Takachi TK-153 Helmet, yay or nay?

[Swoopyrick]

Hi there,
I'm looking for my 1st helmet. I found the Takachi TK-153 on motorcyclegear.co.nz. The price is very cheap at $180. If the helmet is cheap does that mean it's unsafe or just won't be as comfy?
Any advice is greatly appreciated...

[EnzoYug]

Hi there,
I'm looking for my 1st helmet. I found the Takachi TK-153 on motorcyclegear.co.nz. The price is very cheap at $180. If the helmet is cheap does that mean it's unsafe or just won't be as comfy?
Any advice is greatly appreciated...

Cheap is generally low quality. However - not necessarily lower protective quality.

All helmets (generally) need to pass a certain level of quality before they can be sold. Extra money will get you extra protection - but it'll probably get you brand, good fit / comfort, extras and most importantly good looks first.

See there's a thing called the exponential curve. Motorcycle helmets protective qualities are on this curve. In short - more expensive is always better, but it stops becoming practical really quick. Huge cost - small returns.

[Grub]

Check that it has a genuine Approved Standards sticker on it. The list and some other important advice is here http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/roa...g-helmets.html. Google "helmet standards" for the full list.

If it doesn't have what appears to be a genuine sticker (be aware a lot of Chinese and Eastern bloc products have couterfeits) then don't touch it. Read the information about Skelstar to see what happens with head injuries and he always has quality helmets. Image that happening to you in a shitty helmet. It's not just about the shell either, it's about the padding thickness and density so that it slows your head inside the helmet on impact rather than transmitting the shock of impact directly to your noggin.

I see you're new so welcome to KB with an overall observation on a common theme here ... even though you're poor as poor ... don't skip on gear that protects you. If you have to buy a cheaper bike, do it.

[slowpoke]

Welcome to KB mate.
I value my head at more than $180 so I would be looking to spend more than that. Sure there are rip offs out there but by and large you get what you pay for.

[Swoopyrick]

Cheers fellas.
So it sounds like the $180 helmet isn't the way to go.
Do ya's have any suggestions for entry level helmets that are trustworthy but won't break the bank?

[xwhatsit]

RJays are cheap, comfortable. Australian.

[Ripperjon]

I ordered a HJC cl-15 from the US which cost me about NZ$200 delivered. The NZ dollar is super strong against the US dollar right now so ordering stuff from over there can save you a lot of cash.