Cheap helmets?

**Magua** · 7th October 2007, 14:45

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-120524816.htm
I came across this on trademe today, I just bought myself a brand new shark helmet yesterday. My girlfriend wants a helmet but cant afford anything similar. Does anyone know anything about these helmets?
"Our helmets are ECE standards approved as accepted by LTSA" - well that's a good sign i guess.

**James Deuce** · 7th October 2007, 15:30

The way the helmet fits, followed by the standards it meets are the two most important things to consider when buying a helmet, NOT the price or brand.

Read this and you may wonder why people buy Arai and Shoei.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...helmet_review/

**Ragingrob** · 7th October 2007, 15:53

Hey I just recently bought the same one. I find it quick comfortable and think it's fine. Although I dropped it visor first onto the ground and now the visor is a bit stiff to move up and down!

**davereid** · 7th October 2007, 16:35

Very informative article. I think that getting a lower cost helmet, and using the extra money on other safety gear is a good idea. I would always suggest considering a helmets weight as well. It can be tiring wearing a heavy helmet. Plus your neck was only designed to carry your head. Adding 2kg of weight may contribue to spinal injuries.

**breakaway** · 7th October 2007, 18:04

Just read that article, and the helmet in the auction is ECE apparoved, and it appears that the ECE approved lids tested in the article have some of the best stats.

**Bullitt** · 7th October 2007, 22:58

Id only ever buy a helmet online if Id tried it on in a shop first. Although Im not that experienced at buying helmets Ive done it enough to know every one is slightly different even if the measurement is the same.

Most bike shops have helmets starting from about $180ish, how much does your gf value her head?

**surfer** · 8th October 2007, 00:43

Originally Posted by Bullitt

Id only ever buy a helmet online if Id tried it on in a shop first. Although Im not that experienced at buying helmets Ive done it enough to know every one is slightly different even if the measurement is the same.

Most bike shops have helmets starting from about $180ish, how much does your gf value her head?

And there we have it, marketing...

How much would you pay? The answer is as much as I could afford and then some. And this is based on emotions.

In reality though what are we really paying for? A bit of branding, a stlyish looking lid, splash of paint and some stickers? When the reality is that if it meets the test requirements and fits well then it may be the best buy regardless of the price tag and fancy marketing associated with it. Of course going for a recognised brand name makes purchasing all the easier and less time consuming but if you look behind the smoke and mirrors of promotion and do some research and become informed then it may be surprising what you might end up buying.

**deanohit** · 8th October 2007, 06:50

Yep, try it on first before buying it. And make sure the saftey stickers are on the helmet.
I must have a funny shaped head or some thing, but the HJC for under $200 fit better and more comfortable than any above that price.

**Coyote** · 8th October 2007, 07:06

Originally Posted by Bullitt

Most bike shops have helmets starting from about $180ish, how much does your gf value her head?

I don't value mine at all but the shops don't give helmets away (unless you buy a flash bike)

**Squiggles** · 8th October 2007, 08:42

Motomail outlets still got nitro's for $130 i think

and a few other ones that my head didnt fit

**NordieBoy** · 8th October 2007, 08:55

Originally Posted by Jim2

[LEFT]The way the helmet fits, followed by the standards it meets are the two most important things to consider when buying a helmet, NOT the price or brand.

Read this and you may wonder why people buy Arai and Shoei.

Yep, my ZPF brand MX helmet is the same weight as my KBC MX and fits and feels great and the chin bar feels stronger too - $45.

**NordieBoy** · 8th October 2007, 08:56

The Zeus flip fronts are great value as well for <$200.

**BIGBOSSMAN** · 8th October 2007, 13:40

I've got a Vcan V100, meets all the required safety standards, is comfy and lightweight but incredibly noisy. A wee bit flimsy around the area where the visor attaches to the helmet as well.
I'll probably get myself a HJC Osiris (CLST) next, they seem to offer good value for money and look great to boot.

**lemure** · 8th October 2007, 14:48

Originally Posted by Magua

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-120524816.htm
I came across this on trademe today, I just bought myself a brand new shark helmet yesterday. My girlfriend wants a helmet but cant afford anything similar. Does anyone know anything about these helmets?
"Our helmets are ECE standards approved as accepted by LTSA" - well that's a good sign i guess.

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/roa...-clothing.html

So it looks as if the helmet in the ad is approved for use in NZ.