Best helmet for money around $300?

**jimdaworm** · 18th June 2005, 21:38

Hey what sort of helmets you you recommend for around $300 I could probably stretch to about $400 if it made a big difference in quality/protection.

Thanks

**MikeL** · 18th June 2005, 21:51

HJC CL-14 is excellent value for money.

**dhunt** · 18th June 2005, 22:40

Originally Posted by MikeL

HJC CL-14 is excellent value for money.

I second that

I think they are selling for around $200-$300 for a standard black one or slightly more if you want graphics.

**Gremlin** · 19th June 2005, 00:16

yep, can't go wrong with an HJC CL-14. When I got mine, (bout 1.5 months ago) they were currently on special (o/s order didn't happen).

$200 for a plain, $250 for graphic, if they are no longer on special, add $100 to either price. I also got a breath guard which goes over the nose for $17, but some say it never helped them. Made specially for the CL-14.

Whatever you get, make sure it meets the Snell Standard (voluntary higher standard), not just Dot (legal requirement), the HJC meets Snell.

**bugjuice** · 19th June 2005, 00:18

good question... I was wondering the same. Mine needs replacing..
I've seen a nice Shark lid for $350 at Cycletreads. Anyone care to comment on Shark brands? can't remember the model, will check next time, but a nice lid for a good price, I thought..

**jimdaworm** · 19th June 2005, 00:25

Thanks very much again! I will be going out and getting myself one of them HJC CL-14 ´s

**WildBoarMouse** · 19th June 2005, 07:31

I just picked up one of the HJC CL-14's yesterday. Both stores I went to (Motomail & RedBaron) had the graphic'd helmets for $250, and the plain colour for $200... Good helmet! I couldn't fit the two cheaper models.

**Jantar** · 19th June 2005, 07:40

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Whatever you get, make sure it meets the Snell Standard (voluntary higher standard), not just Dot (legal requirement), the HJC meets Snell.

Also make sure that the helmet is comfortable, and a neat fit arond the ears for quiet riding. Ask if you can test ride a helmet as that's the only way you'll know if the fit and noise levels are right.

**Dafe** · 19th June 2005, 07:57

I would not consider anything that is plastic mould - Not if you value your head. Unfortunately most helmets below $350 are plastic.
You can pick up some AGV helmets on specials that are carbon fibre mould for $400. You may need to hunt around though, but in the end it's better than a piece of plastic crap.
I purchased an AGV Demon Top Vent Carbon Fibre for $400 new 2 years ago.
Read this article:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/acc...gear/agvdemon/

and if you like the helmet style and graphics, ring around the motorcycle dealers and try to secure one. They come in different colours. $500 you're paying too much. $400 is a good price.

**FEINT** · 19th June 2005, 10:24

I got a HJC CL14 "TRIBE" for my dad and I paid $220.00NZD.

I personally have a SHOEI and I paid $469.00 on offer. I have been looking around on the net and it seems that helmets are cheaper in the US. I will probably buy my next helmet from the US and ship it in.

Originally Posted by bugjuice

good question... I was wondering the same. Mine needs replacing..
I've seen a nice Shark lid for $350 at Cycletreads. Anyone care to comment on Shark brands? can't remember the model, will check next time, but a nice lid for a good price, I thought..

I saw those as well, if they aren't polycarbonate, maybe they are better? They have nice graphics though!

**jimdaworm** · 19th June 2005, 10:48

Thanks for your reply Dafe.

What does everyone else thing about what Dafe said?

If it will make the difference for saving my head when I fall off... I will spend the extra but if it going to offer pretty similar pretection then I won´t

**Jantar** · 19th June 2005, 11:12

The important thing is that the helmet meets the Snell standard. The actual shell construction is less important.

Remember that in an accident the shell is designed to fracture, but over as large a surface area as possible, in order to spread the load and not allow your skull to receive a point impact. Then the internal lining is designed to crush and hence reduce the accelleration experienced by your brain.

Carbon fibre is just one form of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) material that meets this standard. Its main advantage is that it is lighter than the earlier GRP ones or the cheaper polycarbonates.

I tend to agree with the comments about buying a FRP shell, but not so much because of the type of construction, but simply because they are lighter on the head.

**750Y** · 19th June 2005, 11:36

or buy mine for $500. check the classifieds... you know You want it...8-)

**MacD** · 19th June 2005, 11:40

Originally Posted by Jantar

The important thing is that the helmet meets the Snell standard. The actual shell construction is less important.

The two types of construction respond differently in an impact. The Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic shells fracture on impact. The analogy is an eggshell. This absorbs some of the energy as does the crushing of the polystyrene foam inner. This damage, whether visible or not is why it is essential to replace a FRP helmet after an impact.

The Polycarbonate/ABS shells deform/deflect on impact but rarely fracture. It is also extremely resistant to penetration by objects. These properties are why polycarbonate is used to make face/eye shields. Again the liner crushes to absorb impact/spread the load across a large area of the skull.

The question is then which mode of failure provides better protection? Polycarbonate shells provide better penetration resistance and are claimed to grip less on the road surface therefore less likely to cause neck injuries. FRP shells tend fracture on impact which is claimed to better protect the wearer on impact.

Both types of helmet meet the various standards. I have read that the Snell standard may actually be inappropriate for motorcycle helmets as it is weighed too heavily towards penetration resistance?

Buy a helmet that fits well and meets the various standards. Remember higher prices may simply be associated with the paint/pattern on the outside and not the performance of the helmet.