Helmets

[Tonyvdb]

So, my old Arai helmets padding is deteriorating and starting to feel really bad on my head particularly the forehead area it hurts after about 40min of riding.
Helmet prices at local shops are crazy. What are some good on line options and keep in mind I'm up in Canada. I did find a Canadian site canadasmotocycle.ca that seem reasonable but what about ebay seems there are lots of no name brands, are they decent? I'm thinking not.

Thanks :)

[debron]

If price is an issue check out Cycle Gear. Last summer I bought a new 3/4 open face helmet from them for $40. It's much, much better quality the the $40 HJC I had before, fits better, looks better. It's the "Bilt" brand, Cycl Gear's own house brand. They have a large selection of helmets, both their house brand and others. A lot of choices under $100US.

The only problem with ordering a helmet online is that you can't try it on before you buy it! Also, I don't know how it works, buying from a US company, shipping to Canada.

[Tonyvdb]

In most cases if its shipped using USPS its no big deal going across the boarder. Using UPS/Fedex brokerage fees can be $50 or more. Ive bought many things and shipped from the US just need to find a company that will ship here many dont.

Im more of a full face helmet guy, just never felt safe wearing an open face one. So even the $100 helmets are good enough? is quality not an issue or is it just the name and maybe some bells and whistles? Evry helmet Ive ever used a large always fits best but I do understand the "fit" issue.

Any thoughts on this one http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TORC-T-10-PRODIG ... 1211589578


Or this one?http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HJC-CL-17-Redlin ... 7a&vxp=mtr

[davidl]

I know they are expensive but if you can afford it buy a Shoei. You won't regret it

[debron]

Im more of a full face helmet guy, just never felt safe wearing an open face one. So even the $100 helmets are good enough? is quality not an issue or is it just the name and maybe some bells and whistles? Evry helmet Ive ever used a large always fits best but I do understand the "fit" issue.

Any thoughts on this one http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TORC-T-10-PRODIG ... 1211589578


Or this one?http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HJC-CL-17-Redlin ... 7a&vxp=mtr

The TORC (in a non-bluetooth version) gets mediocre reviews on Amazon. Plus the eBay listing says size large is out of stock!

The HJC CL-17 has few reviews at Amazon but they are good, and it gets pretty good reviews at Revzilla. Plus it also exceeds Snell standards which are higher the DOT standards.

I agree that full face helmets are safer but I have two problems with them. One, I feel claustrophobic in them and two, I feel too insulated/isolated from the environment, more so even than when riding in a car, which is exactly the opposite my reason for riding a motorcycle in the first place!

[Steve do]

I went to several motorcycle shops when I got my last helmet. Didn't like the prices neither, BUT I did learn what features to look for, Got on Amazon, looked at the GMax-GM54S, it has all the features of the name brand helmets, at $124.
Retractable inner sun lens
All the inner pads come out for cleaning, they are about 1" thick.
6 air vents.
I mounted the speakers and mic with no problems.
The flip up half comes off with 2 screws, ( any coin will work) It has a good locking system.
It has a red light on the back that flashes for night riding, if you turn it on. ( I don't use it).
It comes in 5 different colors.
You can get different color lenses.

I have had it for 6 months, not a single complaint. I carry the top half wrapped on a towel, in my saddlebag in case it rains, I have never rode with a full face helmet. I want to be able to hear and see everything I can.

[Tonyvdb]

Thanks everyone, I ended up ordering an HJC CL-17 Helmet for $140 including shipping as it seems to have good reviews and the color will match my bike.

[davidl]

HJC makes a good helmet. You will like it.

[suzib6sw]

I have the O'neal Tirade (no longer made) thats almost identical to the Torc T10 (was made under licence from Torc.
Torc are a great company to deal with based out of California.
I have the Blinc III version (bluetooth) and it works well EXCEPT the phone volume is low.
MP3 and radio (if you get that option) is good.
Helmet fits well , seems well built and the O'neal version was not only DOT , but Snell rated too.
I originally had a Vcan (again Torc) V210 Flip up . It was good but heavy.
Watch out for Scorpion helmets.. Good, very well made but run a size small.. I take a small, but it feels like an XS.. Its "bedding in" now but I have HAD to take a hot spoon to the Styrofoam around the forehead to make it comfortable. If you dont want to use a hot spoon, then use a hammer and rounded piece of wood to compress the Styrofoam.
As a safety tip for everyone,
Any poly carbonate helmet should ideally be replaced every two to three years if used very regularly (every day or so)..especially if dropped! Fiberglass/carbon fiber etc, last a lot longer..
Oh and please, dont use a Brain bucket, pudding bowl or half helmet.. They are about as much use as a chocolate tea pot and offer no facial protection what so ever..
Pete

[NSASarge]

I had an old Bell 3/4 metal-flake gold with a snap on/off bubble face shield from the 70's I think. Recently had metallic silver Icon MainFrame full face. We now have Scorpion EXO-900 TransFormerHelmet in Neon Yellow/Green. This is a 3-in-1 modular helmet with the "Top Gun" retractable sun-visor. This can be converted to a 3/4 helmet with a visor/bill that attaches when you remove the "chin bar". It also has fully removable and washable 2-piece liner. The neck-roll has an inflatable bladder that will snug-up your helmet for a perfect fit. The bladder seems to run around your neck and up in to the cheek area. The air pump is built into the neck-roll and is similar to the type found on some sneakers. There is space for the headset speakers and a small cavity on the left cheek presumably for some type of BlueTooth device. We both really like these and would recommend them. 3-year warranty! Priced $270 - $280 they can be found for much less if you look.

http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D9C0 ... 56BA8CB550

[Tonyvdb]

Ive had the HJC CL-17 for about a week and a bit. It fits really nice and has really nice padding. The airflow through the helmet is excellent and the visor never fogs up on the cool morning rides. Best helmet Ive ever used and considering my Arai was $300 when I bought it over 15 years ago the $140 I spent on this makes this a great bargain.

[shemogolee]

Hi All,

My advice,

Refer to sharp.direct.gov.uk

This site independently reviews motorcycle helmets with a multitude of tests and rates helmets with 1-5 STARS ... 5 being as good as it gets and 1 being as bad as it gets.

The site has lots of good info about helmets and there are definitely some surprises in the results. Big dollars does not always a good helmet make!

You can also look at the Snell website for another take on ratings.

best regards,

Shemogolee

[shemogolee]

"I agree that full face helmets are safer but I have two problems with them. One, I feel claustrophobic in them and two, I feel too insulated/isolated from the environment, more so even than when riding in a car, which is exactly the opposite my reason for riding a motorcycle in the first place!"

Ron,

I thought the same way for years. I rode with a half helmet for years, then
moved to three quarters for several years as my risk tolerance had lowered. Finally I went to a modular full face early in 2013.

I chose the Shoei Neotec. It has a massive visor opening. In fact my peripheral vision is as good as on my three quarter helmet. I feel no sense of being closed in and with the modular setup it is easy to cool off when stopped.

best regards,

Shemogolee