Helmet Time

No I don't want to start a general discussion. I need a new helmet. I know what I want and even the size. Helmets are very expensive in Canada so I wanted to buy on line but would like to know if anyone has any experience with on line helmet purchases. Obviously I want new and well packed to ensure no chance of damage. My head may not be much but it is the only one I have.

 

Helmet Harbor and Helmet Depot immediately come to mind.

ANY of the major Moto Parts & Accessories retailers (Dennis Kirk, Competition Accessories, New Enough, etc) will send everything in original boxes, and well packed.
You can return anything damaged in shipment, so they're generally very careful.

I like to support my local reputable retailers (the small shops, not the huge rip-off dealers) as much as possible.

I have a good relationship with a local guy that knows I'm always poor and gives me his best price; he knows that I respect that he is entitled to a reasonable profit.
It's a win/win situation.
He gets all my business, and a small profit each time.

You might contact a local place and ask something like "It would cost me X-much online, with shipping. I'd rather spend my money with you. What price could you give me?".

If it's within about 10%, including shipping, I'll pay the small premium to keep a local business in business to support other bikers.

 

Grinder, thats exactly what I have done recently with my gear. They didn't have an issue. I even used the same line... "would rather buy it from you than online or go to the US" which is no BS, its true.

Check your PM.

 

I used www.tonker.com for my helmet. Good prices, quick delivery. Check around for specials!!!!!

 

I've bought several helmets from Dennis Kirk, and their sizing chart (at least for HJC) is spot on. I have never had a fit issue ordering with them, and sine it's over $100 every time, the shipping is free.

 

Thats what I would rather do but I haven't been able to find the right size and colour. Size yes colour yes but not both at the same time. For a pretty big city the local supplies seem to be very limited.

 

I always wait 'till January and hit the bike shows in toronto. I bought a SHOEI X11 this jan. for under 600 bucks. thats a steal for that helmet. There has to be some big shows coming up out there in the new year. I'd wait till then.

 

Hey Grinder, meddle might be right, i got a screaming deal on a dirt bike helmet at tadex bike show few years back, comes up in jan sometime.
Locally i find holeshot in langley willing to deal on accessories, not bad selection either. seems like a lot of local shops dont have as much selection anymore. i guess online buying is hard to compete with.

 

I buy most of my stuff on line including helmets. I purchase new on eBay and am an Arai fan. Know thy head in terms of shape...round...medium or long oval etc... which matters as much as size. Order what you measure in terms of circumference is generally the best advice. A further tip...try the helmet you like on in a store. Remove the face pads because the halo fit is key. On Arai's face pads come in different sizes as rider's face volume doesn't necessary line up with head circumference. I have a Long Oval shaped head and therefore either the Signet or Profile work for me. Arai's rock IMHO.
Good Luck,
George

 

Canadian Retail Robbery

I'm in the same boat grinder. Need helmet, jacket, and pants. Went looking in Ottawa a few days ago at two prominent outlets. Prices were pure, unadulterated highway robbery. One example: $849 for an Arai Profile that sells online in the US for $429. I have plenty of other examples but the bottom line is clear:

Canadians are being taken to the cleaners!

 

Like usual...

 

Amen to that, I'm in Windsor, lots of griping about cross border shopping here but if the locals would smarten up and quit trying to get rich off of every sale there wouldn't be an issue. IE: 2 miles from my house gas is $1.75 a gallon less after all the conversion, DUH!

 

If you have a relationship with your local dealer you can get real deals. Every year when the new models and colors come out the older ones go on sale to the resellers at dramatic discounts, (100 to 350 off!) My dealer will order the closeout and pass the savings on to me. (Why I have 4 helmets in the garage right now! None over 2 years old.)