Helmet Of The Year

[Rogue]

Is it possible for a helmet to deliver on everything?  Comfort.  Quality.  Venting.  Weight.  Noise suppression.  Safety.  And price?  I didn't think it was possible but I could be wrong.  Read on for a surprise!  

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/gmax/gm68s/

[Sock Puppet]

Interesting.  Does anyone have experience with this helmet?

[miles]

According to the article, this model is pretty new to the market.

[ksann]

Not Snell.

Amazing value.


Hmm.


Who is going to be first on here to try one?




ken

[Mike-H]

Not Snell.

Amazing value.


Hmm.


Who is going to be first on here to try one?




ken

No European sticker either (which is more rider friendly then snell)

[JavyDay]

I saw one of these at a local dealership.  I played with the lights but didn't even bother trying it on.  It seemed like a gimmick but after reading the review I'm not so sure.  I've never heard anyone rave about the optical clarity on a cheap helmet.

[STalker]

I went to the Gmax web site a couple weeks ago looking for a local dealer. They have a list of about a hundred dealers........ all in Canada.

[RickC1957]

First impressions....looks freaking odd

[Johnny Monsoon]

Everything about it looks good except for the most important feature of any full faced helmet: the visor perches.  They look exactly like the older HJC style locks, and they SUCKED.  The detents wear very quickly (so the visor flips up or falls down) and the mechanism itself is delicate and prone to wear to failure rapidly under normal use.  That's a deal breaker right there.

[Fav]

Interesting ....

I've got an Arai Corsair and Shark RSR2 and love both....but this helmet looks damn good for the price but only DOT scares me.

[ksann]

First impressions....looks freaking odd

Looks 'Stuntariffic'





ken

[ol Rocket]

My coworker bought a GMax two years ago, based solely on price.  The materials inside are very che..inexpensive and the vinyl is cracking in quite a few places.  But the visor has not given him any trouble, and, at $100, you can practically throw it away every two years for another new one.

I can't believe the new one reviewed is not incredibly noisy with all those funky vents.

To each his own--just buy what fits well.

[Rogue]

Some of you guys are just unbelievable sometimes.  The helmet gets rave reviews from professional helmet testers that have tested just about every helmet out there.  It's $107!  

Oh well.  It may not be the Holy Grail but how can you go wrong at $107 with a free smoke visor AND Helmet of the Year rating?  I'm ordering mine.  The rest of you doubting Thomases can go on wondering.  

[Rogue]

Interesting.  Does anyone have experience with this helmet?

Go the link and scroll all the way down to the owner reviews.  They're all very positive.

[bahwolf]

Let us know how it works out for you, Rogue.

[Fav]

Alright Rogue....since I'm a gear whore I ordered a Crusader helmet tonight $107 shipped

I already have two great lids....but now I'll have one with LED's

If I don't like it..... it's a C-note spent not $400-500

[ksann]

Alright Rogue....since I'm a gear whore I ordered a Crusader helmet tonight $107 shipped

I am just a plain whore.


But as soon as Rogue reports back, I too will probably order one.



ken

[Sock Puppet]

You people are a bunch of freakin' enablers!  Must...resist...








 

[bandit1250]

I tried one on a couple weeks ago, having read the WBW review.  I have a long-oval head, currently have an Arai Signet GT and just bought a Shark RSI.  The GMAX had the wierdest fit of any helmet I've ever tried, tight circle on top, loose on the sides. I couldn't wear one, but then again my head shape excludes a lot of nice helmets.

[JoeRider]

Hmm, for awards, fit or price?

I use my Scorpion mostly and like it alot but I have tried on Arai's that feel like a soft pillow and light too, if I had the cash it be my choice.

Now, for 20 bucks each I purchased a dot and snell approved (or so the sticker says) XSPEED helmet; 3 in fact, why not haha.  Now I have a few extra and few sizes for guests.  I used one a few times but dont care for the shape, its more rounded then others sand my chin and nose are closer to the front of the helmet than on my other helmets.

Although I have heard they are from HJC (or former HJC employees) I dont feel that safe depending upon 20 buck helmet even if they sell for more elsewhere or have a sticker on it.  

http://lafayette.craigslist.org/mcy/566241147.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nice-Motorcycle-XSpeed-Black-Full-Face-Helmet-XSmall_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ6749QQihZ010QQitemZ200113703444QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[JonS]

Some of you guys are just unbelievable sometimes.  The helmet gets rave reviews from professional helmet testers that have tested just about every helmet out there.  It's $107!  

Oh well.  It may not be the Holy Grail but how can you go wrong at $107 with a free smoke visor AND Helmet of the Year rating?  I'm ordering mine.  The rest of you doubting Thomases can go on wondering.  

I don't care how good the reviews are, I think its ugly. When the time comes, I will probably buy another Scorpion.

[DosEquis00]

Looks like the same shield mechanism as Venmar which works nice.

[chornbe]

Kinda reminscent of a re-badged Icon Mainframe. *shrugs*

[Mike-H]

Each to their own but when it comes to track days or aggressive street riding I think your better to spent what you you think your heads worth.....as the old sayings go (a) "whats your head worth?" & (B) $10.00 head for a $10.00 helmet"......a helmet without Snell or European equivalent should make you go mmmmm..... ....

[ksann]

 I'm ordering mine.

Got it yet?

Review please.





ken

[shah269]

Looks good, but once  you go Justisimo flip up......it's hard to go anywhere else?
The built in flip down tinted visor, the fit, the function that knowledge that your lid was lovingly put together by some angry Italian chick!

[dmillikan]

I got one of these helmets last month after I saw the webbikeworld review.
Low $ and lotsa stuff (windguard, nose cover) AND an extra shield (1 dark, 1 clear).

The weather has prevented ANY decent rides but I did notice right away on the first trial ride that it seemed NOISY.

It sits here next to my Shoei RF1000 waiting for warm weather.

Oh, I don't get the lights? What are they for? Supposed to use while riding or as a road flare? I can't imagine reaching around my head trying to find the pushbutton because of some hazard ahead or something?

[ksann]

I got one of these helmets last month after I saw the webbikeworld review.
Low $ and lotsa stuff (windguard, nose cover) AND an extra shield (1 dark, 1 clear).

The weather has prevented ANY decent rides but I did notice right away on the first trial ride that it seemed NOISY.

It sits here next to my Shoei RF1000 waiting for warm weather.

Do you wear ear plugs?

I wonder how much noisier it is with plugs, than your RF1k.




ken

[highside]

Each to their own but when it comes to track days or aggressive street riding I think your better to spent what you you think your heads worth.....as the old sayings go (a) "whats your head worth?" & (B) $10.00 head for a $10.00 helmet"......a helmet without Snell or European equivalent should make you go mmmmm..... ....

My head is worth more than the price of any helmet made. Why don't you tell us what you wear so we will know just how much your life is worth.  

[Grubnik]

I'll always wear the helmet that fits best (unless it's a total piece of cheap garbage, otherwise) and has at least DOT certs, regardless of price, and that currently means I'm sticking with my Arai Quantums, 'til they wear out, and then getting an Arai Vector.  If it doesn't fit, the price is irrelevant.

[Doug Just Doug]

I have a long-oval head, currently have an Arai Signet GT and just bought a Shark RSI.  

I, too, have the long-oval (highest IQ) shaped noggin.  My 4th Signet is about due for replacement and I've never found anything else that fits as well.  I've read a lot of good reviews of the Shark RSI; how well does the RSI fit you?

[Fav]

Got my G-max today.....

so far it has exceeded my expectations ....even for such a low priced lid.

Comes with >
helmet bag
visor bag
tinted visor
clear visor
extra tinted lense for led lights
spare batteries
$107 bucks and free shipping. Not bad for so called "Helmet of the year "

[ksann]

Got my G-max today.....

so far it has exceeded my expectations ....even for such a low priced lid.

Comes with >
helmet bag
visor bag
tinted visor
clear visor
extra tinted lense for led lights
spare batteries
$107 bucks and free shipping. Not bad for so called "Helmet of the year "

Noise?
Ventilation?
Material quality?



ken

[Mike-H]

My head is worth more than the price of any helmet made. Why don't you tell us what you wear so we will know just how much your life is worth.  

I wear a Shoei X-11 & an RF 1000 because they seem to fit my pumpkin the best....& you?....what do you wear highside?

[Fav]

Noise?
Ventilation?
Material quality?



ken

Upstate , NY

20 degrees yesterday, recent snow, truck driver 50-60hrs a week, R1 Motorcycle


Mike


PS I'll report back when the roads, weather and desire allow me

[throttlemeister]

I'll always wear the helmet that fits best (unless it's a total piece of cheap garbage, otherwise) and has at least DOT certs, regardless of price, and that currently means I'm sticking with my Arai Quantums, 'til they wear out, and then getting an Arai Vector.  If it doesn't fit, the price is irrelevant.

Best comment you can ever make in a helmet thread.

[ksann]

Upstate , NY

20 degrees yesterday, recent snow, truck driver 50-60hrs a week, R1 Motorcycle


Mike


PS I'll report back when the roads, weather and desire allow me

Well them load it into your truck, and take it somewhere that you can test the helmet!

Come on, where are your priorities?



ken

[jed]

I say wear it in the truck and just stick your head out the window when you get someplace warm!

[highside]

I wear a Shoei X-11 & an RF 1000 because they seem to fit my pumpkin the best....& you?....what do you wear highside?

So your head is only worth 4 bills? Jeeze, I'm sorry.  

I wear and RF1000 too, because it fits just as well as the Scorpian it replaced and weighs less. Of course I don't tie the monetary value of my helmets directly the value of my head.

[mikeyman]

Kinda reminscent of a re-badged Icon Mainframe. *shrugs*

The Icon Mainframe I have flows about as much air on the top of my head as a plastic bag.

[Rogue]

The Icon Mainframe I have flows about as much air on the top of my head as a plastic bag.

There are lots of helmets out there that have huge scoops, protrusions, holes, and aggressive looks.  Most of them don't vent worth shit!  Icon is one of the worst offenders in looking really aggressive and high performance but rarely delivers on the goods.  Sorry Icon fans.  

[mikeyman]

There are lots of helmets out there that have huge scoops, protrusions, holes, and aggressive looks.  Most of them don't vent worth shit!  Icon is one of the worst offenders in looking really aggressive and high performance but rarely delivers on the goods.  Sorry Icon fans.  

Actually I kinda meant a hermetically sealed plastic bag. Perhaps a block of lucite?

[MidLifeMike]

FWIW, I tried on the other model, the GM48, and got the same feeling as someone else said: tight around the top of the head, looser in the cheeks. In particular I got a band of hard flat pressure across my brow that I wouldn't want to take a chance on adapting to or breaking in. But if you find them comfortable for $100 - bonus.
The lining, visors and packaging showed some care for product design and value.

We all have diff't shaped noggins. For reference my regular helmet is a Shoei TZ-R. It has been comfortable for me right off the shelf with no break-in period and hasn't changed/loosened over two years.

Great White North

[mikeyman]

I went ahead and ordered one just to see. Short story...didn't fit my head...too much a round profile. It hurt almost immediately on my forehead and my nose touched the back of the chin bar, so I sent it back home.

I didn't like the fact it had no foam below ear line and seemed to be pretty short top to bottom. My jaw felt exposed. Personal opinion only.

[BHW]

The GMax is a very nice looking, seemingly well made helmet for $100. I would have bought one, but it did not fit me well at all! I was lucky enough to find one and try on before I made the purchase.

[Heath3n]

Each to their own but when it comes to track days or aggressive street riding I think your better to spent what you you think your heads worth.....as the old sayings go (a) "whats your head worth?" & (B) $10.00 head for a $10.00 helmet"......a helmet without Snell or European equivalent should make you go mmmmm..... ....

If you spend alot of money on helmets, you're buying features, comfort, and/or fit. You're not buying more protection. A $96 HJC(with dot/snell cert.) on clearance is going to protect your head just as well as a $600 dollar Arai. FWIW I have a Scorpion EXO700 and a Caberg Justissimo GT.