Some good reviews here:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

Gotta try them on and see what fits, but they really like the HJC CL-SP in that range. It's said to fit round. Different models of helmets are made to fit different shaped heads. Quite a few reviews for that price range to get an idea of the issues to look for.

 

Ebay is your friend, get a brand new KBC VR1 for only 80-100. You could also get an Icon Alliance for the same price, but I don't like those as much.

 

Synergy said:


Is there any reason I shouldnt get a helmet that is only $150, if so what do you reccommend?

well it is protecting your head......

if you were to be involved in car accident, which would you rather be in? a mercedes or daewoo...........they both pass DOT's minimum standard.

 

Re: Re: Best helmet under $150-or not?

If both helmets are dot and Snell certified, and they both fit MY head correctly, shouldnt they protect just as well?

I understand noise, ventillation, liner, comfort etc... should get better with a price increase but does protection really increase considering the helmets hold the same certifications?

Chris

RACER X said:
well it is protecting your head......

if you were to be involved in car accident, which would you rather be in? a mercedes or daewoo...........they both pass DOT's minimum standard.

 

Re: Re: Re: Best helmet under $150-or not?

Synergy said:
If both helmets are dot and Snell certified, and they both fit MY head correctly, shouldnt they protect just as well?

if you were to be involved in car accident, which would you rather be in? a mercedes or daewoo...........they both pass DOT's minimum standard.

understand the comparison?

btw, this is a "hot topic" and is debated on both sides......me i'll stick to my mercedes helmet. lol

 

Re: Re: Re: Best helmet under $150-or not?

Synergy said:
If both helmets are dot and Snell certified, and they both fit MY head correctly, shouldnt they protect just as well?

I understand noise, ventillation, liner, comfort etc... should get better with a price increase but does protection really increase considering the helmets hold the same certifications?

Chris

Some helmets meet a british motorcycle safety standard, which i understand to be the strictest established helmet standard. these are more expensive.

the more expensive helmets are alot nicer, and i would bet they stand up a little better, but im sure the protection benefit difference is minimal when compared to lower level KBCs or HJCs.

 

BSI is not necesarrily better, it is diff. and NO they don't cost more becuase of that, many aren't brought into the states.......supply and demand.

and as an aside, even though BSI approved it must still be DOT approved to ride it legally here in the states.

 

RACER X said:
BSI is not necesarrily better, it is diff. and NO they don't cost more becuase of that, many aren't brought into the states.......supply and demand.

and as an aside, even though BSI approved it must still be DOT approved to ride it legally here in the states.

Sorry i worded that wrong. i didn't mean that that is why they cost more, however i have only seen more expensive helmets with BSI and DOT ratings

ahh i see.

 

There is no correlation of safety or protective qualities to price. NONE. Stop breeding fear and ignorance in an attempt to justify a more expensive purchase.

Features and fit and finish are typically most related to price differences. There's plenty of $150 lids out there. The one's costing triple the price are differentiated by their paint schemes, namely sponsored rider graphics. I'd suggest doing as Homeslice recommeded which is to look for a $150 lid on sale or clearance somewhere for half the price. There is a big gap in price typically between $300 pieces that don't ever go lower and $150-$200 pieces that get reduced to half-off on closeout. You'll also find the occasional older model on Ebay for less, which may get you more comfort or feauteres of an expensive lid. Don't worry about the age, the warranty is good for mteh date of purchase, the safety standards haven't changed, and a helmet can last for a lot longer than 5 years when not worn.

 

license2ill said:
There is no correlation of safety or protective qualities to price. NONE. Stop breeding fear and ignorance in an attempt to justify a more expensive purchase.

please answer my question.........

RACER X said:
if you were to be involved in car accident, which would you rather be in? a mercedes or daewoo...........they both pass DOT's minimum standard.

 

license2ill said:
. Don't worry about the age, the warranty is good for mteh date of purchase, the safety standards haven't changed, and a helmet can last for a lot longer than 5 years when not worn.

I guess you seem to know more then SNELL, but i guess alot of us buy helmets not to wear them.

"Why replace helmet every five years?
The five year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production over can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy. "

SNELL FAQ's

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Best helmet under $150-or not?

RACER X said:
if you were to be involved in car accident, which would you rather be in? a mercedes or daewoo...........they both pass DOT's minimum standard.

understand the comparison?

Yes, however I don't think that's a fair comparison. If both the Daewoo and the Benz are 5 star rated in crash tests, and both have air bags, then being in one versus the other in a crash really isn't as big of a difference.

The difference in the 2 comes from the nicer leather, nav system, and heated seats you get in the Benz.

From what I've seen, the biggest difference in 2 helmets, that are both DOT and SNELL certified, one costing ~$150 and another ~$450, is the additional fit, finish, paint schemes, and other features in the more expensive helmet. If you don't mind dealing with the possibility of funky shield removal mechanism, or not having a removable liner, then getting the $150 daewoo helmet should be fine, it will still protect your head.

Besides, the daewoo is better than nothing at all.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Best helmet under $150-or not?

Yes, however I don't think that's a fair comparison. If both the Daewoo and the Benz are 5 star rated in crash tests, and both have air bags, then being in one versus the other in a crash really isn't as big of a difference.

The difference in the 2 comes from the nicer leather, nav system, and heated seats you get in the Benz.

From what I've seen, the biggest difference in 2 helmets, that are both DOT and SNELL certified, one costing ~$150 and another ~$450, is the additional fit, finish, paint schemes, and other features in the more expensive helmet. If you don't mind dealing with the possibility of funky shield removal mechanism, or not having a removable liner, then getting the $150 daewoo helmet should be fine, it will still protect your head.

Besides, the daewoo is better than nothing at all.

Merecedes also have high labor rates and still have the highest profit margins. Again, it's a ridiculous assertion when speaking of protective value. THe thing is, dude will probably end-up wanting a more expensive lid, but it won't be because of safety.

 

who's talking 5star rating or labor rates or pofit margins.........simple question. airbags are either part of the car or not, just like Arai/Shoei's retention system both meet the minimum standard, just like the lids. even SNELL an independent test like the national insurance institute.

you can even compare both to be white cars and white helmets?


which would you rather be in?

 

RACER X said:
please answer my question.........

Why should he, when it's a useless question?

I can guarantee you that a $150,000 Aston Martin won't protect as well as a $40,000 Volvo, so I guess your "price correlation" theory just got own3d. :laughing

Just because you spent 500-600 on your Arai doesn't mean you need to justify it. Nobody is laughing at you for spending that much. Arais are nice helmets. So why do you feel you need to justify it?

And that "study" (more like sales tactic) you quoted from the helmet companies was talking about 5 years IF THE HELMET HAD BEEN USED during those 5 years. You can't take a brand new helmet that's been sitting on the store's shelf for 2 years and claim that it's worn just as badly as one that has been USED during those 2 years.

 

RACER X said:
which would you rather be in?

I'd rather be in the one I can afford. On my salary, I can't afford the Benz, or the Arai helmet. I can however, afford my Dodge Stratus, and HJC helmet, and I feel perfectly safe in both.

Also, everyone should give this article a look... http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

 

who's talking 5star rating or labor rates or pofit margins.........simple question. airbags are either part of the car or not, just like Arai/Shoei's retention system both meet the minimum standard, just like the lids. even SNELL an independent test like the national insurance institute.

you can even compare both to be white cars and white helmets?


which would you rather be in?

I've got one of the few Snell B95 bicycling helmets available.

Price: $6.50.

Have you priced an untested Lance Armstrong Giro? You ain't paying for crash protection, you are paying for name and in that case relatively few features. It's a $150 helmet.

M2R makes one of the least expensive Snell-approved lids around, and it's also one of the lightest. Of course, it looks like shit and the vents don't work, and the graphics aren't too pretty, but it still passes the more severe and stringent standard. Arai makes a white helmet too, for about $400 dollars that does the same thing. Can an Arai further exceed those levels of impact energy? Maybe, but perhaps so could the M2R. It's the most severe stnadard available, so you can stil lreach for pie, but the same agrument can be made for the less expensive piece.

I didn't quote any studies about 5 year intervals, I said it's known that an unused helmet is fine for more than 5 years, and even a used helmet can be just as safe over that period of time. They errr on the side of extreme conservative caution when making any such recommendations, especially if their hand is in your pocket every so often. Snell only makes a 5year recommendation based on the fact that their standard typically cahngess in 5 year intervals, and that damage can be cumulative for a worn helmet over a long-term period of time, like about 5 years. A shelved helmet that's been tried on is a different story than a boxed helmet, and perhaps isn't fit for sale at all.

 

wow........nobody directly answerd the question.

jaqattack02 said:


Also, everyone should give this article a look... http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/

ah, that ol article.....might wanna find out who the largest ardvertiser in that mag is........and who's the sole seller of that lid...........that would be one in the same.........Parts Unlimited.

homeslice:safer in a ferrari F50 or merc C?

i'll take SNELL's advice about the 5yrs over the internet experts we have here......lol, that quote's from SNELL, last i knew they didn't sell helmets. and if you wanna buy a 5 y.o. helmet of the shelf more power to ya.

license: i've broken 4 top flite giro's.........still kinda normal. 1 saved my dad's life........i'll keep buying giro as well.


like i said up front, it's your head........do what you want.....i do!

 

To answer your question, yes I'd rather be in a Mercedes than a Daewoo. But that doesn't help your argument one bit. For your argument to hold any water, you would have to prove that EVERY car price point is safer than the one below it. I notice you ignored my comparison between an Aston Martin and a Volvo. Or how about a BMW Z4 versus a 330.......Wow, the Z4 costs more, I guess it protects better :whatever

BTW, Snell has attitude problems, I don't accept anything they say as gospel.

 

RACER X said:
license: i've broken 4 top flite giro's.........still kinda normal. 1 saved my dad's life........i'll keep buying giro as well.

Does that prove his life WOULDN'T have been saved with another brand of helmet?

BTW do most bicycle riders change their helmets every 5 yrs, no I didn't think so, unless they ride like every day

 

so your personnal thoughts are better then their attitude problem.....lol

as for Z4 and 330 aren't they both about the same price? don't know.......really not interested in either one.

and thats my analogy for a helmet comparison, cheap car vs exp. car, both meet the min. DOT standard. make your own analogy up......:laughing

 

Homeslice said:
Does that prove his life WOULDN'T have been saved with another brand of helmet?

BTW do most bicycle riders change their helmets every 5 yrs, no I didn't think so, unless they ride like every day

proof: nope......maybe he woulda been the same condtion w/ a cheaper lid........i'll pay the extra $ for piece of mind.

i used to replace mine every few yrs. but they mostly got broken before that time frame. and they also have the same recommendations.

 

RACER X said:
so your personnal thoughts are better then their attitude problem.....lol

yep

Especially since the quote you provided did not say ANYTHING about whether the helmet was USED during those 5 years

Why don't you write Snell and ask what exactly they meant?

As if they'll respond.....

Even if they do, they'll just cover their ass and say it applies to all helmets.........bs

 

yep

Especially since the quote you provided did not say ANYTHING about whether the helmet was USED during those 5 years

Why don't you write Snell and ask what exactly they meant?

As if they'll respond.....

Even if they do, they'll just cover their ass and say it applies to all helmets.........bs

I've spoken with Becker about numerous issues, he's quick to respond and courteous about detailed responses as well.

Here's a bit about helmet age taken from an old interview with a Snell director, to ad to the FAQ bit:

"There have been various theories over the years that motorcyclists should purchase new helmets every three years or so. Has that been a marketing ploy, or do the materials used in motorcycle helmet construction fatigue over a period of time?

Brown: I think "fatigue" is probably the wrong word to use. What happens is that many manufacturers use glues to put the liner into the shell. We've seen cases where the glues would degrade the liner. We've also seen liners degrade from perspiration and hair oils, and they become compacted through normal use. Snell finally looked at this and said there's no way we can tell an individual how long his or her helmet will be good because the user is the only one who knows how a helmet has been treated. But as a general policy, because of normal degradation and improvements in the helmet, Snell recommends that helmets be replaced every five years. "

http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache...w.smf.org/articles/mpn.html+snell+articles+helmet+age+&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3

 

See, most of that is relevant only if the helmet is actively being USED during those 5 years.