Helmet selection and reasons  By  leftwayleft (Read 8,117 times)

Here goes. I prefer Full Face modular and the base level helmet I would go with is the Bilt Apollo from CycleGear currently on sale for $99. Still has a fully removable washable liner, built in retractable sun shade and metal latches to hold the chin bar in place. Does not bump the tip of my nose as some of the cheaper helmets do.

www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/bilt_apollo_modular_motorcycle_helmet/web1011690

A half helmet or open face does not cut it for safety once you get over 20 mph so even on a 50cc scooter they are not a good choice. A broken jaw and facial reconstruction are one of the more common injuries in a low speed fall and a full face helmet will eliminate that.

If I had unlimited resources it would be the Shoei Neotec modular helmet:

www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/shoei_neotec_solid_modular_motorcycle_helmet/web1009645

They are not too hot as some may falsely claim (I am a Northern Boy living in South Florida) and make the ride much less tiring especially at speeds over 35 where a half or open face helmet can catch wind like a bucket and cause a lot of neck strain along with fatigue.

On the DOT verses Snell issue: Snell had to lighten their standard as it was shown to be too severe in some aspects relative to the ball penetration test standard which led to helmets that transfered to much shock to the brain causing brain trauma. The new Snell standard is a bit safer so one would have to be wary or old stock. The DOT standard did not suffer from this and is more appropriate to those not riding Super Bikes such as Scooterists.

I wear full face, only cheap but conforms to government spec (22.05-I'm UK based). That's the good news about a nanny state: anything over £50 for a helmet and you're just buying features, the safety is always the same.

I have considered an open faced helmet for visibility, but if I can get a near perfect anti-fog solution, that won't be an issue.

Personally (now this is a PERSONAL OPINION, don't start a flame war), I'm wary of the flip-top modular lids. It would just take one Monday morning/Friday afternoon factory worker mistake and you could end up with a face plate turned to shrapnel, a hinge into the skull, bits falling off. I just feel there's less to go wrong with a standard full face.

EDIT: I forgot to add, never buy a used helmet. Unless it comes boxed, with all the tags and visor cover on, never been used, don't touch it. It only takes one drop, from barely any height, to render a helmet completely useless. You wouldn't even see the damage.
Ian

This is mine. Got it for excellent price and because it's DOT approved and comes with clear and smoked shields. Very comfy, too. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HJQCWU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yellowscoot, I am glad to hear you like it. I have been searching for the right helmet to add to the collection and did a lot of research. I wanted to get a helmet that offered the flip up, was safe, not too noisy and came at a reasonable price.

I just ordered the Nolan N104 model which is pretty similar but supposedly a little lighter and larger viewing area. I found it at Revzilla for $325, which is on the expensive side but not as bad as the Shoei Neotec for $600. I love the Neotec, and our local shop has it on sale for $540 this weekend only, but the Nolan seemed to be so similar at a much lower price.

The Shoei Multitec older generation helmet got poor ratings for side impact protection from SHARP and the face shield failed to stay locked in 17% of the testing so I skipped it. The Nolan got high marks for impact on all sides, AND the front face shield holding up in testing was a definite plus.

Top notch safety, flip up and sun shield. Can't wait to try it out.

BTW...I think the helmet would probably pass Snell tests, but they do not test modular flip ups as I understand. Gets the ECE rating though which is tougher than DOT.

According to the SHARP site, one of the safest helemts and a flip up was the Carberg Duke, not sold in the US and so not DOT rated, but it was a pretty inexpensive helmet offered in the UK and to the Aussies.

I've been down once, with no damage but some scratches on the scooter.

Been using this one for a couple years now - 3/4 dual visor. 3/4 is nice for warmer weather. I always have safety sunglasses on so visor up isn't a issue.
www.leatherup.com/p/Hawk-Helmets/Hawk-Black-Dual-Visor-Open-Face-Motorcycle-Helmet/93135.html

I have a fullface, but cooler mornings make fogging an issue, and the 3/4 is easier to clear.
www.leatherup.com/site/product?pid=91625

A snowmobile helmet would be useful on the colder days.
www.leatherup.com/c/Snowmobile/1/190.html

I am thinking about this one
www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/afx-fx-140-hiviz-modular-helmet

Leatherup has been good for me - you get a 10% off code after the first order. Get a cloth measuring tape form a fabric store and measure your head. My helmets are between med and large, varies by manufacturer and style.
My jacket form leatherup is my warm weather item,
www.leatherup.com/site/product?pid=56913
then I have a high vis touring jacket form hhimalayaleather.com
www.himalayaleather.com/proddetail.php?prod=TextileJackets50

I rarely leave a helmet outside, while I see plenty of bikers do, all day full sun.
Even going into stores, I either keep it on or set it in the cart.

I have a Bandit helmet.
Must say that it's really comfortable and light weight.

www.bandithelmets.com/Crystal/index.htm

I must have some jacked up head shape because I can't wear most ff helmets unless they're 2x size. My cheap wal mart 1/2 helmet size L fits perfect. I have a 3/4 XL that rubs my 4head something fierce. Size L HJC pretty nice helmet that's completely unwearable to me. Paid a lot for that helmet, thought it would fit like my 1/2 helmet.

And some cheap HCI FF helmets size 2X that barely fit. The 2X helmets are enormous! Won't come close to fitting in my trunk.