Motorcycle Helmet Recommendations

1184 Views 45 Replies 22 Participants Last post by TecRsq, Jan 23, 2011

dcannon1

Discussion Starter · Jan 21, 2011

Hey All,

Wondering if I could get some recommendations on full face motorcycle helmets? I've been looking at Arai's and Shoei's, but they are crazy pricey. If I can get some confirmation that they're worth it I'll buy one in a heartbeat (my head is worth a good bit to me), but does anyone know of any less expensive brands that perform as well?

I'm getting a Suzuki Intruder (cruiser), I've got about 2.5 yrs riding experience, but I've been out of the saddle for about 2 years now.

21 - 40 of 46 Posts

mb90535im

· #21 · Jan 21, 2011

I have a Shoei Multi-Tec modular currently. I need to replace it because I took a hard fall with it on walking back down an ice covered stretch of forest service road last March. Rung my bell even with the Shoei on.

Right here as a matter of fact. We had walked up the hill to see if we could get past these abandoned vehicles. It's a wonder I left my lid on. Probably would have killed me if I hadn't.

I'm thinking I'm going to try a Nolan modular, just haven't decided on which one or tried any on for fit yet.

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Puffyfish

· #22 · Jan 21, 2011

Well, I've been riding since 1970. Raced motocross (in it's infancy), did trials, TT, road racing, hill climbing and enduro. For many years I had no car only a bike, even in the winter. I've ridden from sea to shining sea literally. I've been hit nine times, yeah nine by women drivers and once by a man (a story on it's own). I've seen bodies splattered on the track as well as the roads and lost a few friends along the way.

Here is what my experiences have taught me. DOT approved does not mean

. It's the easiest thing to get. If it does not say SNELL approved I won't buy it. It's the highest in approval and testing.

I started with an open face Bell and after seeing a friends face (or what was left of it), I went to a full coverage Bell star and within months it proved its worth when I T boned a woman running a stop sign. I went face first into the pavement at 50mph. Helmet destroyed, face intact less a scrape on my nose. The front almost ground away from the road and a big crack in the helmet from impact, I had a concussion and could not talk for a day or so but I was alive. My Bell had saved my life.

Skip ahead a few years and a new shoei full coverage and another woman driver hitting me from the rear (stop light) tossing me over the car in front of me and into traffic where my head was run over by a Ford F-150. A DeKalb paramedic on the other side of the intersection came running up and I can clearly remember him saying "I thought you were dead for sure" as I was bleeding from my nose and had put some teeth through my lip so there was blood all over my face. Into the hospital with my helmet still on only to be cut off once I was in the ER.
Quality construction had saved me again and again a SNELL approved helmet that refused to be crushed.

You can by a DOT only approved helmet or the modular crap that will open up on impact exposing the face, yeah sure go right ahead (that's why it's not Snell approved). It's your life. Me, I pay the price for a $500 SNELL approved every damn time. I'm living proof high quality construction and high standards in testing saves lives.
Feels good to be alive, with all my teeth. I've done a lot of research on this, seen a lot of crashes, frankly my life is worth the best. I will not compromise on helmets or lots of leather and protective gear even in the summer.

It's your life, make your choices.

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175FO

· #23 · Jan 21, 2011

When I first started riding I had the cheap HJC helmets. One day I tried on a Shoei RF-1000, it was awesome. I paid about $400 for it and have never regretted buying it. I would consider an Arai but it's a little too much for me.

jreXD9

· #24 · Jan 21, 2011

HJC & KBC. Both are good, SNELL & DOT approved, not crazy expensive either.

futureusr

· #25 · Jan 21, 2011

Puffyfish said:
Well, I've been riding since 1970. Raced motocross (in it's infancy), did trials, TT, road racing, hill climbing and enduro. For many years I had no car only a bike, even in the winter. I've ridden from sea to shining sea literally. I've been hit nine times, yeah nine by women drivers and once by a man (a story on it's own). I've seen bodies splattered on the track as well as the roads and lost a few friends along the way.

Here is what my experiences have taught me. DOT approved does not mean . It's the easiest thing to get. If it does not say SNELL approved I won't buy it. It's the highest in approval and testing.

I started with an open face Bell and after seeing a friends face (or what was left of it), I went to a full coverage Bell star and within months it proved its worth when I T boned a woman running a stop sign. I went face first into the pavement at 50mph. Helmet destroyed, face intact less a scrape on my nose. The front almost ground away from the road and a big crack in the helmet from impact, I had a concussion and could not talk for a day or so but I was alive. My Bell had saved my life.

Skip ahead a few years and a new shoei full coverage and another woman driver hitting me from the rear (stop light) tossing me over the car in front of me and into traffic where my head was run over by a Ford F-150. A DeKalb paramedic on the other side of the intersection came running up and I can clearly remember him saying "I thought you were dead for sure" as I was bleeding from my nose and had put some teeth through my lip so there was blood all over my face. Into the hospital with my helmet still on only to be cut off once I was in the ER.
Quality construction had saved me again and again a SNELL approved helmet that refused to be crushed.

You can by a DOT only approved helmet or the modular crap that will open up on impact exposing the face, yeah sure go right ahead (that's why it's not Snell approved). It's your life. Me, I pay the price for a $500 SNELL approved every damn time. I'm living proof high quality construction and high standards in testing saves lives.
Feels good to be alive, with all my teeth. I've done a lot of research on this, seen a lot of crashes, frankly my life is worth the best. I will not compromise on helmets or lots of leather and protective gear even in the summer.

It's your life, make your choices.

WoW! Glad you are still with us! I agree I never would use a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet for the same reasons. You brain is one thing and your face is a close second! I have also had accidents where I did a face plant. Both of mine were on dirt and I had not considered the modular helmet would open so easily on impact but your point is well taken. I will replace my sons helmet with a non modular Snell approved design that fits him ASAP.

After returning to GA from PA I am not looking forward to summer riding in all of it's humid, hot glory but I also wear leather jacket, boots, gloves and helmet every time I ride.

futureusr

· #26 · Jan 21, 2011

175FO said:
When I first started riding I had the cheap HJC helmets. One day I tried on a Shoei RF-1000, it was awesome. I paid about $400 for it and have never regretted buying it. I would consider an Arai but it's a little too much for me.

I do not consider a HJC helmet "cheap". I consider it a good value for the price expended and as safe as any other with the Snell certification. I will grant that it is not as nice as the Shoei or some others. But far from cheap.

dcannon1

Discussion Starter · #27 · Jan 21, 2011

You're right about the DOT certification, no testing is involved in that.

However, I don't discount ECE certification. It's good enough for 50 modern countries (many with much lower death %'s than the US) and is regarded as highly as Snell (but the tests are different).

I've been down with a modular helmet and it did fine. I'm OK with my choice.

JMan

· #28 · Jan 21, 2011

Re: Motorcycle Helmet Retrogradations

Pandashire said:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/5/1/0/0/DCLASS/Street-Bike-Full-Face-Helmets-Mens-Riding-Gear.aspx

Read the reviews and then choose which one you like the best and give it a shot. All should be DOT approved.

And SNELL !!!! just because they're DOT approved don't mean crap .

Make sure you think about how much your brain is worth and think about your life my good friend died from a cheap dot approved helmet. Shoei and arai helmets are worth it.Plus they weigh less but are stronger then the cheap o heavy dot helmets.My helmet is a Arai and I paid $700.00 for it ..But I feel my brain is worth it .

kineticmind

· #29 · Jan 21, 2011

When it comes to price, comfort, and reliability, I'm a pretty big fan of Icon. That goes for all of their gear, not just helmets and jackets. I haven't had to put any of the gear to the test yet (knocks on wood), but I'm perfectly confident that the gear would save my skin, and maybe even my life, if it ever came down to it.

As for helmets, I've got a Shoei and used to have an Arai; they're comfortable, but Icon's helms are just as comfortable, rigid, and durable... and only a fraction of the price. I see you've already got a helm, but just something to consider in the future.

ICON

martin_j001

· #30 · Jan 21, 2011

Having gone down face first in a modular helmet (a Nolan, admittedly not at very high speed at all), I can say that it would take a hit in the perfect spot for most good quality modular helmets to flip open on impact (by good quality I mean those that do NOT use all plastic parts for their locking mechanisms). The fact that many modular helmets are ECE rated proves that their ability to protect ones head rivals that of any other certification (ie, Snell). The issue with Snell and modular helmets is not that the helmets have not passed Snell testing, its that Snell has simply chosen not to test any at all. That being said, the same holds true with most helmets out there: a "perfect storm" impact will leave you dead or seriously injured, it doesn't matter what make or model, or how much you paid for it, a certain set of circumstances/impact will lead to serious injury, while in all other instances your melon would be well protected.

As for ICON, I'm guessing there is a reason that it hasn't been mentioned before now. The brand on the whole cares more about looks than quality or function.

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pml

· #31 · Jan 21, 2011

Snell cert, I was cut-off on a busy road years ago, result was a large gouge out of the full face Bell I was wearing from about the eyebrow to the top of my head, and much loss of skin.

Mstr-Chris

· #32 · Jan 22, 2011

I wear HJC and Nolan. Both modular. The Nolan more in the cooler months because of the anti-fog and better wind protection from under chin area.

kineticmind

· #33 · Jan 22, 2011

martin_j001 said:
As for ICON, I'm guessing there is a reason that it hasn't been mentioned before now. The brand on the whole cares more about looks than quality or function.

I'm guessing you've never bothered wearing any of their gear. Quality and function is on par with plenty of top name retailers and their prices are competitive. Like every other retailer out there, Icon is in the business of making money... but at least they do it in style. :wink:

martin_j001

· #34 · Jan 22, 2011

kineticmind said:
martin_j001 said:

As for ICON, I'm guessing there is a reason that it hasn't been mentioned before now. The brand on the whole cares more about looks than quality or function.

Click to expand...

I'm guessing you've never bothered wearing any of their gear. Quality and function is on par with plenty of top name retailers and their prices are competitive. Like every other retailer out there, Icon is in the business of making money... but at least they do it in style. :wink:

Certainly haven't bothered to wear it, as my opinion stated--it costs too much for what it is. MY own research has shown sub-par construction of gear (even happens with Alpinestars lower end stuff), I don't feel a need to test it out. Either way, if you've gotten good stuff from them, cool--as I said in regards to helmets, everyone should believe in what their using. :righton:

G

· #35 · Jan 22, 2011

I have found in my 20 years of riding that with helmets (for the most part) you get what you pay for. I currently use a Shark RSR-2. By far the most lightweight helmet I've owned. These are quite expensive, however I purchase mine for $200 (you can find good deals if you look hard enough.) I've owned Shoei and Arai in the past and have always found I could get a better fit for my head with Arai helmets, but the Shoei's usually had better venting. I have also been suprised by some of the lower end helmets within the last 5 years (KBC and Scorpion) that are suprisingly decent helmets (but they usually lack in the fit and finish compared to higher end helmets.) I usually find deals on this http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ website. If you fall on either the small or large end of the sizing spectrum the prices are great (usually the sizes that become overstock.)

Sarge

rmodel65

· #36 · Jan 22, 2011

2

ive got a Shoei got it brand new for 253$ off ebay....its the most comfy helmet ive ever worn...its an rf1000 iirc the new rf is out which is supposed to be even better but they are still up there on price....a good lid can save your life do you want to skimp?

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futureusr

· #37 · Jan 22, 2011

rmodel65 said:
ive got a Shoei got it brand new for 253$ off ebay....its the most comfy helmet ive ever worn...its an rf1000 iirc the new rf is out which is supposed to be even better but they are still up there on price....a good lid can save your life do you want to skimp?

too cute!

Puffyfish

· #38 · Jan 22, 2011

martin_j001 said:
kineticmind said:

[quote="martin_j001":r42jv2rs]As for ICON, I'm guessing there is a reason that it hasn't been mentioned before now. The brand on the whole cares more about looks than quality or function.

Click to expand...

I'm guessing you've never bothered wearing any of their gear. Quality and function is on par with plenty of top name retailers and their prices are competitive. Like every other retailer out there, Icon is in the business of making money... but at least they do it in style. :wink:

Certainly haven't bothered to wear it, as my opinion stated--it costs too much for what it is. MY own research has shown sub-par construction of gear (even happens with Alpinestars lower end stuff), I don't feel a need to test it out. Either way, if you've gotten good stuff from them, cool--as I said in regards to helmets, everyone should believe in what their using. :righton:[/quote:r42jv2rs]
-----
None of the line is SNELL approved. Mostly because of the Injection molded Polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate gets severely degraded by gas/ oil/ paint, common substances found everyday. No Polycarbonate helmet has ever been approved by SNELL if I recall. Even small amounts can damage the helmet over time to the point where even a small impact will cause failure of the helmet. I knew this 20 years ago before you could 'cloud' proper information.

This is why you must pay close attention to what you put on your head. Even the paint job if not done with the proper mixture will kill a helmet. It will crack along the paint lines on impact and sometimes with no impact, the shell just separates because of the chemicals. Polycarbonate is famous for this. Yeah it looks cool with all the metalflake in the layers but offers little protection.

I have no dog in this fight. I only offer information that is not clouded by any product loyalty. My only intention is to wipe away any media hype and lay down the facts as I know them. Many of you have children that ride, I would hate for anything to happen to a child that could have been dealt with by buying properly tested & evaluated equipment. Forty five years on two wheels has taught me a lot.

If it's not SNELL approved you don't want it. I don't care how cool it looks.

kineticmind

· #39 · Jan 22, 2011

Puffyfish said:
martin_j001 said:

kineticmind said:

[quote="martin_j001":387urock]As for ICON, I'm guessing there is a reason that it hasn't been mentioned before now. The brand on the whole cares more about looks than quality or function.

Click to expand...

I'm guessing you've never bothered wearing any of their gear. Quality and function is on par with plenty of top name retailers and their prices are competitive. Like every other retailer out there, Icon is in the business of making money... but at least they do it in style. :wink:

Click to expand...

Certainly haven't bothered to wear it, as my opinion stated--it costs too much for what it is. MY own research has shown sub-par construction of gear (even happens with Alpinestars lower end stuff), I don't feel a need to test it out. Either way, if you've gotten good stuff from them, cool--as I said in regards to helmets, everyone should believe in what their using. :righton:

-----
None of the line is SNELL approved. Mostly because of the Injection molded Polycarbonate shell. Polycarbonate gets severely degraded by gas/ oil/ paint, common substances found everyday. No Polycarbonate helmet has ever been approved by SNELL if I recall. Even small amounts can damage the helmet over time to the point where even a small impact will cause failure of the helmet. I knew this 20 years ago before you could 'cloud' proper information.

This is why you must pay close attention to what you put on your head. Even the paint job if not done with the proper mixture will kill a helmet. It will crack along the paint lines on impact and sometimes with no impact, the shell just separates because of the chemicals. Polycarbonate is famous for this. Yeah it looks cool with all the metalflake in the layers but offers little protection.

I have no dog in this fight. I only offer information that is not clouded by any product loyalty. My only intention is to wipe away any media hype and lay down the facts as I know them. Many of you have children that ride, I would hate for anything to happen to a child that could have been dealt with by buying properly tested & evaluated equipment. Forty five years on two wheels has taught me a lot.

If it's not SNELL approved you don't want it. I don't care how cool it looks.[/quote:387urock]

Just for what it's worth, every helmet that Icon currently manufactures (Alliance, Variant, & Airframe) meets or exceeds SnellM2005/FMVSS 218 DOT Helmet Standards. I am a loyal Icon customer, I don't deny that, but I'm not an idiot... I won't wear gear that I wouldn't trust with my life. Cool designs on top of an already safe construction is simply a bonus for me and a whole lot of other riders.

Puffyfish

· #40 · Jan 22, 2011

From their website.

All World Standard, meets or exceeds the following: DOT FMVSS 218(US), ECE 22-05(Europe), SAI AS1698(Australia) & SG (Japan) safety and testing standards. Does not ship with SAI or SG certification stickers unless purchased from an authorized dealer in that country

No where on any helmet does it say SNELL APPROVED. If you had the highest approval in the world would you not have it in the specs cert area? Some are PC based, no PC based helmet will ever be SNELL approved.

Might want to check your info.

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