Total Motorcycle Community Forums

My Helmet is way too old and has been retired.

I read the post on how to try one on etc... but since its been a very long time since I bought one, I need some updated info on helmet makers.

Forgetting price, who are the top helmet makers for street use today that I could not go wrong with? Or at least be very unlikely to go wrong with?

Also min. USA or international standards and high end materials in shells and impact materials.

Based on some extensive testing in an article I read a couple of days ago (linked to from here), it basically doesn't matter. Buy the one that fits the best.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearb ... et_review/

Scorpion is popular. AVG is as well. Arai probably has the best name right now... but reputation is worthless if the helmet doesn't fit. Shop by fit first and brand second.

shoei is the only brand that fits my fat head well. matter of fact im using a shoei this weekend during my MSF course .

In listing top makers, assume the fit is correct in all cases.

I'd just like to work from a short list from people in the know. I can spend $400 or $139, as long as it's not from a company that is known to make good helmets and crap as well.

What is the top or highest US DOT rating for "over the road" full face helmets?

DOT is DOT. It's PASS/FAIL. All DOT full face helmets offer good protection.

SNELL is widely considered better... but there are serious arguments about that. Many people (including scientists who have studied motorcycle safety extensively like Dr. Hurt, who's name is best know because of the "Hurt Report") think that SNELL has set the acceptable brain impulse loads to "vegitation-producing" levels, causing SNELL-rated helmets to be perhaps better for a 150MPH get-off but are worse for normal riding.

You can't really assume that all top brands fit... for example I simply can't wear a Shoei helmet...they are viciously uncomfortable to me... yet oblong a few posts back says it is the only brand that fits his head. We're both right.

You are better off with a Fulmer that fits than a Arai that doesn't... and it's entirely possible that Fulmer will have a helmet that fits you better than any Arai made.

Ask if they offer financing if you plan on getting an Arai or Suomy.

icariz83 wrote:Ask if they offer financing if you plan on getting an Arai or Suomy.

if you have to finance it your better of NOT getting it.

although as they say in the MSF "how much is your head worth?"

I have an Arai Astral, and it is the finest fitting helmet I have ever put on my head. It is fully vented and and comfortable to wear. I use a mirrored face shield during the day and it is easy enough to change out.

Helmet manufactureres that are well thought of: Arai, Shoei, AGV, HJC, Shark, Suomy, Scorpion, KBC, ICON (low end but expensive), Nolan, Schuberth

The main differences between a cheap helmet and a really expensive one are weight, aerodynamics, venting and graphics. To some, these things don't matter. Weight is important to me so I bought the Arai, although I started out with an HJC AC-11, which I found to be bulky, heavy and noisy.

FIT, FIT, FIT! Everything thing comes down to comfort and fit. Try on everything and buy the one that fits! I must have gone to 10 different shops in 3 cities near me to try on ever brand I could find.

venting doesn't do a whole lot unless you are up to speed really. one thing i like to look for is removable liners so you can wash them if your lid starts to get a little ripe from sweating in it a lot