ACCC recalling a couple of helmets for not meeting AS/NZS1698:2006

Probably not too many monster riders wearing eBay skull caps but the KBC's are pretty popluar.

http://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-testing-reveals-unsafe-motorcycle-helmets

Seems strange that they have been able to be imported and sold but fail when tested. I would have thought that they would have had to have passed a standardized safety test prior to being allowed to go on sale. Guess not.

Report goes on to say that 6 helmets were tested and 2 failed. That strikes me as a frekin high failure rate. Especially when you're talking about safety equipment. Looks like the old "buy any helmet as they all meet Aust standards" line might not be so convincing. I'll stick with my "buy the best helmet you can afford" approach. I've been shitty a couple of times that I trashed an expensive helmet but I've never been shitty that the helmet I was wearing didn't protect my coconut.

i agree to a point

i bought an older kbc a fair while back

It fitted awesome to my scone

the most expensive helmet in the world is useless if it doesnt fit right

yes there is an aus standards

the issue is its a minimum pass point

there was some info that the rta sent out with rego renewals a while back showing the test results of
half a dozen helmets

if you do some research then there is some comparison graphs floating around

I bought a couple of HJC's as my first helmets and they fell apart after about 2 years of constant use. I looked after them too. The visor used to flip up when riding at speed and sneaking a look behind me.

My Shoei went well until I belted it into the bitumen. My AGV felt great but it came to an untimely death.
The best helmet I've owned for feel, build quality, ventilation and road noise is my current Arai. It's still as good as new and about 5yrs old going strong.

Quote from: Rowdy on May 20, 2013, 02:07:47 PM
I bought a couple of HJC's as my first helmets and they fell apart after about 2 years of constant use. I looked after them too. The visor used to flip up when riding at speed and sneaking a look behind me.

My Shoei went well until I belted it into the bitumen. My AGV felt great but it came to an untimely death.
The best helmet I've owned for feel, build quality, ventilation and road noise is my current Arai. It's still as good as new and about 5yrs old going strong.

yep, you get what you pay for! the aussie standard is a bit of a crock, the cheapies get a higher pass rate than an arai that passes the highest snell test, how does that work?

Quote from: loony888 on May 21, 2013, 03:29:30 AM
yep, you get what you pay for! the aussie standard is a bit of a crock, the cheapies get a higher pass rate than an arai that passes the highest snell test, how does that work?

snell test and the aussie test are 2 different tests using different methods

i am guessing that they are designed to pass a particular test

I found this.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/bike_helmets_rated

2012 results apparently

Interesting read.

I would think that comfort is very objective and safety can be subjectively measured.

There looks to be a large variation between models from even the same manufacturers. Some of the lowest safety rated helmets also seem to have high comfort ratings.

On well, the riders comfort requirements are probably about as vast as their safety requirements (specific safety requirements unknown until you have an accident and find out what part of your head makes contact with hard objects).

I still like the idea of a helmet being made to a certain quality level that helps the thing live for many years if no accident occurs.

Quote from: Rowdy on May 22, 2013, 02:52:10 PM
I would think that comfort is very objective and safety can be subjectively measured.

I tend to think the other way around  

First thing I noticed was the lack of Arai and Shoei helmets on that list.  I thought they were the top end gear.

Quote from: Betty on May 22, 2013, 03:09:38 PM
I tend to think the other way around   

Yeah, brain fart. I meant it the other way.
Thanks.

Quote from: Sabre Brian on May 22, 2013, 09:15:45 PM
First thing I noticed was the lack of Arai and Shoei helmets on that list.  I thought they were the top end gear.

Article says it was based on sales popularity ... most scooter riders don't choose a helmet costing half as much as their ride* for example.

The thing that gets me is ... are they purposely trying to be misleading by issuing a 'comfort' score? I mean your $112.95 helmet may be comfortable when you try it on ... but after a year? (or a week?)

* not that much of an exaggeration

Quote from: Betty on May 22, 2013, 09:40:42 PM
The thing that gets me is ... are they purposely trying to be misleading by issuing a 'comfort' score? I mean your $112.95 helmet may be comfortable when you try it on ... but after a year? (or a week?)

* not that much of an exaggeration

Fair point.

GK