I know nothing about ratings. I am looking for full face, and emphasis on safety. There are so many thousands of options.
How should I select a new helmet?
- Thread starter Fordiesel69
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Go to a place that sells helmets, and try a bunch on. There are different shell-shapes, some with pads that can be custom fit, liners that can be removed to be washed, venting that works better at street speeds as opposed to racing speeds, etc. Some have nicer fit and finish, paint, graphics, etc.
They can range from cheap to expensive. In my experience, the more expensive helmets ARE nicer to wear.
I've been partial to Arai for 25 or so years, and currently wear Corsair X helmets on the street and track, and a VX-Pro4 for dirt.
They can range from cheap to expensive. In my experience, the more expensive helmets ARE nicer to wear.
I've been partial to Arai for 25 or so years, and currently wear Corsair X helmets on the street and track, and a VX-Pro4 for dirt.
You need to figure proper size first and then try on as many as you can to get one with best fit. They may vary quite a bit in weight too.
I used HJC and AGV. See if there are replaceable visors for the helmet as you may want one tinted for summer. My AGV was a flip up design and HJC was solid.
I used HJC and AGV. See if there are replaceable visors for the helmet as you may want one tinted for summer. My AGV was a flip up design and HJC was solid.
I'd highly suggest one that has a "duckbill" or chine. Alot of the open cockpit SCCA drivers say it makes a huge difference as it helps to reduce lift and buffeting. I can't remember but I thought that helmets designed for motorsports have more stringent rules vs basic motorcycle helmets.
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Look for the ECE 22.06 certification. This is the standard that represents the baseline technology currently worth trusting your life to. I would personally not buy a helmet without this certification.
A quick and easy way to check correct fit of a prospective helmet
is to begin with a large size and work your way down to a snug
fit... and that is after you get it on your head and without buckling
the chin strap, snap your head side to side in quick movements...
if the helmet stays snug and follows your head then the size is
probably correct... if it moves about then it is too large... try next
smaller size... what you'll end up with is knowing what is too large
and what is a snug fit without going too tight... in other words the
correct skid lid for your cranial...
is to begin with a large size and work your way down to a snug
fit... and that is after you get it on your head and without buckling
the chin strap, snap your head side to side in quick movements...
if the helmet stays snug and follows your head then the size is
probably correct... if it moves about then it is too large... try next
smaller size... what you'll end up with is knowing what is too large
and what is a snug fit without going too tight... in other words the
correct skid lid for your cranial...
If anyone reading this is traveling through Columbus, OH, Iron Pony Motorsports possibly has the largest number of helmets in a brick & mortar to try on.
Type of use also, dirt bike vs road bike vs auto racing vs snowmobiling vs ATV use etc. There are no real fits all helmets.
Snell helmets are the highest head impact rated ones, higher test standard than DOT helmets. I'm not sure on the ECE ones.
Windshield vs no windshield makes a difference also with wind noise.
I've got several styles and types of helmets matched to my toys.
Snell helmets are the highest head impact rated ones, higher test standard than DOT helmets. I'm not sure on the ECE ones.
Windshield vs no windshield makes a difference also with wind noise.
I've got several styles and types of helmets matched to my toys.
I wear a Shoei carbon kevlar size 57/58, it fits me better than the Arai or most of the other high end helmets so don't go by looks alone make sure it fits properly and don't spare the $$$, you cant replace the bulb it is priceless.
The best helmet will be the one that fits you best. A helmet won't be any good if it's uncomfortable and you don't like wearing it. My $600 Shoei fit great wearing it around the house for an hour, but not as much after 90 minutes on the road. My $175 LS2 is now my go to helmet, and both are ECE 22.06 rated.
In the end, I've had a difficult time finding modern helmets that were quiet. For some reason, things are not like they used to be with regard to wind noise. Some of today's helmets are so bad, ear plugs are needed.
I think ear plugs are mandatory protection and ride enjoyment...
I went with custom molded ear plugs with tiny Sony digital
speakers... they cut 30db of wind noise and allow every note of the
music through even at low volumes... perfect...
I added a light weight Xact Sirius satellite receiver... Moozic non stop...
I went with custom molded ear plugs with tiny Sony digital
speakers... they cut 30db of wind noise and allow every note of the
music through even at low volumes... perfect...
I added a light weight Xact Sirius satellite receiver... Moozic non stop...
This!! ECE 22.06 is the latest updated safety feature in motorcycle helmets. Some 22.05's are still out there so ensure, if this is the route you're going with, it has the latest, 22.06 rating.
DOT is a joke and the Snell rating, although certainly better than DOT, is a rating for automobile crashes (racing) not motorcycles.
"The statement "DOT certification is a joke" is often used to express concerns about the rigor and effectiveness of the Department of Transportation's (DOT) certification process for motorcycle helmets in the United States. The concern stems from the fact that helmet manufacturers self-certify their products as meeting DOT standards, and a significant percentage of DOT-approved helmets have been found to fail independent tests.
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ECE 22.06 > Snell, although a helmet with both is a plus.
I'm about to just give up. It will be for street motorcycle. I cannot find the right helmet in ece 22.06 standard. I found a shark but it has no ratings
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shark-spartan-gt-helmet-solid
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shark-spartan-gt-helmet-solid
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Do you have a Bell Helmets dealer nearby? I’m a fan of their Qualifier DLX MIPS. It comes with a transition face shield which changes with the light, and it works great, and is equipped with the MIPS safety system which minimizes rotational forces to your head in the event of a glancing blow. 300 bucks shipped. Regardless of the helmet you choose, I suggest a bright color with white in the mix so you can be more easily seen by other motorists. All white is the easiest seen.
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Do you have a Bell Helmets dealer nearby? I’m a fan of their Qualifier DLX MIPS. It comes with a transition face shield which changes with the light, and it works great, and is equipped with the MIPS safety system which minimizes rotational forces to your head in the event of a glancing blow. 300 bucks shipped. Regardless of the helmet you choose, I suggest a bright color with white in the mix so you can be more easily seen by other motorists. All white is the easiest seen.
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There are lots out there, and many with reviews too.
A brain bucket is thee most important piece of PPE you can wear. Don't cheap out on one. As suggested, go to a motorcycle shop and try a bunch a on. Don't listen the salesman if he tries to sell you just a DOT one. He may just be trying to get rid of old inventory.
https://www.revzilla.com/ece-2206-m...EkTnKBgtzVLZ6yscHUX8cPH6zKH3c1tGd3eIspH3r8nKk
https://www.helmexpress.com/en/ece-22-06
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