| Author | Message | ||
     No_rice |
so i am in need of getting a new helmet before the actual good riding season gets into full swing. have been looking at the icon ones, but i am really liking these style simpson helmets. this is actually a motorcycle one  these are more stack car and such   i am actually the most fond of the bottom one for some reason.it just looks mean. the shields just look better on the bottom two. anyone know of some cheaper places to find them? instead of the 400-500 simpson wants? or for that matter any other helmets that are that style, with the shaped shield and nose ect... | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Here's some others you may like.... http://www.osbe.it/motocicli-uk/nr.php And here's one that's obviously a copy of the Simpson helmets for about 1/2 the cost. look at the craft RX1 and RX6 http://www.smfcycles.com/craft/RX.html | ||
| Lowflyer |
I read this article a while back and thought it was pretty informative. http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/ | ||
| Voltage_vector |
No rice, yeah, that bottom one sure is nice...I was looking at Simpson's also the last couple months. My Doohan Replica is getting long in the tooth. The price from them is, unfortunatly, comparible with all the other high quality helmets around now. I just worry about a cheepo. With Leathers, Gloves and Helmets I try not to think of cost, but just get the best. What's that old saying...'You'll never be disapointed with the best' or something like that. What is the cost of your squash? IMHO. | ||
| Voltage_vector |
After reading the attached report, which has an astounding amount of very good engineering data, there are some additional variables to concider too. From many years flying for uncle sam, we always saw crashes with over 75 G's as pretty much non-survivable. I had a couple friends who when unstrapped from the wreck, with no visible intrusions on their bodies, were DOA. What I am saying is there are tons of factors. Looking at that data, and seeing G's of 150 to 200 transmitted to your head, make me start to hum "Farwell and adu to my fair Spanish Sailor". Sorry, but what kind of forces were sent to your neck, and spine when you get a hit like that? Anybody remember the injury to Eddie (swerving) Irvan? And he had nothing touch his body. Or A. Senna? He got it right through the visor. It does you no good if they use two bags to pick you up, head in one, body in the other, but your brain is witin G limits... I don't mean to make light of this subject. I really dont. I'd say, from my humble experence, that your most likley to get a couple types of hits. Perhaps a good solid wack from the initial collision IE a roof piller of the car that cut you off, or the side of a door or fender or worse a curb. All high G hits, nice and blunt. The force hit the helmet, and arms, legs, and chest, and transmits throughout what ever is holding your helmet in proper position...your neck. Next is sliding low impact abrasion type of injury. And all modern helmets do fine here.It is also nice to have decent leathers here, to help reduce the work you body has to worry about while you recover. Remember you only have so much stamana. You have the fast impact G's (high #'s)and the longer sustained G's. we are talking fraction of seconds here, not like a fighter pilot who might take a 7-8 G turn for 5 seconds with the aid of a G suit and tons of training. And still Gray or Red out. All of us have a greatly varing threshold of tolerance to this form of force. I had another friend who, wearing a Simpson top of the line helmet, took a wack on the top of his head in a rollover in a Formula Ford, and it gave him a permanent personality changing concussion. There was hardly a mark on the helmet. I feel a often overlooked aspect is the angle of hit. As riders we most always have that split second to adjust the angle. Once you KNOW your in for it, Adjust the angle to give you a more glancing blow. I know...if possible. Hey it not always is, but alot of times it is. That sort of clear, level headed, cold and split second decision type of training or awarness will help you alot more than weather the helmet will transmit 200 v.s. 165 G's to you. IMHO. Just a moment more on the brakes, and a slight angle change reduces the component of the forces alot. Another Big factor is fit and comfort. Naturally if your helmet is ill fitting it is not as effective. But what about ventalation? When your hot, you are not as alert. Your attention is split. Hey if you don't see it comming, you get nailed. So in my view, a well ventelated helmet has got to help. So get one that is heavily vented. There are lots of choices here. Weight also has to make a difference. The less weight certinly puts less force on your neck. Color. Not only does it reflect, or absorbe heat, it can be seen by those dolts who should not be driving cars in the first place. I'm not saying everyone wear white or blaze orange helmets, with rotating beacons but there again are options to be concidered. And lastly noise. A noisy helmet, from wind noise or also loud engine mufflers most certinly add to fatique, and therefor attention to what your doing. Come on be honest, anyone almost fall asleep on their bike on a long hot expressway ride? No? Only me? When we flew in our helicopters many of us used earplugs inside our helmets. Not to save our hearing, but to dampen out certin freq's that cause fatique. I got to like them on the bike...and that BS about you can't hear possible threats does not hold water with me...anyone ever have their tunes cranked up with the A/C on in their car with the windows up? Come on. Being aleart is much more importiant. Hey I'm off the soap box now. Buy what you want. get something quality. Stay alert. Get something that shows up and has vents that function well. Try to not use the G absorbing aspects of the thing. And buy American if you can!   | ||
| Lowlife |
Tim, I would stick with the motorcycle specific lid (the top picture). My dad had a wreck at a track day and his Bandit did it's job. However, it was not a motorcycle specific version. He only had two main complaints about the Bandit... 1) Peripheral vision and wind noise were a real problem. 2) Changing shields is a pain because you have to use an allen key. | ||
| Lowflyer |
E_vector, I agree 100%. My point for posting was just to give the opposite point of view from the Snell 'harder is better' and the general 'more $$ = more protection' schools of thought. The article is interesting and thought provoking, but I would strongly suggest weighing it with a fair amount of common sense. | ||
| Microchop |
OK. I have the Outlaw (top helmet, motorcycle specific) in flat black. It does have a certain Buellishness to it. A few observation though: 1. It is light (carbon fiber/kevlar construction, I believe) 2. My $100 Chinese-made lid has better peripheral vision(not to mention what the peak in the middle of the chin-bar does to obscure your gauges) 3. I can change shields with the allen wrench very quickly now (did it this morning.) 4. I wasn't all that impressed with the function of the aerodynamic "furrowed brow" feature. Buffeting is not substantially reduced. 5. The shield on my cheap helmet seals better (please don't tell me that this is Simpson's "ventilation")...but my head never feels hot. 6.The edges of the Shield lock down hole (goes over the pin on the left side) are really chewing up my left glove's index finger tip. 7. I paid $500+ and I drove to Simpson to buy it direct. 8. I bought it before the Motorcyclist mag. expose on helmets (the one that simpson would not submit a helmet for.) Had I known what I know now about Snell's absurd guidelines, I would have found something DOT only (even my cheap lid is both Snell and DOT) 9. The strap is about 8 inches longer than it needs to be (easily fixed.) 10. I need to glue the rubber trim on, it tends to work itself off sometimes. 11. The Shield detents do not do a great job keeping the shield open or closed, and the tension is not adjustable. 12. It does let more noise in than my other helmet (has it's pluses and minuses, depending on the noise) 13. Chicks DO think it's cool. | ||
| Rocketman |
I've got three Simpson helmets at the moment. One's a 1975 drag race lid with a letter box view. It's interior is worn out so it's just for my collection. My RX7 and original 1980's Bandit, and my 1996 Bandit that I sold recently, are most obviously race car orientated. Riding at high speed they are noisy, suffer from buffeting and worse still, they lift under the chin at high speed. This means you're constantly pulling the lid down, even if it's a good fit. It's not all bad though. They look the effing business don't they! The Simpson visors are great quality too. I've no personal experience with the new motorcycle specific Bandits etc, though I've tried them on. The visor opening is so much larger than the original Bandit, I find it hard to see it as anything but ugly in comparison to the original. For other motorcycle specific lids, don't always be put off by the price if it seems cheap compared to a well known brand like Arai for instance. Even some thermoplastic lids are performing equally as well in testing as their more expensive composite counterparts. Do your homework. Research thoroughly, and make sure it's a perfect fit whatever you buy. Regarding banging your head. Arai, as I'm sure others do, put a lot of effort into the design of the interior absorption material. The more the helmet absorbs the impact shock, the better your head might be. Ayrton Senna's helmet was punctured above the visor by a broken suspension component. Rocket | ||
| No_rice |
i kind of wondered about the lift on them. though it might be bad. thats one of the few things i dont like about my buell is where the wind hits when riding. although i dont hate it enough to put a double bubble on, i just personally dont care for how they look even though they seem to function alot better. the craft ones out of steves link look good too.    like the top one the most but unsure about the point on the back. if that wasnt there id love it. other two arent bad either though. bottom one looks alittle to much like an anteater crossbread with darthvader in my opinion, lol. | ||
| Buellin_ri |
Luke I am your father.....  | ||
| Dtx |
Thats what I thought too...very Darth Vader!  | ||
| Voltage_vector |
Rocket, I stand corrected, I thought Senna got it through the visor. I had heard it was from a suspension part though. Guess it does not make alot of difference now does it. It was a awful impact, and a sad sad day. But I guess for him, if your going to go, leading the IGP, what better way? | ||
| Rocketman |
Yes it was a sad day. In fact that was the day that killed F1 racing for a long time, not just Ayrton. F1 still hasn't fully recovered either. Maybe it never will. I drove down to Monaco the next race after Ayrton's death. We placed flowers on pole spot at 4 am race morning. We discovered later a Brazilian flag had been painted there sometime before the race. If you ever get the chance, even if it's not race week, get to Monaco at least once in your life. But Saturday night before the race where everyone walks the track and samples the local bars is awesome if you're a petrol head. Rocket | ||
| Tombo |
The Roof Boxer is another helmet with Simpson-like styling. I like the Boxer because you can lift the chin bar when sitting in traffic or at the pump. in fact, you can move the bar to the back of the helmet. The only complaint I have of mine is that the visor will fog easily if not treated. | ||
| Diablobrian |
helmet for the dollar I like the way the KBC helmets are stacking up right now. My last helmet was an arai. I have a hard time looking at any commonly available helmet as expensive. When you consider what you are entrusting it to do, namely save your skull. I have owned several helmets, generally the more expensive helmets have better vents and features. things like removable liners, more vents, and shield detents that work. Be careful to buy a helmet that fits your head. try on the particular model before buying. remember, snug is good, and no pressure points! | ||
| No_rice |
places around this area to try on almost any helmets i like are virtually non existant. although my friend does sell the kbc's and those are pretty good. its just a hard decision. something you depend on for so much and something i will have around for a LONG time, so i also kind of need to make sure i can swap from bike to bike without it seeming retarded, lol. i ride plenty without one which i know alot of people dont like but i still respect there opinion on it so i would hope they respect mine. when i do have my helmet on though, most the time that is a sign that i mean business and we are about to play very hard, so it better be up to the task. | ||
| Skyguy |
To bad Vemar has pulled out of the U.S. It was my good luck though to have found a $680.00 VSR for $75.00 at the Chaperral sidewalk sale! It is carbon kevlar construcion and very lite. Bummer is I need an italian interperter to order any parts for it. After reading the article about the Snell ratings I decided to specificly avoid it. Previously I had a KBC that did a great job of saving my bean. As well as an Arai that saved my bean. In all honestly I think my last KBC was probally as nice as my previous Arai. Fit well, little to no buffet, good detents and removable pads. sad about Vemar though as they blow most of the helmets available in the U.S. right out of the water. | ||
| Voltage_vector |
Rocket...I have dreamed of a weekend @ Monaco for 40 years. Or Spa. Or the old Nurburgring....My wife and I were going to do Europe on a Motorcycle tour, and try to time it for a couple GP's...wearing first class helmets naturally..(so as to not rip off this thread!) | ||
| No_rice |
...wearing first class helmets naturally..(so as to not rip off this thread!) lol now where did that happen? lol | ||
| Voltage_vector |
that was merely a disclaimer!  I'm just trying to get Rocket to show me around for the European GP's...  | ||
| No_rice |
just giving you guys a hard time! i dont care, plus it gives this thread a bump once in awhile and gets me more info! | ||
| Voltage_vector |
I still like that bottom Simpson...it is too sharp...just wonder about, wind noise, and ventilation, and how about availability of visors...hey I bet it would look cool with those stick on mo-hawk deals!!  | ||
| Rocketman |
Well I 've done Monza too! We were there in 1997 when Schumacher was expected to win in the Ferrari for the first time in many years. He didn't but 250.000 turned out in case he did. Monza is a total party atmosphere that doesn't stop from dusk till dawn. Talk about noise. Air horns and rave music all night. We were dancing on the roof of our Winebago at 3am. Couldn't see the race though. Just too many people in the view. We watched on the back straight before the Parabolica. They were coming past us at 200mph and about 50 feet away. You couldn't even make out who's helmet was who's between team mates. Awesome stuff indeed. I hear Spa's off this year. My Greek friends who live in Belgium keep nagging me to go over for that one. I will maybe next year. Now then, which helmet should I ride there in? My Senna Replica I guess. Rocket | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I got a Shoei Raid, best helmet I've ever had & not too expensive? I couldn't give a toss about the style, as I'm on the inside looking out, & don't have to look at it. Rich if you're planning on coming over for a GP let me know, I'm sure Rocket & I can set something up & find you a bike to ride. | ||
| Voltage_vector |
Rocket, Grumpy, guess we should start a new F1 thread! Poor no-rice is totally ripped off now! I keep hearing Spa is on/off/on...as of late. was it not the same last year also? Some local official better get his head out of his aZZ if he wants to get re-elected... just put the papers through collect the money and run the GP. I'm sure I am over simplfying the issue, but...run the bloody race. They have it on for Sept. 17 so??? Yes Monza sounds like a total blast...perhaps MS can get back on form with the V-8 this year...Poor Alonso is getting no odds for a repeat! Here I'm a bit of a rairity. few follow F1. They are fixated with this left, left, left, left....However I did attend a Nascar event, at Watkins Glen a number of years ago, and that was pretty cool, watching those heavy beasts try and turn and brake. Lots of broken gearboxes! Most interesting thing, was the normal top guys were lacking as the better drivers with out all the $$$ horse power worked their way to the front...Sure all the local Nascar guys will give me cra% now, but I think racing is corners, both left and right. Ideal race would be a point to point. Say Boston to NYC down 95. Or a bunch of others...Any rich sponcers out there? Hint Hint! Grumpy thanks for the offer, and if things work out, I will for sure let you know...The wife and I have for years wanted a GP Euro couple weeks...Had a friend who did a bike tour on a BMW a few years back and loved it...So far for me no European experence. only airports on my way to Africa or Asia. GP's in Malaysia, twice, S. Africa way back in 79 with Gilles winning...what a day! The Glen here several times, Indy of late and Montreal a bunch. That is a great ride up from here through Vermont. Oh yeah, I forgot Long Beach a long time ago...can't remember exactly when that was now! Anyway...yeah, if things come together, I'll give you guys a buzz. Thanks | ||
| Buellbozo |
Had to jump in here re: F1 Got turned on by the late great Henry Manney's reports in Road & Track in the 60's.I've been addicted ever since. Rocket, Rob Walker is/was an absolute legend to me.Speed covered Goodwood FOS and I got misty eyed when I got to see and hear the lovely dark blue and white livery Cooper he entered for Moss. When I got the issue of R&T that had coverage of Jo Siefferts (sp?)win @ Brands in '68 in Rob's Lotus... WOWWW. To me, thats up there with Smart @ Imola, Hailwood's comeback TT and Cook Nielson-Phil Schilling @ Daytona. Do we need a F1 thread??  | ||
| Voltage_vector |
Bozo...Yeah I think we sure do!  | ||
| Rocketman |
We do, but now you mention Hailwood's comeback I'm back in bike mode LOL You know he led from start to finish, and won by 2 minutes. Remember, this was June 1978 and Hailwood was on a 900 Ducati which he took the lap record on, 110.62mph. That's unefinreal. After the race (for No Rice LOL) Hailwood said "I was worried by my helmet pressing on my forehead and lost a bit of concentration. I never buzzed the bike. I ran so well I could have gone round at 112mph." Rocket | ||
| Buellbozo |
I've gotten to see the bike at Barber. My favorite exhibit though is Surtee's MV and Ferrari F1 side by side...Twisted knickers for sure. Rocket, I seem to recall something about the Duc breaking during cool-off...Can you illuminate?? | ||
| Buellbozo |
Oh yeah... When Hailwood drove F1 who was his team manager??? Rob Walker. | ||
| Rocketman |
Yes I can. In 1978 Hailwood was 38 years old and slightly overweight. He had retired in 1967, some 11 years earlier. With nine world titles and 12 TT wins on very different machines, he was financially sound and had nothing to prove. Hailwood was also partially crippled. His mangled right foot had little movement he couldn't race cars any more. That 11 year gap since his retirement meant he was that out of touch he came from pudding helmets to full face. Tyre technology was vastly improved as was chassis design along with so much more power. He really was from a different era. In fact, he had to be briefed who his main rivals where as he'd never heard of many of them. Don't forget, after retiring from F1 in 1974, because of his foot injury, he'd been living in New Zealand. I don't know the story of the 900 Duc, but I remember crying when Mike and his eight year old daughter were killed in a car crash on their way back home from the local fish and chip shop. In fact I'm crying now. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
Whoa, sorry 'bout that. I got a little upset garnering that info from MCN's 50th anniversary copy. Brought back a sad memory for a moment. So the 900 Duc. In 2003, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mike's TT comeback win, his son David rode the Duc around the TT course wearing identical leathers and helmet. Grown men cried at the sight. Son David's girlfriend gave birth to a boy last January. His name? Mike Hailwood. Rocket | ||
| Buellbozo |
May I please put forward a moments pause in reverent memory. Can you picture Joey's pub in Glory with Mssrs. Clark Hill Hawthorne Hailwood all gathered round for a pint? And the crowd of those I'm too ignorant to name who warmed the stools before them. Sigh...  |
