Helmet suggestions

Glaucus · 20 May 2013 at 16:42

My helmet is far to noisy amongst other things and well needs replacing.
I don't want to spend a huge amount, but neither do I want another cheapo.
I would like internal sun visor and speakers built in or at least ones specifically designed to fit speakers in.
Was thinking 100-150 would that be enough? what would you guys suggest, then somehow have to find a local stockist and see if they fit.

Fireskull · 20 May 2013 at 17:22

Something AGV for that money would be my choice, I have looked at a few recently with the internal sun visors for a commuter lid.

Brackish · 20 May 2013 at 17:41

I have a HJC FG-15 I got for £89. No internal visor (I use sunglasses) but enough room for the flat speakers on my Bluetooth comms unit.

It is a 4 star rating on the SHARP helmet site and find it fine for noise levels but then I wear earplugs.

ElliorR · 20 May 2013 at 17:44

I have 4 helmets, I seem to have a compulsion to buy them at times, and I have always bought the previous years model when it becomes heavily discounted. I've not spent more than £100 so far and HJC seem to use a model of my head to make their helmets as they fit me perfectly.

This is the last helmet I bought, at this price from this shop down the road from me, and it's still over £200 at some retailers.

http://www.lidsdirect.co.uk/hjc-fs-11-emblem-matt-black-1.html

Last years models offer great value.

eidolon · 20 May 2013 at 18:06

Obviously it depends on your head shape but if a Shark S900 fits then I can definitely recommend one of those. I have one as my spare helmet and I love it, really comfortable.

Griffo · 20 May 2013 at 20:15

What do you have at the moment Glauc?

ElliorR said:
I have 4 helmets, I seem to have a compulsion to buy them at times, and I have always bought the previous years model when it becomes heavily discounted. I've not spent more than £100 so far and HJC seem to use a model of my head to make their helmets as they fit me perfectly.

This is the last helmet I bought, at this price from this shop down the road from me, and it's still over £200 at some retailers.

http://www.lidsdirect.co.uk/hjc-fs-11-emblem-matt-black-1.html

Last years models offer great value.

Damnit ElliorR, now you've got me looking again! I've noticed lately (maybe my head has grown) that my Shoei xr1000 wtf presses against my forehead, leaving a red mark and also giving me a bit of a headache after an hour or two. My Arai Chaser thing is awesome but noisier than the Shoei. .... So yes.

Glaucus · 20 May 2013 at 20:22

Box bx5 iirc
It's rubbish and doesn't even fit properly anymore, assume puddings been compressed, even though its what 18months old. Then again it was ~£40

Do we not get O'neal helmets in Uk, fastrack 2 has built in speakers.

4T5 · 21 May 2013 at 06:38

I tried loads of helmets out recently trying to get a comfortable one, Budget was up to 200 quid. The AGV's I tried were hideously uncomfortable as soon as I put them on with lumps of padding pushing into my head.
In the end I bought a HJC which is Uber comfortable & was only 90'ish quid.
Reason for a new helmet was all the other ones I have hurt me after an hour or so & I wanted something bright. Having up to 200 quid to spend I had good choice & started from the top of my budget & worked down until I got the fit I wanted. Ended up really happy with the lid I bought & 110 quid change.

Evil^ · 21 May 2013 at 11:03

Got an AGV K3 got some helmet speakers in mine had to cut the cheek pads a bit so they sat flat don't seem to get neck ache either good helmet! I have tried caberg too but I forget which I tried and it seemed not cheap but creeky? wasn't nice

ShakenNstirred · 21 May 2013 at 13:54

when looking for helmets have a look here also
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
these days just because a helmets cheap doesn't mean its not a good helmet
some £400-£500 big name helmets are getting worse safety ratings then £40-£50 helmets.
so if your not bothered about being a well known name snob, there are some good cheap helmets out there

Souleh · 21 May 2013 at 14:20

Love my sharks tbh

Souleh · 21 May 2013 at 14:22

ShakenNstirred said:
when looking for helmets have a look here also
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
these days just because a helmets cheap doesn't mean its not a good helmet
some £400-£500 big name helmets are getting worse safety ratings then £40-£50 helmets.
so if your not bothered about being a well known name snob, there are some good cheap helmets out there

There is theory that helmets made cheaply are designed for the test where Arai's etc are designed based off £millions of R&D......

Perhaps the test is flawed or perhaps the cheaper helmet is just as good. Its a gamble you take. A 40quid helmet will likely not have great comfort or noise though

Glaucus · 21 May 2013 at 21:05

Right after today's ride, I would really like to pay the extra and get one with speakers and bluetooth already pre installed, can find several in America, but anyone know any models in the uk. Was so nice but uncomfortable hearing sat nav directions rather than having to take eyes of the road.

flipface · 21 May 2013 at 22:19

Just got myself a Caberg Duke flip front bash hat.
It has the internal sun visor , and i noticed there was somthing about bluetooth on the box.
Seem to be well made and much quieter than my old Duchini 701.
Just had a nosey on the bay , and you can get the bluetooth kit for £90.

Dogbreath · 22 May 2013 at 17:49

Souleh said:
There is theory that helmets made cheaply are designed for the test where Arai's etc are designed based off £millions of R&D......

Perhaps the test is flawed or perhaps the cheaper helmet is just as good. Its a gamble you take. A 40quid helmet will likely not have great comfort or noise though

If Arai etc. are spending millions designing a helmet, why don't they build in features that would allow them to get a good score in the Sharpe test? Even if they don't feel the test is particularly valid, it's surely very valuable for marketing?

psalliss · 22 May 2013 at 20:07

have a try at cabergs mate. ive has several and they have lasted age without issue and are fairly quiet. i treated myself to shoei neotec this time and the build quaity is better and its lighter but for the difference in money i wished id have just got another caberg as i dont personally think the difference was worth the money

Souleh · 23 May 2013 at 11:41

Dogbreath said:
If Arai etc. are spending millions designing a helmet, why don't they build in features that would allow them to get a good score in the Sharpe test? Even if they don't feel the test is particularly valid, it's surely very valuable for marketing?

Maybe the test isnt ideal...?

The driving test is easily passed but how many shocking drivers do we have?
There are genius people who can't get great exam marks as they dont test well.

Id trust a well known helmet brand with strong racing heritage over any cheapo "top marks" helmet.

eidolon · 23 May 2013 at 12:50

psalliss said:
have a try at cabergs mate. ive has several and they have lasted age without issue and are fairly quiet. i treated myself to shoei neotec this time and the build quaity is better and its lighter but for the difference in money i wished id have just got another caberg as i dont personally think the difference was worth the money

Kinda similar experience for me. I had a £150 Shark helmet then thought I'd treat myself to the new Schuberth S2 at £450. Don't get me wrong, it's better, but not £300 better if you know what I mean. (despite what the biased magazine reviews might say)

Wucked · 31 May 2013 at 11:55

Another vote for the cabergs, had a few and they've all been decent.