Good Inexpensive Helmet

[CougarSlayer]

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

[Buckethead]

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. 

[CougarSlayer]

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. 

How does the sizing run for the sparx dead on large small.

Thanks

panthro

[teddy037.2]

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.

[Buckethead]

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.

[bmonty72]

I have an HJC (model CL-SP)  I am very happy with.  I crashed in it, and replaced it with the same model.

[johndoe]

+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. 

[Buckethead]

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.

[somegirl]

Lots of useful reviews at WebBikeWorld.

[He Man]

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

[Vin]

+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......

[slowpoke13]

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.

[DoubleEagle]

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

[Slide Panda]

Lots of useful reviews at WebBikeWorld.

+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.

[erkishhorde]

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).