[ShanMan14]

I'm doing some serious research into my helmet search. A question dawned on me while reading reviews and first-hand experiences.

There are plenty of folks riding around with $500+ helmets and swear by Arai, Shoei, Suomy etc. These same people like to bash HJC and the Icon brand I've been looking at. Their argument is that it won't hold up in a crash, blah blah blah.

How do they know this?

So my question is this... Have you ever heard of a story where someone crashed and was hurt worse than they would have been if they'd worn a more expensive helmet?

 

[ShanMan14]

While I agree there are differences in fit and finish, certainly designs, and even features (visor removal, airflow)... as long as the helmets adhere to DOT and SNELL standards, wouldn't you think you're okay?

 

[ShanMan14]

wouldn't you rather have a helmet that goes far beyond the standards set down than one that simply meets them?

But with that said, money does not equal quality

Oh certainly, and most helmets that meet the standards, exceed them as well. But how much? How can you calculate that?

In regard to the $ statement, you hit the nail on the head.

 

[ShanMan14]

Consumer Reports tested bicycle helmets not too long ago. The Snell ratings for motorcycle helmets are probably just as good tests as any that Consumer Reports would do. If two helmets that you like meet the same Snell ratings, get the one that fits, looks or costs the best.

You know why helmets cost so much? Lawyers, lawsuits, and litigation.

My initial reaction is to agree. However, low-cost manufacturers like Icon and Scorpion dispell that theory. Also, how can Arai or Shoei take the exact same helmet, mass produce some graphics and charge $50 -$100 more? Do riders with fancy graphics need lawyers more often? Nah.

Finally, Shoei and Arai could survive (and do) lawsuits on the volume of sales alone.

:2cents: