Helmet

[Sandymay]

What helmet do you wear and why?

[JohnL]

LS2 Full Face. Fits my head, suits my budget and give great protection against accidents, all elements and insects. Has inbuilt sunvisor, and that's important in Queensland both summer and winter as we have many sunny, clear days. Only downside is it's hot when stationary, but you can lift the visor

[ItBeMe]

I have 2 a open face that I use most of the time. And full face when it gets cool.---

[GeorgeSK]

Full face. A helmet can't protect what it doesn't cover. Having your lower face and jaw exposed doesn't seem all that bright (at least to me). Seriously consider hi-viz. You are more noticeable, even if it is just your helmet that stands out against a sea of automobiles and trucks.

Take the time to drive around and try everything around you on, and try not to let cost drive your bus. Helmets are different shapes, and you just can't know how a manufacturer feels without having it on your head for at least 15 minutes. Expect that it will squash your cheeks some (full face, anyway), but should not be uncomfortable. Obviously the helmet must have appropriate safety ratings, but I expect that you simply won't be able to buy anything that does not.

If there are not any motorcycle places around, then you probably should deal with a place like Revzilla, where returns are easy. You might also spend some time watching their reviews - more for what to think about than for what they actually say (since all the helmets seem to be fabulous). Mine is a bit heavy, not terribly loud, and the face shield seal is still free of wind noise after four seasons. (It is an Speed and Strength SS2200, FWIW). It also does not fit under the seat. I find the wire hanger to be excellent, however.

On the bright side, shopping can be a fair bit of fun. Doing it during the winter might net you a deal, especially if you find something local. Just don't buy the first helmet that feels sorta OK - you can always come back to the store once you have tried on a few more. You will be wearing it and trusting it for a good bit of time.

[kramnala58]

Full face .... Take the time to drive around and try everything around you on .... If there are not any motorcycle places around, then you probably should deal with a place like Revzilla, where returns are easy.

Ditto

As well, when my wife an I were looking for helmets back in the US for our bike there, I was wondering how snug is snug enough without being too snug. One astute salesman took hold of the front of the helmet when I was testing it for the fit and told me to try to swivel my head because you don't want to be able to move your head inside the helmet. It would also be good to keep in mind that if you are stuck between sizes, choosing the one that is a little snugger is likely better because it will most likely wear in and become a little looser.

[Jge64]

Schuberth C3-light and full coverage
Scorpion open face-great fit
Bell Evo-nice but don't wear it much, hi-viz

All with Sena BT headsets....

[relic]

Me- a half helmet and googles
why -light and easy to store
the other posters probably have it right
just can't live my life in armour
not that I have a bad attitude but I do have a choice on how I approach life

[WhiteNoise]

Schuberth C3 Modular (White) w/interior sun visor - lightweight, quiet
Shoei Qwest Full Face (White) - no interior sun visor - lightweight, a little noise
Nolan N104 Modular (Hi Viz Yellow) w/interior sun visor - heavier than my C3 but hardly noticeable to me. Quiet but not as quiet as the C3
They all have Great visibility.

I like these helmets, but favor the Schuberth and Nolan modulars.
Full Face helmets are the safest, with modulars next in line.
I get thirsty riding and it's such a convenience to flip the face up and away to hydrate.
A full face must come off unless you concock a straw idea that runs under the chin area and into your mouth. I did that riding in Florida and it worked fine (just a p.i.t.a.)

Where to start? Find a tape measure and run it around your head just above your eyebrows. Measure twice or more if uncertain. "Phone a Friend" if you must, but get an accurate number. Have that # with you shopping online, or in the store. It'll help the salesperson check their stock to fit you. You gotta start somewhere...

I enjoy shopping for helmets...there are So many great choices. But! Numero Uno > find the Safest Fit, Don't dive in for the color/pattern/graphics alone. You know that. Just Sayin'

This website: http://www.webbikeworld.com is loaded with reviews on helmets and other gear. One of my fav websites to visit. Try it and good luck!

[you you]

Shoei full face. Compulsory.

[Sandymay]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!

[wrighty]

I settled on a HJC IS17 because it fitted the best on my head mainly and price and features were good.

The Mrs was hard work though! she tried loads on but they didnt fit her head right! finally got a Scorpion 500 which is comfy and again good price and features.

You must try them on and go with the one that fits good.

[easyrider]

Me- a half helmet and googles
why -light and easy to store
the other posters probably have it right
just can't live my life in armour
not that I have a bad attitude but I do have a choice on how I approach life

Me too.. same reasons and I hate things too confining and fogging annoys me as well.

[Sandymay]

Thanks!

[Simon0867]

LS2 flip front in Hi-Vis yellow. Good build quality at a decent price, also has built in sun visor and pinlock fittings. Works well and covers me for all riding conditions.

[iceman]

You can get 5 star rated helmets that are really comfortable for under a £100 - even with sun-visor and pin-lock for that price - but if you want to pay more for ones that may be a few % more comfy or better yet, and probably more importantly, less noisy at high speed, then pay what you can afford. Many helmets costing £300-500 do not get higher safety scores than ones costing a 1/4 the price.

[WhiteNoise]

Sandymay, which helmet or helmet's have you considered so far? Any? Tell us/Show us. More comments will follow

[Rickjds]

HJC IS MAX II. Pin ready, modular helmet. Clear face shield and a retractable sun visor. Easy to care for and good ventilation.

http://www.hjchelmets.com/is-max-ii/is- ... BhYRYhpahA

[Sandymay]

Thanks everyone....I haven't had the opportunity yet to look at helmets in person....I hope to in the coming weeks....good to have an idea what features I should be looking for.

[k2apache6.0]

$30 PGR like this one, fits like a glove. No helmet law in Florida but I wear it anyway.

[Tipover]

I just ordered a HJC CL-17 White with Chrome shield from my local Honda dealer. They didn't have a white one in stock. It replaces my old HJC CL-12. Reasonably priced, and it fits good.