| Author | Message | ||
     Deexn1125r |
Was looking for advice on a new helmet I love shoei helmets and have never had any others, but since my wreck I really don’t have the money to drop 500 bucks for another one. Does any one use any brand that is DOT and SNELL approved that cost under 200 bucks? I would really like to find one that has great ventilation and is closer to 150, but the most I can spend at the time is 200. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
HJC is one of the better bangs for the buck. Check out the CL-SP line, around 150 bucks and DOT/ Snell rated. | ||
| Madxcat |
Check out the Scorpion helmets. they are snell/dot cert and very decent price-wise. Quit a few for under 200.00 http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/F4BD78EED51D476298 9F1184B1165B96.asp?cat_id=FBF05AC4DB8843C1B0FF7689 3F5540D5&pc_key=2902467BA3394B998F79120EA002430C&r etpage=%2FF4BD78EED51D4762989F1184B1165B96%2Easp&n m=Street+Helmets&spath=Home+%3E+Equipment+%3E+Stre et+Helmets&path=Home+%3E+Equipment+%3E+Street+Helm ets&sc_id=5492F45BDC2D42F4B28BAC2537A83175 | ||
| Hooligan620 |
Check out SparX, the S-07 got really good reviews on helmetharbor.com and webbikeworld.com I tried one on and the fit was as good as any more expensive helmet. They are DOT and ECE certified but not Snell. They are pretty light, come with a 5 year crash replacement and a free dark visor Take a look at Zox Helmets they are both DOT and Snell approved. I'm wearing one now and I like it. It's a little heavier then most premium helmets but the fit is good. Additional visors are inexpensive | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hey Deexn1125R, All good suggestions! If you're not worried about the cash flow, and, you value your noggin', I'd also put my money on Arai! Yeah, Arai likes their helmets,(meaning EXPENSIVE) but, they're OUTSTANDING quality in every way. Any Arai dealer is supposed to be properly trained to fit helmets to your head BEFORE they sell you a helmet. No other company (that I'm aware of) requires that of their helmets. I guess it comes down to what you think your head is worth? Let's hope none of us has to find out the hard way! Can I have an AMEN brother Buellers?!?  | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hey, one more thing Deexn1125R, Might I suggest your local craigslist if you don't mind used??? Based on your available cash, you should be able to find many good choices in a high quality helmet and in good condition at a substantial savings. Again, many have removable liners that can be washed and put back in if that's an issue??? Just a thought..... Stay safe, Tracy | ||
| Nxtr |
Big +1 on the Scorpion Helmets. I just picked up the EXO 1000, giving my EXO 700 to the wife, and my daughter is sporting an EXO 400 on her Blast. Awesome helmets, better than my uber expensive Arai... V/R, Nick | ||
| Pariah |
I've mentioned this before, but many folks believe Snell is currently an inferior standard... see: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcyc le_helmet_review/index.html According to Motorcyclist, the best helmet for safety you can own is the cheapo Z1-R ZRP-1. Why? Fewest gs transmitted to your brain... only 152g in an impact test. An Arai helmet in the test? Transmitted 201g--- enough to kill you. Granted, the Arais are super comfortable. But for blunt-impacts, you can do much better for safety. I got a nice Suomy in a discontinued style for around $300 (normally over $500)... comparable comfort to Arai, but avoids the Snell standard (Suomy follows DOT and Euro/UK safety standards). (Message edited by pariah on August 02, 2008) | ||
| Eagle1 |
+2 on the Scorpions. I LOVE my EXO-700. It was far more comfortable than some of the more expensive ones I tried. Great helmet! | ||
| Madav8tr |
I have 2 Suomy Spec 1R Extremes and a Caberg Justissimo modular. I gave up on the less expensive helmets a few years back not because I think they don't protect as well but they aren't nearly as comfortable to me. I happily pay more for added comfort that comes from a lighter helmet that also looks good and vents exceptionally well. I also grew tired of the poorly designed shield mechanisms that HJC has become famous for. Nothing like your visor flipping up everytime you move your head. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I also have a Suomy and LOVE it... Most comfortable helmet i've owned. I also had an Icon that was really nice, and they can be found under $200 here and there. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Well if we're talking you into spending more money (it's easy and fun to spend other peoples cash), my personal recommendation is a Shark RSX. I upgraded from the HJC ac-12 carbon. I liked the HJC, love the Shark. Quieter and more comfortable. | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
I have the buell redline helmet(150$) and its a VERY nice helmet, especially for the money, and...it looks very clean...and BADASS!!!!!... | ||
| 4cammer |
Two things I would never buy used: condoms and helmets. See newenough.com for great deals on helmets. HJC is a heck of a good lid for under 200.00. The AC-12 and CL-SP are really nice, if a bit loud. helmetharbor.com is a great site for info. | ||
| Schmitty |
The problem with buying a price point helmet is you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you're not looking to spend a lot of money, you will have to make sacrifices. The cheaper helmets may offer the same protection ratings but they give up comfort and venting, usually. It seems you can't have both. That being said, the Scorpion line is definitely worth a look. It's a very affordable helmet With a lot of nice features. Whatever you do, make damn good and sure you go down and try one on first. They seem to favor a rounder head profile. Here again is where a more expensive helmet excels. Arai has different shell shapes for different head shapes, and they offer different thickness in their cheek pads to custom tailor the fit. I would go to http://www.helmetharbor.com/ and http://sportbiketrackgear2.homestead.com/stghomepa ge.html. Both of these sites offer some great information on helmets and other riding gear. They have some really informative videos on how the helmets operate, including shield changes and liner removal. Very good stuff. Lastly, DON'T BARGAIN PRICE YOUR NOGGIN!!! Buy the best helmet you can afford. This is the one piece of gear you don't want to cheap out on! Just my 2 cents. Schmitty | ||
| Doerman |
+1 on the Scorp. I went from Shoei to a Scorpion and I am as happy with it as I was with my Shoei. The Shoei wins on the detachable shield mechanism. The Scorpion mechanism works but not as slick as the Shoei | ||
| Black_snowman |
I had a few KBCs. They run a little large but are pretty common. Should be easy to find one to try on. Mine had good ventilation but were very noisy. I have the Force and the Force RR. My room-mate has a Shoei and it fits him OK. He also likes the fit of the Icons. But I don't think any of them are very cheap. I recently tried a bunch of helmets and nothing really fit me but the Shark RSR2 and Arai Vector. I found a good deal on a closeout Shark and I've never looked back. Unfortunately they're a good $100 more than you're looking to spend. On a budget I think the KBCs have the best protection for the dollar. | ||
| Moosestang |
I'm looking at getting either a KBC force RR top gun or the scorpion exo 700 crackhead. I have a more oval head than round and hear the scorpion fits ovals pretty good. Will the scorpion be significantly more quiet than the kbc? I've seen the kbc as cheap as $109 on ebay, but $139 is more common. The scorpions are only sold at retail prices online, atleast that's the way it seems. Anyone get a scorpion below msrp? I have no shop near me that carries the scorpions. Everythings HJC, shoe or Arai. | ||
| Zack3g |
with regard to helmets, in my opinion, you get what you pay for. in other words, what's your head worth to you? I bought an Arai. | ||
| Dynasport |
Well, everyone says Arai is the best, but the ones I tried on didn't fit my head. So I bought a Shoei and liked it alot. So much so that when I went down the first thing I bought was another helmet just like I had. I also tried on a few HJC's. Other than the carbon fiber one they all seemed heavy compared to the Shoei and I didn't like them as much. I have wanted to try a Scorpion, but none of the places I have looked carried them. So, to me the moral is to try on whatever helmet you buy. The internet is great and there are some great companies out there, but a helmet is something I buy in a store so I can try it on and know how it fits. It MIGHT cost a few dollars more than buying online, but I can live with that. I am a cheapskate, but I have learned to spend money to get a helmet I like. I have too many cheap helmets sitting in my garage that I don't wear to go down that road again. | ||
| Moosestang |
Well in your opinion Zack, my head is worth under $200. You only get what you pay for up to a certain point, after that you are just getting screwed. | ||
| Madav8tr |
"You only get what you pay for up to a certain point, after that you are just getting screwed" You can believe that if you want but after experiencing the way a higher end helmet vents and the comfort that they provide over the cheaper helmets, I can assure you that I will never go back. I used to think the same way until I actually bought a higher end helmet. To each their own though . | ||
| Zack3g |
no, after that, you get lighter materials, and more comfort and ventilation. i've worn several cheap helmets, and always hated them because they were so heavy and uncomfortable. the arai just blew me away when i picked it up, even before trying it on. wearing it, well..that sold it right there. | ||
| Moosestang |
There are lighter helmets than your Arai at half the price or less. You bought a name, nothing more. As long as you and a few others pay their price, they will keep selling them at that price. While i've never owned a Arai, I have tried them on before. Nice, but not that nice. I think i'll try the scorpion as several former Arai owners say they are every bit as good. Anyway, the how much is your head worth comment is complete bullshit. Cheaper helmets have been shown to provide better protection. Don't try to justify your purchase with that failed logic. Now you'll tell me how I wouldn't wear the cheaper helmet because it's not as comfortable. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
with regard to helmets, in my opinion, you get what you pay for. You may want to read this. http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcyc le_helmet_review/index.html } | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Stay away from KBC--mine is falling apart after a few months. Z1R is a decent cheap brand. My first one lasted over 2 years and would have lasted longer if I could stand the smell. | ||
| Madav8tr |
"There are lighter helmets than your Arai at half the price or less." Which ones? How do they vent? How is the quality? "While i've never owned a Arai," That's obvious but have you ever ridden while wearing one? I have and they are very nice, much nicer than any KBC, HJC, or Scorpion that I have owned. I still have a KBC and an HJC for friends to use but I won't ever waste another dime on one of them. Wear what you like but don't try to bash others for paying a premium for a more comfortable helmet that's built better, protects as well and land look better. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
One nice thing about $100 helmet is that you have more freedom on where you leave it. It is sorta nice being able to leave your helmet on your seat and not worry about it being ripped off. Yeah, getting something to ride home in can be a bizzy, but I've never got a lid stolen yet. | ||
| Brent1125russ |
I wish I could get this one here, but you EU guys can get it.... http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/g ivi/x-01/ | ||
| Cobralightning |
+1 one the Scorpion EXO-400. Those helmets are great. Comfortable cool and affordable. I will defentally be buying another one when I need my next one. |
