Helmet prices and quality

[chwilson0607]

I've been looking at some of the different types, styles, and brands of full face helmets. Most all seem to be DOT/SNELL approved however the difference in price is quite dramatic. Anywhere from about 100 to 600 or 700 dollars. What would I gain by going with a $500 dollar Shoei helmet versus another brand like Icon or Nolan or Arai for much less? (other than a big hole in my wallet). On a basic level, I would think that they would all meet some level of safety but are they made with completely different materials that some cost so much more than others? particularlyShoei... Thanks.


Carl

[Sev]

It's been gone over before, but with the more expensive lids you're mostly paying for extra features above and beyond crash protection:

Better venting
Quieter
Quick change visors
Lighter
Better graphics
Brand Name

etc etc etc.


The key to buying a good lid is to find the one that fits the best for your particualr head. Price isn't the issue. The $200 HJC CL-14 fits my head really well, so it's what I buy.

[nike_soccer]

I paid $180 for my HJC, and I LOVE IT. It has the best graphics I could have hoped for and matches my bike perfectly.

But the main reason I bought it is because when I put it on it fit absolutly perfect. It was the only one in the whole shop that went on smoth, stood strong, didn't slide around, and slid off with ease when I needed it to.

I have an HJC CL-SP Animus edition helmet...it only has 3 vents, 2 on top, and one in front, but I just crask the visor a smidge and it's ok, but that's only when the heat is unbearable.

Also, check out this thread I made a while ago when I was in your situation:

http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=7889

[Lion_Lady]

Buy the helmet that fits the best. Read and/or print out the "helmet fit guidelines" sticky thread.

Different manufacturers also have differing 'features' and fit.

It used to be that Shoei seemed to fit 'rounder' heads and Arai fit 'narrower' heads. Now both seem to be offering some variations on both.

P

[m4lu6]

My primary reason for buying this Scorpion EXO for $139 was: "I'm a newbie. I'm going to drop my helmet. I'd rather drop a $139 helmet than a $600 helmet"

One thing the MSF instructors were quick to point out (true or not), if/when you drop your helment, you now have a great flower planter. Microsopic cracks & whatnot ruin the helmet's integrity. ... I'm sure this is subjective... but it made enough sense to buy a DOT/SNELL for cheap. Good helmet, too, I think.

[cb360]

#1 - but thew helmet that fits best. here is absolutely no correlation between price and safety. Some of the safest lids ever tested cost $100. If you pay a lot for the helmet do it bedcause you loike how it looks or because it fit you best - don't think it's a better safety product because it isn't.

#2 - Your helmet doesn't have to be replaced just because of a garden variety drop in the parking lot - not unless your head was in it. Even Snell says so on their website. Now if you drop it from twenty feet onto concrete that's probably a different situation. An unladen helmet dropped from 3 or feet won't even stress the shell enough to deform the foam beneath the helmet shell.

[CNF2002]

I also have the Scorpion, now its my first helmet so I have nothing to compare it to, but its a great Snell helmet for 130. I also bought a tinted visor for 35 and it has the quick-disconnects. It has vents, but to be honest I havent noticed much change when I open/close the vents.

[cb360]

I agree - for all the talk of venting I've never had a helmet on my head that felt like it did a very good job regardless of price - I can fog any of them up

[VermilionX]

my shoei helmet seems to do the job.

i tried wearing sunglasses but very soon, my sunglasses got foggy, i removed them but my visor on the helmet is fine, no fog at all.

[basshole]

I'm a real big fan of my Scorpion EXO-700. Best value on the market if it fit's your head well.