which helmet to buy ?

**mops** · 23rd January 2006, 12:47

Hello everybody....

I'm still using borrowed from my friend helmet and hist gloves, but it's time I get my own.

So basically, for now I need helmet, gloves and jacket, possibly water-proof pants.

now, re helmet, are the ones form trademe any good ? I' mean I'm not sure what I'm looking for, my size is L, i'm not prepared to buy the most expensive one, however i don't want a cheapie either.

can somebody help me out with explaining to me what i should look for in a new helmet ? safety standards, etc ?

cheers....

**SVrunner** · 23rd January 2006, 13:03

Go to a bike shop, try some on & buy the best fitting helmet, gloves, etc.
You will never reget it.

**deathstar** · 23rd January 2006, 13:09

thing i don't trust with trademe is that the helmets may have been defective or even in a accident and taken a bash and then sold on.... BUY NEW

**Fishy** · 23rd January 2006, 13:11

Yeah mate go into your local bike store and try them on, the sales people will let you know what to look for. Don't buy anything second hand off trademe as you will most definitely regret it.

Don't know about you but I value my head so I want something thats gonna protect it if I come off. You can still get a pretty decent lid for around $300 HJC or Nitro are two good options to start looking at for around that sort of money.

**Karma** · 23rd January 2006, 13:12

More important with trademe helmets and second hand in general is that if they have been worn they will have moulted to the riders head.

So unless you have a very commonly shaped head then the helmet won't fit right.

Lay out some money on new gear... it's the best money you'll ever spend.

**SVrunner** · 23rd January 2006, 13:16

Motomail have a good range & selection (all lid's made to same std).
Difference is weight of lid on your head & neck & what price to pay.
Should pay the most you can afford on the best fitting lid.

**quickbuck** · 23rd January 2006, 13:17

BUY NEW, Don't skimp on the lid! You can get a cheaper jacket, as it will still have padding to protect you as best as they do. You might get a little wet though. Get good gloves, your hands still need to feel the controls. I would recommend a Shoei XR1000 for a helmet. (Got an XR800 myself that is due replacement). The fit is good for me, and I love the visor mechinism, it cuts the wind noise. Thing is, a different make might fit your head better. Don't buy a helmet of Trade Me as mentiond. Jacket, yeah sure, but make sure you know the size.

Good to hear you are no longer borrowing gear.

**bugjuice** · 23rd January 2006, 13:20

agree with the others. Buy the rest of the gear from TM, but never a lid. You get what you pay for - cheap lid = cheap head. I know they're expensive, but it is not one place you want to skimp.

Go round all the shops that you can, try on as many different brands as you can. Some brand will not fit, others will be perfect. They all have different shapes. Even the same brand but between models will fit better than others.

**Momentum** · 23rd January 2006, 13:23

yeah buya new helmet. some of the members on here sell some leathers that are not to badly priced. my brother n law and myself got leather jackets off Qussi then i went out and got myself an Rjays rain over suit for $120 from boyed honda here in hamilton

**Lou Girardin** · 23rd January 2006, 13:27

Buy new. You won't know if textile gear leaks until it's too late.
Shop around, try various brands.
Drop into AMPS and I'll help out.

**mops** · 23rd January 2006, 13:28

great ppl, I got the point. I'll look around on saturday for some nice lids. any shops you can recommend ??? I'll surely visit motomail, but where else they might have big selection ?

what about these ?
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=23442

seriously

**Slingshot** · 23rd January 2006, 13:28

Most bike shops do a starter package for gear as well, normally the full kit and kaboodle for about a grand.

**justsomeguy** · 23rd January 2006, 13:30

I've been in your situation 4 times and always found the HJC CL-12 or CL-14 was what I was after.

Red Baron have some on special at around $189-$199 depending on what you like and your size. Both those prices include graphic options.

Remember always ask any shop that you're in if they'll give you a deal on your purchases - most will -but if you don't ask - you don't get