmet,

[James Deuce]

On the HJC helmets it's a sticker on the back of the helmet, he said, while looking at the sticker on the back of his HJC helmet.

[Weaver]

The FS-10 is great. When you go riding in the late afternoon you have the sun visor down, then when it gets dark while your riding you just flip it up. Magical! Better than squinting or riding at night with a tinted visor.
I've never noticed the noise really, and as for the vent making you cold on a frosty morning, harden the fuck up.

[bigears]

I'm looking for a new lid as well as, get this my old HJC is red and my newish bike is dark blue ( wot a Fkin nancy eh! ) So if the safety thing counts what about a 5* AGV S4 ? the matt look I like, the HJC FS 10 appeals but didn't get a great plus on Web Bike review thingy and not into $1000 lids after my Arai fell to bits after only 20 yrs. unbelievable. But like others have mentioned alot is about fit as I've got to make sure my two aural appendages don't get cast adrift on dismount! Anybody got an S4?