Anyone use this or something similar? Opinions? Is it safe, easy to use, worth the trouble?
http://www.amazon.com/Helmets-Gone-Wild-qr-Motorcycle/dp/B001L4TRXU/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Helmets-Gone-Wild-qr-Motorcycle/dp/B001L4TRXU/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1)
No FHE, but I personally wouldn't go near something like that even if folks on the internet told me it's ok. Unless it is produced by someone like Arai or Shoei or someone else. I'd want a TON more info first and some testing data. The problem is that you have no idea if it works until you crash. And then you want to be CERTAIN that it works. You'd think that if quick releases worked, we'd see more of 'em on moto helmets. There's likely a reason we don't.
Also, that looks like it'd be less than comfortable. :-\
That's a lot of plastic - one of the strap mounts is plastic, and the latch mechanism is plastic on plastic. My biggest concern, though (and it's a really big one), is that the plastic strap mount is not continuous - it has a slot through it which could allow the strap to pull out even if the latch doesn't fail in a crash.
A helmet that comes off in a crash is not the goal.
If you must use a quick-release, and there are some reasons why a rider might, the Echo design has been around for a long time, and the entire connection path is metal. There is a heavy nylon plastic surround that keeps everything aligned, but latching is metal-to-metal and all straps connect to metal. I rode with one for a while after I injured my hand and just couldn't deal with D-rings. I've now moved back to D-rings, which I believe are safer overall due to their simplicity.
The Echo quick-releases are available at practically every motorcycle store I've been in. Their website is echoproducts.com.
Definitely wouldn't use those.
Can't beat good old D rings
Quote from: mstevens on February 12, 2011, 09:33:27 PM
If you must use a quick-release, and there are some reasons why a rider might, the Echo design has been around for a long time, and the entire connection path is metal.
I have no significant FHE with the Echo quick release, but I did look into them after my MSF coach couldn't say enough good about his. They claim to to exceed Snell and DOT chin strap ratings, which I guess should make them perfectly safe. But for me, it was a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, if I was gonna get one, it would definitely be the Echo.
D. Mason from Phoenix, AZ says: "If there are safety issues, I don't care." [laugh]
Quote from: zarn02 on February 14, 2011, 03:27:56 PM
D. Mason from Phoenix, AZ says: "If there are safety issues, I don't care." [laugh]
saw that, brilliant since it would completely defy the point of having a helmet on in a crash.
Helmets are made to STAY on your head in a crash.
Anything that might compromise the Helmet staying on my head in a crash situation I sure wouldn't want .
Adding a piece to what comes w, a Helmet only can lessen the effectiveness in my opinion.
Dolph :)
Thanks for the input. I'm going to stay with the D-ring solution.