FFM helmets

[Tim 39]

So we're back to the same sort of `evidence' we were getting earlier -- anecdotal stories from people who've forked out for the ability to splash `ARAI' across their foreheads.

The evidence I shared is the best kind of evidence available. They are real people and real crashes that I have been witness to. what better type is there when talking about helmets?

Lab tests - so far in all of my racing and all of my riding... I haven't yet had a sharp object dropped on me..... so this is relevant?

And for the record... I'm not one that cares about brands and 'being seen' with certain things or whatever... I just rate products on how I find them... that's it

[Bonez]

The evidence I shared is the best kind of evidence available. They are real people and real crashes that I have been witness to. what better type is there when talking about helmets?

Lab tests - so far in all of my racing and all of my riding... I haven't yet had a sharp object dropped on me..... so this is relevant?

And for the record... I'm not one that cares about brands and 'being seen' with certain things or whatever... I just rate products on how I find them... that's it

Fair enough too. I certainly know what its like being hit on the head without any coverage at all. Was clouted by a Macchi 339 canopy while inspecting an ejection seat 9 years ago. Never been the same since

I think the SNELL test is the one that uses a sharp object.

[Ojai]

The evidence I shared is the best kind of evidence available. They are real people and real crashes that I have been witness to. what better type is there when talking about helmets?

Lab tests - so far in all of my racing and all of my riding... I haven't yet had a sharp object dropped on me..... so this is relevant?

And for the record... I'm not one that cares about brands and 'being seen' with certain things or whatever... I just rate products on how I find them... that's it

Personal anectodes are useful, but so is laboratory testing. Correlation does not always equal causation. Bonez is saying that the FFM worked well in his crashes. That is also real world, and just as relevant as yours.

[Bonez]

Personal anectodes are useful, but so is laboratory testing. Correlation does not always equal causation. Bonez is saying that the FFM worked well in his crashes. That is also real world, and just as relevant as yours.

It should also be pointed out the FFMs worked in Tims crashes as well save the visor opening even when it wasn't a good fit.

[Ojai]

It should also be pointed out the FFMs worked in Tims crashes as well save the visor opening even when it wasn't a good fit.

I noticed he kept saying how the fit was wrong, but didn't want to go on about it.

But I keep hearing how the fit is the most important part. And if it doesn't fit right like he says...

[Tim 39]

I noticed he kept saying how the fit was wrong, but didn't want to go on about it.

But I keep hearing how the fit is the most important part. And if it doesn't fit right like he says...

Yes it didn't fit correctly (could be lifted quite high at the back due to lack of lower support) and I tried all the other models and sizes.

The people in the shop of course told me that it fitted fine because apparently they know how to fit helmets? not sure who trained them because I knew it myself and then the scruitineers at the race tracks also commented.

The fit of the helmet wasn't the only thing that put me off it, because it was obvious to me that there was very little care taken when they made it. (for example the visor leaked becasue it didn't seal, the dome thing that fits into the strap to stop it flapping fell out and so if I'd kept using it the strap would've frayed etc etc)

so that was all the stuff that I could see.... what about the stuff I cant see? what was it like?

I'm not trying to say that if you crash in an FFM helmet you'll die, but what I am trying to say is that if I had the choice of helmets before a big crash I'd pay the extra and get the Arai. I'd do that simply because even if it worked a tiny bit better and that was just enough to save my head and its conents... I'd feel better off. The way I see it, heads and brains aren't readily for sale so I cant decide after the crash to buy a new one.

Basicly I'm personally not willing to take the chance

[Ojai]

Yes it didn't fit correctly (could be lifted quite high at the back due to lack of lower support) and I tried all the other models and sizes.

The people in the shop of course told me that it fitted fine because apparently they know how to fit helmets? not sure who trained them because I knew it myself and then the scruitineers at the race tracks also commented.

The fit of the helmet wasn't the only thing that put me off it, because it was obvious to me that there was very little care taken when they made it. (for example the visor leaked becasue it didn't seal, the dome thing that fits into the strap to stop it flapping fell out and so if I'd kept using it the strap would've frayed etc etc)

so that was all the stuff that I could see.... what about the stuff I cant see? what was it like?

I'm not trying to say that if you crash in an FFM helmet you'll die, but what I am trying to say is that if I had the choice of helmets before a big crash I'd pay the extra and get the Arai. I'd do that simply because even if it worked a tiny bit better and that was just enough to save my head and its conents... I'd feel better off. The way I see it, heads and brains aren't readily for sale so I cant decide after the crash to buy a new one.

Basicly I'm personally not willing to take the chance

I wear a Shoei, because it fits the best. If it didn't fit, I would have bought the one that fit me the best. The FFM didn't fit your head shape, so wouldn't be the best choice for you. That may not be the same for other people, though.

Arais don't fit me very well, for instance.

The more expensive one doesn't necessarily work a lot better in a crash.That report that has been linked to several times in the thread shows the cheaper plastic one often protects better. What you'll get is a higher level of fit and finish (as you have said), better sound proofing, and usually a lighter helmet.

I guess I try to be aware of what is brand awareness, what is fit and finish, and what is protection.

[Ecclesnz]

Ok, so after all the posts and experiences from a lot of people it seems to come down to the fact that it's your choice.

FFM helmets are made to meet (and probably exceed) NZ's safety standards. That being said there is probably a case to be made for buying one of the dearer helmets if you don't think you will be riding under 100km/h (be it track or road).

As you have read, different people different experiences. Some have had FFM helmets for ages, been through some crashes and been fine.

But then it's the same as cars - not everyoe buys the car that has the highest safety rating, ABS, stability control, 85 different air bags and speed limiters to make sure we don't go over 45 km/h.

If it was the case where any of the cheaper helmets were not meeting safety standards they would certainly be taken off the market quickly.

[NordieBoy]

That being said there is probably a case to be made for buying one of the dearer helmets if you don't think you will be riding under 100km/h (be it track or road).

Or a similar or even cheaper helmet that's not an FFM?

[mctshirt]

Yes it didn't fit correctly (could be lifted quite high at the back due to lack of lower support) and I tried all the other models and sizes.

The people in the shop of course told me that it fitted fine because apparently they know how to fit helmets? not sure who trained them because I knew it myself and then the scruitineers at the race tracks also commented.

So you knowingly bought a helmet that didn't fit properly - are you after a Darwin Award or something?

[Ecclesnz]

Or a similar or even cheaper helmet that's not an FFM?

Personally I'm very happy with my FFM. You can choose whatever helmet you want in my opinion, it's your head, it's your money. Unless someone knowing and deliberately buys a helmet that's either incorrectly fitting or not up to safety standards I honestly don't care.

Shhh don't tell the safety nazi's but I'm considering an open face helmet for my cruiser in summer.

[Bonez]

Shhh don't tell the safety nazi's but I'm considering an open face helmet for my cruiser in summer.

Oh all right

[Bonez]

Can anyone out there in www land please explain to with regards to Arai helmets what "virtualy 100% handmade" mean? Preferably someone who has actually been to their factory and seen the whole manufacturing process in action.


Here's a wee tip for those with older Arai helmets-
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...inyl-glue.html

Find this an interesting read-
http://www.triumphrat.net/helmets/59...-i-them-2.html

[Ecclesnz]

Oh all right

May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your leathers :P

[Bonez]

May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your leathers :P

Thats cool. I've retired my one piece(last saw action being ripped to peices in a sidcar oopsy) and the jacket I've had for 20 years or so isn't used that much now. Also the Dogs dead and the nextdoors cats scatter at the sight of me....