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!

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 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 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 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. 

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. 

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

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

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. ?