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Post by hurtcow on Aug 2, 2008 15:19:40 GMT -5
I currently have a half-helmet. However I'd like to upgrade to a full-face helmet for commuting to work in traffic.
I've seen them vary from $50-ish to $500-ish. Is there any difference in protection, or is it just just the level of comfort and features?
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Post by josetann on Aug 2, 2008 16:01:26 GMT -5
If possible, it's best to try on a helmet in person and wear it for a while. Sure, you'll look dorky, but it's just for a few hours (ok, at least for an hour I'd say). Maybe see if they'll let you put a deposit on the helmet and go try it out for an hour and come back to make the purchase official (then you won't look so silly). A lot of helmets may be comfortable for the 10 seconds you'll try it on, but it can be entirely different after an hour or two. Plus if you can try it while riding, you can see how it holds up in the real world (maybe airflow sucks and you burn up, or whatever).
Snell-approved helmets generally cost more, and there's debate as to whether the extra Snell certification actually helps or not (some think it's actually worse). Personally I'd just find the cheapest DOT-approved helmet that was comfortable, and get one with a bright color so you'll be noticed.
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Post by gottascoot on Aug 2, 2008 16:28:08 GMT -5
wearing a helmet that don`t fit well, I will wear shoes that don`t fit on a long walk first !! I find some full face helmets cut down on my view side to side,check that out B-4 you buy.If they dont vent well I feel I am breathing the same air over & over. Never buy a helmet for it`s paint job alone.
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Post by hurtcow on Aug 2, 2008 18:16:49 GMT -5
I want to pick up a helmet that'll be comfortable for long rides and not make me feel claustraphobic. I don't care if it's pretty or whatever. I just want it to keep my head from busting open all over the pavement. The local store has lots of different types, and all the full-faced ones are $200+. If spending that much will keep me from becoming a drooling, mumbling blob (wait, too late!), I'll spend it.
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Post by josetann on Aug 2, 2008 18:28:01 GMT -5
Well, do you have any friends with full-face helmets that would fit you? If so, maybe you could try some of them out during longer rides (at least an hour), then hop online and try to find a good deal on one. A local dealer will probably cost you more, but if they're accommodating enough to let you try out the helmet for an hour or so to make sure it'll work (or let you buy and return it if it didn't work out), I'd rather buy it from them than to leave and buy the same helmet online.
Personally I don't think I'll ever spend $200 on a helmet. If it was the only one that fit my needs, sure. Otherwise I'd probably just buy a cheap one on ebay, see if it fits and if not, buy another one. Warning, my method of doing things often costs more in the long run. You may go through 4-5 cheap helmets costing more than a single $200 helmet, then again I guess you'd have some spares.
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Post by hurtcow on Aug 2, 2008 18:42:50 GMT -5
I have a freakishly huge head, so fit is important. I'll hit up my local store and just start shoving them on, and see what feels good, then go from there. I'd rather get it online and save a chunk of money.
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Post by gottascoot on Aug 2, 2008 21:19:47 GMT -5
I wear a XXL myself,you can find this size alot of times on Bikebandit closeout specials under $100 ,check it out.
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Post by gusset on Aug 2, 2008 22:01:08 GMT -5
I think that as long as it's DOT approved, protection will be good. The difference in cost gets you upgrades in areas such as comfort, noise (whistling and to a lesser extent, overall noise- though they'll all be pretty noisy), venting, visor quality and sealing, and, yes, appearance/paint jobs. Read a few helmet reviews on WebBike World to get some ideas. They do very good work, and they review cheap and expensive helmets. www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm |
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Post by ghostssx on Aug 3, 2008 1:01:29 GMT -5
I wear a XXL helmet and I felt cramped in the regular full-face, but the Modular(flip-up) had more room in the chin area. i am very pleased with my Modular. I chose white for the visibility. Everyone is right - try them on! Good luck!!
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Post by harrywr2 on Aug 4, 2008 11:21:00 GMT -5
Snell-approved helmets generally cost more, and there's debate as to whether the extra Snell certification actually helps or not (some think it's actually worse). Snell certification costs 65 cents per helmet plus some testing fees. DOT says a maximum of 400 G's force can be transferred to your head in a 2 meter drop test onto a flat surface. Snell says a maximum of 300 G's force can be transferred to your head in a 3 meter drop test onto a flat surface, edge surface or rounded object. There is discussion in the safety community as to whether Snell should pay more attention to the G force transferred to the head and less attention to the edge test. I.E. Lower the maximum G's transferred to the head to 200 G's and make the edge test less severe. |
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Post by hurtcow on Aug 5, 2008 17:18:28 GMT -5
Ok I picked up a Vega flip-up helmet for $129. It has all the features of the more expensive helmets, and got rated best flip helmet on webbikeworld (thanks gusset!), so I was sold. I got to meet one at my local store, and a 2xl fits my melon the best.
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Post by pukame2 on Aug 25, 2008 0:58:41 GMT -5
My Nolan I've had for almost 9yrs and hadn't needed another helmet until lately. Always looking for deals.
One can always count on quality and you have to get a better unit to appreciate one wholly.
The fit, the overall features with comfort and noise level being important will insure one to always look for the best in helmets.
Got a cheaper one as a backup but still looking for another deal....
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Post by ashtonisdrugfree on Sept 3, 2008 19:38:56 GMT -5
helmetsetc.com Great prices. and extremely fast shipping. 3days total from time of order to time of door bell ringing.
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Post by fufu2wheel on Sept 24, 2008 10:37:14 GMT -5
$600 helmet can't protect your head if it doesn't fit your properly.. OTOH, how much is your head worth to you?
Personally, I wear fullface helmet the fit like racing helmet, my cheeks are pushed in against the pads, lightweight helmet would make my neck less strained while wearing it, less inertia to bounce off the pavement when I crash.
Proper fit means the most protection.
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Post by bob67 on Sept 25, 2008 6:46:19 GMT -5
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Post by newrider57 on Sept 25, 2008 8:18:06 GMT -5
I bought an HJC CL15 FF helmet that has extra vents and it is very comfortable. It has both the Snell and DOT ratings, and was not that expensive. I did buy it locally so that I could make absolutely sure that it fit properly. Even though I paid a little more than what it is advertised for on this site, I knew when I left the store it was the right one for me. www.motodirect.com/servlet/Detail?no=604Besides, there are just some things you don't really want the cheapest of. Sort of like parachutes..... ;D  |
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Post by iamverb on Sept 25, 2008 11:47:52 GMT -5
You probably have your helmet by now, but for anyone new looking to get their first helmet, there's a few things to keep in mind.
It can't be stressed enough: Definitely don't skimp on your helmet.
You should be able to get a good, comfortable full face helmet for under 100, though. Check out the closeouts at bikebandit and the bargain basement at newenough. Newenough usually has HJC CL-15s or CL-SPs for under 80, sometimes for 60 or less.
If you can't try one on first: Every helmet brand's sizes are a pinch different, so use that brand's size guide, and if you're on the margin between two sizes, go with the larger one. Nothing beats trying one on in the store, though.
DOT or Snell certified? Both! Sure, the DOT certifies for higher crushing pressure, but only Snell tests whether the helmet bounces so much it snaps you neck. Any good helmet will have both.
Lastly, helmets don't really last that long. Little drops and bumps and scrapes wear out the helmet in ways you can't see, but that ruin a helmet's ability to protect you. Plan on getting a new one every two to three years, even if the old one still looks ok.
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Post by mafunsalow on Sept 28, 2008 7:38:53 GMT -5
Ok I picked up a Vega flip-up helmet for $129. It has all the features of the more expensive helmets, and got rated best flip helmet on webbikeworld (thanks gusset!), so I was sold. I got to meet one at my local store, and a 2xl fits my melon the best. I got the same helmet 2 weeks ago. Shaved my head and went from xxl to xl . Nice helmet. To answer the original question the difference is in the materials used and comfort designs. Not sure how much difference they become during impact, but I'm sure that those that ride moto and grand prix type racing ,who wipeout every now and then, probably use custom if not shoei (sp) or nolans. |
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Post by educatordan on Sept 28, 2008 12:18:32 GMT -5
Got a great deal on a Hawk brand at www.leatherup.com mine has a visor but not a full face and I got it for about $40 including shipping. I wear an XL and I followed the head measuring guidelines and got it right. For $50 I could have had a full face unit. |
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Post by rivethead on Oct 8, 2008 20:12:27 GMT -5
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Post by brickstore on Oct 9, 2008 8:25:03 GMT -5
Got a great deal on a Hawk brand at www.leatherup.com mine has a visor but not a full face and I got it for about $40 including shipping. I wear an XL and I followed the head measuring guidelines and got it right. For $50 I could have had a full face unit. I have a Hawk full face and am pleased with it. It is much better quality than the helmet that came with my bike, seems nice and sturdy, and fits better (nice and tight, like it should be). |
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Post by iluvdawgs on Oct 17, 2008 2:11:57 GMT -5
I know comfort and appearance are high priorities, but let's not forget why one wears a helmet in the first place, Safety! I'm an EMT, and the crazy stuff I hear about from coworkers compels me to tell anyone who wants to get a helmet to seriously consider how much your head is really worth. Its true that mark-ups on high end helmets are related to superior design and materials, but hey, at least you'll get what you pay for. If you're spending $50 bucks on a full face helmet w/DOT approval, you should have decent protection but your helmet will probably be heavier, not well balanced, is made with inferior materials, or a combination of these. Granted, that is all some can afford and at least they are doing something to protect their heads.
What it comes down to is what you're willing to pay. I only use Premium octane gas in my scoot because the extra power is worth the few cents. Just the same, a very good helmet over the course of two or three years will only cost a few more cents per ride. Avoiding the stiff neck, boiling brains, excessive noise pollution, and maybe keeping your head intact on a head strike is worth it, isn't it?
I don't know if this still holds true, but I was told that Shoei buys back their crashed helmets for fifty bucks to analyze the safety effectiveness of their helmets.
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Post by anhoa on Oct 17, 2008 11:42:28 GMT -5
My scootdawg[DOT]com helmet was 40$ since 2003 (Made in China). 3/4 helmet with flip-up shield. Got some loose bolts from wind vibration but it's still working fine.
Anhoa
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Post by rocketdog on Nov 10, 2008 6:13:01 GMT -5
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Post by harrywr2 on Nov 10, 2008 11:45:39 GMT -5
I finally broke down and decided I needed a full face helmet. Went to the helmet shop...more than 100 different helmets on the shelf..easily. I would agree...an $80 DOT/Snell helmet provides just as much safety as a $500 DOT/Snell helmet. Unfortunately, the $80 helmets only come in 5 sizes, which is fine for baseball caps and cowboy hats that have some give in them. I started on the cheap end of the wall of helmets...couldn't find a helmet that I could even get on my fat head(never mind over my ears) until I got to Shoei($350). Nice helmet...my chin stuck out about 1" below the bottom of it. What's the point of a full face if one isn't going to get chin protection? Then I move to the Arai's($450). They make 84 sizes...and the store stocked them all. They had two helmets which were reasonably comfortable and both covered my chin. IMHO The Biggest difference between an $80 helmet and a $450 helmet is fit. There were a couple of nice features that an $80 helmet doesn't have...like 6 or 7 adjustable vents that can be opened and closed with the helmet on with a finger. |
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Post by nikolai on Dec 21, 2008 6:51:31 GMT -5
5$ helmet = 5$ head.
May you never have to find out how well your helmet works.
I have, four times. Thankfully, none seriously.
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Post by yamaman on Jun 8, 2009 13:24:00 GMT -5
 The Quantum 2 is Arai's best selling helmet since it's introduction in 2000. These Arai Quantum 2 helmets represent the most sweeping changes Arai has made since the helmet's inception. Click on a style below for more detailed information. www.rockheadbikes.com/Arai_Quantum_2_Helmets_s/445.htmOne great helmet. Once again you get what you pay for  * Round-oval fit * Brow Vent Faceshield Ventilation System provides cooling air in upper face area without holes in critical forehead area of the shell or in the impact-absorbing liner material * Optically-correct pre-formed faceshields better vision, UV ray protection with less distortion * De-Mist Lock faceshield tab pushes forward to open the shield slightly help clear fogging * Shell incorporates smaller gap between shield and shell to reduce wind noise, same breathguard as found in the RX-7 Corsair * Shell is Super Complex Laminate Construction (Super CLC), redesigned aerodynamic shape with molded details to add character, increase shell strength, and enhance the performance of the upgraded side exhaust vents * Chin Spoiler * Top mounted (TD-4) vent design is recessed into the shell for a clean look * Uses SAJ shield side pod like RX-7 Corsair and Astral for easier operation, uses the single span, dual pivot hinge chin vent as found on the RX-7 Corsair * Fully removable washable interior, cheek pads are the same as RX-7-RR4, Astral and Astral-X * Meets or exceeds Snell and D.O.T. standards |
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Post by pensacolascoot on Jun 10, 2009 9:46:33 GMT -5
I currently have a half-helmet. However I'd like to upgrade to a full-face helmet for commuting to work in traffic. I've seen them vary from $50-ish to $500-ish. Is there any difference in protection, or is it just just the level of comfort and features? At my MSF course in April, the instructors showed a full face helmet that had absorbed a hit right where the visor met the lower portion of the helmet. The visor had a large star pattern. The lower helmet held together. I guarantee you that getting hit in that location, without that full face helmet, would force you to be spending a week with an oral surgeon. In my view, an oral surgeon is like a guy using a chain saw in your mouth. So how is your Dental Insurance? If you got a bill for $15,000 for 3 surgeries and anesthesia and bone reconstruction plus treatment for a broken cheek bone and new porcelain teeth that have to be taken out at night, would it be worth avoiding all of this by deciding to get a $160 full face helmet? Frankly, I don't care what people think about what I look like with a full face helmet. The $150-$200 for a SNELL rating on top of the DOT rating is well worth it. When you look inside of a SNELL rated helmet, you see concentric layers of padding, lining, and impact absorbing Shell material. The helmet has to fit snugly. The padding adjusts to your face, but not in one hour, so your first impression is that it is headachey. The full face helmet can seem claustrophobic, but that goes away. It may feel stuffy at first -- just raise the visor. But note, when you ride, there is a button to snaplock the visor in place. There are vents on the Full Face helmet, but they only come in play with fresh air while you are riding. Lastly, I recommend getting an ANTI-fog visor helmet that allows you to snap in colored visors. This way you don't have to wear sun glasses. The helmet is an investment just like insurance. Would you pay $200 so you don't have to spend any time in an oral surgeon's chair? I would pay that gladly and I already have. There are many excellent helmets to choose from!  --Bill |
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Post by fong47 on Jun 12, 2009 14:12:12 GMT -5
Just remember one thing, most of the helmet these days are made in asia. Wether it's $60 or $600, the most important thing is the certification. DOT or Snell will do. Plus, of course, it has to fit properly.
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Post by owenbrau on Jun 12, 2009 20:04:15 GMT -5
It must be DOT rated to be legally a "helmet" in the US. In my opinion, Snell rating is not worth the extra cost, for our (and most other non-racing) purposes.
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