A decent helmet for $100-$150?

DOHC1

DOHC1

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Getting ready for my first year of riding comming up.. Got my 250r sitting in the garage, and all the gear I'll need minus a helmet. I've been doing a little research and have pretty much realised they will all protect my melon as long as they are DOT approved, but the more $$ you spend, the better build quality you get (wind noise, comfort etc). Budget is about $100 - $150, just want to get a helmet so I can ride for now, and then down the road upgrade to a $400+ helmet once I realise what I look for in a helmet (and save up some more money!). I've used a cheap HJC helmet in the past, and it wasn't horrible..however, I'm looking for some insight from you guys on any other brands that offer a good helmet in this price range. Thanks!
 
I was just going to suggest HJC lol. I think that's one of a very few decent manufacturers in that price range (definitely go to the January show, there will be deals on lids there). You can also check Pannon, the store is closed but he might have some Shark helmets left - they were liquidating $400 helmets for like 150. The only other decent brand in that price range I can think of is Scorpion.
 
My primary helmet is my Bell Vortex, DOT and SNELL 2010 approved. Comfortable, nice looking in flat black, good ventilation. Look at the reviews, they all love it. The only problem is that it's a little noisy, fixed by wearing ear plugs.

My other helmet is an older Icon Alliance SSR. I hear the new ones have been changed, they are a good buy. Mine was older stock. Still works great, not as big as the Vortex, not quite as comfortable, but still a good buy.
 
when i was buying my first helmet, the salesman gave me some valuable information.
"if you have a budget, buy cheaper jacket, boots etc. dont go cheap on a helmet because you only have one head and once its damaged youre done"

even if it is DOT certified, i still wouldnt trust a canadian tire brand helmet
 
Find a sale on a HJC or Scorpion lid. I have a HJC I picked up at Royal that was on sale for $95 all-in and I was quite surprised how decent it is. It's not as light, well vented, or fogfree as my Shark RSR2 that I use daily and at the track but I wouldn't have any concerns that it isn't up to the task of protecting my head. Comfortable and well padded, nicely adjustable visor, looks good. Good choice imo.
 
awesm-o said:
when i was buying my first helmet, the salesman gave me some valuable information.
"if you have a budget, buy cheaper jacket, boots etc. dont go cheap on a helmet because you only have one head and once its damaged youre done"

even if it is DOT certified, i still wouldnt trust a canadian tire brand helmet
Click to expand...

You might want to look up some helmet reviews. As far as crash protection goes, the "cheap" ones often out-perform the premium name brands.
 
Cyclegear.com has a bell modular helmet on sale for $100 I think. For modular it looks great
 
take your $150 to the bike show and you may just get a good helmet. Either way you'll get to try almost every make available in north America under one roof.
 
awesm-o said:
when i was buying my first helmet, the salesman gave me some valuable information.
"if you have a budget, buy cheaper jacket, boots etc. dont go cheap on a helmet because you only have one head and once its damaged youre done"

even if it is DOT certified, i still wouldnt trust a canadian tire brand helmet
Click to expand...
The salesman is the first person to listen to when you try to buy something :lmao:
Some of them are selling ice to Inuits though...
 
Might want to try helmets on first, fit is more important than price, you aren't buying commodities, it HAS to fit your head or it's worthless.

Thinking price = quiet, you've been misled.

Get a helmet that fits, wear earplugs, enjoy.
 
Go to the January bike show. You can find all sorts of helmets for sale. Vendors are usually selling off last years models cheap.

I plan to be picking up a new lid for this years riding season at the show.
Good luck, and go with your gut. If it feels right, that's all that's going to matter when your logging seat time in the summer.

Cheers

James
 
+1 for the bell vortex but also +1 for having to try things on. It might not fit you. The vortex made my shoei rf1000 feel cheap and tacky and the rf was 3x the price. Got the vortex at the jan show last year for 110 all in flat black. The good thing about the vortex is the padding all comes out for washing and is really soft. Bell is alao the only one with the auto transition visor. The bad thing is the vortex has one shell size for all sizes so unleas you wear xl the helmet looks big

Sent from my samsung galaxy using Tapatalk
 
I own an Arai Corsair V, Shoei RF1000, Shoei RF1100, Scorpion Exo 700, Airoh Modular, Icon, and a Suomi.


The Scorpion is heavy and the side plate bolt broke off. Besides from the bolt breaking and the weight, the scorpion is up there on my daily riding. Hell, I prefer the Scorpion then the Airoh, Icon, and RF1000. I got the Exo700 for 199$!!!
 
Tri-City Sports at Southworks in Cambridge. Sharks for 75 bucks. I have HJC Sharks and Scorpion. The Scorpion I use the most. Size wise the Shark and Scorpion are very similar.
 
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Thanks for the responses guys, I will definately be going to the January show to pick up my helmet. The helmet fitting properly is my primary concern, which is why I haven't ordered online. I'm surprised that the "cheaper" ones sometimes outperform the "expensive" ones, I guess their marketing techniques worked on me :(. I'm perfectly fine with an HJC, as long as it is DOT or SNELL approved.

While we're on this topic..how are deals on jackets at the show? Might pick up a spare while im there

Can't wait for the show!
 
When a salesman says something like, "Well, if ya got a 99-dollar head, buy a 99-dollar helmet, now here's a real safe lid for only $699 ... " then you have the wrong salesman. That jerk is thinking of commission, and not of your safety. Find another salesman; there are surely enough of those!.

Bear in mind that a helmet is not purely a safety device. Like any other piece of safety gear, it includes hazards. Among them are noise. The helmet impairs your hearing and reduces your ability to hear important things such as sirens, skidding vehicles, and engines making dangerous noises. The helmet also makes noise, sometimes such a racket that you cannot use the helmet safely even with earplugs.

So you cannot evaluate how a helmet suits you until you ride while wearing it. I suggest you make that part of the deal. Insist on the opportunity to take a test ride BEFORE BUYING. Do not be fooled by, "Well, if you don't like this one, you can exchange it on an Acme." That way you become a captive customer, forced to buy SOMETHING that is already in that particular store, whether or not the store has a helmet that will work for you. Leave a security deposit if necessary, but ride with the helmet before you commit to buying it.
 
if you want i can sell you my HJC IS-16 MC-5 with 2 visors for $150 i only used it for 5 months


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