Buying helmet online

**Nat** · 8th February 2013, 21:19

Originally Posted by FJRider

How many years of wearing a helmet have you had .. ???

Plenty!

But seriously, thanks to NZ Spokes, I have learned that some manufacturers make different shaped helmets for different markets. So if I ever have to buy online, I'll have to make sure I know what I'm buying.

**YellowDog** · 8th February 2013, 21:44

Originally Posted by Nat

Plenty!

But seriously, thanks to NZ Spokes, I have learned that some manufacturers make different shaped helmets for different markets. So if I ever have to buy online, I'll have to make sure I know what I'm buying.

This is very true.

Never, Never, Never buy a Japanese market helmet.

Half price = 1.5 x price to get it sorted

**Gremlin** · 9th February 2013, 00:22

Originally Posted by FJRider

I thought the same ... but my helmet has no issues staying tight. It hasn't fallen off yet.

How many years of wearing a helmet have you had .. ???

On the other hand, my commuting helmet has a clip and my country helmet has D rings. The clip slowly loosens off over time, and isn't instantly adjustable if I put on a balaclava or the like.

I'd take D rings every day. Done a few years of wearing helmets and a few km clocked up

**Maha** · 9th February 2013, 05:34

Originally Posted by Nat

Plenty!

But seriously, thanks to NZ Spokes, I have learned that some manufacturers make different shaped helmets for different markets. So if I ever have to buy online, I'll have to make sure I know what I'm buying.

I bought a KBC helmet from Germany last year (have always worn KBC) ordered my size and bugger me, it fitted.
That helmet has since beed onsold because I found and wanted another helmet...an HJC this time, bought (Albany) online http://www.motorcyclegearnz.com/stre...elmets-street/
Most helpfull people to deal with, and I picked it up $50 cheaper than the RRP.

**BoristheBiter** · 9th February 2013, 06:36

Originally Posted by Nat

Ah thanks guys, looks like I'll be buying locally for sure then. IMO you have to be 100% sure it fits so the risk of a different shape is too risky for me.

Now to find another helmet I love.

As for D rings vs chippy things - personal preference I guess. For me it's invaluable to be able to maximise safety by doing up the strap perfectly tight every time. Clips just don't give you that exact control for perfect fit...

Originally Posted by Nat

Plenty!

But seriously, thanks to NZ Spokes, I have learned that some manufacturers make different shaped helmets for different markets. So if I ever have to buy online, I'll have to make sure I know what I'm buying.

When I brought my last helmet i used these guys as the NZ importer said they didn't do that colour in NZ and found out they just didn't want to import it.

http://www.justhelmets.co.uk/

They were fantastic to deal with and they tossed in a helmet bag and some buffs.
The only down side was the cost to ship (about $130) but it was still the same price as one here.

FYI, the NZ and European sizes are the same so as Maha said it will fit, but the US is a different size but i have known other riders to buy helmets off Revzilla with no problem. and if you need an american address use this.

http://www.nzpost.co.nz/products-ser...opping/youshop

**nzspokes** · 9th February 2013, 06:51

Originally Posted by Gremlin

On the other hand, my commuting helmet has a clip and my country helmet has D rings. The clip slowly loosens off over time, and isn't instantly adjustable if I put on a balaclava or the like.

I'd take D rings every day. Done a few years of wearing helmets and a few km clocked up

The new clips are adjustable as in the go in a number of clicks. I can even tighten it while riding with one hand.

**nzspokes** · 9th February 2013, 06:56

Originally Posted by BoristheBiter

When I brought my last helmet i used these guys as the NZ importer said they didn't do that colour in NZ and found out they just didn't want to import it.

http://www.justhelmets.co.uk/

They were fantastic to deal with and they tossed in a helmet bag and some buffs.
The only down side was the cost to ship (about $130) but it was still the same price as one here.

FYI, the NZ and European sizes are the same so as Maha said it will fit, but the US is a different size but i have known other riders to buy helmets off Revzilla with no problem. and if you need an american address use this.

http://www.nzpost.co.nz/products-ser...opping/youshop

From memory there's 6 or so head shapes the make helmets for. Some are not that different but say some euro fits are very tight in the forehead.

Its just something to be aware of when buying.

And I wouldn't sell a used helmet or buy a second hand one.

**FJRider** · 9th February 2013, 08:51

Originally Posted by Gremlin

On the other hand, my commuting helmet has a clip and my country helmet has D rings. The clip slowly loosens off over time, and isn't instantly adjustable if I put on a balaclava or the like.

I'd take D rings every day. Done a few years of wearing helmets and a few km clocked up

My AGV helmet is easily tightened or loosened. With or without a balaclava on.

Maybe its a case of getting what you paid for. Or don't know what things to check ... when buying a helmet.

**pritch** · 9th February 2013, 12:26

Originally Posted by Nat

As for D rings vs chippy things - personal preference I guess. For me it's invaluable to be able to maximise safety by doing up the strap perfectly tight every time. Clips just don't give you that exact control for perfect fit...

Don't know how you worked that out. My old BMW hat had clips, once adjusted properly you just used the clip. I guess you could check the adjustment every 12 months or so?

Somebody should be along soon to tell us he'll only use clips when they're legal for racing...

**Kickaha** · 9th February 2013, 12:31

Originally Posted by pritch

Somebody should be along soon to tell us he'll only use clips when they're legal for racing...

They are in NZ

**BoristheBiter** · 9th February 2013, 12:34

Originally Posted by nzspokes

From memory there's 6 or so head shapes the make helmets for. Some are not that different but say some euro fits are very tight in the forehead.

Its just something to be aware of when buying.

And I wouldn't sell a used helmet or buy a second hand one.

Yes you are right as I don't fit Arai but Shoei fit perfectly, but what I was saying is the helmets you buy here are the same shape as the ones in the UK and Europe so if you try a helmet on here it should fit if you import it from there.
There is a slight difference in the US ones and the Asian ones are completely different.

And no one in there right mind would buy a second hand helmet.

**BMWST?** · 9th February 2013, 14:10

sizes can vary between different models of the same manufacturer.At the time i bought mine the xr1000 wasnt as comfortable as the raid 2 in the same size

**Asher** · 9th February 2013, 16:44

Originally Posted by Kickaha

They are in NZ

Recently when i was looking for a helmet i was told it was only D rings for national races.

**caspernz** · 9th February 2013, 18:29

Originally Posted by Nat

As for D rings vs chippy things - personal preference I guess. For me it's invaluable to be able to maximise safety by doing up the strap perfectly tight every time. Clips just don't give you that exact control for perfect fit...

Meh, by the time the ratchet mechanism gives way my brains have escaped their vessel anyhoo...so who cares by then?

But yep, each to their own