Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Gear => Topic started by: Skybarney on October 27, 2013, 08:23:21 AM

Title: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Skybarney on October 27, 2013, 08:23:21 AM
And sledge hammers! 

Motorcycle helmet instant impact crash test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkEJ3viwYPY#)
Okay maybe this should be in WTF forum.

Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: nickshelby500kr on October 27, 2013, 12:03:13 PM
And people are like why would you spend so much money on a helmet?! That's why. The HJC was the only name brand I saw and he was just wailing on it and it didn't give in.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: spolic on November 19, 2013, 02:20:32 PM
You have to ask yourself, how much is your head worth. For skiing and mountain biking about $150. For a motorcycle about $350+.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: He Man on November 19, 2013, 09:31:22 PM
Quote from: spolic on November 19, 2013, 02:20:32 PM
You have to ask yourself, how much is your head worth. For skiing and mountain biking about $150. For a motorcycle about $350+.

Not true at all. Ive crashed in $75 helmets. Scoprion EXO on sale! done it twice. Also crashed in $400+ Shark RSR2. Dont recall it being much of a difference.

The protection is in the rating. If it isnt rated for what you are comfortable with (and only you can judge if SNell 2010, ECE22.01 or DOT is good enough for YOU) then simply dont wear it.

What $$$ does pay for is weight and comfort.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: NAKID on November 20, 2013, 07:54:20 AM
Man, that HJC took a beating!

Here is the video now since that link is broken.

Motorcycle helmet instant impact crash test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F0Myf4oEzc#)
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: cokey on November 20, 2013, 04:55:11 PM
shouldn't the test be done with something inside..  bowling ball or something resembling a head not just so it doesnt bonce around...
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Privateer on November 24, 2013, 07:45:58 AM
Quote from: He Man on November 19, 2013, 09:31:22 PM
Not true at all. Ive crashed in $75 helmets. Scoprion EXO on sale! done it twice. Also crashed in $400+ Shark RSR2. Dont recall it being much of a difference.

The protection is in the rating. If it isnt rated for what you are comfortable with (and only you can judge if SNell 2010, ECE22.01 or DOT is good enough for YOU) then simply dont wear it.

What $$$ does pay for is weight and comfort.

blasphemer!  How dare you question the expensive helmet gods!!


Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Southpaw on December 10, 2013, 09:08:58 AM
A greater chunk of those helmets look like Chinese knock offs of big named brands, probably using substandard materials that wouldn't even pass US DOT.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: The Bearded Duc on December 10, 2013, 12:53:46 PM
Considering HJC is a Korean company it doesn't surprise me that they would highlight how "good" the HJC is compared to other "bad" helmets.

We do the same thing here in the states.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Skybarney on December 13, 2013, 09:58:22 AM
Cheap vs. not cheap.  I have a $1000.00 Arai.  Recently I had to pull the cheek pads out to install speakers and it is a MAJOR pain getting it all back together properly.  My buddy bought one of the 400.00 Skorpions on sale for $54.00 and the entire interior is easy to get to.  It has speaker pockets, easier to use vents and a slide down sun visor.  Granted it is a bit heavier.

Just why the make the beast with two backs does the Arai cost so much?   Not sure I will buy another one after trying to fit the speakers.

Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: The Bearded Duc on December 13, 2013, 05:47:48 PM
Quote from: Skybarney on December 13, 2013, 09:58:22 AM
Cheap vs. not cheap.  I have a $1000.00 Arai.  Recently I had to pull the cheek pads out to install speakers and it is a MAJOR pain getting it all back together properly.  My buddy bought one of the 400.00 Skorpions on sale for $54.00 and the entire interior is easy to get to.  It has speaker pockets, easier to use vents and a slide down sun visor.  Granted it is a bit heavier.

Just why the make the beast with two backs does the Arai cost so much?   Not sure I will buy another one after trying to fit the speakers.



I'm a fan of the Scorpion helmets, I'm on my third one.

The first was an EXO-1000, size medium, that when first purchased fit like a glove but after a little wear-in was a little loose. Passed that one to a friend in need.

The second was an EXO-700, size small. First purchased for the GF. She doesn't ride that often so I used it as my daily, much better fit than the medium.

The third is an EXO-1000, proper size, and also one of the deep discount helmets posted here.

The creature comforts, as well as just regular comfort, definitely rival some of the bigger (and sometimes more spendy) companies.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ab on December 14, 2013, 09:31:51 PM
Weight is what you are paying for.  It makes a huge difference. I wish I can afford the carbon fiber helmets in the market.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Skybarney on December 14, 2013, 10:09:58 PM
Yum yummy carbon.  Maybe my next helmet........  Bell is making some nice stuff.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: DucHead on December 15, 2013, 06:38:47 AM
I had a Scorpion EXO-1000, but I try as I did I couldn't get used to the weight.  I wouldn't buy another if they were $5.   :P

After using dozens of helmets, weight and aerodynamics are where its at for me (proper fit goes without saying).

I have two Suomy Vandals which are aerodynamic almost undetectably heavier than my carbon fiber Shark.  The Vandals are LOUD, so its earplugs for any ride over 30 minutes.

The helmet I wear most these days is my Schuberth C3.  It's expensive, but quiet, light and aerodynamic.  The bluetooth/radio is nice too.

As with many moto-/gear-related items, YMMV.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ducatiz on December 15, 2013, 09:23:22 AM
I am sure everyone is sensitive to this, but a hammer is not a good test method.  The most likely impact is pavement or another vehicle and that is not a 2" square impact.

It's an interesting look into the helmets, but not a very realistic test.

Also, just because a helmet doesn't break doesn't mean it's good.  A helmet should protect the head, not itself.  If a helmet doesn't break (because it deforms) that might be really bad for your head.  Likewise, a helmet that takes a blow transfers the force to the neck/back.  You really want something that "gives" and puts the force of the impact onto the materials inside (and sacrifices itself).
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: jcmjrt on December 16, 2013, 07:45:30 AM
Quote from: DucHead on December 15, 2013, 06:38:47 AM
The helmet I wear most these days is my Schuberth C3.  It's expensive, but quiet, light and aerodynamic.  The bluetooth/radio is nice too.


Great helmet. I expected light and aerodynamic but less noise because of the collar is really nice.  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Triple J on December 16, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
Quote from: Skybarney on December 14, 2013, 10:09:58 PM
Yum yummy carbon.  Maybe my next helmet........  Bell is making some nice stuff.

The Bell Star is a sweet helmet. I've been wearing them for 4 years now...very light (even the non-CF ones) and comfortable, plus the photochromatic visor is fantastic.

I used to be an Arai guy, but I like the Bell better overall now.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ducpainter on December 16, 2013, 11:35:30 AM
I switched from Arai to AGV. It too is quiet, with regards to wind noise, and light.

I crashed an AGV GP-Tech and, like 'Tiz described, the shell absorbed the brunt of the impact instead of the foam or my head because it crushed.

Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Howie on December 16, 2013, 01:22:32 PM
Quote from: Triple J on December 16, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
The Bell Star is a sweet helmet. I've been wearing them for 4 years now...very light (even the non-CF ones) and comfortable, plus the photochromatic visor is fantastic.

I used to be an Arai guy, but I like the Bell better overall now.

Good to know.  Just bought one.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ducatiz on December 16, 2013, 01:35:50 PM
Quote from: Triple J on December 16, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
The Bell Star is a sweet helmet. I've been wearing them for 4 years now...very light (even the non-CF ones) and comfortable, plus the photochromatic visor is fantastic.

I used to be an Arai guy, but I like the Bell better overall now.

just can't get this out of my head when i hear about it

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Starr

but now i am intrigued in the helmet!
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: Triple J on December 16, 2013, 01:48:16 PM
 [laugh]

For full disclosure...I started wearing the Star when they came out with the new design several years ago. A good friend was a rep. for them and got me one for 1/2 price. He told me the old ones sucked, but they made a nice helmet in the re-design. I have 2 of them now, as well as two of their dirtbike helmets (Moto-8 and Moto-9), and a downhill mtn. bike helmet...didn't pay anywhere close to retail for any of them.

I'd buy them without the discount now though, as I think they're all great helmets.  [thumbsup] A LOT of the guys I race with also wear them. Super light, well vented (almost too well), great visors, and good aerodynamics (much better than Arai IMO). Not the quietest, but I wear earplugs.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: $Lindz$ on December 18, 2013, 03:51:48 PM
I just picked up a Pista GP.

Holy F, this thing is amazing. So light, such good aero and visibility. Game changer. Here it is compared to my GP Tech. The shape is different so it sits kinda funny (the rear should be up higher in comparison to the GP Tech). Can't wait to sand it down to the carbon and put my war paint on it...


(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_1.JPG)

(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_2.JPG)

(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_3.JPG)
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ducpainter on December 18, 2013, 03:55:28 PM
Quote from: $Lindz$ on December 18, 2013, 03:51:48 PM
I just picked up a Pista GP.

Holy F, this thing is amazing. So light, such good aero and visibility. Game changer. Here it is compared to my GP Tech. The shape is different so it sits kinda funny (the rear should be up higher in comparison to the GP Tech). Can't wait to sand it down to the carbon and put my war paint on it...


(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_1.JPG)

(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_2.JPG)

(http://media.ziptied.com/members/files/128/GPTech_PistaGP_3.JPG)
Why sand it to carbon?

Scuff and shoot dood...trust me. ;)
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: $Lindz$ on December 18, 2013, 05:24:18 PM
What I mean is sand through the clear enough to remove the stickers, then my new helmet design (close to my last one) is gonna be done in printed vinyl just like the Rossi Helmets, with clear over it.

I am not going to paint because neons require primer, a white base, then the neon paint (as you well know I'm sure). And every color at least needs to be primered first, etc. I want to leave most of it raw carbon and it will be a lot lighter to print the designs on a few pieces of thin high-cal vinyl and apply the design that way.

It's going to still have the red on neon red/orange "Sic" stripes but the cheetah on the sizes is going to be tonal black, and there might be a few gradient stripes here and there like Rossi's SoleLuna graphic. I want something super mean looking for this season.
Title: Re: Beware of cheap helmets!
Post by: ducpainter on December 19, 2013, 03:45:32 AM
That makes sense.