Looking for a new Helmet...suggestions??
03-10-2009 | 01:15 AM
#32
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,033
Ive crash tested a cheap fulmer. It absolutely saved my life no question about it. Nothing like sliding down the road with a 400lb bike bouncing on your head.
Ive currently got a top of the line fulmer which I love, oh ya and I got it for free.
My dad runs a top of the line race replica Arai, and honestly i think mine is just as good.
Ive currently got a top of the line fulmer which I love, oh ya and I got it for free.
My dad runs a top of the line race replica Arai, and honestly i think mine is just as good.
03-10-2009 | 07:42 AM
#33
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
About 9 months ago I got a great deal on a sharp looking Shark RSX. Nice helmet. Large shell, but fairly light weight. The chin comes farther down towards your chest for fuller coverage.
Shield is about twice as thick as most helmets; very substantial... love that. Plus the opening is infinitely variable so you can leave it open as little or as much as you like.
Flows plenty of air. Not all that quiet, but really, what helmet is?
Got a few very small stone chips in the paint now. No big deal.
Chin strap is not all that comfortable, but it's livable.
Lining is very comfortable.
I'd like to get a Shoei someday.
I like the graphics on some Arais, a lot. But I've worn a couple & I really wasn't that impressed.
I've heard a bunch of Scorpion owners rave about their helmets, so I'd like one of those too.
I am notoriously brand unfaithful, but would I buy another Shark helmet... heck yeah!
Shield is about twice as thick as most helmets; very substantial... love that. Plus the opening is infinitely variable so you can leave it open as little or as much as you like.
Flows plenty of air. Not all that quiet, but really, what helmet is?
Got a few very small stone chips in the paint now. No big deal.
Chin strap is not all that comfortable, but it's livable.
Lining is very comfortable.
I'd like to get a Shoei someday.
I like the graphics on some Arais, a lot. But I've worn a couple & I really wasn't that impressed.
I've heard a bunch of Scorpion owners rave about their helmets, so I'd like one of those too.
I am notoriously brand unfaithful, but would I buy another Shark helmet... heck yeah!
03-10-2009 | 08:44 AM
#34
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 153
From: Alto, N.M.
MotorcycleCloseouts is selling Shark RSR 2's and Bell Star Recoil models for $199.00 plus shipping. That's about $350.00 to $450.00 off of suggested retail. I picked up a silver/grey/black Recoil in size large- it came with two sets of 40mm cheekpads-soft and firm. Fit was a bit looser than my Arai RX7 RR's and Shark RSR 2's so I called Bell customer service and explained my fitment issue. They sent a pair of 45mm firm pads which I installed yesterday. Now my new Star fits as snugly as my Arais and Sharks. I'd estimate that the Stars are about 1/2 size larger than stated. The Bell has the easiest shield change system of any brand- easier than Shoei, Shark, HJC, and for sure Arai. But nobody has a beefier shield than the RSR 2- it's 3mm thick- about 50% thicker than others. The Bell has a very high level of fit and finish- almost as nice as Shark and Arai. The Star also comes with a very nice zippered helmet bag, zippered extra visor pouch, and two sets of cheek pads. Worth a look at the 200 bux pricepoint.
03-10-2009 | 10:19 AM
#35
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,167
03-10-2009 | 10:29 AM
#36
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,216
From: Westerly, RI
Caution: Stay away from Modular helmets. Here's a the reason:
34.6% of contact is on the chin bar. The Modular are not as strong in the chin bar area. YES, they are stronger than a Half-helmet or shorty, but not as good as a standard full face.
34.6% of contact is on the chin bar. The Modular are not as strong in the chin bar area. YES, they are stronger than a Half-helmet or shorty, but not as good as a standard full face.
03-10-2009 | 10:44 AM
#37
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...lmet/nexx-x30/
It has a chin bar that stays down even when you flip the face up.
Also (for at totally different reason) this helmet caught my eye: http://www.youtube.com/v/fI_HJ4IqcmU&hl=en&fs=1
Last edited by lazn; 03-10-2009 at 10:49 AM.
03-17-2009 | 11:03 AM
#38
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
Damn! This new red Bell Star Contra helmet may just be the best looking lid I've ever seen!
*** I don't know what's up with this green box, but just click on it to see the helmet. ***
(never mind...fixed... click to see larger image.)
*** I don't know what's up with this green box, but just click on it to see the helmet. ***
(never mind...fixed... click to see larger image.)
Last edited by L8RGYZ; 03-18-2009 at 07:37 AM.
03-17-2009 | 11:11 AM
#39
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
Blah, this weekend I snapped another visor retaining assembly on my Icon, and left my smoke visor in Sedona by accident.. Grr, I am thinking of just buying another Scorpion in matte to be my main helmet and getting rid of the Icon.
03-17-2009 | 05:19 PM
#41
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
03-17-2009 | 06:08 PM
#42
On a Jonda, or a Hondo...
Squid
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 62
From: Fort Bragg/Fayetteville... for now
HJC fits me right, I started on the CL-15 and now I'm using the FS-10, you know the one with the retractable tinted visor. That thing is the ****, and I hope I never go down but that's really the only way to test that whole Snell/DOT thing.
And as of yet I haven't heard any klaxons blaring about a helmet manufacturer that has utterly failed to protect the its wearer; now don't go buy a $60 piece of crap but don't worry too much about getting that special sticker from that special manufacturer that allows them to charge $800 for a helmet. Unless of course you have that $800 to blow and you'll swear up and down the street that the feng shui of your Arai/Shoei/Suomy kicks the spiritual aura's *** of my HJC. This is America, if you'll spend it they'll sell it.
And as of yet I haven't heard any klaxons blaring about a helmet manufacturer that has utterly failed to protect the its wearer; now don't go buy a $60 piece of crap but don't worry too much about getting that special sticker from that special manufacturer that allows them to charge $800 for a helmet. Unless of course you have that $800 to blow and you'll swear up and down the street that the feng shui of your Arai/Shoei/Suomy kicks the spiritual aura's *** of my HJC. This is America, if you'll spend it they'll sell it.
03-17-2009 | 06:49 PM
#43
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,451
From: San Clemente, CA
Yeah, the liner is pretty much gone when I replace one.
And plastics and fiberglass were pretty hard to find back in the 19th Century.
Last edited by VTRsurfer; 03-17-2009 at 06:52 PM. Reason: add to post
03-17-2009 | 06:51 PM
#44
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 714
From: Fredericksburg, VA
That Bell looks awfully green to me for some reason. Doesn't seem very aerodynamic either with its box shape. J/K, for some reason I can't see the image so its a big green square. Good job Steve. Green would go perfect with your red bike, white jacket, and blue boots.
LAZN- If you want I'll ride over to Sedona and retrieve your visor. That's one place I didn't hear of til I got to the big ditch and neglected to check out while there last year. Must be nice to have so many beautiful places to ride.
Oh yeah, helmets....I still scream ARAI! Look at what the pros wear.
LAZN- If you want I'll ride over to Sedona and retrieve your visor. That's one place I didn't hear of til I got to the big ditch and neglected to check out while there last year. Must be nice to have so many beautiful places to ride.
Oh yeah, helmets....I still scream ARAI! Look at what the pros wear.
03-17-2009 | 07:01 PM
#45
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 344
Changing Icon visors are a bitch. Has anyone tried the GMAX GM68?
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...d--633129.html
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...d--633129.html
03-17-2009 | 08:15 PM
#46
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,015
Scorpion EXO-400, Kick butt helmet and less than $200. I chose it after reading a independent helmet report in the fall.
Info from another forum i posted on in the fall. By the way, i bought the EXO-400 and an extra shield and Scorpion Helmet bag for less than $200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rated fantastic on G-Force impact tests, far better than the big two Arai and Shoei, which are over priced.
I got to doing some digging and found a good article on helmet tests and g-force comparison.
Amazingly the cheaper helmets (DOT Only) actually faired way better than our high dollar (SNELL) helmets.
The SNELL approved helmets did the worst with the Aria Tracker GT and the Scorpion EX0-700 being some 0f the worst helmets tested for G-force impact. There is also some good discussion on why the non-fiberglass helmets absorb energy better even from an extreme test height over the fiderglass helmets. Some comments as well about the SNELL ratings and that a DOT only helmet has better tests. At or near the bottom of this lengthly and detailed report is a rebutle letter from SNELL as well as a rebutle from the test group back to SNELL.
By the way anything over 200G's is considered to be major head injury. I like others have always been led to beleive SNELL was better, but my eyes have been opened wide from this article and i may now look at a Polycarbinate helmet like the EXO 400
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
AVERAGE Gs
Fewer Gs = Less chance of brain injury
DOT-only helmets:
Z1R ZRP-1 (P)
Average: 152 Gs
LF: 148 gs
RF: 176 gs
LR: 153 gs
RR: 130 gs
Fulmer AFD4 (P)
Average: 157 Gs
LF: 152 gs
RF: 173 gs
LR: 175 gs
RR: 130 gs
Pep Boys Raider (P)
Average: 174 Gs
LF: 163 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 185 gs
RR: 152 gs
BSI/DOT Helmets
AGV Ti-Tech (F)
Average: 169 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 195 gs
RR: 129 gs
Suomy Spec 1R (BSI) (F)
Average: 182 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 215 gs
LR: 197 gs
RR: 126 gs
ECE 22-05/DOT Helmets
Schuberth S-1 (F)
Average: 161 Gs
LF: 151 gs
RF: 180 gs
LR: 176 gs
RR: 137 gs
Suomy Spec 1R (ECE) (F)
Average: 171 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 190 gs
RR: 140 gs
Shark RSX (F)
Average: 173 Gs
LF: 166 gs
RF: 187 gs
LR: 201 gs
RR: 141 gs
Vemar VSR
Average: 174 Gs
LF: 171 gs
RF: 198 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 162 gs
Snell 2000/DOT Helmets
Icon Mainframe (P)
Average: 181 Gs
LF: 168 gs
RF: 217 gs
LR: 189 gs
RR: 152 gs
Icon Alliance (F)
Average: 183 Gs
LF: 179 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 179 gs
RR: 175 gs
Scorpion EXO-400 (P)
Average: 187 Gs
LF: 185 gs
RF: 212 gs
LR: 193 gs
RR: 158 gs
AGV X-R2 (F)
Average: 188 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 226 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 167 gs
Arai Tracker GT (F)
Average: 201 Gs
LF: 193 gs
RF: 243 gs
LR: 203 gs
RR: 166 gs
HJC AC-11 (F)
Average: 204 Gs
LF: 195 gs
RF: 230 gs
LR: 231 gs
RR: 163 gs
Scorpion EXO-700 (F)
Average: 211 Gs
LF: 207 gs
RF: 236 gs
LR: 226 gs
RR: 176 gs
Impact Key: LF: Left Front, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RF: Right Front, 10-foot drop, Flat Pavement. LR: Left Rear, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RR: Right Rear, 7-foot drop, Edge Anvil. Shell Key: (P): Polycarbonate (F): Fiberglass
Info from another forum i posted on in the fall. By the way, i bought the EXO-400 and an extra shield and Scorpion Helmet bag for less than $200
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rated fantastic on G-Force impact tests, far better than the big two Arai and Shoei, which are over priced.
I got to doing some digging and found a good article on helmet tests and g-force comparison.
Amazingly the cheaper helmets (DOT Only) actually faired way better than our high dollar (SNELL) helmets.
The SNELL approved helmets did the worst with the Aria Tracker GT and the Scorpion EX0-700 being some 0f the worst helmets tested for G-force impact. There is also some good discussion on why the non-fiberglass helmets absorb energy better even from an extreme test height over the fiderglass helmets. Some comments as well about the SNELL ratings and that a DOT only helmet has better tests. At or near the bottom of this lengthly and detailed report is a rebutle letter from SNELL as well as a rebutle from the test group back to SNELL.
By the way anything over 200G's is considered to be major head injury. I like others have always been led to beleive SNELL was better, but my eyes have been opened wide from this article and i may now look at a Polycarbinate helmet like the EXO 400
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
AVERAGE Gs
Fewer Gs = Less chance of brain injury
DOT-only helmets:
Z1R ZRP-1 (P)
Average: 152 Gs
LF: 148 gs
RF: 176 gs
LR: 153 gs
RR: 130 gs
Fulmer AFD4 (P)
Average: 157 Gs
LF: 152 gs
RF: 173 gs
LR: 175 gs
RR: 130 gs
Pep Boys Raider (P)
Average: 174 Gs
LF: 163 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 185 gs
RR: 152 gs
BSI/DOT Helmets
AGV Ti-Tech (F)
Average: 169 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 195 gs
RR: 129 gs
Suomy Spec 1R (BSI) (F)
Average: 182 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 215 gs
LR: 197 gs
RR: 126 gs
ECE 22-05/DOT Helmets
Schuberth S-1 (F)
Average: 161 Gs
LF: 151 gs
RF: 180 gs
LR: 176 gs
RR: 137 gs
Suomy Spec 1R (ECE) (F)
Average: 171 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 190 gs
RR: 140 gs
Shark RSX (F)
Average: 173 Gs
LF: 166 gs
RF: 187 gs
LR: 201 gs
RR: 141 gs
Vemar VSR
Average: 174 Gs
LF: 171 gs
RF: 198 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 162 gs
Snell 2000/DOT Helmets
Icon Mainframe (P)
Average: 181 Gs
LF: 168 gs
RF: 217 gs
LR: 189 gs
RR: 152 gs
Icon Alliance (F)
Average: 183 Gs
LF: 179 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 179 gs
RR: 175 gs
Scorpion EXO-400 (P)
Average: 187 Gs
LF: 185 gs
RF: 212 gs
LR: 193 gs
RR: 158 gs
AGV X-R2 (F)
Average: 188 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 226 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 167 gs
Arai Tracker GT (F)
Average: 201 Gs
LF: 193 gs
RF: 243 gs
LR: 203 gs
RR: 166 gs
HJC AC-11 (F)
Average: 204 Gs
LF: 195 gs
RF: 230 gs
LR: 231 gs
RR: 163 gs
Scorpion EXO-700 (F)
Average: 211 Gs
LF: 207 gs
RF: 236 gs
LR: 226 gs
RR: 176 gs
Impact Key: LF: Left Front, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RF: Right Front, 10-foot drop, Flat Pavement. LR: Left Rear, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RR: Right Rear, 7-foot drop, Edge Anvil. Shell Key: (P): Polycarbonate (F): Fiberglass
03-17-2009 | 10:09 PM
#47
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
Check out the new Bell helmets. I tried one on and was pretty impressed. They are light and appear to be higher quality than my Icon. Don't get me wrong, I like my Icon. Anyway, here is a link for last years models on sale for $200.
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/h...+recoil+helmet
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/h...+recoil+helmet
03-18-2009 | 07:21 AM
#49
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
That Bell looks awfully green to me for some reason. Doesn't seem very aerodynamic either with its box shape. J/K, for some reason I can't see the image so its a big green square. Good job Steve. Green would go perfect with your red bike, white jacket, and blue boots.
.
.
Click on the green square & you'll see the helmet.
03-18-2009 | 09:33 AM
#50
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 807
From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Find a full face, DOT helmet in your price range. A good fit is more important than the brand. Being able to get replacement shields and parts easily is an asset. Check the Internet for owners' comments about durability. Some features, such as good venting, may justify additional cost.
I wore a number of Arai's over 15 years but got fed up with the hassle of reinstalling the visor. I got one of the new Bell Stars and I'm happy with it. There are lots of good choices out there.
I wore a number of Arai's over 15 years but got fed up with the hassle of reinstalling the visor. I got one of the new Bell Stars and I'm happy with it. There are lots of good choices out there.
03-18-2009 | 09:49 AM
#51
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 442
From: Hampton GA
My advice is to go try on a bunch of helmets (in your price range) . I would say get the best quality helmet you can afford THAT FITS PROPERLY ! That being said ...Scorpion makes a good quality helmet with some very impressive impact ratings . I have 2 Scorpion helmets (EXO-1000 & EXO-700) They fit my head correctly & you get a lot of helmet for the money ! But everyones head is different ! If its a $600 Shoei or a $200 Scorpion , proper fitment is A MUST !
03-18-2009 | 11:32 AM
#52
Super Byrd
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 356
From: Cumming, Ga
Changing Icon visors are a bitch. Has anyone tried the GMAX GM68?
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...d--633129.html
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...d--633129.html
yes, I have one and I like it, fit really good, not to hard to change the screen. And the LEDs on the back are also a plus.
03-18-2009 | 11:41 AM
#53
Super Byrd
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 356
From: Cumming, Ga
03-18-2009 | 06:21 PM
#55
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 442
From: Hampton GA
The Exo-400 had a good rating , the more expensive Exo-700 didn't do as well ! Whats weird is that they are the same mold . The 400 is made of a cheaper plastic & the more expensive 700 is made of fiberglass composite of some sort . The cheaper plastic got a better rating 
Go figure ?? I have not seen ( haven't looked in a while ether) the testing specs on the EXO-1000 yet .
Go figure ?? I have not seen ( haven't looked in a while ether) the testing specs on the EXO-1000 yet .
Last edited by HRCVTR1000; 03-18-2009 at 06:25 PM.
03-18-2009 | 06:46 PM
#56
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,167
Graphic design wise, the Scorp 700 Burst Red-White just "grabs" me...wish they made it in a 400. Was thinking of getting some white vinyl and cutting and applying appliques to my solid Monza Red Shoei to mimic the Burst pattern!
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...st-Helmet.aspx
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...st-Helmet.aspx
03-18-2009 | 07:06 PM
#57
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
03-18-2009 | 07:22 PM
#58
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 442
From: Hampton GA
Graphic design wise, the Scorp 700 Burst Red-White just "grabs" me...wish they made it in a 400. Was thinking of getting some white vinyl and cutting and applying appliques to my solid Monza Red Shoei to mimic the Burst pattern!
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...st-Helmet.aspx
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...st-Helmet.aspx
03-18-2009 | 08:49 PM
#59
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
I ran with a guy that wore one and he was the original Darth Vader. Besides he was 6'4" so he was a pretty awsome site on a bike.
03-19-2009 | 07:35 AM
#60
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
What I don't get in the g-force testing is why the left and right sides, both front & rear spec out differently.
One helmet absorbed 54% more impact shock on one side than the other. At least 2 helmets had a 43% differential.
To my untrained eye helmets appear to be symmetrical side-to-side; so what gives?
One helmet absorbed 54% more impact shock on one side than the other. At least 2 helmets had a 43% differential.
To my untrained eye helmets appear to be symmetrical side-to-side; so what gives?
Last edited by L8RGYZ; 03-19-2009 at 07:45 AM.
