Helmets

[racerman_27410]

How about this one Frank?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260578096777&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2987wt_914

http://www.vcansports.com/assets/docs/v210_Brochure_18May09.pdf

Harvy

just a few questions on that helmet Harvy,  first off its BT 1.2    ..... the going module for blue tooth is 2.0 and most times that is just mono input/output   you really want to look for A2DP stereo blue tooth.


i have given up on the modular helmets and went back to full face.... the modulars may well be as strong as the full face but i am not taking any chances.

KOokaloo!
Frank

[indyblue]

I just read the webbikeworld review of the new Bell Star 2010 and it sounds/looks pretty nice.  So far I have not found a local dealer with one in stock so I can try it on for fit.  I need to replace my 15 yr. old Simpson, hard/impossible to find face shields and heavy by today's standards.

How do the rest of you evaluate new helmets?  There's no way I'd buy on the internet without trying it on first.

Same goes for riding gear, I read the thread about it but again I need to check fit/comfort before committing.

[andyb]

Go to a store with a wide selection, try on everything that they'll let you before you get thrown out, figure out which shell fits best, buy online.  If there's a tie between two shells fitting well for you, look at the cost of replacement shields and the variety available that you want.  Still tied?  Pick whichever design is newer, as it'll probably be supported longer.

At least that's how I do it.

[Dan Filetti]

Go to a store with a wide selection, try on everything that they'll let you before you get thrown out, figure out which shell fits best, buy online. 

When helmet shopping 2 years ago now, this was my intent, to 'use' my local bike shop to try on different helmets for size and fit.  I even made it clear to the sales guy that that was what I was doing.  He was fine with it.  In the end, after I tried on the one I liked, he asked me what I was getting it for on line.  I told him, and he matched it, on the spot.  The sales tax I paid him (the state really) was almost exactly what the shipping was, so it was a wash and I got to take the helmet home with me then.  Nice.

My point, show up knowing the cheapest price you can get a particular helmet for and when you're ready to leave, ask the sales guy if he can match it.  If he can, -well all right!  If not, then you have a good reason to walk out with your head held high (and you know what particular helmet/ size to order when you get home....)

Good luck,

Dan

[jvb_ca]

I have seen posts about helmets here before. I am in need for a quiet, light weight helmet. My race car helmet is way to loud as well my dirt bike helmet. I don't have a $10.00 dollar head, so cheap isn't what I'm looking for. (don't want to go crazy) I just would like some imput from all you experts, likes, dislikes.
TIA Bob

Hey Bob, I heard these do not fit too well ......     



Cheers...Jake

[weymouth399]

now thats funny, so easy a woman can't do it. 
Bob

[chapindad]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VCAN-BLUETOOTH-DARKANGEL-FULL-FACE-MOTORCYCLE-HELMET-L-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d5Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d8804057434146378290QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ350458181944

Just got one of these for the bike.  It is pretty lightweight, nice vents, and does no ride up with wind.  The BT is very nice for listening to music and getting that quick call from the wife on the way home.  Charging my helmet is bit odd and I had to find a good place to do it.  But so far so good.

[fb747]

That Vcan bluetooth lid seems like a good deal chapindad how's it working for you? is it dificult to sync it with your techno goods (iphone) and is it quiet?

I'm quite interested in this at the moment...

http://www.reevu.com/

A bit pricey but could be very cool if it does all they say it does, I imagine it would take some getting used to.

Has anyone had much experience with ICON lids, a friend of mine is the distributor over here and keeps bugging me to buy one off him but I want outside info (you guys) before I submit to the icon mafia.

[chapindad]

The helmet seems pretty quiet.  But then again I listen to music so not sure if I would know, wind noise does not drown out the volume of the music.  I had it on yesterday in 97 degree weather and my head was not soaked, so the venting seems to be working rather well.  It had some type of anti-fog nose rubber thing.  It was just glued in and started coming off so I helped it the rest of the way.  The shields replace rather nicely, lock into place, and do nicely with creating small gaps for air flow.  It seems to be cut a little small so keep that in mind if you order.

Now the Blinc Bluetooth is the best part.  I have an iPhone 4 so results may vary for other phones. First charge the helmet completely before you screw with it, if you don't it will act screwy.  Once you do that then pairing it up with the iPhone is a breeze and playing music is awesome, I also use the ESPN Radio app and it is great also.  Making calls is pretty good.  You sound muffled to the person and to yourself so that is a little weird, its like talking to yourself.  I wouldn't hold a long conversation, but it is great for the quick one.  I used it at a long stop light yesterday to remind my son to bring his helmet to class so I could take him home.  If you are a commuter like me then I would get it in a heart beat.  If you are a weekend warrior then maybe not so much, except for the music. 

But I love it.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.  The only issue I have with it is that it seems to be cut a little small but time seems to be working that problem out.

 

[axiom-r]

I was a Shoei person for a few helmets (so several years and bikes).  As Pat has pointed out the shape of your head will determine which helmet is best for you.  The rounder your noggin the better the Shoei's will fit.  If you have more of an oval head look into the Arai's.  It is worth saying that the new Arai's also have a removable and washable inner pad/cushion set.  This ended up being important to me because after trying on numerous helmets at the USGP Laguna Seca, the Arai rep traded out the inner check pad set for a different size to in essence "custom fit" the helmet for me....

The Shoei's pinched my forehead over time and the cheek pads were too tight. I never really realized that my forehead was being pressured by the Shoei- it took riding in the Arai to demonstrate the long term comfort improvement. 

Pat, not sure how old your helmet is but I really like the visor system on the Arai.  There are no screws to loosen, you hold down a lever on each side that spreads the mount out a bit and the visor raises up and then pulls directly off.  The Arai rep showed me the exact motion and once you got it- it is very easy... he was whipping visors on and off various helmets at a fast clip. 

If you go to a dealer or order on line you are not going to get the expertise in determining your head shape. I highly recommend attending an event that Arai and Shoei are at with product - then you will know for sure what is bets for you.  I had a similar experience fitting a leather jacket when I went to the Vanson booth- never knew how good leathers could fit until a pro fitted me...

Good luck Bob!


tim

[candieandy]

has anyone bought the cheap flip up face helmets off ebay that the lens falls out of. they say they are DOT approved, but im questioning it.

[ddlewis]

I was a Shoei person for a few helmets (so several years and bikes).  As Pat has pointed out the shape of your head will determine which helmet is best for you.  The rounder your noggin the better the Shoei's will fit.  If you have more of an oval head look into the Arai's.  It is worth saying that the new Arai's also have a removable and washable inner pad/cushion set.  This ended up being important to me because after trying on numerous helmets at the USGP Laguna Seca, the Arai rep traded out the inner check pad set for a different size to in essence "custom fit" the helmet for me....

The Shoei's pinched my forehead over time and the cheek pads were too tight. I never really realized that my forehead was being pressured by the Shoei- it took riding in the Arai to demonstrate the long term comfort improvement.  ...

I've been down the same paths with Shoei/Arai.  Back before I knew better, I used to buy Shoeis that were really too big just so they fit front to back, but were loose on sides.  Then I discovered Arai with their oval shell shapes fit my head a lot better the old RF's. 

Now there are newer Shoei models that fit me/us.  X12 and new RF1100 are two that I've tried that seem to have an Arai oval shape.  So you can get the nice fit with a Shoei without the crappy Arai shield system.

[RichBaker]

Has anyone had much experience with ICON lids, a friend of mine is the distributor over here and keeps bugging me to buy one off him but I want outside info (you guys) before I submit to the icon mafia.

I have one, don't like or wear it..... it's too long/comes too close to my jacket collar and gets very annoying.  I need to sell it.....

[FJTillDeath]

Haha just my 2cents but after reading all these comments I realised i myself need a new helmet. Ive had a really cheap one (probably one the cheapest full face helmets youll ever find) still approved and what not. I have never had a problem with the comfort of the helmet though and it is very light. Unfortunately the visor mists up really quickly and accumulates scratches real quick! after my last accident i should actually have replaced it but havent for 2 reasons. 1 when i landed it wasnt even on my head so it wasnt actaully damaged in anyway and 2 because money is quite tight when you gotta pay hospital bills. Moral of the story cheapshit helmets are indeed quite comfortable but dont count on them to save your life so i am gonna get a good quality entry class helmet at least better than the plastic one I have now. like i said just my 2 cents but I also hear the Aria are good and come with pretty nifty designs.

[terryk]

Helmets are critical. I like the RF1100 as it is Snell 2010 and has built in speaker pockets and eye glass channels that work. In fact, everything works well and with excellent enginnerring and materials on this lid. I also like my AGV K3, just wish AGV would go the Snell route. I would also consider latest blue tooth spec intercomms. the Interphone F2 has great reviews and is on the radar screens of a few of us here in San Diego. The F4 transfers easily to any helmet and works reliably and well in all tests.
http://www.interphone.cellularline.com/en/product_en/fseries_en/interphoneF4_en.html