Are we paying too much for helmets here?

[haydes55]

...Or are these absolute shit?

[gammaguy]

we pay too much for everything here

Kiwis are being ripped off and its not always because we are geographically isolated

In Singapore I can buy a brand new open face helmet with visor for $30 and a full face for $75.
Oh and my(leather) gloves cost $15

[Jantar]

That isn't really an either/or type question. Yes, we are paying too much for helmets here in New Zealand, and Yes, those ones probably are shit.

You can get quality helmets from overseas landed here in New Zealand for around 1/2 of the New Zealand price. What you don't get is the opportunity to try them on first to make sure you have the right fit, nor can you take them back to your local retailer if they aren't perfect.

[CHOPPA]

Yes we probably do but if you want people to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of helmets so you can try them on then order off ebay then someone has to make some money somewhere.

Yes those helmets are shit

[oneofsix]

Yes we probably do but if you want people to carry hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of helmets so you can try them on then order off ebay then someone has to make some money somewhere.

Yes those helmets are shit

+1, If you are going to order off e-bay then why should the NZ shop have to carry the stock for you? Some scums even get the shop to get the item in so they can try it on, fully intending to buy it from e-bay, which makes the shop think twice when a genuine buyer asks, shit service for those of us who will support the NZ shop.

[avgas]

You can buy an FFM helmet from the factory shop for that near price.

I like to think we pay just the right price for helmets in NZ.

[willytheekid]

You can get a good deal on helmets in NZ if you shop around.

But at the end of the day...its where we store our BRAIN!...price should be a lower factor than quality!

[GrayWolf]

...Or are these absolute shit?

Yes we do pay a lot here, I would guess like HD, the wholesalers are tied up with Aussie firms as well... (whether it is fact or not I do not know, but I was told that, as an example; the HD XR1200 is not being imported now, as Aussie decided there aren't enough sales for it) So if there is that sort of 'tie up' that we rely on what Aussie importers bring in, it does explain an often limited choice. Buying from overseas can be a good option, BUT will the helmet comply to the NZ standards of safety? My partner has purchased a Nolan from the UK to get the colour she wanted, as we wear nolan lids anyway, the sizes are already a known factor. I was a bit cheaper after the freight costs, BUT it doesn,t have an NZ approval, it has the British safety standard stickers. Really it shouldnt matter but if you research, USA Nolan's are noticably heavier than NZ/UK models.


Yes cheap lids are cheap lids.. there will always be 'cost cutting' in the construction somewhere to make them cheap.
Read the SHARP safety comparison's flip front helmets are a good example.. Nolan, the front stayed closed on 100% of the test impacts, some have a 50-60% failure rate on the locking mechanism.

[Canis G.]

That isn't really an either/or type question. Yes, we are paying too much for helmets here in New Zealand, and Yes, those ones probably are shit.

You can get quality helmets from overseas landed here in New Zealand for around 1/2 of the New Zealand price. What you don't get is the opportunity to try them on first to make sure you have the right fit, nor can you take them back to your local retailer if they aren't perfect.

Almost true, you get to try them on in the shop but once you walk through the door it's all yours brother - a majority of retailers won't take them back because of the risk of you returning a dropped or damaged helmet.

[Fast Eddie]

yea I say the same - the only thing buying online vs in a local shop is you dont get to try on diff sizes and models. However returns - I don't think shops will take a return on helmets for whatever reason eh (unless something was at fault from factory, I dunno.. like a cracked shell or something or faulty strap as example) once you pay for it and take it out the shop its yours.

Sizing can be pretty good these days even with online orders. ROOF just get u to take a bunch of head measurements to get a base size and then slip in extra padding on the cheeks or head to make perfect fit. Wish they sold em here in NZ

[Ender EnZed]

Sizing can be pretty good these days even with online orders. ROOF just get u to take a bunch of head measurements to get a base size and then slip in extra padding on the cheeks or head to make perfect fit. Wish they sold em here in NZ

If you take enough measurements you might be able to work out which size of a particular model will fit you best but that doesn't mean it fits as well as another model of helmet. IMHO the best helmet is the one that fits your head the best, regardless of price, manufacturer or model. The only way to find it is by trying them all on.

[Fast Eddie]

too true..

was just talking about my own experiences with ROOF brand, u send the measurements and they suggest the helmet size to suit as like a base shell size and then the padding is changeable - provide inserts to customize fit, so less forehead padding more cheeks or vice versa to fit diff head shapes. I love my roof daytona its perfect for my noggin.

I believe Arai and no doubt other pricey helmets do the same insert setup to fit individual shapes. so u pick the model u want and then make it fit you

[Motu]

No one has mentioned - ''If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet'' Doesn't anyone follow standard procedure these days ?

[Fast Eddie]

I like that one haha

at least the wallet will be safe/protected

[rustic101]

I have bought my last three helmets (Nolan) of ebay for a quarter of the price they sell for here. None of them have been knock off's and they have all had sizing guides prior to buying. I do think its a little dodge trying in NZ then buying on-line. That aside if you shop at the right stores on-line the sizing guides are accurate just buy when the dollar is strong.