helmet discussion

You can change out the cheek pads and liners in the Shoei to get a better fit. Not too sure about other brands, but I'm sure someone will chime in.

Yes, you can order different sized pads for the shoei lids. Newenough.com has them along with some of our other sponsors. My new X11 is a L, was tight on the cheeks so I went from 38mm to 34mm pads and it was all the difference :thumbsup:
 
I think you maybe on to something here as long as it vents well and is some what aerodynamic I would buy one.

It does went well, u just open the vents in the front, works for me and I live in Phoenix, AZ. And not having stupid fins makes the airflow better and quiets the helmet.
 
A couple of clarifications:

1) DOT is the required US standard. However, helmets are NOT tested to meet the standard. Instead, the helmet maker "swears" that the helmet will meet the standard IF tested.

2) Snell standard is 100% optional on the street in the US. The Snell standard is actually very questionable as it allows for G-forces transferred to the head to be well in excess of accepted scientific thresholds that will usually result in brain damage or fatality.

3) The primary job of a helmet is to protect the head in a crash. However, it is not intended to deal with a 140 mph header into a brick wall. Rather it is intended to deal with the impact experienced by falling from riding/standing height to the ground. Pretty much any DOT full face helmet can handle this primary function.

4) The secondary and far more common function of a helmet is to protect the rider from wind, bugs, sand, debris, sun, cold, etc. while enabling greater vision and comfort and lessening fatigue and distraction, all of which leaves the rider much more able to effectively and safely operate the bike and maintain awareness, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an accident. Any helmet will do a decent job in a crash, but each helmet/rider/bike combo will vary in terms of increasing/decreasing accident potential.

IMHO, a helmet s/b chosen based on the following criterion:

1) DOT certified
2) Fit
a) Get educated about how helmet is SUPPOSED to fit
b) Measure your melon
c) Try on as many helmets as you can
3) Comfort - if it ain't comfy to ya, ya may not wear it. Even if ya do wear it, it'll be at best a distraction and at worst a detriment to your riding.
4) Affordability - Doesn't make sense to buy anything ya can't afford. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to not find a way to afford something as critical as the best helmet for your particular combo of noggin/bike/riding. They're all different. Some are lucky enough to be a better match with lower cost helmets but most are able to realize significant benefits from the premium stuff while others go for the premium stuff only to find that it's a bad match.
5) Oh, and if it ain't full face, it ain't a whole helmet.

Best of luck!
 
Helmet life is advertised at 5 years. So says Arai and Shoei.

I'm usually ready for a new helmet after a few years anyway.

I don't have the energy or motivation to really get into it. But working in the Motorsports industry only reinforced my appreciation for Arai, their hand made quality, superior materials, and providing me with a lid that I will bet my life on every time.

Don't skimp on your helmet, save money on your jacket, on your Boots and pants... SPEND money on your Helmet, and your gloves. :thumbsup: Your ride comfort will improve, and you'll be happier in the long run.
 
The bottom line is your paying for quality. If you've never had a quality lid you wouldn't understand.

Kinda like why "eat at a nice restaurant when Mickey-D's will fill you up just the same...?"

Don't get me wrong as I've had my fair share of Big-Macs (and then some!) but when I want 'quality, real food' no way will any fast food joint suffice.

... It's all about perspective.
 
I like my GSXR helmet. DOT and SNELL approved and is very light. It doesn't move around on my head at speed like my HJC and KBC does. The GSXR helmet is made by Apex.
 
The bottom line is your paying for quality. If you've never had a quality lid you wouldn't understand.

Kinda like why "eat at a nice restaurant when Mickey-D's will fill you up just the same...?"

Don't get me wrong as I've had my fair share of Big-Macs (and then some!) but when I want 'quality, real food' no way will any fast food joint suffice.

... It's all about perspective.

Amen!
Or like coreywiley said "my cheap helmet works just fine" Really? And you know this how? Have you crashed with it before?
 
Helmet life is advertised at 5 years. So says Arai and Shoei.

I'm usually ready for a new helmet after a few years anyway.

.

So when making a Purchase of a New Helmet consider this when you Buy a "CLOSE OUT" Helmet that has been on a Shelf for 2 or 3 Years , Always check the Date of Manufacture on Helmets ......

I see dealers trying to "Close Out Sale" Helmets that are Not made anymore that were Manufactured 2 or 3 years ago.......
 
So when making a Purchase of a New Helmet consider this when you Buy a "CLOSE OUT" Helmet that has been on a Shelf for 2 or 3 Years , Always check the Date of Manufacture on Helmets ......

I see dealers trying to "Close Out Sale" Helmets that are Not made anymore that were Manufactured 2 or 3 years ago.......

My understanding of the life/duration of a helmet being 5 years is when it's in use. I don't believe that sitting on the shelf leads to functional deterioration in a helmet. Rather, exposure of the helmet to the elements, perspiration, the occasional jostling/bumping, etc. is what leads to liner compression/deterioration and compromised safety materials.

PS: I don't "know" the above for a fact, it is simply my long time understanding, so if there is information to the contrary, please advise. Thanks!
 
Dont get me wrong, HJC makes a good quality helmet. Hell my first helmet was HJC. But after wearing a SHOEI and then a Suomy the comfort and quality level is too great to go back. My g/f wears an icon mainframe, i hate it with a passion. It fits like crap, feels like the padding is lined with a scotch pad, and is noisy as hell ... yet she loves it. Go figure.

Must be a girl thing! I wear an icon and I love it! I upgraded from a cheapo helmet last year and now wonder why I never did it sooner.
 
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