Crash helmets (1 Viewer)

[Richard n Ann]

I've been looking at buying a new lid. What make/type do you use?

In the past I've had Frank Thomas, Lazer, and my present one is a piss pot type Tuzo. There's a nice flip front one on ebay for £90 made by nitro (well it looks OK)

Any thoughts or recommendations?
Thanks

 

[LesW]

I've been using flip front lids of various makes since the BMW System 2, (late 70's?) simply because they're easy on the glasses I need, and wouldn't change to a 'standard' helmet.

As long as they have all the correct 'safety' markings etc, I wouldn't be put off by price.

However, comfort and fit is for me the most important factors, so make sure you get to try your chosen lid on first.

 

[hilldweller]

I've had a succession of Cabergs. One survived the best efforts of a Porsche driver.

Currently a Caberg Duke with it's own bluetooth system which is neat and invisible from outside but probably not as flexible as some of the glued on ones.

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[hilldweller]

the BMW System 2,

I had a System 3, worked, but heavy and all the style of a Nazi chamber pot helmet.

Can't beat a flip for convenience, esp when filling up, which at near 80 to the gallon, I don't do that often.

 

[tacr2man]

I have a flip front Shoei ,
which is very good at speed and also plenty of options to use at lower velocities , and temps . the OH has one of these , which is very pleased with for comfort draught proof and the built in sun visor is handy http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEOPARD-L...05&rk=1&rkt=1&&_trksid=p2045573.c100705.m4780

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

We have Shark Evo flip helmets with built in visor. It's very comfortable now but when we first got them mine gave me a nasty pain across the forehead after about an hours riding. Took a Stanley knife to the polystyrene lining and shaved it back until I felt OK. Excellent helmets especially as the flip front goes right over to the back when in open face mode and doesn’t look like you've got an air scoop on the top. Down side is that they are heavy and not cheap.
Had BMW System helmets with heated visor which was great in the rain. Merilyn had a pain on the top of her head with hers and on peeling back the lining we found a globule of glue.
Have had Arai open and full face helmets and probably the Arai open fac were the lightest and most comfortable.

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[bigtwin]

Take a look at the following to help inform your choice:

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

Ian

 

[DiggerJon]

I'd never buy a helmet on eBay unless I had tried an exact one on for size and comfort. I've been amazed over the years how helmets differ in fit for supposedly the same size, and also the placement of the visor has sometimes been problematical when it catches glasses, nose etc!

 

[davejen]

After watching "Fake Britain" on tv recently I would be very cautious of buying ANY safety equipment off Ebay no matter what the discription, ie genuine/brand new or whatever,
Cheers, Dave

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[jockaneezer]

Now that I've read the advertising blurb, I should have hung on to my orange Agordo.

 

[Stealaway]

The nearest I've found to be near as comfortable as Aria without taking out a mortgage is Caberg. I've worn them for years

 

[Chris51]

I have used flip helmets for years (used open most of the time with bike with full fairing) and main problem I find is they tend to "push" down on top of my glasses.Cant find one with high enough front.

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[Vanman]

My Nolan flipper works fine with my glasses. One thing I wouldn't go without now is the Pinlock, a God send in wet motorway (and other damp) conditions.

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

The last few I’ve used have been Schuberth (C3 & S2), Shoei Neotec and Shark Spartan Carbon. The flips are very convenient but I can’t imagine they can be as structurally resilient as a full face, just depends on the impact type/placement I guess. Shark provide an incredible bang for your buck, great quality/price combination IMHO. I would also go with pinlock visor.

Another thought, not that it really matters, if you buy a French brand (eg Shark), I think you get the allegedly compulsory reflective stickers for said country in the box. Not that I have bothered applying...

 

[Shrimp]

I've always used a 'flip front' open face helmet (except when off-roading) but I do find it a bit in the way when on pillion and it's up!

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[Enword]

Never tried a flip lid but not a fan, big Arai fan as most in the paddock, but been sponsored by others over the years, one that I found really good was HJC, but end of the day what fits you best & your pocket but don't skimp! I'v tested a couple

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Been using a Schuberth open face for years with a solid removable chin piece,plus a Schuberth C3 flip front for the longer journeys or not so good weather.
Remember years ago someone saying to me “If you got a £50 head buy a £50 helmet”.
Often say this to youngsters starting out,seen so many just pull off there lids and chuck’em on the ground.
Don’t always change after the recommended five years though but do try to take care of them.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

I'd never buy a helmet via any kind of mail order. Trying it on is essential.

I'd also tend to avoid the very cheapest ones unless I was absolutely convinced about them.

My main one at the moment is a Shoei GT Air with a Sena bluetooth unit which is designed for it and so almost invisible. I also have a Bell open face which is only used in the summer on my cruiser on shortish journeys.

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[jonandshell]

I know motorhomes aren't renowned for their crash test ratings but isn't a helmet taking things a bit far?

 

[Enword]

This Bell from 1995 has a 145+ MPH sentimental value to me Fastest "test" I've given a lid, bit of keep sake now

 

[movan]

I once put mine on back to front ... and I thought my chemo had made me go blind!! Tis true.

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[Stealaway]

You really are a blond

 

[Richard n Ann]

I have a flip front Shoei ,
which is very good at speed and also plenty of options to use at lower velocities , and temps . the OH has one of these , which is very pleased with for comfort draught proof and the built in sun visor is handy http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEOPARD-LEO-838-Modular-Flip-Up-DVS-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Helmet-Sun-Visor-White/282226317161?_trkparms=aid=555019&algo=PL.BANDIT&ao=1&asc=20170912101845&meid=14b938c91d0a4765824cbc76e5d2066e&pid=100705&rk=1&rkt=1&&_trksid=p2045573.c100705.m4780

Ordered the Leopard one today £45, tried one on at the Lincoln store and it fitted well but it wasn't the exact one I wanted so I've had to order it. They look well made and get very good reviews on amazon. I think you pay for the name with the top brands, some arai are nearly £1000. Ridiculous.

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Never heard of Leopard helmets, couldn’t find much info about them or official test results of their products from a very quick Google (I’d prefer more than Amazon reviews to go on). Given I typically commute year round by bike, I am naturally sceptical about low cost helmets in terms of quality of materials used, resilience over extended use, protective capability, noise, venting / visor steaming, weather proofing / leaking etc. That said, I hope it works out for you!

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[Blue Knight]

Ordered the Leopard one today £45,

Crickey, £45 for a helmet. I bought my last helmet in the Black Friday sale the other day and got it for £400 instead of £500; a new Shoei Neotec.

I always buy the good stuff as I've dealt with too many serious accidents where cheap kit has not worked well in the owners favour.

I do have to question what you get for £45 in terms of structural performance.

My advice is don't ever crash.

Good luck,

Andrew

 

[Deleted member 29692]

£45 for a helmet?

The question you have to ask is would you be confident enough in it to give it the same sort of crash test as @Enword 's in post 20 at even half the speed while you were wearing it.

If you wouldn't be then why would you wear it at all?

 

[injebreck99]

Just bought a Shoei GT Air, always liked Shoei helmets and now with the drop down visor, it’s even better, and the wife paid half, result!.

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[Camdoon]

Take a look at the following to help inform your choice:

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

Ian

Apart from ensuring your helmet fits properly any safety advice must be based on the Government's as advised by @bigtwin .

 

[Stretto Boy]

HJC flip-up for me. It’s very comfortable. I haven’t put it to a proper test yet I’m pleased to say!

 

[Enword]

I very often hear "I only got a little ped barely does 30 MPH so I dont need an expensive lid" My advice is always the same "That's true & the car coming towards your ped is doing 60 MPH, & if your unlucky an impact speed of up to 90 MPH! I then chuck in a old farts wink.

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