What Helmet To Buy

[DeeJ]

I have currently got a AGV Kinetic, with Patriot Motif. It has an anti-fog lense, and is very well ventilated.

I ahve had it for 4 years, and it has served its time, and is now showing its age, as the visor is scratched, the lining smells and is stained, the pvc band underneath the lining at the back is falling apart.

So time for a new helmet.

I only want to pay sub £100, can anyone recommend a helmet with similar properties, which looks good for the price i want to pay.

[Colin the Bear]

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/index.php/cPath/43

[queen bodecia]

The best lid for you is the one that fits you best. With that in mind try lots on. They should feel snug to start with but you shouldn't have any pressure points. Sub-£100 is fine, there are lots of decent value lids out there but they're no good to anyone if they don't fit. There's a government approved test somewhere (you should find details on MCN website) that did a safety test of all major lids on the market and many of the budget lids performed better than the silly priced Arais and Shoeis out there although you will find better features on the pricier lids.

[Hoody]

The UK test is the SHARP test. IMO not that good, but gives an idea.

All lids are EU compliant, so all are safe.

If you are looking for sub £100 lids, as has been said, fit is the important thing (they all do the same thing afterall!).

You could get a £500 lid and if it doesn't fit then it is useless.

'Problem' with cheaper end lids is the weight issue. They tend to be heavier, but it is what you get used to and what you are going to do. If you are racing then the weight may be an issue, if commuting then not so much.

Look at the HJC range for price/fit/comfort/weight. Caberg are a good choice for many (not my style tbh), KBC aren't a bad lid either.

Good luck, shop around as many places as you can and don't impulse buy the first one you find!

Look at the HJC ranges

[Pete]

Caberg have a good range, all nice helmets in my opinion. The V2 and Trip are nice, both under £100. Also they have internal tinted visors which are great!

If you can stretch to £130 then the Caberg Justissimo comes very highly recommended from me and a few other people I know who have one. It's a lot like the V2, but has a flip front, which after having one I don't think I could do without!

[Guest]

This is one of them posts that is laced with personal choice . . Its up to you dude ! . Think on this though dude . . Wearing a helmet is the only compulsory item required on your motorcycle . . WHY ? Get the best you can for your money . I once cracked an arai supervent helmet in a crash . Not only am i still alive to tell the tail , but i was ok enuff to get up and inflict some pain on the driver for overtaking on a blind bend . Hitting me head on . .......... A good lid will save your life one day . a substandard lid will leave you a vegi for the rest of your life . Harsh words dude i know ,but very true in my oppinion .

[Guest]

First have your head size measured before you try any helmet on. Measure around the fullest part of your head just above the ears, taking the measurement at the forehead. The measurement will correspond to a particular size in the model range you are interested in. This is a good starting point! If you want a particular brand or model, do not be tempted to go for another size if yours is out of stock - wait and get the correct size!

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2 TRY IT ON

Once you have your size, place the helmet firmly onto your head. Secure the chin strap so that you can fit two fingers between it and your jaw. If the helmet has a quick release buckle take time to adjust the strap. Once fitted, you should be able to feel the inside of the helmet against all parts of your head, without feeling 'pressure points' or it leaving red marks. Once you are happy wear the helmet for a few minutes to make sure it is comfortable.

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3 TOO TIGHT - TOO LOOSE?

With the strap secured, try rotating the helmet from side to side. With a full face model, your cheeks should follow the movement of the helmet and stay in contact with the cheek-pads. Make sure the helmet does not rotate on your head. The cheek-pads should provide a firm, comfortable fit. Next tilt the helmet forward and back. It should stay in position and not move. If it slips forward or back it is unlikely to be the correct size.

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4 DOES IT COME OFF?

Finally, check that the helmet won’t easily come off in an accident. Tilt your head forward and have someone try to roll your helmet off your head by carefully applying an upward force to the rear of the helmet at its base. If you can roll if off in the showroom (with the chinstrap done up) it will be sure to come off in an accident! Ensure your new helmet comes with either an acceptable EC or BS approval marking and that the seller provides sufficient instructions for the use and care of the helmet. Read the instruction booklet to make sure you know how best to look after your helmet.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Buying a second hand helmet is not recommended.

[DeeJ]

Opted to get a flip front, as I prefer to wear an open face, but always run the risk of having no face if I have a crash.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0114009414

Bargain price, and look very well for the price.