My wife and I am n00bs to cycling. We are taking our MSF course in 2 weeks.
We are getting ready to purchase our helmets. We live in Chattanooga, wear it is pretty humid, and doesn't get too cold.
We would like a 3/4 helmet with flip up visor.
This is what we are leaning towards:
http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Helmet ... cle-Helmet
Thumbing through several catalogs, helmet prices vary quite significantly. I understand that some are lighter, but does anyone see anything wrong with my helmet selection?
Buying first helmet
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Lion_Lady
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Personally, I wouldn't buy a helmet from a company I've never heard of. HJC is a reputable, and less expensive brand (never heard of Jafran(?) - is that DOT approved?).
The thing with cheap helmets is that they tend to be heavy, with fewer comfort features. Read the Helmet Fit Guidelines in the stickies... much of what is there applies to fitting a 3/4 helmet.
It is important to TRY ON your helmet, especially when it is the first time you've bought one. You need to be able to walk around in the shop wearing it (before you purchase) to make sure that the manufactured shape is compatible with the shape of YOUR melon. Otherwise it could be an expensive mistake. Not all shops will allow return/exchange of a helmet.
As for 3/4, you go with what you are comfortable with. I'm not going to get into it, except to say that on the order of 20% of pavement hits are to the lower jaw area.
P
The thing with cheap helmets is that they tend to be heavy, with fewer comfort features. Read the Helmet Fit Guidelines in the stickies... much of what is there applies to fitting a 3/4 helmet.
It is important to TRY ON your helmet, especially when it is the first time you've bought one. You need to be able to walk around in the shop wearing it (before you purchase) to make sure that the manufactured shape is compatible with the shape of YOUR melon. Otherwise it could be an expensive mistake. Not all shops will allow return/exchange of a helmet.
As for 3/4, you go with what you are comfortable with. I'm not going to get into it, except to say that on the order of 20% of pavement hits are to the lower jaw area.
P
Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity - Alice Paul
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Flting Duck
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Ditto on TRYING IT ON. Go to local shops and check out the ones you're interested in. Put them on and wear them for 5-10 minutes to make sure they fit your head. Helmets come in a variety of head shapes - get a rcognized brand that is a good fit for your head and you will be much more comfortable.
Getting one that is slightly tight isn't a bad idea as they will break in and loosen a little - but don't get one too snug as it will be uncomfortable.
As noted above, HJCs are a pretty good bang for your buck - if they fit your head shape well.
Also take a look here:
http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/
Getting one that is slightly tight isn't a bad idea as they will break in and loosen a little - but don't get one too snug as it will be uncomfortable.
As noted above, HJCs are a pretty good bang for your buck - if they fit your head shape well.
Also take a look here:
http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/
93 BMW K1100LT "The Green Hornet"
91 BMW K100RS 4V "Kato"
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
91 BMW K100RS 4V "Kato"
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Id avoid buying one of those cheap, no-name brand helmets. The better helmets are Snell approved, you'll learn about that it MSF class.
I agree that you should check out HJC. They are good helmets, most are snell approved and not too expensive. I have the HJC CL-15 full face helmet and I love it. Only ran me about $150.
But helmet sizes vary greatly by manufacturer. Make sure you try a helmet on in person first before you buy one. Dont trust the size charts they have on the website, according to the HJC size chart I am a large, but it turns out I needed a extra large.
I agree that you should check out HJC. They are good helmets, most are snell approved and not too expensive. I have the HJC CL-15 full face helmet and I love it. Only ran me about $150.
But helmet sizes vary greatly by manufacturer. Make sure you try a helmet on in person first before you buy one. Dont trust the size charts they have on the website, according to the HJC size chart I am a large, but it turns out I needed a extra large.
OK, thanks guys and gals.
I have shifted my focus to this:
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cl33.htm
My local dealer has what I want. I will be going there with my wife and trying them on, and spending some time in them over there, and asking advice from the salesmen.
Thank you again!
Man, I love forums!!
I have shifted my focus to this:
http://www.hjchelmets.com/cl33.htm
My local dealer has what I want. I will be going there with my wife and trying them on, and spending some time in them over there, and asking advice from the salesmen.
Thank you again!
Man, I love forums!!
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storysunfolding
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The 3/4 helmets are ok. that's what I started with years ago. Of course there were few full face helmets around back then!
Now it's full face for me all the way. Full face saved my wife's chin in a get off a few years ago. Trashed the helmet but much better than the pain and surgeries that would have ensued with a 3/4. I bought her a new full face helmet after that one and it was worth every penny.
Now it's full face for me all the way. Full face saved my wife's chin in a get off a few years ago. Trashed the helmet but much better than the pain and surgeries that would have ensued with a 3/4. I bought her a new full face helmet after that one and it was worth every penny.
I would be the old, slow guy. Just let me know where you are going and I'll try to get there before you leave.
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Lion_Lady
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- Location: Lynchburg, VA
OK.
Lets NOT allow this to descend into a debate about 'which is better' 3/4 or full face.
Those of us who wear one or the other, have our reasons for choosing what we have. I'd really hate for this to get ugly (and need to be locked), okay?
So consider this fair warning.
Pam
Lets NOT allow this to descend into a debate about 'which is better' 3/4 or full face.
Those of us who wear one or the other, have our reasons for choosing what we have. I'd really hate for this to get ugly (and need to be locked), okay?
So consider this fair warning.
Pam
Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity - Alice Paul
Nope. No debate. Just relating my personal experience. I'm not trying to start a war and am sorry if it came across that way.
Everyone must make their own choice.
But a big thumbs up for the OP shopping for a good helmet and asking for info. You get applause from me.
Good luck finding what you want.
Everyone must make their own choice.
But a big thumbs up for the OP shopping for a good helmet and asking for info. You get applause from me.
Good luck finding what you want.
I would be the old, slow guy. Just let me know where you are going and I'll try to get there before you leave.
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wickedrider
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