Okay I am a beginner in bikes which is why I joined this community.
They say helmets should be in great quality and in great condition. So can anyone help me with helmets, the brand of helmet that is really good and really reliable?
What are some factors to consider in buying one?
Suggestions, opinions and experiences would be great help and would be highly appreciated.
I look for helmets that are DOT approved and are light weight. I prefer a half helmet and Vega is my favorite because they are light weight, low profile and you can get them with vents. These are fairly inexpensive.
If you want a full face helmet, Arai and Shoei are generally considered to be superior. They are hand made, DOT and SNELL approved and are said to have good venting. You pay premium price for these.
Lastly, HJC makes a pretty good helmet that is in the medium price range with fairly decent features. I also like the Scorpion 3/4 helmet but I don't think it's quite as fancy as an HJC.
This is only MY opinion. The best helmet is the one that you will wear all the time.
The most important thing with buying a helmet is to buy one that fits the shape of your head. Helmets can come in round to oval shape. Best thing you can do is to try a bunch of different helmets and it you can get professionally fitted by a helmet dealer, that would be my advice. Also, buy the best you can afford. In my opinion, you really do what you pay for!
Check out www.webbikeworld.com for any gear related reviews. Their helmet reviews are fantastic.
I have an Arai RX-Q and that was the helmet I found that fit the shape of my head best. It's very lightweight and quiet. I can wear it all day comfortably without fatigue or headaches.
It got good reviews also also sell different brands of helmets. So no worry about knowing most brands of good helmets. But is is safe to buy online? How can you be so sure that the helmet you purchased fits you well if you haven't try it on first?
Definitely try it on first. At the very least try on helmets in-store and if you find a better price then order online. Otherwise if you have to make exchanges shipping costs could really add up.
You should know that some helmets, like Shoei, also have cheek pads that can be changed to further adjust the fit of the helmet. The different sized pads add to the expense of an already expensive helmet. But like She Wolf said, you get what you pay for...
Couple of things from my perspective, don't buy a used helmet and don't buy online. You will want to try on a few different helmets as they will vary in size from one manufacture to another. helmets made of fiberglass generally weigh less that rotomold (plastic) helmets. As mentioned in the other posts look for the certification sticker on the inside of the helmet and not just for the DOT or SNELL sticker on the outside of the helmet, it will be located on the shell under the padding, this will also tell you the date the helmet was manufactured on.
There are many helmets also using the European certification along with the DOT, I wont say one is better that the other, but this is just something that you might want to consider when buying a helmet.
There isn't anything wrong with buying online. Just make sure you try on the make/model you want in the store to ensure fit and comfort before you order online to perhaps save a few bucks.
I have been quite satisfied with two bought online.
Indeed you should try on the helmet before you buy one. But keep in mind once you buy it you cannot return it to retail stores (at least Harley dealers do not accept returns).
To me weight is a big factor. I thought I'd look at a HD carbon fiber half helmet (mfg by HJC according to the HD website) but found it weighed 28 oz and cost $250. You can get a HD Hybrid ultra light (mfg by KBC) that weighs 22 oz for $200. I was surprised the hybrids weigh less and cost less than the carbon fiber.
So HD gets their helmets from KBC or HJC. You could go to their websites, select one you like and then try them on to see which fits.
I ride in Texas so I prefer the half helmets. I have one that has a zip in liner that covers the ears and back of the neck which is great in colder temps. If I rode a lot in colder temps, I would think a 3/4 or full face helmet would be preferred.
I just purchased 2 Nolan 43E, typically I ride with a small DOT helmet just so I don't give them a reason to pull me over, but I ride a lot and I am cooking my nose with the sun so I hope to get some UV protection with my shield down. I do use sun block, but two friends had large chunks of their nose removed due to skin cancer and I don't want that! Also thinking about hooking up a J&M or other communication device so the wife and I can talk. (I like talking to her!)
I just bought the new Icon Airmada. After researching helmets I think Icon has some really top of the line features for the money. Their helmets are also vented very well for year round comfort.
As some have mentioned head shape has a lot to do with fit, the Airmada and I believe the Icon Alliance helmets are shaped more for oval heads. The Airmada comes with cheek pads for better fit.
Great question, glad you are looking at information on safety equipment. Just to get started, all helmets sold in the United States must be DOT certified, additionally some helmet manufacturers will hold a SNELL certification too, and here recently you might see helmets that have a European cert called a ECE 22.05. There is endless information as to what is better and if paying the extra money for a SNELL helmet is worth the money, your choice.
I would first go to a retailer that sells helmets, try them on, see what you like, find the features that work for you, and try to find something that fits your budget. I currently have something like 12 or 13 helmets as I like different helmets when I am on different bikes. One of my favorite style helmets is the flip-up full face, it gives me great protection and the ability to open it up at places like gas stations, albeit they are a little noisy.
Good luck and your best tool is the computer for information, many good inexpensive helmets out there, spend the time and do your research.....few good brands are Shoei, Arai, HJC, Scorpion, bell, and the list goes on.
I agree with Greg, do your online shopping, when you go to the dealer to try on helmets, you will be ready to decide if you want the helmet. Thats what he is there for,
not to help that online store. Support your local businesses.
I spent a couple of hours trying on helmets and found a gmax that fit but felt tight, the salesman told me it would loosen up a little bit when worn for awhile. and they were right. has turned out to be a good fit. I now have 3 gmax helmets, a half a fullface and a 3/4. wear the fullface the most ,the 3/4 if really hot,and the half hangs in the shed. only wish is that the fullface was easyer to get on
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