My head needs protection

**fireball** · 2nd May 2013, 01:52

Because I come in "fun size" I have always had trouble with finding the right gear and the right bike.

I just never seem to "fit" standard riding gear I find I am the in between.... the same goes for helmets and I am currently looking to replace my trusty HJC.
I have owned 2 of the same type and same graphic helmets made by HJC the Phantom CL-14Y (size youth s/m 50cm) it is a youth helmet (I have no brains) and I know that they crash well and when head hits the road the headache is not too bad...

However, because it is a youth helmet I feel it has been designed more for a pillion (child) and not a rider, the visor is pretty good but to find a tinted one is almost impossible.. you can only get an ash/smoke tint visor for them and the wind noise is horrible!!! even after a couple of hours out on the bike I feel deaf.

So begins the hunt for a replacement and when it comes to helmets advice on whats good and whats not would be awesome!

I've tried
FFM Helmets - size small is too big and I find them very heavy
Shark, Shoei,Suomy - I have yet to find one that fits, they are always loose around the jaw bone and move alot.
Fly/Fly Racing Helmets - Loved my dirt bike helmet, but wont look cool on a cruiser, and not great in high winds

So any advice on a great mid price range, light weight, reduces wind noise, comfortable helmet would be greatly appreciated

**awayatc** · 2nd May 2013, 06:30

as far as windnoise and comfy fit goes.....I swear by wearing a balaclava ,
got a thin regular one, and a thicker Oxford for bike specific one.
Makes my old helmet fit beautifully, very comfy and quiet.
I swear by them....feel naked without

**Dogboy900** · 2nd May 2013, 06:42

If you don't fit the Shoei, Shark, etc Try Arai, and AGV they often have very different shape to them. AGV go to quite small sizes I think.
I wear a small Shoei and I tried an AGV that was too small. Also you could try talking to the staff if there is a helmet that is the right shape but not quite small enough. Sometimes there is an XS size that they don't have in stock but can get in for you to try.

**Mom** · 2nd May 2013, 06:43

Originally Posted by fireball

Because I come in "fun size" I have always had trouble with finding the right gear and the right bike.

I have a XS Shark here you are welcome to try if you want. It belongs to a woman I used to work with, she will take any reasonable off for it. Black, as new, she wore it maybe half a dozen times.

**bosslady** · 2nd May 2013, 06:51

Wind = Wear ear plugs, I do, always (unless I'm going in 50kmh zones, then I don't). Do it now, save your hearing, you'll never get it back

**mulletman** · 2nd May 2013, 07:36

Originally Posted by bosslady

Wind = Wear ear plugs, I do, always (unless I'm going in 50kmh zones, then I don't). Do it now, save your hearing, you'll never get it back

+ 1 for earplugs good advice there.

**GrayWolf** · 2nd May 2013, 08:07

Originally Posted by fireball

However, because it is a youth helmet I feel it has been designed more for a pillion (child) and not a rider, the visor is pretty good but to find a tinted one is almost impossible.. you can only get an ash/smoke tint visor for them and the wind noise is horrible!!! even after a couple of hours out on the bike I feel deaf.

So any advice on a great mid price range, light weight, reduces wind noise, comfortable helmet would be greatly appreciated

Originally Posted by bosslady

Wind = Wear ear plugs, I do, always (unless I'm going in 50kmh zones, then I don't). Do it now, save your hearing, you'll never get it back

I have to have a hearing test for my job... I rode for years with open face/full face and no earplugs... I have industrial level deafness of the type found with people who work on 'heavy plant'.... Bosslady is so right, you can NEVER get back the frequencies, and the low level sensitivity once it's gone

WEAR EARPLUGS!

**bosslady** · 2nd May 2013, 10:08

Yea as it stands sometimes my hearing isn't as good as it should be for someone my age because of years of listening to super loud music

**fireball** · 2nd May 2013, 22:46

Originally Posted by Mom

I have a XS Shark here you are welcome to try if you want. It belongs to a woman I used to work with, she will take any reasonable off for it. Black, as new, she wore it maybe half a dozen times.

Thanks for the offer Mom, but I don't like the idea of a second hand lid. I like to know for sure it hasn't been dropped... Can't put a price on your head!

**FJRider** · 2nd May 2013, 23:36

Originally Posted by fireball

Thanks for the offer Mom, but I don't like the idea of a second hand lid. I like to know for sure it hasn't been dropped... Can't put a price on your head!

A tour around all motorcycle helmet sales outlets ... and try them on. If one with a perfect fit is found ... rest assured ... it will get loose within a few months.
Helmets with all the bells/whistles/vents/sculptured ridges etc WILL be noisier than the plain no frills helmet. And the plain ones will cost less.

Never discount the purchase of second hand helmets ... good ones are available. And a dam sight cheaper. The value of your head is mostly about the sensible choices you make when purchasing riding gear. And the faith you have in the sales person. If Mom says it hasn't been dropped ... I'd put money on it that it hasn't.

Never use price to define what is safe ... or safer. A good fit is more important.

Also ... The price on your head is stated clearly on your life insurance policy. But do you expect to pay that amount for a helmet .. ???

**hayd3n** · 3rd May 2013, 00:16

Originally Posted by fireball

Thanks for the offer Mom, but I don't like the idea of a second hand lid. I like to know for sure it hasn't been dropped... Can't put a price on your head!

a drop of handle bars etc will not damage a helmet as to warrent it unsafe,

**fireball** · 3rd May 2013, 05:34

Originally Posted by hayd3n

a drop of handle bars etc will not damage a helmet as to warrent it unsafe,

Current helmet is approx 4 years old, taking in all factors such as degradation from natural hair oils, hair products, the odd knock here and there and damage from sunlight (I know it's not like Anchor milk that needs triple layer protection) into consideration its well over due.

Any good shops that stock a wide range?

**bosslady** · 3rd May 2013, 07:23

Originally Posted by fireball

Current helmet is approx 4 years old, taking in all factors such as degradation from natural hair oils, hair products, the odd knock here and there and damage from sunlight (I know it's not like Anchor milk that needs triple layer protection) into consideration its well over due.

Any good shops that stock a wide range?

Have a look on Barrys Point Road in Taka? There's three main shops (Suzuki, Honda and cycletreads) that I look at there, all within very close proximity to eachother.