Helmet Shopping

ddzc

ddzc

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Hey everyone,

I'm preparing to get my first bike on the road here and buying all of my gear. First thing on my list is the helmet. I checked a store out, they had many RF1200s by Shoei, very pricey though, 700-800. I don't really want to spend so much, considering all of the other gear I need. The shop had Icon Airmadas which were around half the price at about 400 with a couple of nice styles. For an even lower cost, HJC helmets. My main question is about the safety of a Shoei in comparison to the Icon helmets....is their a significant difference in regards to protection of your skull with hard impact between both manufacturers and models? How about the HJC?

I did take a look at the local classifieds, I saw some really nice styled older model Icons and Shoei RF1000 and RF1100s for really cheap, apparently "worn once", "never dropped"...I'm just not sure if I trust the used market for a helmet...thoughts?

Thanks!
D
 
First helmet go with something new. Also consider purchasing an extra visor dark, helpful for the sunny days.

Plus we all have different head shapes, you might like the looks of a Shoei by find out that is doesn't fit well.

Go to local shops and try them on, HJC, Scorpion and Bell are good quality.

I disagree with Joe, look for snell as well as DOT approved.
 
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There will be much debate on this topic. My view is that as long as they meet dot requirements, they are all as effective. The extra $$ will be for lighter, more comfortable, nicer designs, less wind noise etc.
I went with an HJC modular that cost me ~$100. It works. Depending on how soon you want/ need the lid, the spring motorcycle is in a few weeks. You should be able to get a deal there. Especially if you are like me and have no problem buying last year's stock.
The classifieds here and Kijiji are a great place for most gear, but I personally, would avoid a helmet. If for nothing but the "ick" factor.

Sent from a Samsung Galaxy far, far away using Tapatalk
 
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) is a consumer information initiative that was launched by the Department for Transport in 2007 following research that revealed real differences in the safety performance of motorcycle helmets available in the UK.
SHARP’s objective is to provide:
• clear advice on how to select a helmet that fits correctly and is comfortable, and secondly
• consumers with clear, impartial and objective information about the relative safety of motorcycle helmets available to riders in the UK
 
Both Scorpion and HJC make quality, lower priced helmets. Joe Rocket helmets are HJC, btw if you see one of those cheap. I don't believe Icon is any better than them. Icon cares more about style with their gear and clothing than anything else. Not to say that they are bad but you pay a premium for it.
I really like Shark helmets. Sometimes you can find them on sale.

Remember that low end helmets will be made out of some sort of thermoplastic while the better quality ones are composite (fibreglass and/or others).

A better built helmet will not only absorb more impact but it will be also generally lighter, better vented and have comfortable padding while offering more wind noise reduction.
 
ddzc said:
Hey everyone,

I'm preparing to get my first bike on the road here and buying all of my gear. First thing on my list is the helmet. I checked a store out, they had many RF1200s by Shoei, very pricey though, 700-800. I don't really want to spend so much, considering all of the other gear I need. The shop had Icon Airmadas which were around half the price at about 400 with a couple of nice styles. For an even lower cost, HJC helmets. My main question is about the safety of a Shoei in comparison to the Icon helmets....is their a significant difference in regards to protection of your skull with hard impact between both manufacturers and models? How about the HJC?

I did take a look at the local classifieds, I saw some really nice styled older model Icons and Shoei RF1000 and RF1100s for really cheap, apparently "worn once", "never dropped"...I'm just not sure if I trust the used market for a helmet...thoughts?

Thanks!
D
Click to expand...
I bought a rf1200 for $409 at speedworx last year. Contact them to see if they have any left overs or wait for their sale.

Having said that, I also bought an HJC CL-16 as my first helmet, brand new under $100.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
 
Thanks all!

I actually tried a few on and the Icon/Shoei models and they felt very good and snug when worn. I read a few older reviews about the Icon helmets and many have complains about the heavy wind noise. The reviews on the new models I was looking at on revzilla look pretty good though for these models.

P.S, the Icons are DOT and ECE approved. Something about the visor didn't make them SNELL approved.

I have quite a bit to learn..
 
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Regarding wind noise you should be riding with earplugs. Weird at first but you will get use to them.
 
Call me crazy. Try on a few different helmets to get an understanding of how their sizing fits your head. Not all "S" or "L" etc. fit alike.

Find something you like. Check out consumer and distributer product reviews.

You want protection. You want comfort. And you want features. Like ease of changing visors, finding replacements etc.

Establish a budget from your findings.

And then keep an eye out on kijiji or right here in gtam.

Some folks bought a helmet and didn't use it for some reason. Could have been for a partner or 2up friend and never used it.

Or maybe they bought it and it they don't like it or changed bikes and the color scheme doesn't work.

I picked up a nice Shoei Quest from a forum member here and it's been great.

Also picked up an HJC C-MAX and it's a good helmet
too.

I know I know, a used helmet could have been dropped and damaged etc.

It's your head and you get the helmet you deserve.

Will a thousand dollar helmet protect you better than a $200 helmet?

That's debatable.

A little research and you can find something that meets your needs and fits your budget and be very happy with it.




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OP.

Thermoplastic bounces on impact. composite crushes.

bouncing is bad.

thermoplastic is cheap, composite usually isn't
 
nakkers said:
Call me crazy. Try on a few different helmets to get an understanding of how their sizing fits your head. Not all "S" or "L" etc. fit alike.
Click to expand...

+1000 on this.

I had an HJC FG-17 for a while but always ended up with a sizzling hotspot on my forehead. Just could never get comfortable with that helmet. Last season I went to an Arai Signet and ended up in helmet nirvana such was the night and day difference in its fit versus the HJC. This is not to say there was anything wrong with the HJC, just that it didn't suit the shape of my noggin. If you look at the Signet online you'll see that it's suited to people with "a long narrow oval head-shape" (Revzilla's words).

Some people's heads are "round" and some are shaped like an "oval" and helmets are often tailored to suit different head shapes. Do some research and then go try some. Go to a decent shop and ask the sales person if they have any suggestions. If you find a helmet you think you like keep it on for 10 or 15 minutes while you look at other gear. You may think you look goofy but the longer you have it on the more apparent hotspots will become.

I'd only buy new. Helmets are comparatively fragile and sometimes damage can go undetected. Besides, other people's heads and hair and sweat are gross.
 
Blackfin said:
+1000 on this.

I had an HJC FG-17 for a while but always ended up with a sizzling hotspot on my forehead. Just could never get comfortable with that helmet. Last season I went to an Arai Signet and ended up in helmet nirvana such was the night and day difference in its fit versus the HJC. This is not to say there was anything wrong with the HJC, just that it didn't suit the shape of my noggin. If you look at the Signet online you'll see that it's suited to people with "a long narrow oval head-shape" (Revzilla's words).

Some people's heads are "round" and some are shaped like an "oval" and helmets are often tailored to suit different head shapes. Do some research and then go try some. Go to a decent shop and ask the sales person if they have any suggestions. If you find a helmet you think you like keep it on for 10 or 15 minutes while you look at other gear. You may think you look goofy but the longer you have it on the more apparent hotspots will become.

I'd only buy new. Helmets are comparatively fragile and sometimes damage can go undetected. Besides, other people's heads and hair and sweat are gross.
Click to expand...

Lol. Everyone has their threshold or tolerance of germs icky gross.

Folks sweat from everywhere. Done helmets allow the liner to be removed and washed.

But I understand being leery for both hygiene and safety. There is a risk to consider.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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I rode for 5 years with Icon, KBC, helmets and last season bought a shoei rf. It is way more comfortable, lighter and apparently protects better. It was the best upgrade I have ever made and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. Find someone selling a like new shoei helmet if money is the issue. Inspect the outershell for any signs of being dropped or scratched and check under the liner for any obvious cracks. If there are none, buy it - and enjoy the savings!

http://www.kijiji.ca/b-ontario/shoei-rf1000/k0l9004
 
Go new.
Go check out a store (gp, royal, snow city) and try on different ones to find what fits your head the best.
High end usually is lighter, quieter, and has more features.
I've always owned HJC & KBC as Shoei and Arai don't fit me.
My next helmet will be from AGV though.
 
Awesome, thanks a lot everyone!

I'm going to head back to the same store and try on a ton more models. I only tested a few and the shop was closing so I'm going to take the suggestions to test some more on. You're also all right about the head shapes being very different...the guy measured my head and advised to go for a M...and I couldn't even fit it on at all and my ears almost ripped off when I took it off. Large fitted perfect for me. One of the Icon models which I tried (higher end models) was crushing my cheek bones in, very uncomfortable. The RF1200 and the Airmada both fit nice and snug. Those were the only 3 models I tested though so I'm going to test out some others. The shop had Bell Qualifiers, Arai, HJC and Scorpion EXOR2000 models.

The Shoei are a bit out of my price range but I'm absolutely in love with the Shoei RF-1200 Diabolic model! The finish on that helmet is incredible! It's around $750 (with tax).

Back to the store for me this week to test some more and research a bit more in depth.

If I were to go used, I was eying this one, really nice helmet

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-motorcycle-p...on/shoei-graphic-motorcycle-helmet/1147150514

and

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-other/markham-york-region/mint-mint-mint-collectors-helments/1144495009

Much appreciated for the responses and help :)
 
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Bell Qualifier is a basic, entry level helmet that doesn't compare to others you've been mentioning. Polycarbonate = thermoplastic.
Nevertheless, if that's what you're looking for, then it's one of the better (cheap) helmets.

I also side with people above - don't buy used helmets.
 
My advice is to just buy less expensive gear first for a fewreasons:


  1. Since you haven’t been riding a lot, you don’treally know what you want in your gear and what matters to you – weight forlong rides? Sun visor? Venting? Noise? Looks (that may change on your othergear)? Comfort after break-in? Too warm or cold (for jackets)? Jacket doesn’tfit well with full gauntlets?
  2. You might not end up riding for a long time – thisis just a fact for many new riders, where many quit after a season or two, orinsurance gets hijacked
  3. It doesn’t hurt to have extra gear – either fora passenger, or a backup when you get caught out in the rain one day
  4. You have more potential to go down in your firstfew seasons, or drop your helmet accidentally – I’ve done both and sure as hellglad I didn’t start off with a Shoei X12 that rolled off my bike seat on awindy day

The only exceptions I would make to this rule are gloves andboots – even top of the line stuff is fairly affordable.

And yes, there are big differences between helmets that havethe same safety rating. Just look at ¾ helmets that are DOT approved. You thinkthat will do anything at all when you land chest first? Your jaw will getsmacked open. I’ve handled a friend’s cheap bell helmet and sure it was light…alsofelt like it had zero cushion and minimal protection. I’ve handled my otherfriend’s Bell (forget what model, it was carbon fiber) and it felt much better.I went from an Icon Domain II to a Shoei X12…..yeah, huge difference. I’m surethe icon was fairly decent in terms of safety, it was a pretty hefty helmetwith a lot of padding. But it wasn’t nearly as comfortable, or had comparableventing or ease of vent switches when you’re riding, and was wayyy heavier.Aerodynamically it wasn’t great and when I check blind spots the wind reallypushes hard against that helmet. No such problems with the Shoei.

If you keep riding, you’ll always want to upgrade and getmore gear anyways.

 
More gear is always better.
...I've allllllmost convinced my GF that it's best to buy a new helmet and jacket every year for "safety purposes". Hahaha
 
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