Beware of cheap helmets!

[Skybarney]

And sledge hammers! 


Okay maybe this should be in WTF forum.

[nickshelby500kr]

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.

[spolic]

You have to ask yourself, how much is your head worth. For skiing and mountain biking about $150. For a motorcycle about $350+.

[He Man]

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.

[NAKID]

Man, that HJC took a beating!

Here is the video now since that link is broken.

[cokey]

shouldn't the test be done with something inside..  bowling ball or something resembling a head not just so it doesnt bonce around...

[Privateer]

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!!

[Southpaw]

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.

[The Bearded Duc]

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.

[Skybarney]

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.

[The Bearded Duc]

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.

[ab]

Weight is what you are paying for.  It makes a huge difference. I wish I can afford the carbon fiber helmets in the market.

[Skybarney]

Yum yummy carbon.  Maybe my next helmet........  Bell is making some nice stuff.

[DucHead]

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.   

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.

[ducatiz]

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).