Sub $200 Helmets

[stopintime]

one helmet I have has a whistle above 90mph so it's out for longer rides.

Not the helmet, it's your wife screaming 

[Raux]

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

[hillbillypolack]

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.

[Raux]

My head is worth more than $200, and you get what you pay for

yeah.   a name

[The Bearded Duc]

My head is worth more than $200, and you get what you pay for.

Largely debated.

High price doesn't always mean high quality.

[Jimmy6tring]

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.

[$Lindz$]

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.

[The Bearded Duc]

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!

[jabuan]

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.

[The Bearded Duc]

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.

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.