I am looking to get a good helmet between 100 - 300 dollars I recently crashed in my Aria though I love the helmet economic conditions is preventing for spending that kind of cash again. Anyone got any good recommendations.
Thanks,
PS I had ex-700 not a big fan of those helmets
I've been pretty happy with both of my SparX helmets.
The only reason I needed the second one is because I crashed while wearing the first one. Sent in the helmet and a copy of the police report and they sent me the new one for free.
They're around the $100 mark, removable/washable liner, good ventilation, reasonably quiet, and DOT and ECE certified. Most importantly, tho, they fit my noggin. [thumbsup]
Quote from: Obsessed? on December 05, 2008, 10:30:24 AM
I've been pretty happy with both of my SparX helmets.
The only reason I needed the second one is because I crashed while wearing the first one. Sent in the helmet and a copy of the police report and they sent me the new one for free.
They're around the $100 mark, removable/washable liner, good ventilation, reasonably quiet, and DOT and ECE certified. Most importantly, tho, they fit my noggin. [thumbsup]
How does the sizing run for the sparx dead on large small.
Thanks
panthro
Quote from: panthro on December 05, 2008, 11:23:13 AM
How does the sizing run for the sparx dead on large small.
Thanks
panthro
regardless of brand or price, you'll want to try it on. every lid maker (and head, for that matter) is different.
Pretty true from my limited experience with helmets. I wear a 7 1/2 fitted hat, and my head is pretty egg-shaped if you look down at the top of it, and the XL fits me like it was made for me. A little bit of pressure on the cheeks, and all the way around, and it doesn't wobble.
The one I bought off the shelf required almost no break-in (maybe because a bunch of people had tried it on? dunno.) but the replacement that they sent me took a week or so to break in. Now its great for a couple of hours and then it starts to feel a little tight at the front and back.
I used to have the same problem with football helmets back in HS. First 2 weeks or so they always felt a bit small front-to-back and then they'd break in and feel fine.
If you can, I recommend heading out to a retailer and trying on everything you can, then buying the one that fits you best.
I have an HJC (model CL-SP) I am very happy with. I crashed in it, and replaced it with the same model.
+1 on the SparX. I bought mine to replace my Suomy after a crash and I love it. Way lighter than the Suomy and very good quality for the price. I believe Helmet Harbor has a video review of it on their website.
Quote from: teddy037.2 on December 05, 2008, 01:15:18 PM
regardless of brand or price, you'll want to try it on. every lid maker (and head, for that matter) is different.
+11tyB.
Proper fit should be the most important factor when choosing a helmet. If it doesn't fit you right, it can't protect you as well.
Lots of useful reviews at WebBikeWorld (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm).
Scoprion EXO series are one of my favorites, if your cool with wearing girl graphics or dont mind spray painting it, they have hte EXO-400 on new enough for $59.99. they normally run $150. I have hte 700 which is just a different shell matieral and more vents for $130 on sale for the graphics no one wants. otherwise ~$200 on Sportbike track gear.com
+1 on the EXO.
I have the EXO 700 - love it for the price.
I wear it around the city and dont freak out if it gets a scratch.
Wear as my Corsair RX7 - another story......
i've got a HJC FS-10 (thew one with the flip down sun shade) and I love it. Paid ~$200 from Newenough (not really possible to try on helmets out here - just order and return as necessary). Good ventilation, good closures for winter, decently quiet, and light. Much prefer it to my heavy Icon that I've been wearing for 3+ years.
I like the Arais and the Shoeis but I liked the Helmet that Troy Bayliss wore ( a Suomy ).
I got a Replica of the Bayliss Suomy Helmet from Sandhills Powersports for $274.
Every one else was asking in the high $400s . It's a nice Helmet compared to my Arai RX-7s or Shoei X-11s.
Checkout sandhillspowersports.com
I wear a lg. and their lg. fit me fine. Dolph
Quote from: somegirl on December 05, 2008, 09:57:32 PM
Lots of useful reviews at WebBikeWorld (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm).
+1 to checking out their reviews. Look at the GMAX reviews. They are very picky, but had a lot of good things to say about the SMAX helmets. At the review time (1 year ago) time you could snag a helmet w/ two visors for ~$70. Even being that inexpensive, they managed to snag Snell approval.
Remember that as long as they have the same safety rating one helmet is just as safe as the next and the extra money usually goes into comfort/ looks.
+1 on trying on helmets in person before making the jump. Everyone's head is different.
Also, the EXO700 is loud as hell (compared to my old Shoei X-11).
the joe rocket 101s fit my head pretty well, and they're inexpensive (as long as you don't get the carbon fiber lid).
Quote from: erkishhorde on December 07, 2008, 04:21:44 PM
Also, the EXO700 is loud as hell (compared to my old Shoei X-11).
+1 to that , compared to my RF1000. it is REALLY loud. but i wear plugs so i dont may much attention.
I've been riding with the GMAX GM68s for 8 months and have been quite happy with it. It flows a TON of air with the vents open, but still manages to be pretty quiet. It also feels nice and light, I have never had any trouble with neck pain on longer 2-3 hour rides. It also has an LED array mounted on the rear of the lid that can light up solid, or flash for that extra added visibility on those foggy/rainy morning rides to work!! i got the helmet with a smoked, and a clear visor, a smoked lens for the rear LEDs and a pretty nice bag for $110 shipped.
+1 on the GMAX GM68 [thumbsup]. Great helmet for $100. I have it in matte black and it's street fighter looks go great with my dark M696 8). It's a great helmet for hot climates - it circulates a lot of air through the helmet, which also keeps down fogging in the winter without having to crack open the visor. The LED lights on the back of the helmet are a little overkill, but you can swap the red cover with the smoked replacement cover that comes with it and it makes them a lot less obvious. Noise levels are really low, but there can be a little wheezing noise if your on the freeway with all the vents open.
For the quality and performance of this helmet, plus all the accessories it comes with, it should be priced $300+, so it's a steal at $100 - $120.
I have an Arai it cost $480.00 thats a lot of money in one regard but cheap in another as it will protect the most important thing............my mouth which is used to drink beer and eat pu*sy. [laugh]
Don't be a cheap skate, get a properly fitting helmet ,spend the money . You will not be sorry.
If you can get to a cycle gear store they will measure your head and let you know what shape your head is ...oval, round (square in case of Goldwing riders) and make the proper suggestions.In my experience a correctly fitting helmet is far more important than anything when riding. It will also make your riding more enjoyable as a properly fitting helmet wont hurt your forehead and will just feel better against wind buffeting. I like the Arai's as they have features not found in other helmets such as pads available for a more custom fit and excellent customer service should you have any issues.
Take the time, get fitted and spend the money.
You can equate this to buying size 10 shoes when you really wear a size 11. Wouldn't make much sense would it?
I really like my Icon Alliance SSR. I got in in Rubatone so small rocks won't scratch and it is way easier to clean. Very comfortable and has all of the same ratings as other helemets. Only $150. Also circulates a lot of air. [thumbsup]
Buy the best fitting helmet you can afford. I had a less expensive first helmet before upgrading to a much more expensive one. The fit on both were good (why I went with the less expensive one to start with) which means in a get off situation you should be protected well, but the buffeting and lift on the less expensive one made it a little scary over 70MPH.
+1 on Cycle Gear. They have a 7-day exchange program on their helmets which means you can take it out and see if you really like it before you are stuck.
anyone know of a good place in michigan to try on helmets? Chicago even?
Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 12, 2009, 11:03:05 AM
anyone know of a good place in michigan to try on helmets? Chicago even?
I seem to recall that Rosenau Powersports had a decent selection: http://rosenaupowersports.net/ (http://rosenaupowersports.net/)
I have a RSI very nice, if you can find one that fits
this is a wicked good deal
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shark/0 (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search/shark/0)