I need/want a new helmet and I've had the Bell Star in mind for a while but money is kinda tight right now. AGV K3 and Bell Vortex are both less than $100... thought I might pick one of these up and get a nicer one in 6 mos or so and keep this as a spare. Any thoughts on these two helmets...? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend the doh...?
I bought an Xpeed on Ebay, as a spare, for about $200 and have been very pleased with it. It is much lighter and even more comfortable than my $450 Shoei. The outer shell is made from carbon fiber, and the inner foam is pretty much the same material use by other helmet makers. It may be just a tad nosier than the Shoei at high speed though...
Just make sure it fits right!
Yeah, the Shoei I've been riding in for so long is comfortable enough but has almost no ventilation. I kinda figured anything from a reputable brand would be a step up. That's reassuring to hear, thanks Supperduc. This way I'll have a few more duckets to play with! [thumbsup]
Quote from: duc750 on February 15, 2012, 11:16:05 AM
Just make sure it fits right!
This is the tricky part... Don't have anywhere near by to try 'em out so I'll be ordering online. Ah, well...
First off, figure out what shape your dome is.
Then, if you haven't already, head over to WebBikeWorld.com (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm) to check and see what they have to say.
And then find an online retailer with a decent exchange policy. Might I recommend our sponsor MotorcycleGear.com? I've used them before (back when they were called New Enough) and been completely satisfied with both products and customer service.
Lots of things are worse than winding up with a $200 paperweight if the helmet doesn't fit, but that doesn't mean it's enjoyable.
Quote from: Buckethead on February 15, 2012, 06:13:40 PM
First off, figure out what shape your dome is.
Then, if you haven't already, head over to WebBikeWorld.com (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm) to check and see what they have to say.
That's pretty cool!
In USA, DOT or SNELL rated a must....
Quote from: OT on February 16, 2012, 08:37:08 AM
In USA, DOT or SNELL rated a must....
Personally I prefer ECE to SNELL, but that debate has been beaten to death so whatevs.
Quote from: Buckethead on February 15, 2012, 06:13:40 PM
First off, figure out what shape your dome is.
Then, if you haven't already, head over to WebBikeWorld.com (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm) to check and see what they have to say.
He's looking for a "Sub $200 Helmet". Unless your head is shaped like a bucket, your helmet size is either sm, med, large or xlarge. [laugh]
Quote from: supperduc on February 16, 2012, 12:35:51 PM
He's looking for a "Sub $200 Helmet". Unless your head is shaped like a bucket, your helmet size is either sm, med, large or xlarge. [laugh]
Head size and head shape are two
very different things, and wearing a helmet that doesn't fit properly (wrong shape) is just as dangerous as wearing a helmet that's the wrong size.
Just because he's shopping on a budget doesn't mean he can't get decent protection.
Hell, I wear a $99 SparX helmet. It's light, breathes well, and fits my head like it was made for it.
This is actually my second SparX. It was free. I was wearing the first one and had a crash. I sent them the helmet and a copy of the police report and *ding* 4 weeks later I had a shiny new helmet free of charge.
my scorpion is nice for the money. exo 1000. i think you can find them for $150 ish. it doesn't breathe very well but it is comfortable and fits securely. the flip down shades in it work well too.
I've got this if you're interested....
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55175.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55175.0)
I go by the fit/safety rating and features
although noise level is a relative unknown until you've ridden, it is important also. one helmet I have has a whistle above 90mph so it's out for longer rides.
but honestly i haven't spent more than 150 for a helmet since my first helmet in 1999 when I spent 400. and honestly the 150 ones have more features and are more comfortable than that one.
all are dot/snell or ece rated .
ECE actually has a higher safety standard for those wanting to know as well. they have a piercing test that neither US ratings have.
Quote from: duc750 on February 17, 2012, 12:24:33 PM
I've got this if you're interested....
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55175.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55175.0)
Thanks, but I went ahead and ordered the Bell Vortex. Should be here any day now, hopefully it'll fit right and I won't have to fuss with returning it or driving to a bigger city where I can actually try a few on.
I'm not saying this is the right thing to do. But you can try on all the different brands/ sizes of helmet you like the look/ feel of in a shop and then get them cheaper on the net. ?
Quote from: Raux on February 17, 2012, 12:43:18 PM
one helmet I have has a whistle above 90mph so it's out for longer rides.
Not the helmet, it's your wife screaming ;)
Quote from: stopintime on February 18, 2012, 05:20:09 PM
Not the helmet, it's your wife screaming ;)
I'm going to tell her you said that... we do live on the same continent and you know those Germans hold a grudge
My head is worth more than $200, and you get what you pay for.
There are a lot of good midrange helmets out there, but at least get the Snell, ECE or equivalent testing method to ensure its effectiveness in a crash. Shoei makes several midlevel lids, so you don't have to travel into the Arai / Schuberth / Nolan territory for good protection.
Quote from: hillbillypolack on February 21, 2012, 06:47:24 PM
My head is worth more than $200, and you get what you pay for
yeah. a name
Quote from: hillbillypolack on February 21, 2012, 06:47:24 PM
My head is worth more than $200, and you get what you pay for.
Largely debated.
High price doesn't always mean high quality.
Well, my new Bell Vortex came today and upon first inspection I gotta say I'm pretty impressed that this thing was only $180. I haven't been for a ride in it yet but if anyone cares to know what I've got to say after I've done some miles in it, all they have to do is ask.
Based on Bell's sizing chart, I came in just barely on the S side between S and M. The helmet is snugger than snug on my peanut-head. I think my dome fits really well in this thing but I got some big ole cheeks and it's marginally uncomfortable. I would definitely want to err on the side of a helmet that's a hair too small than one that's oversized, but on the other hand I don't want a migraine either and need something I can wear for a few hours at a time. My old Shoei was definitely more comfortable in that regard and I never thought it was really too big. (thankfully never had a to test that one) So I inquired to Bell to see if they have different sized cheek pads and am just waiting to hear what they say. But for this money I could just buy a M, keep em both, or sell the one that fits worse and still come out okay.
Long and short of this is that this particular helmet is Snell and DOT rated and seems really good for the money.
Quote from: duc750 on February 21, 2012, 09:25:53 PM
Largely debated.
High price doesn't always mean high quality.
Agreed until I bought my AGV GP-Tech. That helmet is worth all ~70,000 pennies.
Quote from: $Lindz$ on February 24, 2012, 04:21:48 AM
Agreed until I bought my AGV GP-Tech. That helmet is worth all ~70,000 pennies.
Good god, could you imagine really having to pay for things with pennies!
Quote from: $Lindz$ on February 24, 2012, 04:21:48 AM
Agreed until I bought my AGV GP-Tech. That helmet is worth all ~70,000 pennies.
i hear that. my arai corsair v is a million times better than my hjc cl-15. well worth thr money.
It's usually just the creature comforts that come with a high priced helmet. A lot of the lower priced helmets have the same safety ratings as the big name helmets these days. Scorpion, for instance, is both DOT and ECE rated now and was DOT and Snell before and well under the cost of a Corsair V. But again, that higher price
usually means better materials and comfort.
Quote from: Jimmy6tring on February 22, 2012, 03:36:18 PM
Well, my new Bell Vortex came today and upon first inspection I gotta say I'm pretty impressed that this thing was only $180. I haven't been for a ride in it yet but if anyone cares to know what I've got to say after I've done some miles in it, all they have to do is ask.
Based on Bell's sizing chart, I came in just barely on the S side between S and M. The helmet is snugger than snug on my peanut-head. I think my dome fits really well in this thing but I got some big ole cheeks and it's marginally uncomfortable. I would definitely want to err on the side of a helmet that's a hair too small than one that's oversized, but on the other hand I don't want a migraine either and need something I can wear for a few hours at a time. My old Shoei was definitely more comfortable in that regard and I never thought it was really too big. (thankfully never had a to test that one) So I inquired to Bell to see if they have different sized cheek pads and am just waiting to hear what they say. But for this money I could just buy a M, keep em both, or sell the one that fits worse and still come out okay.
Long and short of this is that this particular helmet is Snell and DOT rated and seems really good for the money.
Glad you like the helmet. And, you're right, it's better to err on the smaller side. The pads will definitely wear in and fit better.