Being a helmet nazi...

[jcupit69]

Seen some shockers at uni!!! Saw a guy today with a full face helmet, dints all over it, no visor and looked at least 10 years old, i was horrified

In my last crash i face planted into the back of a 4x4 that pulled infront of me and then did some head surfing down the road.....needless to say this left me absolutly fucked in the head for about 6 weeks and i still have some residual memory problems now, so personally i do not mess around when it comes to getting a good helmet and im glad i spent the money before i crashed!

If you look at bit but the rear window just above the rear light you can see a dent.....my head made that!!!!!

[Mully]

I think this is a valid issue. You used to have to have permit numbers from the LT(S)A to import lids (Customs Brokers had to put the permit numbers on the Customs Entry), but a couple of years ago, they changed the rules, so you didn't need a permit at the time of importation, but the importer was responsible (with regulatory monitoring) for ensuring the lids were safe.

I'd bet that Joe Bloggs bringing in a couple at a time is circumventing those requirements nicely.

And lets be honest. These days, it's easy to knock-off anything, even Safety Standards labels.

Buyer beware, like anything really. But I certainly think it's worth bringing the issue to the attention of newbies who may not be aware.

[FJRider]

Its YOUR head. YOU choose what you wrap around it. If YOU risk YOUR life in search of a "bargain" ....

[Mully]

Its YOUR head. YOU choose what you wrap around it. If YOU risk YOUR life in search of a "bargain" ....

I agree totally. Let those who ride, decide and all that. I'm concerned about scooter riders and noobs who aren't aware of the difference. I certainly couldn't tell you the difference when I started riding, and as a poor student, I may have taken the cheaper option if it was available.

[Robbo]

A higher priced helmet does not necessarily mean that it is any better than a cheaper priced one, in many cases it just means it has a bigger profit margin in it for the various people in the chain, that is the manufacturer, the importer, the distributor and the retailer and finally on to you, the buyer. Just like the fashion game i guess where many clothing items sre made in the same factories but the brand that is put on them decide the percentage of markup that is put onto them. I have seen some good helmets that have been sold on Trademe and because there are no middle men involved then their prices are going to be cheaper and they can make a good profit by having volume of sales.
My view is that if it meets all our required NZ Standards and it fits and feels good, then buy it.

[FJRider]

I agree totally. Let those who ride, decide and all that. I'm concerned about scooter riders and noobs who aren't aware of the difference. I certainly couldn't tell you the difference when I started riding, and as a poor student, I may have taken the cheaper option if it was available.

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

[Mully]

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

Again, no argument. I think though that we should be pointing things like this out to scooter riders. I've done it, and been told to fuck off for my trouble. I've also had people think about it. They simply hadn't considered an off. Personally, I blame the European scooter adverts with a smiling couple in shorts and open face lids. They also don't have to do a BHS course, where they drummed ATGATT to us. As well, I think scooter dealers should be informing these people, but I digress.

At the end of the day, if/when scooter riders get cleaned up and injured, ACC will classify it as a motorcycle accident (with the associated costs) and punish everyone on two wheels even more than they do now.

[jcupit69]

These SAME scooter riders, scoot about in shorts / skirts, bare skin by the acre, with "gay" abandon among heavy traffic, often with open face helmet. MONEY is the reason for the choice. Often the ONLY reason. Even if the risk is known. MONEY (lack of) does that. Put $10 heads in $10 helmets. Whats yours worth ???

Give this guy a medal!!!!

[FJRider]

Again, no argument. I think though that we should be pointing things like this out to scooter riders. I've done it, and been told to fuck off for my trouble. I've also had people think about it. They simply hadn't considered an off. Personally, I blame the European scooter adverts with a smiling couple in shorts and open face lids. They also don't have to do a BHS course, where they drummed ATGATT to us. As well, I think scooter dealers should be informing these people, but I digress.

At the end of the day, if/when scooter riders get cleaned up and injured, ACC will classify it as a motorcycle accident (with the associated costs) and punish everyone on two wheels even more than they do now.

AGAIN... its freedom of choice (even if its a silly one) I have also advised same,of same. SAME result. AND ACC do ALREADY. Lets not start on that topic. YET !!!

[90s]

My view is that if it meets all our required NZ Standards and it fits and feels good, then buy it.

Sure, but you cannot assertain this from a TM helmet. Might not meet standard, if black import could be a knock off but look like the real thing with stickers, and might not be new. I have seen 2nd hand helmets that look mint but inside the liner is seriously deformed from some kind of incident - ie. worthless.

Even worse any helmet is only as good as the fit. And size varies a lot.

I found cheaper better helmets when I was looking for a 2nd one for the wife in the cycetreads sale than anything on TM. And I had seen some cheap helmets on TM that CT actually sold, and in reality they were nasty, and odd sizes. If you must buy from TM make sure you try the lid on in a shop, and buy from someone who you feel is actually supplying the legit same item.

There has been reference on this thread to studies that stress in terms of safety anything meeting basic DOT/SNELL is pretty good. In general this is true, but if price is a factor I would still check out a shop, because as I said, a $1000 Nolan or an $100 Can or both pointless unless they fit *you*.

[Ivan]

Sadly it is the way.
I wont ride in anything that isnt a known brand you know they have crash tests etc done.
I know my HJC helmet is well up to the mark as I have crashed in one of these before and believe it did an excellent job.
Also I have crashed in a Suomy helmet and hit my head twice in 2 of these helmets they were perfect.
At the time we were struggling with money unning 3 race bieks and trying to buy gear but never ever contimplated running on the cheap stuff

Moral of the story...

Dont buy cheap stuff it aint worth it.. Unless you can geta a good record shown of how safe this helmet is under impact.

And

IF YOU CRASH AND HIT YOUR HELMET ON THE GROUND
REPLACE IT

I have seen so many people go its just a scratch shell be fine sad to tell you once its scratched that helmets knackered it absorbs moisture and under a serious blow to the helmet it could crack.

The momment myne just tap the ground its instant replacement

By the way HJC Helmets rule

[Fooman]

Apparently there's a study and it's up here on KB somewhere, where an $80 helmet from trademe or wherever has the same if not more protection than a pricey branded one...

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html

You're welcome,

FM

[Robbo]

Sure, but you cannot assertain this from a TM helmet. Might not meet standard, if black import could be a knock off but look like the real thing with stickers, and might not be new. I have seen 2nd hand helmets that look mint but inside the liner is seriously deformed from some kind of incident - ie. worthless.

Even worse any helmet is only as good as the fit. And size varies a lot.

I found cheaper better helmets when I was looking for a 2nd one for the wife in the cycetreads sale than anything on TM. And I had seen some cheap helmets on TM that CT actually sold, and in reality they were nasty, and odd sizes. If you must buy from TM make sure you try the lid on in a shop, and buy from someone who you feel is actually supplying the legit same item.

There has been reference on this thread to studies that stress in terms of safety anything meeting basic DOT/SNELL is pretty good. In general this is true, but if price is a factor I would still check out a shop, because as I said, a $1000 Nolan or an $100 Can or both pointless unless they fit *you*.

Yep! I would agree with your comments also, and if it was'nt a genuine standards approved sticker on it then my understanding is that to sell such an item would be illegal.
The fitting and comfort are also extremely important so if you are able to try before you buy on Trademe then you may very well end up with a Good Helmet at a Good Price.
For me, i have worn HJC helmets for many years now and have always been more than satisfied with them and they are quite reasonably priced at most reputable bike shops.
However, it is still a personal choice and i would not criticise anyone who had spent $100 or $1000 on their helmet of choice.

[FJRider]

I believe second hand underwear has the same appeal, as a second hand helmet.

[Virago]

I believe second hand underwear has the same appeal, as a second hand helmet.

So they get stolen by weirdos...?