Helmets? (And other safety gear)

[Dystopian]

Well, I've been swayed on helmets. I had always had it in mind to get one, but it was an open one with only protection to the forehead and up. I've since decided on getting a full-face helmet. Can anyone recommend any good brands that won't break the bank? I only want matte black, and the ability to have change out the visors from tint to clear. I'd also like one that would give me the ability to mount a camera if I should ever buy one and has some sort of microphone system inside of it.

[fetz]

congrats on going the full face route my favorite without breaking the bank is a fulmer
years ago i had a bell and liked that one also
just use the fulmer for riding have a clear and tint for it dont know anything about mounting cameras ill let others answer that

[jstark47]

Good brand that won't break bank = HJC.

Don't know how it stacks up with those other features you want, though.

[dean owens]

i have a scorpion exo-700 and i'm quite happy with it. it wasn't that expensive either. honestly, read the helmet fit guide. go to a shop and find the one that fits best. look at the price tag later. as it turns out, my head isn't a $400.00 head because i couldn't get a shoei to fit my head. but the $140.00ish scorpion fit just right.

[olebiker]

Just remember black is really hot in the sun. A full face can build up heat I know you see a lot of short helmets in black but there heat is not as important. Sitting at a light in traffic in the sun with a full face that is black will be very hot.

[blues2cruise]

You can flip your visor up for air when you stop at lights.

The biggest thing is fit, fit, fit.....many brands have different sizing and different shapes....

Look for a Schnell rating as well as a DOT rating...it is better than just a DOT rating.

[Dystopian]

Well, since I decided to buy a full-face helmet, I decided to buy some brand new gear since my leather jacket is a tad small and I only have jeans for leg protection.

I like this mesh jacket but I don't know my sizes very well. I wear 3x shirts because I find them comfortable, but I can wear 2x or sometimes even regular xl's (Makes myself feel bad, but I'm workin' on it). According to that size chart, I could wear the XL (waist line is about 39 so I wear 40's) and my chest size is about 47. Should I try the XL or spend the little extra money and get one slightly larger and more comfortable? If it doesn't fit correctly, would I be able to return it? I'd hate to spend $200 on something I can't wear.

I also like these Joe Rocket gloves.

For a helmet, I like the HJC Crypt helmet, but I don't know how much it costs. I don't even know how I'm supposed to order it. Anyway, it's not shiny which was one of my original criteria.

I'm already covered in the boots department, I have some Harley Davidson's.

Am I missing anything else but pants?

[Big B]

before you order a helmet, go to a bike shop and try a bunch on so you know what size (and brand ) will fit you. my icon is a xxl, but my hjc is an xl, as is my motorcross helmet, but my snowmobile helmet is a triple xl. safe yourself a lot of grief and find out what size you are for each manufacturer first.

[Lion_Lady]

Well, I've been swayed on helmets. I had always had it in mind to get one, but it was an open one with only protection to the forehead and up. I've since decided on getting a full-face helmet. Can anyone recommend any good brands that won't break the bank? I only want matte black, and the ability to have change out the visors from tint to clear. I'd also like one that would give me the ability to mount a camera if I should ever buy one and has some sort of microphone system inside of it.

Ever thought how you're gonna clean a matte black helmet? Not so easy. Have a friend who got a matte finish helmet. He regrets it. (Mounting anything to a non-smooth surface is gonna be a royal PITA.)

All helmets have the ability to switch visors.

P

[jstark47]

Ever thought how you're gonna clean a matte black helmet? Not so easy. Have a friend who got a matte finish helmet. He regrets it.

LOL! Too true! My first HJC has a matte finish - after two years that poor thing looks like the dog's breakfast. It's now officially my "rat helmet"!