VFR Newbie needs helmet advice

Yes, I'm a newbie to the VFR world . And, it's been a while since I've been riding in general. I would love your expert opinion on a good helmet for me. I am going to be using bike for commuting 2-3 weeks 65 miles each way. I dont need anything fancy. I want something relatively inexpensive. I plan on getting bluetooth/ipod adapter.
Any input would help me and would really be appreciated!! Thx in advance.

 

Check this one out, very reasonable and will give you a new helmet if you in a wreck. I am impress with their policy. Have not try it yet.
SPARX HELMETS

 

Helmets all seem to fit a little different. So long as they are DOT and ANSI approved they are relatively safe. I am not a fan of flip up face shields though. I think the hinge is the weak spot that does not exsist on the full face. Ventilation is big but depending on the weather you ride in, the ability to keep moisture out will be compromised on favour of good ventilation.

 

What size do you wear? I have a Shoei X11 in size Large sitting at home that I could part with for $100. It has the dark visor and I should have the clear one somewhere as well as the original box w/manual, etc.

 

Your first mistake is coming here for an "expert" opinion! j/k Take a look at and try some helmets on at somewhere local so you can get an idea of what fits you or if you know for sure you'll fit in a Shoei X11 size large, take up Cornerexit on his offer, an X11 for $100 is hard to beat. Although I personally wouldn't buy one, Cycle Gear has their Bilt line of helmets that are designed for the budget conscience, some have bluetooth built in (no pun intended). That being said, like Randy mentioned, DOT, ANSI or SNELL certifications would be the ones to look for.

Take a look at this website it might give you a better idea on helmets, I think these guys are actually "experts"...Motorcycle Helmet Shapes - webBikeWorld

 

I measured around my forehead completely around my head (the largest diameter) and it was 24 inches. So, not sure if that would be a large or XL. If you dont know , I can go try some on. Do you have any pics? Thank you so much for your offer.

 

Check oot Scorpion rockon , I have no complaints on mine---like the pump action----can make it allot firmer if ya wish

 

I'd find out what the motorcycle magazines have to say about helmets, but always remember they're influenced by advertizing $$$$.

 

One problem is, is that different helmets fit different shaped heads. So I guess what you need to do is what was said earlier here, go try on a few different brands until you find one that fits you well. A cheaper Bell may fit you great while a high end Shoei may fit like shit.

I didn't realize that there were helmets out there that you could pump air into to make a firm snug fit. Maybe Scorpion may be the answer for you. So happens my Shoei fits me like a glove once it broke in, but I recall thinking that maybe I made a mistake at first with this helmet. My Sharke, the one I had before the Shoei was a nice helmet but did not fit my knoggen well at all.

 

Originally patented by the Marriage Improvement industry, it's multiple uses have proliferated beyond limit.

 

As previously mentioned Scorpion makes an excellent helmet for a decent price.

I own two traditional helmets (Shoei / Scorpion) and 2 modular helmets (AGV / Vemar) and I find myself wearing my flip up modular helmets the most. Modulars are a bit heavier and noisier than traditional helmets but they are so convenient and I absolutely love them.


Rollin

 

According to most harleydoods helmets are for pussies. Wearing them interferes with their way of life.

Maybe it's really the other way round and they just don't get it.

 

You most definitely need to try different brand/shape helmets. For years I suffered with a pressure spot on my forehead while wearing Shoei, HJC, Bell etc. Finally found out I have a "long oval" head shape when I was trying on a friends helmet. Promptly went out and spent the bucks to buy a Arai that is by far the most comfortable (for me) helmet I have had since my Simpson helmets I used in the late 1980's with my race car. Also, Beware the flip ups. I have read that they are essentially an open face helmet with a matching face shield and the dealer (BMW - I know them very well) where I bought my Arai told me the same thing and I was looking a flip up he had that was at least $150 more than the Arai.

Also, helmets have a "shelf life" that runs, according to the Snell Foundation, of 5 years from the date of first use and in no event more than 7 years from the date of manufacture. This date can be found on a sticker/tag under the helmet liner and that sticker is required to be placed there by the manufacturer.

Round head? PM Sent to you on a carbon fiber one I have.

 

I have it from a reliable source that this guy is talking to one of his favorite helmet manufacturers.

http://photos.imageevent.com/motorbiker/newspics4/Phoning-and-Riding-Bad.jpg

 

The best thing to do is find a shop with a decent variety of lids & just try them on. Wear them around the store for a good ten minutes and see what feels right. At first don't worry about price, start with fit & then when you've got that figured out you can make some educated decisions about the $$.
It's worth investing a little bit of time in getting the fit right. Because, by hour three a helmet that doesn't sit right- sucks!

 

If price is a main concern, speed and strength makes great helmets with pretty good graphics! Good luck!!!

 

+1 on this.:thumb:

There is no substitute for trying helmets on - especially if like me you need to wear glasses. OK once you find a model and size which works - by all means check the web price - but you may find having a retailer fall-back may be worthwhile if you later encounter problems the helmet, as on-line retailers rarely allow helmets to be returned.

A good retailer will offer advice but don't be rushed into buying any helmet. As long as they have suitable safety ratings, fit is a more important criteria, than price. Few shops carry all ranges so don't expect to find something suitable in the first shop you visit, if nothing feels right try another shop. Be prepared to keep trying until you find something which works for you, and also consider how easy it is to get the helmet on and off. A D link fastener is probably stronger but a ratchet latch will be more convenient.

Full face designs are the way to go for optimum protection. Most top manufacturers have figured out how to make really robust flip up versions - but they will always be heavier than a full face design. If you want a flip-up - just make sure the latch feels like it engages securely.

If you need to wear glasses you will find there are a few helmet designs which have extra space in the padding above the ear to avoid helmets pressing painfully onto glasses.

A helmet must fit snugly, if they are too loose and come off in a crash they are not worth owning or wearing.

Other factors which you may want to think about are whether it provides good peripheral vision, ventilation control, integral sun-visors ( great if you need to contend with rising/setting sun during your commute) and of course noise levels. If you want to be able to hear GPS directions there are now relatively cheap Bluetooth add-on options which can be added to most helmets, and many major brands now offer integral audio features in some helmets.

On the long commuting trips you are planning, noise will be important. Wind noise is a stealth risk, which you may not notice at the time but can quickly cause temporary or even permanent hearing damage, and result in conditions like tinnitus. Once you suffer hearing loss, it will rarely get better, so if there is a choice, I suggest you chose the quietest you can afford. Custom fit earplugs are a good idea.

If it helps - I tend to check out the reviews on this website site as it has loads of fairly impartial reviews by bikers of biking equipment - not advertorials.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-clothing/Motorcycle-clothing.htm

Hope that helps




SkiMad

 

This is good advice.
I have an Icon Alliance, and I like it. Fits pretty well for me and comfy. Seemed to breathe pretty decently in the hot Texas summer. I got mine from revzilla.com for $130. Of course after I tried several on at my local bike shop.

 

And don't forget, helmets have a shelf life depeding on the helmet so if you're looking at used ones, keep that in mind. Also make sure that they have not been dropped or damaged, as that can comprimise the helmet.

 

I'm with Duccmann. I just bought two of these and love em! EXO1100