What's the safest helmet?
Discussion
Spend as much as you can and make sure the fit is as good as possible. The latter is by far the most important as all lids have to meet a minimum standard. An expensive, but ill-fitting lid affords you no protection.
I bought an Arai RX7 because it felt the best fitting at the time and had the mis-fortune to test it recently. It worked, so I replaced it with another. The replacement feels an even better fit, although the Shoei I tried on was good too. I was advised by my dealer to stick with Shoei or Arai. I don't think this was based on any particular bias, just experience.
Steve.
>> Edited by Steve_T on Wednesday 12th November 09:46
I bought an Arai RX7 because it felt the best fitting at the time and had the mis-fortune to test it recently. It worked, so I replaced it with another. The replacement feels an even better fit, although the Shoei I tried on was good too. I was advised by my dealer to stick with Shoei or Arai. I don't think this was based on any particular bias, just experience.
Steve.
>> Edited by Steve_T on Wednesday 12th November 09:46
not entirely true stevie T. MCN did a test this summer, and smashed up a pile of lids. The £30 ones performed, in some cases better than £400 shoei/arai.
as long as its gold sticker, BSU badged, it will be good enough. With the top names, your paying for the name, as they sponsor big racers.
You will also get extra features which aren't related to safety ;
nice paint jobs
adjustable air vents
removable/ cleanable interiors
quick release visors
chin guards
wind protection
sound proofing etc etc..
but saftey isnt based on price.
(saying all that, I prefer my Arai...)
as long as its gold sticker, BSU badged, it will be good enough. With the top names, your paying for the name, as they sponsor big racers.
You will also get extra features which aren't related to safety ;
nice paint jobs
adjustable air vents
removable/ cleanable interiors
quick release visors
chin guards
wind protection
sound proofing etc etc..
but saftey isnt based on price.
(saying all that, I prefer my Arai...)
I tend to agree with the above post's. If its got a acu sticker it should be find protection wise.
Fit is probably the most important thing. try lots on!
Arai dont fit me but Shoei do! Must have a weird head.
Tested my helmet out recently! all i remember is a feeling like beig punched in the head with a boxing glove. The helmet must have spread the impact out.
Fit is probably the most important thing. try lots on!
Arai dont fit me but Shoei do! Must have a weird head.
Tested my helmet out recently! all i remember is a feeling like beig punched in the head with a boxing glove. The helmet must have spread the impact out.
stooz said:
MCN did a test this summer, and smashed up a pile of lids. The £30 ones performed, in some cases better than £400 shoei/arai.
Ah ha! That was exactly the test I was looking for. I don't suppose you or anyone else here knows where to get a copy? Any idea which MCN issue it was ... ?
[quote]
Ah ha! That was exactly the test I was looking for. I don't suppose you or anyone else here knows where to get a copy? Any idea which MCN issue it was ... ?[/quote]
I can recal talking about the test over the easter period. So it must have been March-April time if its any help.
Also FM came out tops so try there web site, Im sure theyl be boasting about it.
kevp said:
I can recal talking about the test over the easter period. So it must have been March-April time if its any help.
Also FM came out tops so try there web site, Im sure theyl be boasting about it.
Thanks! If I can find an e-mail address for MCN, I'll contact 'em to ask.
FM won? Really! Interesting, as they are hardly as expensive as Arai and Shoei, are they?
The difference between cheap lids and expensive ones seems to be the list of features as has been already said. However, you can wash the lining of a lid with a non-removable lining quite easily. The ventilation difference between lids seems marginal and accesories like foggy breath guards or the fogcity insert will stop your cheap lid fogging up. Having forked out for a shoei (albeit a relatively cheap one) and used it for the last 3 years I'll buy a cheaper FM next time assuming they still do double-d ring fasteners.
Mark
Mark
dern said:
I'll buy a cheaper FM next time assuming they still do double-d ring fasteners.
Mark
The "seat belt" clips you must not like, have been stopped again. they decided they werent safe enough, and manafacturers have to go back to the double D again (in UK at least)
I have to agree those seat belt types just didnt seem strong enough, ; too small a component compared to a car belt..
stooz said:
The "seat belt" clips you must not like, have been stopped again. they decided they werent safe enough, and manafacturers have to go back to the double D again (in UK at least)
Hi Stu,
Where did you find that out? Still loads of lids with "seatbelt" clips at the NEC and in the shops...
stooz said:The thing I don't like about them is that they gradually loosen over a few weeks and you don't realise it's loose until it's too loose for comfort. With a double-d fastening you tighten it every time you put the lid on... a much safer arrangement imho.
The "seat belt" clips you must not like, have been stopped again. they decided they werent safe enough, and manafacturers have to go back to the double D again (in UK at least)
I have to agree those seat belt types just didnt seem strong enough, ; too small a component compared to a car belt..
Mark
huge_ego said:
stooz said:
The "seat belt" clips you must not like, have been stopped again. they decided they werent safe enough, and manafacturers have to go back to the double D again (in UK at least)
Hi Stu,
Where did you find that out? Still loads of lids with "seatbelt" clips at the NEC and in the shops...
Im a dealer so we get the news about changes. there not becoiming illegal. But they wont get the BS gold stamp in the future, no matter how safe the helmet is.
I cant remember when it changes tho.. I guess not yet if their still selling them!
Hi guys,
Many thanks for the info. Funny that this contradicts what the MCN test said. (Now I've found a copy of the helmet review.) MCN testers came out in favour of "seat belt" clips as being safer.
Ah well, there were plenty of helmets that did well in the MCN review (inc. FM, Arai, Shoei, Roof ... ) so will pick from these and avoid the surprise poor ones (AGV, amongst others).
Many thanks for the info. Funny that this contradicts what the MCN test said. (Now I've found a copy of the helmet review.) MCN testers came out in favour of "seat belt" clips as being safer.
Ah well, there were plenty of helmets that did well in the MCN review (inc. FM, Arai, Shoei, Roof ... ) so will pick from these and avoid the surprise poor ones (AGV, amongst others).
pesty said:
Arai dont fit me but Shoei do! Must have a weird head.
No you don't! Different people have different shaped heads and as has been said here consistently, fit is the most important safety factor. Different brands are designed for different shaped heads, so try a number of different brands before coming to a decision. All lids sold in the UK are safe, but fit is the real key to your individual safety. Hell, I sound like a granddad!
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