Advice on helmets (Aware of incorrect section)

[443330]

Hi all, firstly I am aware this has been posted in the wrong section and I apologize for this. I am needing to purchase a helmet urgently and seeing as this section has the most traffic I figured I would get faster responses and more than one opinion.

I am needing a helmet (have decided on full face for safety) for my -sighs- moped. I am not wanting to pay more than $200 and am looking for the best bargain. I measured around the widest part of my skull and believe it to be 57.5 cm which would place me in the medium size category I believe.

I have read purchasing a 2nd hand helmet is a foolish thing to do because of uncertainty over how it fits. Is this really the case?

Which brands should I steer clear of? and which brands should I be looking at for my budget?

Lastly, should I purchase on-line? Or visit a shop in person (I live in Auckland)?

All recommendations and advice welcome, again I apologize for positing in this section but it's a last resort!

Thank you all.

PS: I think I'd prefer either a plain white or black helmet with no graphics.

[Rhys]

I would pop into a couple of local bike shops and try some helmets and find what fits best
Then have a look on the net see what sort of price you can get it for (including freight) and go back the the shop and see if they can match that price, remember if buying of the net if you have a problem with the product who are you going to take it back to

[443330]

Good advice, and something I will likely do. Which are the "better" shops around Auckland? There are so many that I can't possibly visit them all and not to mention the price of gas of doing so.

[MSTRS:Me]

There are a shitload of perfectly OK F/F helmets under $200. And plenty under $150 too.
People will ask you if you have a $100 head or a $1000 head. Truth is, if the helmet fits and is retail new, any will do the job.
I prefer D rings. The click-type are bastards to keep adjusted right.
There are even double visor (flip down tinted) at the cheaper end of the market now.

[steve_t]

IIRC LS2 is a pretty good, cheap brand but as you've pointed out, the most important thing is fit (along with meeting standards)

[bluninja]

I've got an LS2...$125 does the job...crap for visor misting up, but comfy.

Reason why you don't buy second hand is that a) you don't know if it's been dropped or banged (you hope that bike shops don't try to sell dropped or bashed ones). b) The shell starts to weaken over time due to UV light exposure, so should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on how much time it's in sunlight. c) The polystyrene also degrades over time and if you squeeze your head into a helmet that has previously had the lining slightly compressed by the first owner, then the compressed polystyrene won't protect your head as well.

[443330]

Okay so I will be buying a new helmet as it seems buying a 2nd hand one is not the wisest of decisions.

Now I just need recommendations on helmets under $200-150 and where to find them whether it be on-line or in a store.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

[Katman]

I'm doing 50% off most of the Shark helmets that I have in stock.

I have a medium S650 that works out to $175 with the discount.

$12 freight to Auckland.

[443330]

Can you provide me with a link to more information? Also because I have no idea if these helmets are any good or about the price you are offering could a few members chime in with advice please?

Thanks.

[FJRider]

I prefer D rings. The click-type are bastards to keep adjusted right.

Sew (or glue) a piece of velcro (male/female) to the helmet straps where they meet ... and they will never slip again.

[Maha]

I'm doing 50% off most of the Shark helmets that I have in stock.

I have a medium S650 that works out to $175 with the discount.

$12 freight to Auckland.

That is good buying RRP $349....http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/product...50_helmet.aspx

[Katman]

Can you provide me with a link to more information? Also because I have no idea if these helmets are any good or about the price you are offering could a few members chime in with advice please?

Thanks.

One of these.



Normal retail $350.

[443330]

Do you have any without graphics? Just a one colour plain helmet?

[bosslady]

Never EVER buy a helmet sight unseen or having never tried it on. I cannot stress this enough, I have learnt the hard way (bought one online, had to go out and buy another one).
Watch youtube videos on how to correctly fit a helmet, as in how much or how little it should move and where. Go to stores and try on a few helmets. You may well find a $150 helmet fits you better than a $200 etc. helmet. DO NOT BUY WITHOUT TRYING! If you do and it DOES fit you PROPERLY, that's luck. Katman is probably giving a good price (but I wouldn't know, to be fair) but if you can, I would try and find that exact helmet and see if it fits well first - before buying. Try it on!

[443330]

Thanks for the advice! and I definitely do plan on trying on the helmet before I purchase it. Which stores have the largest range/selection of helmets in the price range of $100-200?