Motorcycle Helmet For Under $100.

"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo) 05/03/2016 at 00:13 • Filed to: None

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So I need a motorcycle helmet. I obviously want something DOT approved, but I’m pretty sure I won’t get anything SNELL approved in my price without a hella good deal. I want a full face helmet, and I dont want crazy decals. This is the one I’m currently looking at. Any body got recommendations, otr a good reason not to buy this one?

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I don’t mind the style of this one, and a red one in my size is only 76 bucks. not too bad. Also I don’t want a black helmet, I feel like on a motorcycle you’re already hard enough to see so covering yourself from head to toe in black doesn’t seem like a great idea.

slipperysallylikespenguins > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 00:28

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Should be fine. Its DOT approved so it should be safe. The only thing you are paying for with the more expensive helmets are the comfort/convenience features, less noise, and better build quality. Safety is basically all the same.

CRider > slipperysallylikespenguins 05/03/2016 at 00:32

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That’s not even close to true. DOT approves half lids, and you could lose your face wearing them. SNELL is better than DOT (which is the legal minimum), and ECE is the best standard.

slipperysallylikespenguins > CRider 05/03/2016 at 00:34

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All of that is very true, but when comparing DOT approved full face helmets to other DOT approved full face helmets the safety is essentially the same.

CRider > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 00:36

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AFX has a few ECE approved helmets available in the same price range.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/afx…

46and2aheadofme > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 00:36

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KBC was the best fit for my head for the money when I was riding. Maybe also consider buying used as long as it’s in perfect condition.

CRider > slipperysallylikespenguins 05/03/2016 at 00:37

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SNELL and ECE helmets are safer than just DOT helmets.

slipperysallylikespenguins > CRider 05/03/2016 at 01:02

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Thats not necessarily true. A helmet can fail DOT but be Snell or ECE approved and vice versa. DOT and ECE put shock absorbancy as a priority where Snell puts impact impact absorbancy as a priority. The current standards for Maximum G Forces sustained in the test head is:

DOT: 250

Snell: 275 for the M2010, 300 for the M2005, 275 for the 2015 as well

ECE R22-05: 275

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/aut…

Snell’s testing really isn’t very good, and a lot of people will choose not to get it.

slipperysallylikespenguins > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 01:07

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You should also try on the helmet in a store if that is an option. Heads and helmets come in many different shapes and sometimes they don’t match. If you order online(I’ve done it twice and it worked well) measure your head and follow the sizing chart closely. The helmet should be snug but not too tight. You shouldn’t be able to fit your fingers between the helmet and your forehead. And make sure to keep the liner clean from dirt and sweat as that will cause the most damage to the foam in your helmet.

Kailand09 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 06:08

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If you want snell you may be able to find an sa2010 leftover from zamp. They are essentially a rebranded bell helmet.

E92M3 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 06:29

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I was going to come in here, and lecture you about how skimping on something that protects your head is not the place to skimp. Then I realized my buddy died wearing a several hundred dollar top-of-the line Arai helmet. Instantly... His skull/face were fine, but no helmet will prevent the destruction of your brain caused by sudden deceleration. As morbid as it sounds, in some situations you’re better off dead. Just look at Michael Schumacher.

TheRealBicycleBuck > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 06:35

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While everyone else debates about safety and fit (both very important), I’ll just mention a couple of things about features and materials. Better materials usually results in better comfort. More expensive helmets have better padding, making them a lot more comfortable. The best have removable padding, making it much easier to keep everything clean.

For the visor, I prefer one that has several adjustment points so I can click it up a notch or three to find the best balance between ventilation and shielding. I’ve never had a helmet with an effective chin vent. I also prefer a visor that is easily replaceable. Visors get scratched easily, so one that is easily replaced makes the job less troublesome.

My favorite helmet was a Shoei that had an adjustable brow vent with air channels that carried to an exhaust vent at the back. I could close it in the morning to keep my head warm and open it in the afternoon to provide a surprisingly cool breeze. When your daily commute is over an hour, good ventilation is critical. A cool head isn’t sweaty and that helps keep things clean.

My current helmet is cheap, but it’s only used on track days. When I go back to riding, I'll splurge for a much better helmet. It's worth it.

jkm7680 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 08:03

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I have a similar HJC model, they're pretty good for the price.

Nonster > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 08:20

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I’d recommend saving up for one with a SNELL or ECE rating too, but its also important that it fits properly. I usually suggest trying on a bunch of helmets in a store to figure out what what shapes or brands fit you best.

Party-vi > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 08:35

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I’m too lazy to read all these other comments to make sure I’m not parroting someone else, but dude, don’t skimp on safety. Would you really want your parents to be looking down at your glazed-over eyes in the hospital, asking themselves why their kid bought such a cheap helmet?

Tripper > Party-vi 05/03/2016 at 09:09

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Pow, right in the feels.

OCD-CO > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 09:21

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My first street helmet was an HJC. It was a “something something 16". Had a fighter pilot drop down sun visor. I still have it and it has served me very well. DOT was all I worried about because Snell is not so much an issue here in the states.

TBH, do you need a $3k carbon fiber helmet for street riding, yes. But, for the majority of us, that time your first wreck will happen is a bye bye to the helmet anyways. So, choose your loss accordingly.

And do not ever ride on the street with an open face helmet, period!!! The wind alone will make you hate your rides, not too mention that you want the extra protection.

leicester > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 09:23

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Firstly, get a helmet that fits your head, with no pressure spots or other discomfort. That will give you more incentive to wear it/ride. Go to a few shops, wear a few helmets around the store for 15 minutes each.

That said, i started out with an HJC, they are ok, but a bit noisy/heavy. I wear scorpion currently, good compromise of features/price point. An option is to find a good fit and see if you can find an online closeout of last year’s model, especially if that will give you a bit of model/brand flexibility.

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 09:26

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I found this website that tests helmets. The CS-R2 got 3 out of 5 stars for safety. I haven’t read through their testing methods or criteria though.

Hammerdown > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 09:58

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I’ve had 3 HJC’s and loved them all. Great, safe helmets for the money. I’d jump on it. Make sure to do you measurements and order from someplace where you can send it back if it doesn’t fit (Dennis Kirk has a great return policy)

just-a-scratch > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 11:07

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A few comments:
I agree about bright colors. You’re already near invisible to many drivers, a bit of color can help.
Some folks are not comfortable in full face helmet. I think a cheapo full face helmet is quite a bit better than an expensive half helmet.
There is a big pissing contest going on between the standards organizations about whose is better. In the US you may need DOT to be legal. SNELL claims that their rating protects in the most important and damaging impacts. ECE claims to protect against more likely impact types. Ask three people which is better and why, you’ll get three very different answers.

More important than which standard your helmet is built to, WEAR THE DAMN THING. If you're doing that, you'll get the most benefit out of it.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/03/2016 at 11:42

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Look into Scorpion as well, they make some nice cheaper helmets.

DynamicWeight > TheRealBicycleBuck 05/03/2016 at 11:42

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This is what I came here to say. The people who try to convince you “Spend $$$$ or you’ll die” are (for the most part) wrong. Helmets are very similarly safe after a certain price. What gets SO much better is the visor mechanism, the overall lightness of the helmet, the wind flow, the venting and the construction. And when I say construction, I mean not having the thing start falling apart. I started with a cheap HJC helmet (still $120), I thought it was fine. Then I went a bought a shoei ($400), it seemed like a really nice upgrade until I went back to my old HJC. It wasn’t a nice upgrade, it was a FANTASTIC upgrade. I just hadn’t realized just how bad I had had it before. Pricey helmets are WORTH IT. Regardless of your ride.