Helmets, what to get and why?

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What some people do is they take an older pair of their glasses and cut off the part that goes over their ears. This way they just have a straight arm section they slide straight in and the helmet holds it in place.

The lack of venting is great on cold days and rainy days. Summer days maybe not ideal perhaps but my 3/4 is black but I didn't have any problems. Our summer wasn't very warm though this year. I was cold a lot.

I think washable liner is important. My skin produces a lot of oil. Not being able to wash something oil soaked is not good.
 
I have owned three corsair arai's,only one I bought new.The other two I bought used,one of them from a guy on this board about three or four years ago for 300.00(it was basically new condition) the other from some broad on ebay for 250.00 and it was in excellent condition.The arai corsair helmets fit me best,removable liners etc...I know a lot of people don't like to buy used helmets but I don't mind,I get a helmet I love rather than buying something "i have to live with"I love "cheap" arai's
Cost is always a consideration but people generally hang on to helmets a few years(i think ) so a couple clams imho shouldn't play a huge role in selecting the helmet you want
 
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Hey Mongrel.... here's an inexpensive solution for you. A friend of mine put a single strip of 1" black electrical tape across the top half of his face shield - just above his eyes. He says it works great for keeping the sun out of his eyes.
 
Let's be honest people, PRICE is always the #1 concern.
Then based on how much money you can spend, you try and find either a helmet that you will be comfortable in or one that you like the look of.
 
I've always had good luck with Shoei very comfortable and good quality. There not the cheapest but at the end of the day where talking about protecting your head.
 
Sunspark said:
Your post is full of contradictions to me.

Tons of full face helmets have integral flip down sun visors.

But you also say you don't care for visors and like the wind. I don't. I don't like slamming into insects or the wind chill or rain stinging.

Here are 2 pictures of my own face shield, separate rides. Washed it with dish soap after I took the pictures.


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The Biltwell Gringo helmet is maybe what you want. It's a full face in the old style using the same snaps as the 3/4s. Allows you the choice of both a bubble shield and half strip shield across the opening.
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Where did you buy your Gringo? I can't seem to find them in Hamilton and want to try one on!
 
Owen said:
Where did you buy your Gringo? I can't seem to find them in Hamilton and want to try one on!
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Never bought one or tried one on. They weren't out when I got my helmet. Town Moto in Toronto on Ossington in Liberty Village sells them. If you end up wanting to buy from them let me know, I have a gift card I can't really use at the moment and I'll knock some cash off it if you take it off my hands.
 
Sunspark said:
Never bought one or tried one on. They weren't out when I got my helmet. Town Moto in Toronto on Ossington in Liberty Village sells them. If you end up wanting to buy from them let me know, I have a gift card I can't really use at the moment and I'll knock some cash off it if you take it off my hands.
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Sweet! Thanks for the offer! I'm not sure the net time I'll be in Toronto but might make a point to head that way soon. I'll PM you when I know.
 
How long do you guys usually have the same helmet for once you've found one that satisfies your needs? Will that depend on if you can remove and clean the insides before they get nasty, as well as following the care instructions from the manufacture?

I used to have the same hockey helmet for years until I stopped playing but the helmet stink is more acceptable for sports.

I'm obviously new and buying all my first gear. I'd rather spend a few months before spring trying stuff on and researching with the intent of having it for 2-3 seasons.
 
Owen said:
How long do you guys usually have the same helmet for once you've found one that satisfies your needs? Will that depend on if you can remove and clean the insides before they get nasty, as well as following the care instructions from the manufacture?

I used to have the same hockey helmet for years until I stopped playing but the helmet stink is more acceptable for sports.

I'm obviously new and buying all my first gear. I'd rather spend a few months before spring trying stuff on and researching with the intent of having it for 2-3 seasons.
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I read somewhere that helmets are generally good for around 5 years. I don't have any evidence or studies to back that up with though. I've been riding with my Shoei RF-1000 for 6 years now so I'm going to buy a new helmet for this season.

I've found even after 6 years the helmet doesn't smell. The liner isn't removable and I've never washed it. I don't generally sweat too much in it but I do have oily hair. Maybe I just have no sense of smell... ;)
 
I've typically bought a new helmet roughly every 5 years. Updates sometimes influence the decision. I would think if you're buying a quality product you should be good for at least that long. I'm not sure if there's an actual date they should be replaced or not.

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I just looked at the Shoei website and was actually able to find something relevant. Shoei recommends replacement 5 years after the purchase date.

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Maintenance.aspx

Helmet Replacement
Ultimately, the useful service life of a safety helmet is dependent on the intensity and frequency of its use. Helmet replacement is recommended even if only one of the under-mentioned points applies:

  1. The helmet was subjected to an impact.
  2. The comfort padding or the retention system has become loose due to heavy use or display signs of deterioration.
  3. The synthetic foam padding displays signs of heavy use and the helmet feels too loose. Test: with the retention system fastened, the helmet turns to the side when you gently shake your head.
  4. There are indentations in the EPS liner and/or white scratches can be seen on surfaces with black paint.
  5. Even if none of these is applied, we, SHOEI, recommend replacement in 5 years after it's first purchased at retail.
 
Of course they have recommendations. They're around to make money after all.

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Thanks for the answers everyone!

By the sounds of it, it's better to search for something that I like and wear it until it's worn out than rushing to buy, only to replace it with something else in the same year.
 
Owen said:
Thanks for the answers everyone!

By the sounds of it, it's better to search for something that I like and wear it until it's worn out than rushing to buy, only to replace it with something else in the same year.
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that is. :cool: once you know wchich helmet fits best (size and head shape), shop around for a good deal. You still have a couple of months.
 
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