What helmet should I buy?

Nitronut · 10-19-2011, 02:34 AM

Hey everyone,
Been looking at buying a helmet and I have no idea what to get. I have never bought a expensive helmet before. Always had hand-me-downs and used helmets. I currently have a "THH" that I bought used from a friend for $15 bucks.

I do know that I want something that's snell approved for the occasional run at the drag strip. I will have about a $350 budget to work with. What brands, model helmets should I be looking at? What are the benifits that a good helmet can offer (besides the obvious safety)?

-Brayden

markjenn · 10-19-2011, 03:32 AM

Helmets are a subjective choice.

I don't think there is any good data that shows one brand or model of helmet (of the same general type), is safer than another. You pay more for fit/finish, reputation, racing support, etc., but not for safety. The "Buy a $100 helmet if you have a $100 head" cliche just doesn't hold water anymore. There are $100 helmets that appear to be just as safe as $750 helmets.

The last few helmets I've bought were Shoei's or HJC's. Of the more expensive brands, I've moved from Arais to Shoei's over the last decade, mostly due to some corporate attitude issues with Arai, difficult to remove shield systems, and super high pricing. Also Shoeis used to be fairly uncomfortable (I had an "Arai head") but they're much better now and most Shoei's fit about as well as Arai's for me. I like HJC's in a "value" helmet.

But there are a ton of great brands out there.

For a sport bike or any kind of racing, you want to go with a conventional full-face and not go modular (which adds weight and is not as safe). Most helmets have the Snell rating, but not all. (Personally, I don't think the Snell rating is worth much and may even be a detriment to safety, but you obviously need to meet the regs if you're going to race.)

More important that the brand of helmet is that you get something that fits very well and is comfortable. This is one of those things where going to a good dealer with a good selection and trying on a lots and lots of models works best. Like buying ski boots. Once you settle on a model/sizing that works for you, then you can possibly mail-order the next one.

- Mark

LiterBoy · 10-19-2011, 09:48 AM

Not much to add to Mark's comprehensive reply except don't trust your head to a hand-me-down. Compression of the inner styrofoam liner isn't always noticeable, and unless you're positive that the used helmet you're strapping on is in tip top condition, leave it as your last resort.

To repeat the cliché, the best helmet is the one you'll use every ride.

And I'm sure you've noticed by now there are loads of sub-$200 helmets out there and as Mark implied, it's tough to find an unsafe new helmet nowadays. If it fits properly and you like the way it looks, that's your helmet!

Take a look at webBikeWorld.com. They've tested dozens and dozens.

**1000RR** · 10-19-2011, 11:16 AM

Which helmet to buy? At a minimum - one that fits your head! Sounds easy, right? Well, the point is, go to the shops and try some on in the various brands on your shortlist. Make sure the shape of the helmet fits the shape of your head. Different manufactures have different shapes and even from one line to another line under the same manufacturer they will appease different different head shapes. You will know right away when you put it on if it is the right one for you. And do ensure you know how to properly fit a helmet to your head... if not, ask a motorcycle shop for some assistance.

Finally, although a good number of helmets out there will work great. I would also say that there are some helmets out there that have a bit more design effort than others and may afford an increase level of protection in some cases. Just like cars... most hold up pretty good in crashes, some better than others though. The SNELL, ECE, and DOT ratings provide some minimums for how a helmet handles their specific tests, but some manufactures do put more into their helmet design than just passing these minimum standards. Are the most expensive helmets the best... not always.

Nikk777 · 10-19-2011, 11:19 AM

shop ebay and online sites... I like shoei and found a x11 haydron new for $345 shipped

Beemer · 10-19-2011, 11:25 AM

Or check out the Sharp website, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme. They test helmets and rate them accordingly.
SHARP Helmets - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME

Nitronut · 10-19-2011, 11:32 AM

Thanks for the great reply guys. I will be doing some shopping this weekend and plan to try on as many helmets as possible. Between shoei, arai, and bell, do any of those manufactures make a helmet in the $350 range that stand out above the rest? Easy to clean, great fit and finish, one that doesnt fog up so bad in cool wheather, can breath well, locking/ easily removed shield system. Something that looks good wouldn't hurt either.

I have done a little research on this subject and I fully understand that a helmet that fits me well will out weigh everything I mentioned above. But this brings another question to mind. What is the perfect fit? What should I be looking for when trying on a helmet to ensure a good fit?

Sorry for all the newby questions. I have about 8 years riding experience and I have never been out helmet shopping before (I did always have a helmet though). I havent been on a bike in almost 4 years now and I plan on buying a 2012 s1000rr in early spring. I just want to get a nice helmet that looks good and fits great to go along with it

-Brayden

**1000RR** · 10-19-2011, 11:44 AM

Normal fitment things to look for are:

You should feel the helmet alll the way around and all over the top of your head. This sounds crazy to say, but if you have a round head and you try and fit an oval helmet to your head, you might not feel contact all the way around in a consistent manor
Do the head shake side to side. The helmet should NOT move or slide around on your face.
Grab the helmet and push it up (Back) and forward (down). Your helmet should not move around on your face... your forehead skin will actually move up and down with the helmet a little bit.
You should be able to stick a finger between the cheek pad and your cheek. Your cheeks should look a little compressed if you look in a mirror

As for which of those three... all great helmets. You won't find an Arai in that price range, but you might find a last year model or a line they're trying to get rid of in the other two brands.

d40 · 10-19-2011, 12:59 PM

I currently have a Shoei RF1000 and a Scorpion EXO 1000. The EXO 1000 is too heavy, even though the flip down visor is nice. As far as the Shoei, a foggy windshield was unacceptable to me in a 360 dollar helmet and I got tired of having to lift the visor at every stop light if the weather was slightly cool, so the Shoei is shelved as well...

FWIW, I just purchased a matte black Scorpion exo 750 for $206 at a local shop. For the feature/value ratio, Scorpion can't be beat IMO. They make quality gear and it's evident in the details. I crash tested one about 6 years ago, and probably owe my life to that helmet.

sbs · 10-19-2011, 01:18 PM

I have owned one of pretty much every top-end helmet on the market and of ALL of them, my favorite is the new Shoei RF-1100.. It fits my head perfectly, is quieter than the other helmets I have owned and ventilates well.

Helmets are such a personal preference though... Try a bunch on and see which one fits our head the best...