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Helmets
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Ok, I'm thinking about buying a new one, so someone tell me what I would be getting for $300 compared to something under $100? From what I can see they all meet the required safety standards, weight appears similar, so does it come down to the fit and the style?
It goes without saying I value my head and what's inside but obviously there is still room for enlightenment!
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Think with helmets is the same old story - more is less.
I mean, the more you pay the more holes (better vented) and (marginally) lighter it will be.
They may or may not have fancier adjustment systems that may or may not work with your skull to feel more secure/comfy on your head.
What's worth remembering is that a few vendors have started making models that go lower on the back of the skull (a'la Fox Flux) which might suit better depending on your style of riding.
Reckon you should visit a few local stores and pick the one that fits best and looks coolest that's within your budget.
I bougth a new helmet a couple of months ago and spent $280. The one before that was about $100. There is definitely a difference in comfort, weight and airflow (more vents). I guess that is what you pay for. There are a few helmets in the $150-$180 price range which look fine.
i bought a helmet from big w and its ok, 50 bucks. It still meets australian standards.
I think its just a comformt thing
I think you should just buy whatever fits your head best in your budget. They all pass the standards so comfort should be the next deciding factor as we all have different shaped heads.
Have to see how much of each I want to splash out, after comfort off course.
Cheers guys.
The cheapies tend to have bare foam at the back, not encased in a shell.
When you take a hit on a helmet the impact energy is absorbed by the foam breaking up over a wide area. If the zone of impact is not encased in a shell the now fragmented foam will depart the scene from the force of impact. This leaves your noggin exposed to any subsequent impacts as your crash plays out.
Put this together with the trend ot increased coverage at the rear mentioned by the OP possibly being driven by user concerns about protection, and I think it makes a case for avoiding the bare-foam-at-rear types of helmets. I have one of them at present and my next one will definitely be a fox flux.
In my view the Oz standard is too weak in not requiring helmets to be subject to a second impact on the same spot, such as motorcycle helmets must pass.
For what it's worth, I'm very happy with my Fox Flux:
-Great ventilation and fit
-More coverage
-Hard shell all over means no dings!
-Get the Camo model and it never looks dirty nor does it show scratches
-The wing on the back looks like it came off the Batmobile! Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah!
BWOAR!
I went to Northside Cycles who were having a sale on their top of the line helmets, $220 down from $300. I never gave helmets much thought until I broke my last one, let me tell you a decent helmet like this feels sooo much better. Better vents, fits well, very comfy & has a visor I can take of so it's goo for both road and MTB. I never thought I'd get excited over a helmet!
I have a BIG head with a slightly strange shape... nothing visible but only really noticable when I try on hats( well... so I'm told). Getting a helmet to fit is a bugger. My ususal routine is to try on the cheapest helmet in the shop then proceed up to the most expensive. I usually hope that the only fit will be a cool( literally),stylish lid at the mid price range. However, the only lid that usually fits well is a $50 Adura. I've had two now and they are fairly comfortable but a bit lacking in the hard shell coverage and they tend to sit fairly high on your head. ( as described admirably by Hawkeye above)
Last time I went looking for a new one, I was lucky and found that the Giro E2 was a perfect fit and CBD had one in my size for a silly price during their last sale. It's a fantastic helmet but I'm not sure I would have bought it at the full price. Isn't it funny though that $300+ seems like a lot of money for something that could save your life but seems pretty good value for some bling piece of kit which will save 150g !
Priorities problem possibly ?
CB
Having said that, caps don't always fit me so who knows. I had a quick look at a few over the weekend. I have to say that its not always possible to tell a $100 helmet from a $300 just by looks alone. All the above suggestions will be taken into consideration when finally making a decision, thanks for the opinions.