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Post by rootbrewskies on Oct 28, 2007 21:52:01 GMT -5
i like my face. so full face it is. but are all helmets made the same? if its DOT approved does that mean its essentially as good as any other helmet out there? are there fast differences in safety between a DOT approved 50 or 100 dollar full face helmet and a 300 dollar helmet?
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Post by Aerostudent on Oct 28, 2007 23:10:59 GMT -5
Not too sure about actual quality difference between helmet by cost, but I do know that I don't feel comfortable relying on something that cost 50 bucks, to save my life. Nor do I feel comfortable spending 600 on a Shoei, etc. My helmet cost me about 120 and it's a $150 helmet (shopped online for days 'till I got a deal, HJC CL-15, good helmet). As for DOT, if it's DOT, it's certainly "good enough" and I have heard that as long as it is DOT, it'll protect you good. And yes, I like my face too ;D
Aero
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Post by WarrenS on Oct 29, 2007 9:21:20 GMT -5
A leading motorcycle magazine did an invovled test of helmets. When it came to protection the winner was a $99 model. They lost some advertisers because of this. The more expensive models have more comfort and convienence features. Paint jobs also affect price.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 29, 2007 10:47:58 GMT -5
Also saw a test indicating ABS plastic was equal to or better than fiberglass. I use an under $100 modular helmet I purchased from Amazon. DOT approved. I like the HJC helmets - features and price - I have seen and tried and will probably add one to my stable. My first helmet that I used with my 150 scoot was a JC Whitney "Electro" brand Shorty CHP style with snap on visor and rear weather curtain. It was a well made DOT approved helmet and very comfortable to wear. Rear storm curtain really kept the draft off the back of your neck. I added a bubble front shield to keep the wind off my face. Moved up to the modular full-face when I got my Bali 250 scoot.
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Post by hillbilly on Oct 29, 2007 12:22:45 GMT -5
www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/That is the most informative thing on helmets I've seen. Turns out a DOT helmet is what you want in the real world. The real difference in full-face helmets to me personally is how well they fit and whether they are modular (flip-up). A dozen different brand helmets that all look the same fit differently and proper fit makes more of a difference than what standard the helmet meets. You need the modular so you can flip it up when waiting at lights, going into a convenience store, or just needing to sneeze. Try on a bunch of different ones and get the one that fits you best and is most comfortable at a reasonable price
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 29, 2007 14:04:34 GMT -5
Hillbilly makes a great point about the fit. I have tried on several and only a few fit me comfortably. There is such great variation in heads that only a test fit will tell. You also want one that fits snugly but not so much that it is uncomfortable. Loose is not good in an accident!
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Post by earlwb on Oct 29, 2007 15:22:13 GMT -5
If the helmets have the DOT, Snell and other approvals, it meant that it passed their minimum tests for protecting one's head. So from that point all the helmets wind up being about equal. But comfort, fit and quality can vary a lot though.
For example the flip up front face part on some full face helmets can have a lot of differences as to quality of the hinge joint. etc.
Now then the shorty helmets don't protect as well as a 3/4 helmet, which doesn't protect as well as a full face helmet.
Normally if two helmets look alike, but one costs a lot more than the other, I would expect much better materials on the inside, along with better straps, D rings, padding, comfort, etc.
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Post by rerun2 on Oct 29, 2007 20:58:38 GMT -5
I was shown an article not to long ago that addressed 'methodology' used in testing several products that dealt with safety issues, safety goggles, construction crew 'hard hats', safety glass/acrylic/lexan chambers, and other items. Motorcycle helmets were discussed as well. The gist of the research done on motorcycle helmets was surprising and a bit disturbing! In short, the conclusion is that the beloved, desired, touted, and prized Snell rating that helmet makers strive to attain, actually results in a helmet that produces LESS 'real world' protection! Why? It is in the 'methodology' of testing procedure Snell demands. To earn the 'Snell Mark of Approval' a helmet has to withstand an impact strike of 'X force' at point 'A' on the helmet shell, then that same helmet has to withstand an impact strike of force 'Y' (a lesser strike) at point 'A', the EXACT point of the previous strike. This is an inane test. A helmet in the process of protecting a human head is not going to be stationary in the first place, and although it is a good thing the initial strike demonstrates a high degree of protection, engineering the helmet to withstand a strike to the exact same area is by design weakening the remaining structure. In essence, there is only some much energy a helmet can be designed to absorb. Concentrating that ability in one place can do nothing but reduce the overall effectiveness outside that one area designed to receive maximum impact. The conclusion works out to be that the DOT standards are quite sufficient, and Snell certification is pretty much a marketing gimmick, and one that will guarantee a less protective cover...
not my opinions, but I can't argue with it either! ;D
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Post by aristide1 on Nov 5, 2007 10:25:07 GMT -5
Rerun2, I've read pretty much the same thing. I would add, that a human head need not be in the same place to be hit in the exact same spot twice. It may be hit by 2 different objects. However it is statistically very rare. A better test was one where G forces on the head with helmut were measured, and they are more important to the brain sloshing around inside a persons skull. Here's a good place to see helmet reviews. www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htmI bought a Shoei TZ-R based on what they said and fit of course. remember a bad fitting helmet means the foundation of your safety device is already compromised. And if you're an egghead then check out Icon helmets. |
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Post by wireburn on Nov 9, 2007 10:44:51 GMT -5
Be careful when shopping for a modular helmet. They seem to vary widely in quality. The Vega helmet I looked at recently had such a poor latching mechanism that you could just pull the chin bar up without pushing the lock release. I asked the dealer about it and he said, "Well we haven't received any complaints about that". Ugh.
-Mike
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Post by jprestonian on Nov 10, 2007 0:00:37 GMT -5
And if you're an egghead then check out Icon helmets. Y'mean the shape of the haidbone? I have an Icon Mainframe Halo that I got on sale for $99... snug, comfortable fit, good airflow. Hate that I didn't consider a modular instead, since I wear glasses, but... . |
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Post by leogarlitz on Apr 20, 2008 17:40:48 GMT -5
Do not be impressed with DOT helmets because they are not necessarily good for protecting your head. The DOT requirements are provided by government agency but they do not test many helmets. They have budget to test maybe 20 helmets a year and all they do is inform the failed tests of that result; they do not enforce anything. the DOT helmet requirement is essentially self policing; if the helmet is marked DOT it may not be worth a ***t. The SNELL requirements on the other hand are 100% tested; any Snell helmet has been sampled and tested to their requirement and the test is repeated each year. I notice one poster provided negative comments about Snell helmets and claims DOT helmets are adequate. What do you think the result will be of self enforced testing requirements? If you suspect that self enforcement results in minimal or no compliance then choose accordingly.
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Post by griff10 on Apr 21, 2008 2:59:51 GMT -5
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Post by vonspyder on Apr 23, 2008 22:19:45 GMT -5
My HJC open face is comfortable and sturdy, thankfully ive never had to test it out, but some of my friends have, and the HJC's have done quite well for them.
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Post by ty on May 13, 2008 19:06:53 GMT -5
everyone mentions the Shoei and HJC, and I know they're cheaper monetarily, but what is the quality of the EXL helmet? (For those on a budget?)
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Post by griff10 on May 14, 2008 1:45:02 GMT -5
Never heard of that brand. What's your head worth?
Bill H.
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Post by ty on May 14, 2008 7:46:31 GMT -5
Saw the EXL on motodirect.com (got address from the accessories post) says some of the full face are DOT and SNELL approved and the 3/4 and half are DOT approved, but costs (on that site) are between $30 - 70.
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Post by vatoolman on May 14, 2008 9:05:32 GMT -5
Saw that link too I never heard of them before either but i figure they did like some tool and discount stores do and bought out either a surplus of someones stock from a year or two ago and put their own sticker on it or got a cheap Chinese contract and are marketing them from someones basement or warehouse. I've got an AGV blade 3/4 with face shield that I really do enjoy. Comfortable, DOT, removable liner, and quick release buckle. I wear glasses also and the flip up shield is really nice think I paid 125 for it at a local shop.
John
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Post by rusty on May 14, 2008 16:52:15 GMT -5
I have a Vega Summitt Modular helment, and I havent had any problems with it not locking and you cant open it without pushing the inside button, Retail is $129.95 but I got mine at cost (Son works for a cycle shop) found a place on the internet that was saleing them for 49.95 and 15.00 shipping not a bad price, I goggled modular helments and found them, When you try on a new helment it should be a little tight at first and it will take shape in a couple days and fit alot better The 1/2 and 3/4 helment look a lot better and are cooler to wear but dont offer the protection a full face helment offers, and most of them have vents you can open and close as weather dictates
Rusty
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Post by WarrenS on May 14, 2008 22:09:19 GMT -5
I just read about a recall of VCAN helmets. They fail to comply with penetration, strap retention, and labeling reqirements.
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Post by griff10 on May 15, 2008 1:20:26 GMT -5
Be careful when shopping for a modular helmet. They seem to vary widely in quality. The Vega helmet I looked at recently had such a poor latching mechanism that you could just pull the chin bar up without pushing the lock release. I asked the dealer about it and he said, "Well we haven't received any complaints about that". Ugh. -Mike I've had a Vega modular for a couple years now, unless they've changed the design (which is possible) I'd like to see someone open it without depressing the locking button. Bill H. |
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