Helmet Safety... bit of an eye opener!

[know your limitations]

If you're in the market to replace your lid, take a look at the official government safety test website to search for the one you're after.
Also makes very interesting reading for your current one too.
For me, it's safety first every time but hopefully with a bit of style too. As I also hate spending money for the sake of it, I'm pleased to see that it's not always about how much you spend.
Some of you £250+ boys, prepare to be surprised...  http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist

[know your limitations]

APOLOGIES!
This site has been discussed in some depth already here.
Note to self: "Must read the search results better"
"http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,887.msg6137.html#msg6137

[ghostbiker]

Yeah sharp test is very limited in its results due to the set areas they test. It's a helpfull guide but is far from the full story.

[AdieR]

Thing is, Sharp tests are standardised tests - unfortunately however, there's no such thing as a standard accident, so there's no telling how a particular lid will fare.

Also, there's no detailing how much of a difference there is between star ratings - ie, if you have a 4* lid, has it only just scraped past a 3* rating, or is it just short of 5*?

The best lid is the one that fits well and is comfortable - a 3 or 4 star lid that fits is better than a 5* one that moves (or comes off) in a spill, equally, one thats too tight can be uncomfortable which distracts from your riding - and if you become distracted, you may well find yourself putting that helmet to the ultimate test.....

I had one of those Duchinni lids as a stop gap, and whilst its quite comfortable physically, I found it admitted a lot of wind roar (I think it was just about the worst one I've ever had in that regard). Not likely to buy another anytime soon.

[cy8rm4n]

 I was going to start a new topic about helmet snobbery but this one seems to cover some of the issues. I'm currently using a Caberg V2 407. It whistles a bit at higher speeds but is comfortable & gets a 5* sharp rating. I got it from ghostbikes for £50 as an emergency after I dropped my Justissimo.
 I've tried researching some different brands but all it keeps coming back to is the more you spend the better...but is it or is that just snobbery? For example I've just learned Box helmets are part of the Oxford group. They make shedloads of accessories & generally seem pretty good quality. Why would they then bring out a sub standard helmet or would the exact same helmet suddenly be good if they charged a couple extra hundred pounds for it?
 If the sharp test is far from the full story then what better tests do we have?
 Aren't some of the more expensive helmets out there designed for racing so have designs/technology that are no good to your average rider? Bit like buying the latest android/iphone just to make calls.
 I am far from an authority on these matters but get cheesed off with the prices of some of these brand name products charging so much without anybody being able to tell me why they're better other than because they're more expensive. If someone can tell me a real reason why I should spend an extra £200 - £300 then I'll consider it.

[Slaninar]

Sharp crash test is a good one. It gives you a very good and clear, unbiased picture of helmet's passive safety features. The only thing it lacks is high speed slide. Carbon fiber helmets are better at sliding, provide less resistance and are a bit stiffer. So, while some more expensive carbon helmets have slightly lower ratings (like 4 instead of 5), they probably provide better protection in high speed impacts.


However, speaking of Ducchini. Have had one, and have seen one tested in a real life crash. They do their job of passive safety very well. However, active safety is another matter. That's also very important. Helmet should be quiet, provide clear vision, not let wind put tears into drivers eyes etc. That's where some (cheap) 5 star helmets fail. Visor gets misty in no time, wind noise, wind over eyes etc.


I won't even consider fit: it is crucial to have a good fit. 5000 euro helmet that is too large or too small is not good at all. Zero!

[mcyoungy]

Having destroyed 3 Arai's in my life, and walking away every time, I know what I'll spend my money on thanks.

[Phil TK]

I am far from an authority on these matters but get cheesed off with the prices of some of these brand name products charging so much without anybody being able to tell me why they're better other than because they're more expensive. If someone can tell me a real reason why I should spend an extra £200 - £300 then I'll consider it.

 I think is a veiled jab at Arai and possibly the more expensive models in the Shoei range. I wear an Arai for no better reason than they fit me well, it comes as a bonus that they feel like quality and if you look after them they can still feell like new after 4 years or so.
 And justifying the extra exspense? Well, you have to take in account the expertise that goes into making an Arai, I doubt if any other helmet manufacturer has access to more data on the way a helmet performs in an impact and obviously that know-how goes into improvements. I don't want to wear a helmet designed by monkeys.

[cy8rm4n]

 No jabs, veiled or otherwise intended. Just an issue that's been irking me for some time.

[goldfazer]

' And justifying the extra exspense?'

Someone (Deefer?) posted on ear that 50% of the cost of an Arai goes on marketing.......

[mcyoungy]

' And justifying the extra exspense?'

Someone (Deefer?) posted on ear that 50% of the cost of an Arai goes on marketing.......

so what?


pay your money, take your choice. you're allowed to do that.

[Phil TK]

Someone (Deefer?) posted on ear that 50% of the cost of an Arai goes on marketing.......

 That's a bizarre statistic, since there is rather a broad price range accross the different models. 50% of the cost of which particular Arai model?

[Skippernick]

FIGHT!!!!!! with your respective helmets on of course

[goldfazer]

'so what?'

So just cos it costs more doesn't mean you're getting more. I've an Arai meself, but helemt 'value' is an interesting debate!

[mcyoungy]

'so what?'

So just cos it costs more doesn't mean you're getting more. I've an Arai meself, but helemt 'value' is an interesting debate!

define "more".


More comfort, better quality paint, removeable lining? "more" doesn't have to mean it protects any better.


same goes for anything you buy - why bother buying Michelin tyres when they're more expensive than Maxxis for example?


why buy an Akra can instead of a Chinese one? it just costs "more" after all.


fully synth oil, quality filters, decent leathers, quality tools, the list is endless.

[goldfazer]

More safety, that's what this thread is about! Now wind yer neck in

[bigralphie]

I always buy Shoei but never pay more than £200,always a deal to be had at the B/ham bike show

[Phil TK]

'so what?'

More comfort, better quality paint, removeable lining? "more" doesn't have to mean it protects any better.

 It also has to be a nice place to put your head if you wear one everyday, a removable lining is the best way to keep a helmet at the very least 'hygenic' if you commute through London for instance. I wash mine every month usually, the removable lining makes this easier as it dries quicker.

[Grahamm]

Don't forget you can save around £50 to £75 or more by getting a plain lid instead of a fancy paint job!

[Gingernutz]

I have a schuberth C2 - cost a kidney but its the quietest and most quality lid I've every had. It gets 4 stars - the replacement lid is £460 the C3 and only got 3 stars. The sharp site and tests are helpful especially since the the sticker system (accu gold etc..) was a load of rubbish

[mcyoungy]

More safety, that's what this thread is about! Now wind yer neck in

no it ain't........... it's about someone thinking they need to have a justification for buying something. 

[goldfazer]

Ahem

'Topic: Helmet Safety... bit of an eye opener!  '

[Major Rant]

fully synth oil, quality filters, decent leathers, quality tools, the list is endless.

Endless indeed, and only the rich can gold-plate everything safety-related and then they die in skiing accidents. 
 
A compromise needs to be struck. With helmets, I figure that since I don't spend a lot of time riding a bike and since
Mrs Rant says I'm (mostly) past breeding age and my kids are grown-up then an old Shoei or a new ALDI special is OK.
If I were a 22yr old dispatch rider with a large young family - I'd get a better helmet.
 
 
 

[Raymy]

Apparently, with mine, I'm fine as long as I land on the back and very top of my head. If only the doc managed to get one on mid air when me old ma spat me oot. We can but wonder.

[rjd1]

shoei xr1100 gets all the stars do for me always use shoei and had a couple of spills and walked every time
but more importantly it`s comfortable and light
if it makes me a brand snob feck it