New Brain Bucket

[UtahGuy_426]

I am looking to get a new helmet. Woody 393 said make sure it is at least DOT approved. Is there any other classification I should be looking for?

Are there any brands that are better than others that you would suggest?

[Macho393]

hjc lids

[Mainjet2001]

This thread will open a can of worms.

Here is MHOP......
I think there are 2 helmet makers that are the best, Arai and Shoei, however after riding dirt bikes a loooooong time(since 1962), I have learned that one of the most important things about helmets is to have the lightest helmet you can get (afford) that meets Snell and Dot requirements.
All the old guys who spent a bunch of time riding dirt bikes have neck discomfort and/or pain because mother nature didn't design the body to carry a 2-3-4 lb. weight (helmet) on your head. Think I'm kidding, just ask some old guys who have been riding a long time about their neck.

I fully understand not all can afford the very best helmets and there are decent ones that are not so expensive and there is a lot of information out there about safety and testing, so if your are interested, do a bunch of searching, and form your own opinion.
However, don't buy a new $25 helmet from nowheresville with no safety ratings.

[Ekholm]

The other rating your looking for is SNELL. HJC makes a pretty good hat but there is NO COMPARISON to Shoei, Arai, or Troy Lee Designs. The fit, finish and comfort are second to none.
You only get ONE head so protect it well!!!!

[kschilk]

Alot of online stores have helmets on sale right now, on various brands. I recently purchased an HJC Contact helmet that I found on closeout...really nice lid and well ventilated.

[2strkyz]

I have to agree with Mainjet 110%. I used to always buy the cheapest helmet I could find just to make my parents happy. This last helmet I bought was an Arai vx-3 pro helmet and it is by far the best most comfortable helmet I have ever worn. I'm not saying that there aren't any good helmets for a lot lower price than an Arai. All I'm saying is that the added comfort and piece of mind knowing you got a good lid on your head is worth the extra cost for me.

[Tracker]

I can't disagree with anything that has been posted so far. I would like to put in an extra vote for the "fit factor" though. Our heads are different from one another in more ways than just circumference- way different. Since I've mentioned that I worked at Bell Helmets as a lad I'll throw in a Bell factoid: We had foam models of several famous drag racers' heads to ensure an absolutely perfect fit. Highway Patrol Motor officers also had a special fitting process.
And to what Mr. Mainjet said about weight- I wish helmet boxes had the weight posted right next to the size. Just a few ounces can make a huge difference. Of course I had to learn this the hard way.

This Star 90 turned out to be way heavier than it should have been but it took a long time to figure out why my neck hurt so bad after a long street ride. I couldn't wear it in the dirt.

[Mainjet2001]

Marty....
What years did you work at Bell.
Bell sponsored my son for a bunch of years.

[Tracker]

Originally Posted by Mainjet2001

Marty....
What years did you work at Bell.
Bell sponsored my son for a bunch of years.

Intermittently from '74 thru '77. I lived at Clark and Wardlow in LB so I could ride a bicycle to work if I had to when they were there. I had reliable wheels by the time they went to LaPalma.
It was a decent company to work for. They took care of their people, paid well, and put out a good product. Working four tens was a new idea for the times and it fit well for guys that liked to get out of town on the weekends.

[yzernie]

My neck hurts....................

[SikspakD]

Dirt rider put out a helmet comparison a few months back, its worth checking out. HJC does make an affordable lid that looks good and works as well as a Shoei or whatever, it might weigh a little more though! You almost get what you pay for when you go real cheap, its not worth it. This is your brain it is protecting! I spent a little over $1,000 on a helmet and a pair of Gaerne SG-12's. Although I have pins and screws in my feet. Its all preference. Don't forget a neck brace too.

Vemar is a new helmet to hit the states, Im not sure how much they are or anything. I've heard good things about them though.

[UtahGuy_426]

Thanks for the tips. Any economy $$$ helmets you could recommend. We just got a Fuller (427) for my son.

[Woody_393]

Just get one. I can tell you that this is a decision only you can make. The bottom line -- DOT Approved is a MUST. SNELL approved would be awesome. But buy the best helmet you can with the money you have.

If it helps any, my wife is more willing to let me get a good helmet since the idea of her taking care of me for the rest of her life just doesn't appeal

[lucky]

any one know how to find out how old your helmet is / wen it was made

---------- Post added at 02:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 PM ----------

how old is too old for a helmet (road helmet)

[Woody_393]

Not sure if they "expire" or if so when, but typically if you remove the liner they have a sticker with the manufactured date on them.

[lucky]

nope no sticker inside and none on the outside that sugest a year of manufacture any other ways to figure it out looks similar to that pic up above haha it is a jebs helmet

---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------

Australian Standard 1698/1974
-
Australian Standard 1698/1988

AS 1698 is what is stamped on my helmet and after a small google anywere past 1988 has a diferent number or is AS/NZ 1698
so from that search it seems to be a bit old lol

jebs helmets have aparently been made for 35 years...

[Woody_393]

Sounds pretty old to me

[lucky]

yeh it looks funny i got givin it with the bike plus another helmet and all the oils he had hard to believe ive only had my bike for just over 3 months i found very quikly trail riding is not us fun without a buddy

---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 PM ----------

so at the youngest posible my helmet is 22 O.o thats older then i am somewere from 22-35 years old hmm thats old i think its time for a new helmet for me 2 damn

[Woody_393]

I would agree, it's time.

[lucky]

i never realy thought about how old it was until i saw that picture above and was like hmm sorta looks like mine.