Helmets

[Shiv]

I don't agree with the 'you get what you pay for' philosophy.

For one, sometimes when companies are starting up they offer lower prices. They may have a superior product but the consumer doesn't know that. So they gotta bank on someone buying the cheaper product, then word of mouth spreading about how good it is, then they can raise th eprice.

For two, Harley Davidson.

[Myself002]

Shiv -

I live in New England. We get everything from cold to hot.

Mintbread -

Do you wear earplugs? I know alot of sites recomend them

BubbaGump-

I didn't mean like 50 dollar jackets or anything. I just want something reasonable thats protective. When researching helmets I learned that more expensive isnt always better. Just trying to apply that to all my gear. Any brands you all would recomend?

[BubbaGump]

I don't agree with the 'you get what you pay for' philosophy.

For one, sometimes when companies are starting up they offer lower prices. They may have a superior product but the consumer doesn't know that. So they gotta bank on someone buying the cheaper product, then word of mouth spreading about how good it is, then they can raise th eprice.

For two, Harley Davidson.

Harley who? Good point, but if better quality gear is out there for a better deal...give the man some direction. Everyone knows there are exceptions to the rule..but my point was that its better not to let price be the only thing that dictates what you buy - quality should also be considered.

[Myself002]

So what price range is good for quality gear? 300 dollars, 200?

What should I expect to pay for each peace of gear?

Helmet
Jacket
Pants
Gloves
Boots

Also some good brands? Is Joe Rocket really good? How about Aerosticth?

All help is appreciated thanks.

[Shiv]

Helmet
Price depends greatly on brand. HJC has $100-200 helmets. Suomy has $500-600 helmets. Scorpions (the best bang-for-buck from what I can tell) are $200-300.

Jacket
Alpinestars run from $100-300. Not sure about other brands.

Pants
No idea. Only pants I intend on wearing are the Draggin' Jeans and those are about $100.

Gloves
NewEnoughs' closeout section has $30 gloves but I've seen them as high as $100.

Boots
No idea. I plan on buying a pair of combat boots or leather boots.

[Lion_Lady]

Helmets are like shoes...

You may have your heart set on some Nikes, but if they just don't fit your feet right, what's the point. Get it?

Just go into a shop and start trying on helmets!!! You may find a gem you hadn't even known about, that fits well AND is in your price range. SHEESH!

Another thing: If you actually get some help with the helmet search, and if the shop has a decent assortment of makes/models to try on. Do yourself a favor and buy the helmet that fits from THAT shop (if you find one). They've made the investment to have stock on their shelves, don't F&CK them over by finding the 'right helmet' and then buying online.

P

[canuckerjay]

I've tried on numerous different brands of helmets and the only ones that consistently fit my odd shaped head comfortably are the Shoeis.

First Shoei was an RF 750 -- round as a tennis ball, not enough ventilation, bloody loud even with vents closed and shook at higher speeds. But the only brand I could find that fit me.

I just went out and bought an 06 RF 1000, and it's a vast improvement. Still fits just as comfy, but I personally found it much quieter even with all vents open (just a very quiet whistle when all are open). It's also got a nicer shape and because of the two spoilers, it barely shakes at all when I get up to higher speeds. Also much cooler (vents).

But helmets are a very personal thing, of course. This time, I tried all the brands that I didn't see years ago. I know some people swear by Shark -- tried all sizes, not a good fit, and I found the padding a bit lax on the top of my head -- could feel the hard shell actually. Some like Suomi (sp?). I didn't. Etc., etc.

Shoei's are constantly reviewed as being quite overpriced. If it fits right, buy it. If many brands fit, perhaps buy one that is cheaper. But I wouldn't skimp on things that I know I'll need. I like a helmet that's really comfy and REALLY cool (temp wise), so I'll go for the great ventilation.

[NorthernPete]

depending on how you are shaped can affect prices too, the bigger the guy the more you'll pay usually. Its harder to find some of the items in sizes too. I dont know about your area, how close to a major center you are, but you may want to check out some leather supply places for the jacket, gloves. and maybe work clothing or army surplus for the boots and pants. as for helmet, go to dealers and try on a few, they can usually size ya up to see what fits. (then go buy it online and save $$ )

[Mintbread]

Another thing: If you actually get some help with the helmet search, and if the shop has a decent assortment of makes/models to try on. Do yourself a favor and buy the helmet that fits from THAT shop (if you find one). They've made the investment to have stock on their shelves, don't F&CK them over by finding the 'right helmet' and then buying online.

Excellent point. I agree wholeheartedly.