Best helmet for money around $300?

**FROSTY:Me** · 19th June 2005, 13:53

Must be my day to be a disagreeable old sod--Hey there is nothing wrong with the CL14 as a lid. seems safe and comfortable. But quiet it aint.
I was just in a situation last week where I wore my ARAI my Shoe and ml CL14 all back to back for 5 minutes or so The CL was by a country mile the loudest lid. -not so much in itself but in the sound it let through.
One other issue Ive found with the CL is a negative for me but I'd guess a positive for tourers.
The back rim of the helmet bangs on the top of my back when Im in a full crouch -rotating the lid around and down so I couldnt see.
It happened so often that I broke the rear rubber/plastic rim off of the lid with the pressure.

**MacD** · 19th June 2005, 14:35

Originally Posted by FROSTY

The back rim of the helmet bangs on the top of my back when Im in a full crouch

Hump? What hump!?

**Jabez** · 19th June 2005, 14:43

Originally Posted by MacD

Buy a helmet that fits well and meets the various standards. Remember higher prices may simply be associated with the paint/pattern on the outside and not the performance of the helmet.

I agree go for good fit with no pressure points,

I have a solid colour shoei, I figure I could get it custom painted for less than they charge for the racer wannabe

paint jobs.

**jimdaworm** · 19th June 2005, 22:42

I don´t care about custom paint jobs I just want one that protects my head... if it looks cool thats just a bonus.

I am not planning on any long rides so I don´t think a little noise will hurt me too much

**idb** · 19th June 2005, 22:49

I'll be in the market for a new lid soon.
The Sharks seem to be getting pretty good raps and appear to be reasonably priced.

**MagicMarker** · 19th June 2005, 23:20

I'm looking for a helmet aswell, going more towards the hjc cl-14 as my budget is quite a bit lower than yours, really wanted a fibreglass shell, but polycarbonate will have to do.

I suppose in the end most of it all comes down to fitting.

**Big Dog** · 19th June 2005, 23:39

Originally Posted by MikeL

HJC CL-14 is excellent value for money.

I'll 30th that. Like my old helmet with earplugs. Smooth moving parts. Cheap accessories.

Only down side I see is it is the largest selling brand in America, and that many Americans can't be right about the same thing can they?

Also the largest sizing I can find without going custom.

Not as practical as my old flip face but quieter and more comfortable.

**justsomeguy** · 19th June 2005, 23:55

Well waddya know...... I got one too...

But the damn thing insists on fogging up around my right eye - no idea why - bloody frustrating......it's only a month old........ played with all the vents......

Had a CL-12 before also a nice decent lid - protected my head well and saved me from eating with a straw.

**Devil** · 20th June 2005, 08:42

Originally Posted by jimdaworm

I don´t care about custom paint jobs I just want one that protects my head... if it looks cool thats just a bonus.

I am not planning on any long rides so I don´t think a little noise will hurt me too much

Dont forget the earplugs mate, no matter what helmet you buy!

**vifferman** · 20th June 2005, 09:06

Here's more info for those wanting to make helmet-buying decisions. Note that some of the models may not be available here:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm

**Lou Girardin** · 20th June 2005, 12:10

We still have black CL14's at AMPS for $169.00 inc.

**bugjuice** · 20th June 2005, 13:10

Originally Posted by Devil

Dont forget the earplugs mate, no matter what helmet you buy!

The shark lid I'm kinda lookin at, the sales guy was telling me how he has/had one and was going full whack on the back straight of Puke, without plugs. Kinda find that hard to believe and still keep your hearing. I wouldn't be trying that. I can't stand doing 100kph on the motorway without plugs.

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then? Cos I'm tempted to ask (once I've saved) to go to a few shops on Barry's Pt rd and just jump on the northern one stop there and back to try it out in which case..

**Mr Skid** · 20th June 2005, 13:18

Originally Posted by bugjuice

Is it fair to ask for test rides with lids then?

If a retailer wants your money badly enough, I'd expect they'd accommodate such a request.
You're not buying a lid to stand around inside a shop now are ya?