Author Topic: New Helmet - Suggestions?  (Read 5861 times)

Offline DriverJeff

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New Helmet - Suggestions?
« on: September 20, 2016, 03:50:05 pm »
The old helmet is about due for a replacement and I've begun looking at what's out there.  Plenty of choices, that's for sure.

So, to my expert friends here, what are you liking these days in a full-face helmet?  Yes I realize there are some awesome choices out there with materials found only on other planets that weigh as much as an angel's fart, but I haven't got thousands of dollars to spend on a bucket.  Nor is my aging head worth that much anymore anyway.

Looking for the best, all-round combo of safety, comfort, style and value.
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Offline Gurgie

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2016, 03:53:46 pm »
You're gonna have to go & try them on... they all fit differently as you know.  I picked up a HJC CL-17 back in June in matte black for only $200 & I find it extremely comfortable, but then again, my last 2 helmets were HJC as well.  Also, I'm using this for track days in my car, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a bike, lighter than my last one for sure!
You live everyday. You only die once....

Offline DriverJeff

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2016, 03:55:46 pm »
Definitely need to be tried, on, I get that.  Just looking for what people are liking these days to help narrow the search some.

Offline wing

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2016, 03:57:10 pm »
I just got an HJC IS17  great helmet.   Also $200 includes internal sun visor which I'm loving.

I had ordered an LS2 which was cheaper but didn't fit properly.

The HJC is highly rated in the euro tests.

Fortnine video guy Ryan has a video of the safest 5 helmets and the HJC is on his list.

Offline EV Dan

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2016, 03:59:22 pm »
Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach the man to fish and he wakes you up at 5 in the morning.

Offline JacobBlack

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2016, 04:00:38 pm »
AGV all the way. Loved my Stealth, before that loved my GP Pro.

Offline Triple Bob

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2016, 05:00:04 pm »
I've been looking for one too, can't decide yet.  I want a change from Bell, but find the photo-chromatic visor so bloody handy.  Dark in the sun on the way into work, and clear when riding home in the evening.  I don't think anyone else makes one.


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Offline rrocket

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2016, 05:24:01 pm »
The old helmet is about due for a replacement and I've begun looking at what's out there.  Plenty of choices, that's for sure.

So, to my expert friends here, what are you liking these days in a full-face helmet?  Yes I realize there are some awesome choices out there with materials found only on other planets that weigh as much as an angel's fart, but I haven't got thousands of dollars to spend on a bucket.  Nor is my aging head worth that much anymore anyway.

Looking for the best, all-round combo of safety, comfort, style and value.


It's tough to beat the Shark Race-R (or Carbons).  Modern material, good looks, decently light, and most importantly (IMO) 5 star SHARP rating with "green" scores in all 5 impact zones.  This is an outstanding website for safety ratings BTW  http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

I also like Arai and Suomy. 

Also check out Webbikeworld.  They have excellent helmet reviews and "Helmet of the Year" every year.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2016, 05:27:50 pm by rrocket »
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Offline dkaz

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2016, 12:06:03 pm »
HJC CL-17 3XL is one of the few that fits my oversized head. Unfortunately that size doesn't come with Snell rating. There are only a few Snell/ECE rated helmets in oversize. I highly recommend getting a helmet that's Snell or ECE rated, as well as DOT.

Offline wing

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2016, 03:22:04 pm »
That's a big noggin.  I find my HJC size small a little large lol

Offline Brig

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2016, 05:07:20 pm »

Offline Sir Osis of Liver

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2016, 05:24:46 pm »
:rofl2:

Life hack for those on a budget.

If you have a larger head, and are having a difficult time finding a helmet that fits well, buy a picnic sized Coleman cooler. Pop it in an oven preheated to 200F for 20 minutes until soft and pliable. Gently cram it on your head while still warm until it molds to your head's contours.



 ;D



« Last Edit: September 26, 2016, 05:29:44 pm by Sir Osis of Liver »
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Offline johngenx

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2016, 07:35:34 pm »
I also like Arai

You'd have trouble prying my Arai out of my dead hands - love their helmets.  Fit is important and they fit me incredibly well.  They are also wonderfully finished.

Offline mlin32

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2016, 03:13:22 pm »
Looks like I have the same helmet as some of you guys- bought my HJC CL-17 in matte black/green about 2 yrs ago and still happy with it.  :)

As others have said, worth trying multiple on for the proper fit as each model and manufacturer has a different shape.
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Offline rrocket

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2016, 06:10:03 pm »
I also like Arai

You'd have trouble prying my Arai out of my dead hands - love their helmets.  Fit is important and they fit me incredibly well.  They are also wonderfully finished.

Curse me for introducing IQ to Arai.  That's all she wears now.

Suomy are very nice too.

Offline dkaz

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #15 on: September 28, 2016, 12:02:18 pm »
I think Arai makes 3XL. Might be my next helmet if it fits. Some 3XLs don't fit though.

Offline Sir Osis of Liver

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2016, 12:09:58 pm »
I tried a pile of helmets over the years, but they all had pressure points, usually on top of my forehead. A few lines didn't have XXL either. The only one that fit just right was a cheepo CKX, which I still have.

It actually works pretty well as far as fit, line of sight and noise levels.

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Re: New Helmet - Suggestions?
« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2016, 01:54:43 pm »
POLISH IT ..Him..Her :shuffle: ...and I am not even Czech ;) ..noggin nuggets are better than BIG HAIR
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