what brand helmet?

[cruisin]

  My Nolan N102 helmet is nearing time for replacement.  I've been considering a lower cost helmet as the big brand names are getting so expensive.  What's good, bad, and ugly out there? Are the HJC, LS2, Bell, G-Max, etc. worth looking at? They are half the price of the Nolans and others.

[Sport-Touring]

[expatbrit]

I have an RS-1. Very happy with it. Snell 2010 and the photochromic visor is grear

[Flyer]

I'm on my third HJC Symax modular, and Santa has a standing request for a fourth.

[Blue is Best]

I have a Bell, Bilt and KBC. As long as the helmet meets the specs I buy features, design/color and price. I don't wear the KBC, although I like it, due to design. Sort of grew out of the design.

[st2sam]

I've tried just about every brand out there.

My favorite is Shoei, expensive, but bought on sale or a non-current model is not bad.

IMO best bang for the buck, from what I've read and reviews, LS2.

[FJRider]

For around town I wear an Arai RX-Q. For touring it a Schuberth C3 Pro. Terribly expensive choices. One is for safety the other is for silence on the road.

[ToadRide]

Very happy with my Shoei Neotech. Was a replacement for my HJC and shows quite a difference. Was riding with a friend recently who had a Schuberth modular and he doesn't use earplugs because he says the wind reduction is so good.

[Tmds3]

I have worn the HJC and liked them, I have 2 Bilt helmets that are ok, but not a lot of ventilation , I now own 2 Scorpion EXO-700 helmets and really like them a lot.

[PatM]

I had a kbc for a while. It was a notch above the other cheap or medium priced helmet. Comfortable and not too noisy. I retired it after a crash.
I now have higher end helmets, shuberth and a shoei neotec. They are a notch above in comfort and noise cancelling.
Comfort is IMO the premier reason to select an helmet over another. Not price.

[jay547]

I wear what fits my head. Of the ten or so brands that I've tried, HJC does that best.

[GvG]

I have never owned any system helmets, but here's a quick overview of a recent test of 14 of them by German Motorrad. The short conclusion (every helmet also has a larger 'good' and 'bad' section, so if you want to know it for any of them, just ask):

Airoh Phantom inadequate
Heavy at 1.8 kilograms, high HIC (Head Injury Collision) _{[lower is better]} values and also extremely noisy at higher speeds.

BMW 6 Evo very good
comfort, safety and functionality at the highest level

Held CT-1200 good
below 1.5 kilograms, that's almost sensational. Also good when riding

HJC IS-Max II good (Best Buy)
gives its price segment competitors and some much more expensive competitors a hard time

IXS HX325 inadequate
looks well made at first glance, but doesn't live up to that in practice, especially not in the HIC value

LS2 FF325 Strobe adequate
HIC value is really good. Lack of comfort and in fit

Nishua NFX-1 Carbon good
[excellent performance on the weight scale. In many other ways, sadly, the opposite. In this price range more quality is expected

ROCC 680/681 inadequate
The outer shell is exactly the same as the (twice as expensive) Held. The inner side is a different matter. Multiple flaws in fit.

ROOF Desmo inadequate
Noisy

Schuberth C3 Pro very good (Test Winner)
Comfort is top notch

Scorpion Exo-3000 Air good
Stability is good, noise level less so. HIC value somewhat disappointing

Shark Evoline Series 3 adequate
Sensational good HIC value

[Blue is Best]

Yeah, but, where are the brands we over here usually buy?

[GvG]

Yeah, but, where are the brands we over here usually buy?

Some manufacturers refuse to take part in the tests and something like Bell or Simpson is really hard to get over here. And I have no idea what are standard brands in the USA. If these are also 'made in the USA', it's likely they are very rare over here.

[Blue is Best]

Some manufacturers refuse to take part in the tests and something like Bell or Simpson is really hard to get over here. And I have no idea what are standard brands in the USA. If these are also 'made in the USA', it's likely they are very rare over here.

Yeah, the test represented what you usually get and a test over here would probably represent what we usually get. Fair is fair.

[Dan K]

I wear what fits my head.

You need to figure out what shaped head you have and find a helmet that is made to fit that shape. That's more important than brand. Some brands have multiple shapes (like Arai, but they're expensive). Others are more suitable to round heads, others for more oval heads.

Fit over brand. Function over form.

Rant over.


 -Dan

[Volfy]

^ this.

[R Doug]

You need to figure out what shaped head you have and find a helmet that is made to fit that shape. That's more important than brand. Some brands have multiple shapes (like Arai, but they're expensive). Others are more suitable to round heads, others for more oval heads.

Fit over brand. Function over form.

Rant over.


 -Dan

^ this.

+2

[Oxblood]

I am partial to HJC. I have had the SymaxII, the Symax III, the IS MAX BT, FS-15 and I am now using the IS MAX II. All have been excellent helmets at very competitive prices. My only criticism of the IS MAX II, which is my current gear is it is a bit loud.  Other than that it is a very good helmet for less than 3 bills.

[cruisin]

I guess I should have noted I am on my third Nolan since 2000 and about 300K miles in them.  I know what shape I need, I'm just hoping to get some second opinions on the newer brands, as technology does move forward and generally brings prices down on quality products.  That said, I think the 300+$$ helmets are very fine pieces of equipment, but do some of the new brands offer just as good of protection, comfort and overall quality at half the price?  That's the bigger question in my mind.

[NotDeadYet]

The last 3 helmets I have owned have all been Shoei.  I had an RF1000 which I crashed.  I then used an RF1100 which I still have and I found an online deal on a Shoei X12 which was too good to pass up.  I still use the RF1100 occasionally but my X12 has become my go to helmet.  Of all of the helmets I have owned or tried on in the shop the Shoei just seems to fit me best.  As noted earlier get the helmet that fits best.  I think most of the better helmets sold these days will all do a good job of protecting you in the event of a crash.  Having said that I would never ride without a full face helmet.  I do like the idea of a modular for convenience when filling up and at quick stops but I have never found one that made me feel as secure as a full face does.

[Dan K]

Revzilla appears to have a descriptor for the shape of the helmets it sells - if you always like Nolan, the couple I looked at have a pretty neutral shape, right in the middle between narrow and round heads.

If that's you shape, you should pick a Nolan or other helmet that has a similar shape.

I personally like my Arai Corsair, but it was insanely expensive despite the good fit and finish and venting. My daily helmet is a Shoei Neotec - modular, with a pinlock visor, still pretty quiet, pretty comfy, nice quality.Both of these are slightly on the round side, but Revzilla really does appear to show you the shape of each helmet they offer for sale.
One of my buddies is a loyal AGV customer, loves them.

Assuming you are properly fitted in a neutral helmet, find some helmets that are the right shape, THEN decide. Hope that helps

 -Dan

[R Doug]

Revzilla appears to have a descriptor for the shape of the helmets it sells - if you always like Nolan, the couple I looked at have a pretty neutral shape, right in the middle between narrow and round heads.

If that's you shape, you should pick a Nolan or other helmet that has a similar shape.

Another + 1 on this advice!


In addition, Webbikeworld keeps a log of helmet shapes on the lids they test.


http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm

[ffb13]

webbikeworld is your best source.
i just received yesterday my new helmet. a schuberth C3...now discounted to $500. by revzilla. the replacement ,the c3pro is over $750 and not to be discounted for a while.
this is about the best you can get ,but ,it is modular ,all mine have been modular except for a shoei .
the key is FIT.
i have a head that is 59.6  and the llarge on schuberth is too tight ..the xl is loose . i ended up with the xl and will now add some fabric inside around and behind liner to compensate or maybe send it back.

[Volfy]

Beyond fit, which is 80% of the game, the rest of it comes down to which features and performance are important to you.

For me... ventilation is absolutely No.1!  I live and ride here in hot and humid weather, and nothing goes on my head unless it can flow enough air to keep my nogging cool.  The X-11 was best I could find.  It was loud as all get go but boy does it flow some air through all them vents.  I love my first one so much, I bought another one on closeout before they were all gone.  The X-12 is probably better, but for my purpose, I didn't see paying another $300 to get the latest.  I use it mainly for spirited rides and track days.

For everyday riding though, comfort and convenience are also important.  So I bought a Neotec.  Flip up lid, built in pockets for speakers, integral visor, and pinlock make for a lid that is very easy to live with.  Ventilation is a big challenge for helmets with integral visor.  I can definitely tell Neotec is not as good as X-11, but it is one of the best ventilators with a built-in visor.

[ToadRide]

I have certainly noticed my Neotec's ventilation. It is truely the best I've had for topside cooling when the sun is beating down. But, I've also noticed noise difference when you open the top front vent. Lets a lot of wind noise in.

[R Doug]

Ventilation is a funny thing.  While I believe my Neotec vents better than my old C3, I find the lid to be a bit unbearable once temps reach in the 90s.  When it's that warm out, I'll wear my XD-4 dual sport helmet.  I used to wear my track day lid on hot days, a Corsair V, but it's well beyond its freshness date now.    Nothing vented better than that Arai.  But, it was noisy whereas the Neotec is very quite in comparison (not bad for being a modular).  

That said, while I may find the Neotec's ventilation to be OK for most riding, someone may find its venting to be better or worse depending on the wind flow from the bike they're riding and the rider's position on the bike (tilt of head and height of rider).  I find that with slight changes to tilt of my head, ventilation changes significantly.  

[Orson]

In addition, Webbikeworld keeps a log of helmet shapes on the lids they test.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm

This a great link for future reference  

I'm going to move this thread to the Gear & Apparel Section and pin it  

[scarecrow]

I tried one of the cheaper second tier helmets. It was a $180 Hawk with Bluetooth and although it initially looked and felt like quality it rapidly deteriorated. In cold weather it squeaked and made constant cracking noises. It's aerodynamics were so terrible that the howling and shrieking of the wind made the Bluetooth only useable in the living room when everyone was gone and the house was completely silent, then you could hear the speakers, sort of. Since then I've paid much closer attention to the reviews of other owners. I now wear a Nolan, $345. It was worth the extra money. I still use the Hawk ... as a parts bucket.

[Volfy]

Ventilation is a funny thing.  While I believe my Neotec vents better than my old C3, I find the lid to be a bit unbearable once temps reach in the 90s.  When it's that warm out, I'll wear my XD-4 dual sport helmet.  I used to wear my track day lid on hot days, a Corsair V, but it's well beyond its freshness date now.    Nothing vented better than that Arai.  But, it was noisy whereas the Neotec is very quite in comparison (not bad for being a modular).  

That said, while I may find the Neotec's ventilation to be OK for most riding, someone may find its venting to be better or worse depending on the wind flow from the bike they're riding and the rider's position on the bike (tilt of head and height of rider).  I find that with slight changes to tilt of my head, ventilation changes significantly.  

Once ambient goes much above 93F, you really only want just enough air flow to evaporate sweat off you scalp.  Any more air flow, especially directed at your face, and the hot air only adds heat to your cooling load.  Sames as with wearing gear.  You actually want to cover up your body to shield from the hot ambient air, and only allow enough air flow to evaporate off sweat.

See here: http://www.ironbutt.com/ibmagazine/IronButt_1002_62-66_Hot.pdf

[tjhess74]

I have become a big fan of LS2 helmets.  I have about 30k miles on my FF386 (full face modular).  It is worn daily and the interior has had numerous trips to the washing machine.  The liner still looks new, and the only noticeable wear is on the padded strips that sit between the chin strap and my neck/chin. The sun visor and main visor fit and lock as when new and all the rubber seals and vents are like new. It has seen 100 degree, high humidity summers and winters in the teens as well as full sun all the way to frog-choking down pours.

The helmet is very comfortable.  The airflow isn't as much as some more expensive helmets and the wind noise is typical for a modular.  For the price, the fit and quality is top notch.  When it comes time to replace this one, a second one will cover my head.

[expatbrit]

I will say that my AGV Corsa (bought on line because it matches my leathers) is superb. I really can feel the difference in aerodynamics between it and the Bell. It's not worth twice as much, but the beer talked me into it.

The vision port is much taller, it seems. Helps with visibility when I'm on a sportier bike. It's not as plush, and I don't think I'd use it as an every day, though.

[caasland]

Once you figure out what fits, look for "new old stock" for sale. motorcyclecloseouts.com has been good to me for finding helmets that have been sitting a shelf for 2+ years.

The key is understanding that you're getting a discount because there is less "life" left in the helmet. The rule of thumb is "Seven years from date of manufacture, five years from first use, which ever comes first". Thus, a 2013 Bell RS-1 purchased today would have another four years left in the EPS, but at 50% off that may be worth it, and is usually my justification for purchasing helmets this way.

For previous model years you'll need to consider that head shapes can change, i.e. the 2013 RS-1 does not fit like a 2015 RS-1 (or a Star helmet for that matter).

[Swagfu]

I have two Arai Signet Q full face helmets on the shelf which are long oval and fit my head like a glove. I have a scorpion half helmet which fits well, but I don't wear it very often as I just don't feel as safe in it. I have an Arai XC 3/4 helmet, which I thought would be a nice midpoint between the Signet and the Scorpion. Not too bad while riding and the still felt pretty safe, but the helmet just doesn't fit right. Has a pressure point on my forehead, so its in the box. Doing about a 100 miles in the XC and the helmet was killing me. Luckily I was riding to a JP Cycles near Daytona. Got there and bought a Bell Qualifier DLX for the ride home. Thought that if I didn't like it, I could return. Find out on the way home, that while it seems a little snug it didn't give me any problems with hurting my head. Took two more rides with it and I actually like it. Even put a Sena 10 on it. So looks like I'm keeping it. I was relieved to finally find an inexpensive alternative to the Arai. I love Arai, but at $600 a pop, they just kill my bank account. The Bell was $250, and it can be found online for about $150. A little heavier than the Arai, but this is a great alternative. Plus it has the transitions face shield. And that, I love!

[DbleDutch]

HJC IS-Max II good (Best Buy)
gives its price segment competitors and some much more expensive competitors a hard time

This is my current helmet, lots of features for the $$. I liked the test results of not unlatching in the tests. Sound control is adequate. Comfort and air flow is good.