FFM helmets

[Armitage Shanks]

I bought an FFM M9 a few months ago and it fits well etc but I've noticed it's very bulky and seems heavy compared to Helmets priced a little north of what I paid. Also I get a lot of buffeting at higher speeds 130 + . I'm gonna buy a new one but, does anyone have an M9 with the same experience?

I've decided I'll pay up to around 700 for a good hat and I'm mindful of the SHARP ratings but that won't dictate my decision. My head is big on size but , I'm told, a little challenged on brain-power .

And, why is an FFM like mine so much cheaper than a Shoei or suchlike ?

[pete376403]

You're not paying for image, major advertising or racer sponsorship. I have an FFM, flip front model. Seems OK, although I wont find out for sure until I crash. I'm trusting that the standard that applies to it was truly earned.

[Pwalo]

I've still got my M9 as a back up helmet. I reckon it's not too bad in the weight and stability stakes, but I imagine the buffeting may depend on the bike you ride, height etc.

So saying my XR1000 is much nicer.

[phaedrus]

I had an FFM flip front. it worked as advertised but this time i'm using something a little lighter

[Gizzit]

I've got a Shoei XR1000 which is the most comfortable/best helmet I have ever owned .... and just the other day I bought an FFM Toupro 2 as a second helmet .... to use on my scoot going to work. I like the FFM. I think the weight is good. The flip top FFM is a little heavier, but it is also good. I think they make bloody good helmets, and at reasonable prices. Like someone else has said ... Shoei and others have an image ..... and price to go with them .... but they ARE great helmets! I think an FFM would do the job in a crash, and I have no issues about wearing one ...

As someone mentioned, the buffeting may be something to do with your bike, and any screen/fairing that it has ?.... In saying that ... I haven't had a look at your profile to see what you ride .... but yeah the bike can contribute to buffeting. Your FFM M9 is a good model from reviews, and look to be pretty aerodynamic.
Best of luck.

[want-a-harley]

got an M9 myself, would be interested to hear what difference the extra dough makes.

[Gizzit]

got an M9 myself, would be interested to hear what difference the extra dough makes.

I think FFM has been around for about 30 years in NZ. I'm sure they are a good quality helmet, and will do the job they are designed for .... protecting your swede in a crash. They meet the required safety standards for NZ, and in other countries.

Have you tried on a top line (read ... expensive) helmet ? If you get a model that fits well ... you would probably notice how comfortable they can be.

Shoei, AVG, Arai, etc, have been used in racing ... on and off road for a number of years, and are proven as reliable ... and have ongoing research and development programs ... and that is reflected in their prices.

At the end of the day ... it depends on what you want/can afford, and as long as you get a helmet that fits you really well, i.e. is the correct size for you, and it has passed our NZ safety requirements .... IMHO, I don't think you can go too far wrong.

[Kungfaux]

I have an FFM, flip front model. Seems OK, although I wont find out for sure until I crash. I'm trusting that the standard that applies to it was truly earned.

I had an FFM flip front. it worked as advertised but this time i'm using something a little lighter

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy an FFM flip helmet, the K4 model.
What models are yours? Where did you buy them? I've been looking for information about them but its rather scarce on google!
One i'm looking at: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-213790185.htm

[Ojai]

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy an FFM flip helmet, the K4 model.
What models are yours? Where did you buy them? I've been looking for information about them but its rather scarce on google!
One i'm looking at: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-213790185.htm

Make sure you try one on in a store first.

[Ecclesnz]

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy an FFM flip helmet, the K4 model.
What models are yours? Where did you buy them? I've been looking for information about them but its rather scarce on google!
One i'm looking at: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-213790185.htm

I have one of those helmets. It is heavier than the dearer models but it is comfortable, slightly noisier than the full face helmets but absolutely no regrets. But then the extra weight does not bother me, I am built like a brick outhouse.

As has been pointed out proper fit is the most important factor (aside from meeting safety ratings). Go to somewhere that sells them and try on a few to find the best fit. It _is_ worth the time and effort to find the best fit.

[Taz]

If you want an excellent flip front helmet I'd recommend the Shoei Multitech. The vents even work and keep the visor clear. Think the RRP is $699.

[awayatc]

Got a FFM M9 myself.....for my head a very comfortable fit....
Buffeting as has been mentioned is more your bike...
the weight is marked on the back, and I don't think it is heavier then most other helmets.
If you want to increase your comfort, wear earplugs and a balaclava.

[Kevin G]

I cannot believe what I am reading....are you for real? It may seem like an old cliche but believe it or not you get what you pay for! Same as everything in life. FFM helmets are low quality, cheap arse plain old nasty bits of crap. Do yourselves a favour and try a real helmet, you will laugh that you thought FFM's were ok. FFM are mass produced to the lowest possible price and when price is the key target guess what suffers...yes thats right quality, design, R&d , testing all the things you really want to be done with what is the only thing protecting your head.
Ask yourself this question. What is my head worth to me? Probably more than $150 or what ever you pay for a FFM.

Sorry if this insults users of FFM's but it is itended to wake you up.

[MDR2]

I have a Nitro N750-VX, pretty light helmet. but what I thought was a good fit was actually a little loose, no biggie was only $220, so I went out and brought a FFM M9 much more of a snug fit and of a similar weight... at least thats what my neck and arm meters tell me without looking at stats. I ride a fully faired bike at present and don't notice too much in the way of buffeting.

I hope to own a naked in the next while and i'll let you know if theres a differince then

If its of any consequence, FFM are no longer made in NZ, im not even sure if the name is kiwi owned even, anyone know?

The FFM models are exactly the same as the nitro models i notice.

One 'issue' I do have with the M9 is the lack of padding around the ears. once your up to speed the wind noise is terrible. I'll need to get some plugs before i get too deaf.

[jaymzw]

I cannot believe what I am reading....are you for real? It may seem like an old cliche but believe it or not you get what you pay for! Same as everything in life. FFM helmets are low quality, cheap arse plain old nasty bits of crap. Do yourselves a favour and try a real helmet, you will laugh that you thought FFM's were ok. FFM are mass produced to the lowest possible price and when price is the key target guess what suffers...yes thats right quality, design, R&d , testing all the things you really want to be done with what is the only thing protecting your head.
Ask yourself this question. What is my head worth to me? Probably more than $150 or what ever you pay for a FFM.

Sorry if this insults users of FFM's but it is itended to wake you up.

Damn you Kevin, i feel like i need a new lid now

I have a matte black M9 with silver visor,

It looks cool but then again it was only $250 from memory.
As has already been said, fitment is the greatest thing to consider when buying a helmet