Helmets... So many choices, so little money.

[Eddieb]

I have a Shoei that I paid about $500 for a few years ago. I can't remember the model but it was the 2nd from bottom in their range.

I've had several before and was impressed with them but the current one is crap. The visor has never sealed properly and it's noisy as anything.

[vifferman]

I've had several before and was impressed with them but the current one is crap. The visor has never sealed properly and it's noisy as anything.

Oh yeah - thats another thing I like about the AGV - the visor operation is very good, and it seals well, and riding along at up to 120 with the visor open is good, due to the helmet's aerodynamics.

[jrandom]

OK, I disagree. (Reel me in) ... it got more and more comfy, so I thought I might buy it ... fits well, is fairly quiet, has 5 vents, and has one of the best visor systems

All very valid points and worth considering for a purchase. However...

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

If it looks all right, do the same to a line-up of 100 randomly selected units off the shelf.

If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.

In other words, I know that there's a large and reasonably well-informed body of opinion that thinks AGVs have bad build quality and are not likely to be as safe or solid as other high-end brands. The existence of that body of opinion is enough to swing my purchasing decision toward the other brands.

the vinyl AGV use on the neck strap cover and bottom of the back of the padding is crap, and doesn't last more than a couple of years before cracking up

At least *one* complaint, then...

[vifferman]

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.

Of course I wouldn't be happy to have my head protected by a helmet that's been cut in half!
But then again, people say "Well buy a $50 helmet if you've got a $50 head!"
I've obviously over-capitalised then...

[Devil]

I got hold of a new HJC CL-14 for $200, was going to get a CL-12 orginally, but the 14 had a slightly better shape for my head.

Im more than happy with it. Good deal.

[Sensei]

My pick is Shoei . Have owned three Over the last 20year's , All my mate's have them now as I rave on about them all the time. Nothing as Quite or safe . Watched my good mate hit a Goat at 180klm while passing me on one of our ride's up North landed three time's on his head & helmet stayed together .Saved his life I belive don't help the rest of his body .Still alive thou & still riding . No better proof of their quality than that ever . Spend the money .$50 head $50 Helmet . Buy the best it may save your Ass one day be it Shoei / Arai etc
Sensei NP

[jrandom]

Watched my good mate hit on a Goat

Always knew there was summat funny about you Naki boys.

[marty]

i bought (should say stole) an arai RX7 off trade me off an asian guy who had bought it, then decided that auckland was too wet to ride in - it was still sealed in the box! it is awesome, doesn't move, doesn't leak (has the visor lock setup), but is a bit noisy at speed, and doesn't have a chin guard, so air does come up inside. it keeps the visor clear though. i wear earplugs and a goretex neck guard regardless, so it's not really an issue. i use my hjc zf-7 when rolling about town, the arai for longer trips.

[Lou Girardin]

All very valid points and worth considering for a purchase. However...

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

If it looks all right, do the same to a line-up of 100 randomly selected units off the shelf.

If you're still happy to have your head protected by an AGV, I'll change my opinion, which has been formed so far based on second-hand input about AGVs from multiple sources in various parts of t'world.

In other words, I know that there's a large and reasonably well-informed body of opinion that thinks AGVs have bad build quality and are not likely to be as safe or solid as other high-end brands. The existence of that body of opinion is enough to swing my purchasing decision toward the other brands.
At least *one* complaint, then...

Yeah, I've seen that. The AGV shell is half the thickness of an Arai or Shoei. They compensate for that by using foam that's like concrete.

[Motu]

Cut an AGV cleanly in half, exposing the construction, and place it alongside a Shoei or Arai to which you've done the same.

I've got a brand new unused AGV,bring your Shoei around and we'll cut them up together and have a look - put your money where your mouth (fingers?) is.

[fastford111]

i tryed all the selection and shoie agv nolan didnt fit my head and settled for a axo carbon fibre job same as death wears cost me around $600 its light and fits exl so buy what fits the head and youre pocket not second hand

[NordieBoy]

I've got a Zeus 508w which is a flip front lid.

Mine is black and I got it from a local bike shop for $178

Another shop here has it for $300

[jrandom]

I've got a brand new unused AGV,bring your Shoei around and we'll cut them up together and have a look - put your money where your mouth (fingers?) is.

I happen to know that VivaVee has just upgraded his five-year-old XR800, wonder if he'd mind me taking a hacksaw to it...

[Edit: Anyway, it's not *my* mouth or fingers... like I said, I've just heard enough second-hand rumour that I've developed bad feelings about AGVs. When it comes to protecting my precious few remaining brain cells it doesn't take much to get me worried...]

[andy1]

I got me a V-Cross Narita Helmet. cost me $299! Red Baron sells it for $1299!
Everyone got a different shape head, some helmets i cant put on and others i can. Arai, Shoei, Suomy top helmets for sure.
HJC`s well not so good helmets in my books . But i guess u get what u paid for.

[Ghost Lemur]

Well having done further reading it looks like the Nitro n800v is quite highly rated (particularly for the price).

I still can't believe OGK aren't allowed here. What's up with that? From everything I've read they rate right up there with Arai, etc. Is it a case of no one is importing them, therefore no one is willing to fork out the money to get the poxy NZ cert? Doesn't NZ recognize overseas standards.

Turns out Nitro and OGK are sister companies too.