Helmets??

TheShow

Obviously a crucial piece of kit, will be purchasing my first one soon, but confused as to which one to get. the prices vary so much. Cheaper options obviously appeal more, but is skimping on cost = skimping on safety?

If you were buying a new helmet, what would you be looking at?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Pugzilla

Start by finding which helmet brands fit you best and work from there.

You can check out their safety ratings on the SHARP website . Not a perfect test, but gives you an idea at least.
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

More expensive helmets tend to be lighter, more comfortable and have extra features.

You can't go wrong with any of the major manufacturers like Shoei, Arai, AGV, Shark, HJC etc.

bladespin

Pugzilla wrote:

Start by finding which helmet brands fit you best and work from there.

This, fit is by far the most important thing.

Paulw

There's no replacement for a good fitting helmet. Go to some of the bike stores, and try on different helmets. Different brands suit different head shapes. You want a tight fit but not too tight. Most stores are helpful making sure you get the right fit.

Don't think about the cost initially, think more about what goes inside it - you only have one brain.

Wonda-Boy

Any decent shop will fit you when buying a lid, for me the best bang for buck starting out are Shark lids. Very good price and performance and most of the lids look very well.

Del2005

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Any decent shop will fit you when buying a lid, for me the best bang for buck starting out are Shark lids. Very good price and performance and most of the lids look very well.

It depends on the persons head. I've a Shark and it puts loads of pressure on my forehead, I did some searching and a lot of other people where making the same complaints. I'd an Arai before and never had an issue with that.

So try on plenty of lids and when you get one that's comfortable leave it on for >20 min and see how it feels.

Cian_ok

As already mentioned fit is most important.

I have an integrated sun visor in my helmet. I wasn't looking for one, but it was in the helmet that fitted me. I'm really glad it's there. Saying that, if you're planning track days - you can't use a helmet with an internal sun visor.

Cienciano

I usually budget about €220-€250 for one. Some spend €1k, some spend €80.

Get one that fits well and is comfortable. I look for a flip up, internal visor, removable lining so I can wash. Pin lock is handy if you drive in rain, means its almost impossible for it to fog up

Hotblack Desiato

Cian_ok wrote: »

Saying that, if you're planning track days - you can't use a helmet with an internal sun visor.

My Shoei GT-Air has an ACU gold star, so that's incorrect.

Cian_ok

Re: having ask internal sun visor stops you doing track days.

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

My Shoei GT-Air has an ACU gold star, so that's incorrect.

I stand corrected. I was mis-informed.

zubair

Cian_ok wrote: »

I stand corrected. I was mis-informed.

This is a forum, conduct yourself appropriately and dispute this to the bitter end or I'll report you to the mods!

Pugzilla

Have had a Shoei GT-Air for 4 years, great helmet. Extremely comfortable.

Hotblack Desiato

Pugzilla wrote: »

Have had a Shoei GT-Air for 4 years, great helmet. Extremely comfortable.

You're wrong, they're awful!

(just because)

Bought it in January and (I've been wearing Shoeis exclusively since 1997) it's the best lid I've ever owned. But if you don't have a Shoei-shaped head that's no consolation to you (I've tried both shapes of Arais and they just don't fit me.)

Cannon_fodder

Have had 2 Shoei XR1000's, cannot fault them,

Headed to this forum to ask a helmet question so I hope you don't mind Me hijacking your thread, OP.

Was thinking of buying my husband a new helmet for his birthday. Know the size of his current Arai as was looking for upgrade suggestions. But now I've read this thread, I get the impression he should be trying it on 1st but I'd like to surprise him if possible.

I've previously bought him a jacket and one Christmas I bought him everything for a full service (wasn't cheap) and he's just got a second bike so thought a helmet would be a good idea.

GBX

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

Headed to this forum to ask a helmet question so I hope you don't mind Me hijacking your thread, OP.

Was thinking of buying my husband a new helmet for his birthday. Know the size of his current Arai as was looking for upgrade suggestions. But now I've read this thread, I get the impression he should be trying it on 1st but I'd like to surprise him if possible.

I've previously bought him a jacket and one Christmas I bought him everything for a full service (wasn't cheap) and he's just got a second bike so thought a helmet would be a good idea.

It's possible it could fit knowing the size but Arai if fitted please properly could have different sized pads to one off the shelf as some dealers will provide this service.

Cannon_fodder

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

Headed to this forum to ask a helmet question so I hope you don't mind Me hijacking your thread, OP.

Was thinking of buying my husband a new helmet for his birthday. Know the size of his current Arai as was looking for upgrade suggestions. But now I've read this thread, I get the impression he should be trying it on 1st but I'd like to surprise him if possible.

I've previously bought him a jacket and one Christmas I bought him everything for a full service (wasn't cheap) and he's just got a second bike so thought a helmet would be a good idea.

Helmets are a personal choice but if you know the Arai size then get a new version in that size in Arai provided he has no current issues with his Arai.

galwaytt

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Pugzilla wrote: »

Have had a Shoei GT-Air for 4 years, great helmet. Extremely comfortable.

You're wrong, they're awful!

(just because)

Bought it in January and (I've been wearing Shoeis exclusively since 1997) it's the best lid I've ever owned. But if you don't have a Shoei-shaped head that's no consolation to you (I've tried both shapes of Arais and they just don't fit me.)

^^^^ this.
I can't get into an Arai or Shoei at all, but can an AGV, Schuberth or Shark (currently on Shark #2). But the best fitting one ive ever had,and most comfortable I've ever had was also the cheapest....a Nitro. ACU Gold Star rated too. €125 locally.
Fit is everything.

Thanks for the replys. I might just surprise him by taking him to the shop and then tell him to pick whatever he wants.

CJhaughey

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

Thanks for the replys. I might just surprise him by taking him to the shop and then tell him to pick whatever he wants.

What about a gift voucher for the shop in question?

Del2005

CJhaughey wrote: »

What about a gift voucher for the shop in question?

Cash is the best gift voucher, never expires and not restricted to a single shop

I see what yis are doing. No no no no no!

Not a hope am I giving him the cash lol. He'll come back with a "project" that will keep him in the garage for the winter.

CJhaughey

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

I see what yis are doing. No no no no no!

Not a hope am I giving him the cash lol. He'll come back with a "project" that will keep him in the garage for the winter.

Doesn't that suit you both?:D

terrydel

Fit is the most important thing.
After that weight (lighter the better especially if youre doing touring/motorway driving where wind really plays into it).
For me then it needs to be quiet, followed by having an internal sunvisor.
After that I'd be looking at good internal padding, preferably a double d-ring fastner, and able to accomodate my interphone bluetooth comms.

TheShow

terrydel wrote: »

Fit is the most important thing.
After that weight (lighter the better especially if youre doing touring/motorway driving where wind really plays into it).
For me then it needs to be quiet, followed by having an internal sunvisor.
After that I'd be looking at good internal padding, preferably a double d-ring fastner, and able to accomodate my interphone bluetooth comms.

does anyone wear specs? how does that factor in for the auld helmet?

frozenfrozen

You have to get a proscription visor

TheShow

frozenfrozen wrote: »

You have to get a proscription visor

sounds expensive

Pugzilla

TheShow wrote: »

does anyone wear specs? how does that factor in for the auld helmet?

Nerds aren't allowed on motorbikes.

Cienciano

TheShow wrote: »

does anyone wear specs? how does that factor in for the auld helmet?

I never had a problem. But if I'm touring I wear contacts. Long periods wearing glasses for a few days in a row isn't great

bladespin

TheShow wrote:

does anyone wear specs? how does that factor in for the auld helmet?

Never had a problem, once the fit is right, tight enough to hold glasses in place, loose enough so they're not pinching.

listermint

I wear shades daily on the bike my shoei has no internal sun visor so have them on all the time with the visor up as I like the air.

No problems whatsoever so glasses would be no different