Does more money = a better helmet?

[Jarec]

Hi PCXers!

I'm using an inexpensive modular helmet with full face coverage (Hawk FS-901), DOT approved. It's comfortable enough and I'm used to it.

My question is whether I should invest more money in a "better" helmet. How would I know that a more expensive one is actually better? Are the big name brands actually better than others that are DOT approved? I'm guessing that there is a money premium for big names and style.

I know about the Snell Foundation certification, but apparently there is controversy about their criteria. See http://www.ridergroups.com/2020/how-imp ... le-helmet/.

What are your insights? Thanks! John

[SECoda]

I have a GMax modular GM54S with the tint screen and an iridium main screen on it and absolutely love it. The two colors (matte black - silver) were a few dollars more but I think it was $118 plus some extra shields I bought. Also, definitely a good bang for the buck type helmet. My friend works parts at a local power sports shop and he tells me the lines they are supposed to say to customers to get them to buy the real expensive ones. The first is always "how much is your brain worth?". The other vendors do market some things to try to justify the prices like carbon fiber, lighter weight, etc. He told me there is a mix of some truth to some of those but nothing that justifies the price in his opinion. My buddy with two Harleys dropped his $500 Shoie and broke it he said a few years back.

[ScooterMan]

I've been riding over 20 years, and I just wear the cheap stuff now. Full face "Bilt" from cycle gear for $29. I don't really think there's much difference. All either have a thermoplastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber shell with high density foam, the a felt or microfiber liner. Only diff I see is long term quality. My cheap Bilt helmet has stuff flaking off of it on the liner, but for the price, I don't complain. As far as the 5 year rule or replacing if dropped...how convenient that the helmet menufacturers would recommend replacement in such cases.

I have an old Arai, and have had several nice Shoei/Arai's over the years. Got kids now and price is a factor now. If I could tell a difference, I'd pay for it, but afaik, it's not what brand of helmet you're wearing, but the style (full face vs skull cap) that would make any appreciable difference in the case of an accident.

[ScooterMan]

I will say that the carbon fiber helmet I had on my last sportbike REALLY help with head fatigue. 2lbs 9oz vs 4 1/4 lbs for my Scorpion really made the difference when hunched over the bike holding your head up in slow moving traffic.

[SECoda]

I do think it depends on your personal riding habits. Weight starts to matter on very long rides.

[Jarec]

Good advice, thanks!

Anyone using rain x or other products on their visors?

[gn2]

More expensive does not automatically mean better, just look at the Sharp ratings.
Some models from the top price brands fare quite badly.
If you ever see what happens to a human face when it slides along tarmac at speed you will probably never wear an open face ever again.

[Patrik0037]

Ever hear the phrase opinions are like a$$holes? Try on some different helmets see what you like and what you don't then decide, that is truly the only way to find a good helmet for YOU, don't just surf the web reading ratings because everyone is different, find a good shop and try on as many as you can, once again just my opinion

[gn2]

The sharp ratings are not common or garden web ratings.
Lots of useful well researched information, particularly about how to ensure the correct fit.
No opinion, just facts.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/get-right-fit

[SECoda]

I put Cycle Care Formula 33 on everything. It's one of those all-in-one and safe for windshields, shields, plastic, paint, chrome, etc. that doesn't streak. I use it to remove bugs from my windshield and helmet shields as well. I have another rain product I have used but this seems to be the best for making everything look brand new. A 22 oz spray bottle is about $16 and will last a very long time. Oh and it repels rain as well. If you know firearm cleaning it is the CLP Break Free for motorcycles and scooters.

http://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Formulas-Fo ... formula+33

Good advice, thanks!

Anyone using rain x or other products on their visors?

[Jarec]

Thanks, Patrik0037. My difficulty is not so much with fit or appearance, but with safety- hard to assess that by trying them on.

Ever hear the phrase opinions are like a$$holes? Try on some different helmets see what you like and what you don't then decide, that is truly the only way to find a good helmet for YOU, don't just surf the web reading ratings because everyone is different, find a good shop and try on as many as you can, once again just my opinion

[Jarec]

Looks great, just what I need! Thanks, SECoda.

I put Cycle Care Formula 33 on everything. It's one of those all-in-one and safe for windshields, shields, plastic, paint, chrome, etc. that doesn't streak. I use it to remove bugs from my windshield and helmet shields as well. I have another rain product I have used but this seems to be the best for making everything look brand new. A 22 oz spray bottle is about $16 and will last a very long time. Oh and it repels rain as well. If you know firearm cleaning it is the CLP Break Free for motorcycles and scooters.

http://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Formulas-Fo ... formula+33

Good advice, thanks!

Anyone using rain x or other products on their visors?

[Duggle]

My top concerns are does the helmet fit well and is comfortable, does it have very little wind noise (even with the visor open), is there a slot for my glasses, have removable pad inserts and is it compatible with the Sena communications system? If it passes all that and says DOT on the back I probably won't bother to look up Snell or Sharp ratings.

[sendler2112]

It depends how much you really ride. 4 features I find essential in a helmet are:
.
Modular so it seals tight around the neck for minimum wind noise/ maximum warmth in bad weather. And don't have to take it off to see a map, fill up the tank, or talk. Just flip it up.
.
Pop down sun visor so you can have your view shaded or not in an instant.
.
Inner pin lock visor prevents all fogging
.
Superior aerodynamics to minimize buffeting and pushing forces during head checks and side winds.
.
I ride an hour each way every day to work at 55 mph rain or shine whenever there is no ice. The Schuberth is way overpriced but after 3 years and 40,000 miles it has become worth every penny.
.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/schuberth-c3-helmet
.

[pcxpower]

Lots of very useful information! Thanks to all!

[Jarec]

Great posts, fabulous info. Thanks!