Helmets

[bikerchick]

Hi All. Im currently looking for a new Helmet. I was looking at a Shark but Ive read bad reviews about them and that there quite noisy. Can anyone recommend any that are middle of the road really, not too cheap but not expensive and are not noisy and are comfortable. Cheers.

[The_AirHawk]

HJC, Icon, Scorpion, Z1R just to name a few that I've used.

Generally speaking: the things that make noise are holes/slots, protruberances and appurtenances on the outside of the helmet, and poor-fitting/sealing visors. BUT, if you ever want to get any airflow through the dang thing, ya' gotta have 'em.

Personally, I wear earplugs to attenuate the wind-noise. I experience no trouble discerning things I WANT to hear doing-so - they're just more muted, but the wind-whistle is greatly reduced.

Buy a helmet that FITS, first and foremost; ahead of style, brand, or price.

[bikerchick]

Thanks very much for your reply, thats great advice.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

Nolan helmets are high quality at reasonable prices. If you check around online, you can frequently find them on sale or clearance.

You'll need to measure your head. Wrap a length of string around it about mid-forehead. Then measure the string length to get your diameter. Most websites selling helmets will have a chart to translate the diameter into size. Note that an XL in one brand may be an L in another.

[pushrod]

The other fit issue is the shape of your noggin. If you have what is called a 'long oval', your choices are fairly limited. ARAI and Shark are two that come to mind. ARAI is a great hat, but no one has ever considered them 'not expensive'.

Go to a shop that has different hats. Put one on and wear it for 15 minutes. You should have no 'hot spots' where the shell is pressing on your skull.

You should not be able to twist the hat on your head, and the cheekpads should be snug enough to where your molars are almost biting the insides of your cheeks.

+1 on the earplugs. All hats are noisy; most of the noise seems to come from the neck hole. I prefer the cheap foam plugs with the lanyard.

[pushrod]

The other fit issue is the shape of your noggin. If you have what is called a 'long oval', your choices are fairly limited. ARAI and Shark are two that come to mind. ARAI is a great hat, but no one has ever considered them 'not expensive'.

Go to a shop that has different hats. Put one on and wear it for 15 minutes. You should have no 'hot spots' where the shell is pressing on your skull.

You should not be able to twist the hat on your head, and the cheekpads should be snug enough to where your molars are almost biting the insides of your cheeks.

+1 on the earplugs. All hats are noisy; most of the noise seems to come from the neck hole. I prefer the cheap foam plugs with the lanyard.

[trenttheuncatchable]

One helmet that's getting great reviews is the Shoei Qwest. That might be my next helmet. Check it out. And check webbikeworld.com for helmet reviews.

[jnsmith0123]

I also prefer Arai helmets and I would recommend you to go for this helmet. More than 50 years devoted solely to the art and science of designing and building the best helmets humanly possible. An Arai helmet is the product of obsession, an ongoing obsession. Arai helmets are well known for the comfort and protection of you, the rider.

[A Star Ride]

I bought Scorpion helmets last time I was in the market, fair pricing & nice fit & reasonably quiet, I cant complain. I have the 3/4 lids with visor or full shield options, I wish I could use the visor with the faceshield but it isnt designed for that. The shield is especially great on long trips & cold weather, great optics, no distortion & designed so you can't see the edges of it anywhere, I have a few times forgot I had it on & tried to wipe my face, or worse, spit. You'll forget it isnt there. I diddnt want a modular helmet due to their weight and like a smaller lid for summer & diddn't want to keep up 2, so it's a great fit for me.

[Miss Sadorra]

If you're petite you may want to go for a kids helmet. I got mine for a hundo and I don't look like an alien riding anymore. I did have to put in my own nose peice as there aren't a lot of nice kids helmets to be had.