SHARP helmet ratings released

**slofox** · 17th June 2008, 11:54

Originally Posted by nodrog

the price isnt directly related to the "smackyourheadabilty" of a helmet, for instance, a 5 star rated helmet that weighed 8 kilos, was uncomfortable, and had poor visilbility, would be a bad choice over a nice weighted, comfortable 3 star helmet with excellent visibility.

Agreed. I think fit is vital. A three star helmet that fits correctly will offer you far better protection than a five star helmet that wobbles around on your head. Protection comes from staying on your head when you "use" the helmet, not from withstanding the dropping of a cannon ball onto it from a great height.....

**Okey Dokey** · 17th June 2008, 13:50

Thanks for pointing this site out. Glad to see my Ti Tech rated 4 stars. Pity it wasn't 5, but I love it anyway!

**NordieBoy** · 29th June 2008, 22:07

Pah!
My ZPF isn't even on there.
Nor the KBC, THH, Oxford, Zeus or other KBC.

**Owl** · 29th June 2008, 23:09

Fuck Sharp!

I'll rely on the Ferris "Beat the fuck out of the helmet with the axe" test. Not that I'm likely to come in contact with an axe if I take a spill on my bike.

Here's what I think of ya 3 stars.

No sour grapes or anything.

**Zookey** · 1st July 2008, 16:53

The following is an extract from the latest helmet tests by Sharp and show the cheapest 60 Pound Lazer Helmet is 5 Star and the ShoeX spirit can only manage 4 stars at 400 pound.Bugger

5 Star rated;
Hjc HQ 1
Bell M 1
Arai GPS5x
AGV S 4
Lazer L Z 6
Shark RSR2

**Nordy** · 1st July 2008, 16:54

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ht=sharp+tests

search is a good thing

**98tls** · 1st July 2008, 16:58

My old VR1 only gets 3.

**Zookey** · 2nd July 2008, 11:20

So does mine ,the actual site is a United kingdom Govt.one.
http://www.direct.govt.uk/sharp.
One wonders how much blurb the makers put out is not just advertising.my lid supposed to be the best in the world.3 stars only geeez

**firefighter** · 2nd July 2008, 11:32

My suomy isn't even on there!

**James Deuce** · 2nd July 2008, 11:44

Cool. After having seeds of doubt sown in my mind about the suitability of Carbon Fibre as a helmet material, I find my HJC HQ-1 is a 5 star helmet in the SHARP ratings.

Suck on that doubters!

**Swoop** · 2nd July 2008, 11:47

Originally Posted by James Deuce

After having seeds of doubt sown in my mind about the suitability of Carbon Fibre as a helmet material...

Why is that Jim? Carbon is immensely stronger than steel and eminently suitable.

**James Deuce** · 2nd July 2008, 12:02

Too hard & brittle, therefore decelerating the helmet contents at higher G-Forces than fibreglass or polycarbonate helmets. Apparently not. The deceleration forces are what caused Shoei and Arai to get all bent out of shape with Motorcyclist magazine and their in depth helmet analysis. It is very good that a largely independent Government sponsored research body are getting similar results.

Plenty of KBers have expressed doubt at the suitability of CF for helmets. I reckon they are just jealous.

My main reason for buying it was fit, comfort, and weight. I have a dodgy neck from breaking it. The top end Shoei and Arai helmets are comparatively heavy. If Nolan did a CF N102 I'd be in like a shot.

**cs363** · 2nd July 2008, 12:18

Just remember that the Sharp test is just one institution and their opinions and test results should be taken in context and added to any research you do on the particular brand of helmet that you own or intend to buy. There is huge debate within the industry concerning the whole helmet testing/standards area at present, read this for more interesting info:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
Besides static tests there are factors like helmet/head size, rider weight, velocity, surface impacted and a host of other factors that determine the ultimate safety of a helmet. At the end of the day I think the golden rule of getting the best safety gear you can afford will always apply, remember the old Bell ad - $10 head, $10 helmet?
Not saying that there aren't moderately priced helmets out there that are safe, but personally I would prefer to get the best equipment I can afford to protect my extremities.

**jrandom** · 2nd July 2008, 12:21

Originally Posted by James Deuce

CF...

If Shoei or Arai did a CF helmet, I'd be in like a shot, but to be perfectly honest, I'm far too snooty to wear anything with 'HJC' on it.

**James Deuce** · 2nd July 2008, 12:22

Originally Posted by cs363

Just remember that the Sharp test is just one institution and their opinions and test results should be taken in context and added to any research you do on the particular brand of helmet that you own or intend to buy. There is huge debate within the industry concerning the whole helmet testing/standards area at present, read this for more interesting info:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
Besides static tests there are factors like helmet/head size, rider weight, velocity, surface impacted and a host of other factors that determine the ultimate safety of a helmet. At the end of the day I think the golden rule of getting the best safety gear you can afford will always apply, remember the old Bell ad - $10 head, $10 helmet?
Not saying that there aren't moderately priced helmets out there that are safe, but personally I would prefer to get the best equipment I can afford to protect my extremities.

You didn't read that link you posted, did you?

If you did, your comprehension skills need some work.