Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunfighter
Alright guys,
I have been researching helmets like crazy. The problem is, I don't even know where to start.
What I do know is this, I'm not about to cheap out on something that could save my life. I don't object to $500-600 on a helmet if that's what is necessary to buy a great helmet. But because I am not a part of motorbike culture I just don't know if certain brands or models carry price tags simply because they are a certain brand or model... rather than because of their construction, etc.
What are your thoughts guys? From a group/community that I trust, what brand/models to avoid?
Where to shop locally? I always prefer to buy locally but not if I can get the same helmet online (in Canada) for cheaper... that said, if somebody locally is happy to pricematch than that is all good.....
Thanks guys!
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Different manufacturers make helmets in different head shapes. I would say aside from Arai which makes the most variation of head shape sizes in their helmet lines, the majority of them are an intermediate oval shape.
The vast majority of helmets produced by helmet companies for our part of the globe are tailored to North American head shapes. (Helmet companies tried to do that anyways). Hence the same model of Arai helmet bought in Asia would have a significantly different shape than one purchased in North America. They tailor helmets to the average head shape of the local demographics.
As everyone has stated, try on as many as you can, and see which best suits you. You can narrow down design/graphic later on once you have established what make of helmet fits you best.
Entry level helmets can start off as low as the $200 range and goes upward to $1000
If they're sold in North America there is a minimal safety rating they have to meet before allowed on the market. However you can expect higher end helmets to further exceed the minimal safety rating required with the types of materials incorporated into its construction.
With entry level helmets, shells are generally made out of Thermal Plastic Resin.
As you move up the food chain in helmets, you will start to find the shells to be made out of things like Fiberglass instead of plastic, or Fiberglass and Carbon Shell combination instead of plastic.
This hierarchy moves all the way up till you hit the helmets that are constructed with a full carbon shell, and is ultimately reflected in the pricing of the helmets as you move up.
The more expensive the helmet, generally the lighter, and better ventilated they will be. Also expect to find small creature comforts like nice helmet inner liners that are constructed of suede, or air-wicking antimicrobial material.
The reason why helmets get lighter as they get more expensive, comes down to the material construction of the shell.
For a shell constructed of full carbon, the materials are more expensive, but they can use a lot LESS of it, to offer the same level of protection. Where as with an entry level helmet, constructed of thermal plastic, they have to use a lot more materials to ensure it passes safety standards.
You will also find that with a lot of the entry level helmets, replacement parts are almost non-existent. So when vents or visor mechanisms break you may have to replace the whole helmet. A lot of the mid-range and higher end helmets have replacements parts that are sold separately.
Sizing is also arbitrary, just like shoes, different manufacturers have their own idea of what a small, medium or large is. There is no universal agreed upon sizing between different helmet manufacturers, you must try them all on for yourself to see. I can wear a Medium or a Small depending on the brand of helmet.
Hope this helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raid3n
i have a bell vortex and i like it, it fits a little small i think. i have an XL but i think i fit a L in icon. i like both these brands for the  00 range. i got my bell for <200 before tax, my friend got his icon alliance for just over 200.
i believe icon is rebranded (and decorated) HJC, i could be wrong on that though. |
Absolutely correct. Icon is a design house, all their helmets are contracted out to HJC and then rebranded. Just like their their line of apparel its all contracted out to larger established companies in the industry.