[Need4Speed]

Brand name, or not Brand name.....Lids.

Which lid do you prefer...I've got a Altura XPV, by Vega..got if for christmas,

http://www.vegahelmet.com/Altura_Helmets/alturaxpv.html

It's not a Shoei, AGV, etc..but it was significantly less in cost, Kevlar Fiberglass, etc..the whole 9..granted it was on sale, around christmas time..but still..It's nice and light, keeps my head reasonably cool, and looks sweet as hell.

 

[ShanMan14]

If it's DOT and SNELL Certified... who cares the make if you like it?

 

[Need4Speed]

If it's DOT and SNELL Certified... who cares the make if you like it?

Definately so, I agree...I've a couple riding buddies who will never own anything but a Shoei, etc..which is fine, and somewhat supersticious as well..to each is own...

 

[GixxerChick]

I disagree - stick with the names that are worn by the racers...granted there is some monkey see monkey do mentality there but at least you know the racers take care of their melon with the best protection they can get. Just because it says DOT or SNELL doesn't mean it exceeds any of those specifications.

 

[Need4Speed]

I disagree - stick with the names that are worn by the racers...granted there is some monkey see monkey do mentality there but at least you know the racers take care of their melon with the best protection they can get. Just because it says DOT or SNELL doesn't mean it exceeds any of those specifications.

I can see your point, and the racers know their stuff indeed...However whether its a Shoei, AGV, or any other popular name, you can argue that just becuz its not that particular name, doesnt mean its any less competent at protecting your noggin. If you can afford it, go for it..but thank goodness there are some less expensive, yet still capable lids out there.

In case anybody is interested...heres alittle info on both Dot and Snell...Dot of of course the Government certification, but Snell is a private orgnization, with different and alittle more stringent standards.

http://webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/DOT-standard.htm

Every helmet has to be DOT of course, but I wouldn't own one that wasnt Snell as well.

 

[CBR Rider]

I say buy the best helmet you can. I read an article about Shoei about a year ago where they documented their quality control and how far it exceeds Snell and DOT. I am sure other companies do the same, but they just happened to be the focus of the article...

That said, I wear an Arai. I tried on EVERY helmet in the Western hemisphere and they just seemed to make a lid that fit my old bone-head the best

Of course, then there is my cousin... Rides in one of those brain buckets just so the cops don't hassle him for having nothing on his head :bonk:

Buy a quality lid that fits!

 

[jetskifast]

I say buy the best helmet you can. I read an article about Shoei about a year ago where they documented their quality control and how far it exceeds Snell and DOT. I am sure other companies do the same, but they just happened to be the focus of the article...

That said, I wear an Arai. I tried on EVERY helmet in the Western hemisphere and they just seemed to make a lid that fit my old bone-head the best

Of course, then there is my cousin... Rides in one of those brain buckets just so the cops don't hassle him for having nothing on his head :bonk:

Buy a quality lid that fits!

:iagree:
Todays world you get what you pay for in helmets. Big name companies put lots of RD $$ into their helmets. If you feel your head is not worth $400 helmet, buy the $100 helmet :bonk:
Current helmets I own Shoei X11, Arai Quantum and Schuberth concept. All I feel are excellent helmets used for different riding conditions for me.
Use Shoei X11 for longer trips, has best ventilation of my helmets, has comfortable fit for me.
Arai Quantum like to use for shorter trips provides most comfort of my helmets.
Schuberth has the most neat features, such as flip down dark sun visor, plus you can make helmet full face or half face with a flip. Comfort rates a third on my list of my helmets, but pacific blue color matchs my pacific blue K1200RS

 

[larryg]

:iagree:
Current helmets I own Shoei X11, Arai Quantum and Schuberth concept. All I feel are excellent helmets used for different riding conditions for me.
Use Shoei X11 for longer trips, has best ventilation of my helmets, has comfortable fit for me.
Arai Quantum like to use for shorter trips provides most comfort of my helmets.
Schuberth has the most neat features, such as flip down dark sun visor, plus you can make helmet full face or half face with a flip. Comfort rates a third on my list of my helmets, but pacific blue color matchs my pacific blue K1200RS

I have found that the different manufacturers have different shapes and my head seems to fit Shoei helmets the best. I find it interesting that you can comfortably fit three different lids.

Larry


IMHO, as long as a helmet meets at least Snell (the newer Euro standards are more strict) and it fits properly, you are good to go.

 

[jetskifast]

I have found that the different manufacturers have different shapes and my head seems to fit Shoei helmets the best. I find it interesting that you can comfortably fit three different lids.

Arai fits me the best But also find Shoei to be comfortable, plus provides better ventaltion on longer trips.
The saying you have either a Shoei or an Arai shaped head does not fit me

 

[Mojo]

:iagree:
Todays world you get what you pay for in helmets. Big name companies put lots of RD $$ into their helmets. If you feel your head is not worth $400 helmet, buy the $100 helmet :bonk:

I don't know that I agree with that.... What was the latest innovation from Arai? It seems to me that they are just riding on the name now. Companies like KBC, HJC, and Icon are up and coming. They are putting tons of R&D into their products and improving them every year. The new Icon helmets have a feature that keep the wind from blowing in your eyes when the visor is open at any increment. That's a great feature if you wear contact lenses.

AGV is a more established brand with a higher price tag, but even they are offering new lines on a fairly regular basis.

 

[ShanMan14]

The new Icon helmets have a feature that keep the wind from blowing in your eyes when the visor is open at any increment. That's a great feature if you wear contact lenses.

You're not kidding, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Know anyone at Icon that can send some eval lids my way?

 

[jetskifast]

I don't know that I agree with that.... What was the latest innovation from Arai? It seems to me that they are just riding on the name now. Companies like KBC, HJC, and Icon are up and coming. They are putting tons of R&D into their products and improving them every year. The new Icon helmets have a feature that keep the wind from blowing in your eyes when the visor is open at any increment. That's a great feature if you wear contact lenses.

AGV is a more established brand with a higher price tag, but even they are offering new lines on a fairly regular basis.

Lots of R&D $$ is spent on things you donot notice until you crash.
Such as materials helmet is made of. More expensive helmets absorb impact of crash. Less expensive helmets are just hard shells that donot absorb any of the impact.

 

[Big Kahuna]

More expensive helmets absorb impact of crash. Less expensive helmets are just hard shells that donot absorb any of the impact.

Not true. Less expensive helmets that reach Snell or DOT approval obviously will absorb impact. Higher end manufacturers like Suomy actually have internal testing procedures that surpass those required by US and foreign agencies.

HJC, KBC and now Icon are able to bring safe, light good looking helmets to the market for a very reasonable price. Sure they may not match the higher end models for fit, finish, weight or venting to name a few but they are all still very safe and good looking helmets.

I have both a high end Soumy Spec-1R and a new Icon Mainframe Halo for the wife. When you hold them side by side you can see the difference in quality that the Suomy has. But, they are both light, fit good, look good and contain all the required safety features. It just comes down to personal preference and how much you want to spend on a helmet.

 

[Mojo]

Lots of R&D $$ is spent on things you donot notice until you crash.
Such as materials helmet is made of. More expensive helmets absorb impact of crash. Less expensive helmets are just hard shells that donot absorb any of the impact.

This is simply not true. If Arai were spending so much on R&D, they'd be releasing new lines, not just new colors. DOT and SNELL, and even the more stringent european standards go a long way toward letting you know the impact resistance. Most companies are very forthcoming about the construction of the product. If a less expensive helmet did not absorb any of the impact, as you stated, they would not be elligible for even a DOT rating.

 

[jetskifast]

DOT and Snell ratings are only minumim requirements. Helmets are made out many different materials. Some materials spread impact better than others. Of course the stronger better impact absorbent materials cost more.
I prefer to use helmet that far exceeds DOT and Snell ratings. Rather than helmet that just meets DOT and Snell ratings.
Have seen DOT and Snell rated helmets for $39.99.
I guess its just how much you value your head.
Also read a few years ago 50% of the cost of a helmet goes to pay liability insurance for the helmet manufacture. :shock:

 

[Mojo]

DOT and Snell ratings are only minumim requirements. Helmets are made out many different materials. Some materials spread impact better than others. Of course the stronger better impact absorbent materials cost more.
I prefer to use helmet that far exceeds DOT and Snell ratings. Rather than helmet that just meets DOT and Snell ratings.
Have seen DOT and Snell rated helmets for $39.99.
I guess its just how much you value your head.
Also read a few years ago 50% of the cost of a helmet goes to pay liability insurance for the helmet manufacture. :shock:

Hmmm, if that statement were true, then the helmets with the higher prices would have higher insurance costs. Why would that be?

You are basing your statements on price, not any information from the manufacturers.

 

[jetskifast]

Hmmm, if that statement were true, then the helmets with the higher prices would have higher insurance costs. Why would that be?

You are basing your statements on price, not any information from the manufacturers.

Read artical about Bell motorcycle helmets. Bell stopped selling motorcycle helmets for years because of insurance costs.
Doubt Arai and other big boys are paying 50% for insurance. But some of the small guys selling $100 helmets could be paying 50% insurance.
Basing my information on motorcylce magazines articles written about helmets