What to look for in lid?
Discussion
Hi guys, I am looking at getting my first bike and doing my direct access next year. In the meantime I do some karting and borrowing the kart centres helmets seems a bit wrong, you get very warm and they're sometimes a bit grim. I'm looking to buy a helmet that will do me for karting and also for riding bikes when I get around to it.
What do I need to look for? A biking mate of mine insisted I should look only at Arai, Shoei (sp?) or AGV, should I take his advice or are there other good makes I should be looking for.
Also what features should I look out for? I presume fit is the most important. What standards should I look for?
Thanks all and Happy Christmas
What do I need to look for? A biking mate of mine insisted I should look only at Arai, Shoei (sp?) or AGV, should I take his advice or are there other good makes I should be looking for.
Also what features should I look out for? I presume fit is the most important. What standards should I look for?
Thanks all and Happy Christmas
I wouldn't put huge importance on the make, any gold sticker lid is approved for racing so that should tell you something. Dearer lids, more features / vents / better visor mechanism etc.
As a starting point, find your local Hein Gericke store and try some on - if you are unsure, then the assistants are usually clued up.
As a rough guide, the helmet should fit snugly all over, shouldn't be able to be twisted or push back... If anything err on the small side as the padding / liner usually softens up with wear.
Edited by momentofmadness on Sunday 24th December 13:32
Glod rated lids only, then....
Fit, protection, comfort (weight and noise, misting), price, style
In that order.
Different manufacturers use different shell shapes so try on a few. People who have an Ari shaped head love them and hate Shoe helmets. And so on.
The helmet has to be a snug fit (remember that over the first couple of weeks the material settles and they become a little looser) to protect you. When fitted you should not be able to move your year up/down or side/side without the helmet moving also. Your chin should not touch the chin guard on a full-face (or shattered jaw awates).
Weight and noise make a big difference on longer rides. For noise you can use earplugs, though.
Price - like the man said, go to a motorcycle show if you can - there are great savings to be had. But I suggest that you go to a motorycle clothing store (a big one with lots of choice) to find the make and size that's right for you.
Fit, protection, comfort (weight and noise, misting), price, style
In that order.
Different manufacturers use different shell shapes so try on a few. People who have an Ari shaped head love them and hate Shoe helmets. And so on.
The helmet has to be a snug fit (remember that over the first couple of weeks the material settles and they become a little looser) to protect you. When fitted you should not be able to move your year up/down or side/side without the helmet moving also. Your chin should not touch the chin guard on a full-face (or shattered jaw awates).
Weight and noise make a big difference on longer rides. For noise you can use earplugs, though.
Price - like the man said, go to a motorcycle show if you can - there are great savings to be had. But I suggest that you go to a motorycle clothing store (a big one with lots of choice) to find the make and size that's right for you.
Pigeon said:
markmullen said:
What to look for in lid?
Assassin bugs.
It's not very pleasant when you're riding along and you feel something crawling in your hair and it turns out to be one of these, so it's worth checking there aren't any there before you put the lid on.
Please tell me you are joking? Great advert for helmetless riding there!
Considering the use you are going to be putting the lid to, I wouldn't worry too much about what you get. It's gonna get knocked about a bit during your karting etc., it'll suit you fine for your training and by the time you've got a bike and gotten used to riding around your needs will probably have changed and you will be in a better place to make a more informed choice yourself. At least, that's been my approach. 
Most of all, as stated above, get one that fits you well and is comfortable. As for brands, there are a lot more than have been recommend to you, Caberg (I chose the V2 for commuting), Nolan (great flip fronts and interesting comms stuff) and KBC being three that spring to mind.
Most of all, as stated above, get one that fits you well and is comfortable. As for brands, there are a lot more than have been recommend to you, Caberg (I chose the V2 for commuting), Nolan (great flip fronts and interesting comms stuff) and KBC being three that spring to mind.
FM are pretty good lids imo if you only want to spend a hundred. They no less safe but the quality of the ventilation and lining won't be as good.
BTW nothing is more important than fit and comfort. You'll soon get pissed off with an expensive lid if it moves about or gives you headaches. Basically try them all on and buy the one that fits best.
Edited by dern on Sunday 24th December 21:14
Don't be fooled by the Gold Stciekrs if you read MCN.
Apparently they can be brought for pence and stuck on a £10 effort from China.
When talking to somebody at a show a few years ago they said something very wise.
If you head is worth £30 then get a £30 helmet.
There is a huge difference between a cheap lid and a nice helmet. The cushioning makes a huge difference in how they feel.
Best thing to do is go to bike shop and try on agv/arai/shoei etc. and see what you think.
Arai and Shoei are the only ones to use different size shells for each size they do.
FWIW I have a Shoei Raid.
Tim.
Apparently they can be brought for pence and stuck on a £10 effort from China.
When talking to somebody at a show a few years ago they said something very wise.
If you head is worth £30 then get a £30 helmet.
There is a huge difference between a cheap lid and a nice helmet. The cushioning makes a huge difference in how they feel.
Best thing to do is go to bike shop and try on agv/arai/shoei etc. and see what you think.
Arai and Shoei are the only ones to use different size shells for each size they do.
FWIW I have a Shoei Raid.
Tim.
To find out if a helmet fits properly,
it would be best if you could take it on a test ride,
to find out how it really feels "in the wind",
and also check for venting & noise levels.
As this is mostly not possible (borrowing/testing before buying),
there is an alternative was now at some POLO stores in germany.
It is a bike mounted in a sort of wind tunnel that can be as fast as 80 mph,
right in the store.
I have not been in one of these, but it sounds like a good idea.
Is there nothing like it in the UK ?
Benni
and NO, there is not a conveyor belt involved..........
it would be best if you could take it on a test ride,
to find out how it really feels "in the wind",
and also check for venting & noise levels.
As this is mostly not possible (borrowing/testing before buying),
there is an alternative was now at some POLO stores in germany.
It is a bike mounted in a sort of wind tunnel that can be as fast as 80 mph,
right in the store.
I have not been in one of these, but it sounds like a good idea.
Is there nothing like it in the UK ?
Benni
and NO, there is not a conveyor belt involved..........
Easiest way is to get down the shops and try a bunch on. They are all different shapes.
I go by Shoei mainly because they fit me best. I currently have an XR900 and an X-Spirit. Arai is really uncomfortable for me, some people are the other way round. The missus goes with AGV because it saved her head when some idiot jumped a red and put her over the bonnet.
Anyway, hurry up and get your licence, we could do with more of us in the Yorkshire crowd.
I go by Shoei mainly because they fit me best. I currently have an XR900 and an X-Spirit. Arai is really uncomfortable for me, some people are the other way round. The missus goes with AGV because it saved her head when some idiot jumped a red and put her over the bonnet.
Anyway, hurry up and get your licence, we could do with more of us in the Yorkshire crowd.
the pits said:
what to look for in a lid?
An Arai logo.
An Arai logo.
That's what I'd say because I ride a lot - so want decent quality to ensure my lids last a while.
Ease of visor change is also important in my view and I like that if you have a spill or drop an Arai you can get it tested / X-rayed for free & told for certain if it's still OK to use.
However, comfort is paramount. If Aria's not comfy for you, try something else. I have been told that Shark helmets are particularly noisy though - may just be certain models.
momentofmadness said:
I wouldn't put huge importance on the make, any gold sticker lid is approved for racing so that should tell you something. Dearer lids, more features / vents / better visor mechanism etc.
Edited by momentofmadness on Sunday 24th December 13:32
I wouldn't put to much stock in the ACU Gold Sticker on unknown brands. There has been a big scandel where ACU Stickers were being sold off in big batches without the necessary te4st being done on the helmets. I would stay with a known brand, don't touch anything from China.
kiwi_uk said:
momentofmadness said:
I wouldn't put huge importance on the make, any gold sticker lid is approved for racing so that should tell you something. Dearer lids, more features / vents / better visor mechanism etc.
Edited by momentofmadness on Sunday 24th December 13:32
I wouldn't put to much stock in the ACU Gold Sticker on unknown brands. There has been a big scandel where ACU Stickers were being sold off in big batches without the necessary te4st being done on the helmets. I would stay with a known brand, don't touch anything from China.
It doesn't help though, when you look inside an AGV lid and it says... Made In China
wedg1e said:
It doesn't help though, when you look inside an AGV lid and it says... Made In China
Yup, most stuff is these days.
I kinda like the "£30 lid for a £30 head" comment: that's an old, old saying and to a point it's quite appropriate. It also happens to suit salesmen and manufacturers and I am unsure how much extra protection a £500 lid offers over a £100 lid from a well known manufacturer.
Re-iterating what I said earlier, I'd go for fit and purpose.
wedg1e said:
kiwi_uk said:
momentofmadness said:
I wouldn't put huge importance on the make, any gold sticker lid is approved for racing so that should tell you something. Dearer lids, more features / vents / better visor mechanism etc.
Edited by momentofmadness on Sunday 24th December 13:32
I wouldn't put to much stock in the ACU Gold Sticker on unknown brands. There has been a big scandel where ACU Stickers were being sold off in big batches without the necessary te4st being done on the helmets. I would stay with a known brand, don't touch anything from China.
It doesn't help though, when you look inside an AGV lid and it says... Made In China
To true!! CHina is the new industial power albeit 50 years behind...
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