I killed my helmet

[Prisoner6]

Some excellent points made by XJOK2PLAY in post #29 -

Personally, there are times when I would like to ride without a helmet, but IMHO, the advantages of not wearing one

absolutely do not outweigh the advantages of wearing one. That's why I always, and I do mean always, wear

a helmet, no matter where I'm riding or how short the trip. And XJOK2PLAY, thanks for mentioning the

Alpinestars jacket. I've been looking for one with chest protection, and this one looks like it might be just the ticket for me.

http://www.alpinestars.com/t-gp-plus-r-air-jacket/

[XJOK2PLAY]

Thanks, Prisoner6.

If you decide to get one of these jackets, here's what I've experienced so far...

I ordered one in LG, according to their sizing chart, and the size I normally wear in other brands. I also ordered the matching "Stella" model for my GF, and expected it to be identical...
Appearance-wise, it was very close.
But, the Stella jacket does NOT have chest protection.
Also, hers... Even though she ordered an XLG, was way too small.
My LG fit her.
Usually, my LG jackets swallow her, and are way too big. But not in this one.

So, I decided to keep mine, give it to her, and send the Stella back.
I have ordered the XLG for me. That way, they both will be exactly the same. Hope I don't have to get the 2XL!

Not sure why they do that, and their sizing seems to run about one to two sizes smaller than you might think.

But, after actually seeing them in person, it looks like a high quality jacket.
Ours will be the red/white/black colors.

[Prisoner6]

Good info, Bob ... Thanks! It is Bob, isn't it?

Yeah, it's been my experience that the sizing of each brand of gear is almost always different, no matter what you're buying (gloves, boots,

helmets, jackets, etc.) I remember buying a jacket one time - tried on 3 different brands, all size LG; one was too small,

one was too big, and one fit perfectly ...

I'll definitely be checking out the Alpinestars ...

[BA80]

Ordered my new helmet today. Same brand and pretty much the same as I had except this one is black matte instead of black gloss.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261269074075?var=560236589622&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[jetmechmarty]

Ordered my new helmet today. Same brand and pretty much the same as I had except this one is black matte instead of black gloss.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261269074075...84.m1439.l2649

You should get one we can see!


Safety cone orange!

[BA80]

Sorry, that's just not me Marty. Like Tod says, everything I own is either black or light black.

It's just a carry over from when I was a kid. I never could stay clean so black became my official color (or neutral).

[Bigfoot]

I was wearing my helmet, armored jacket, riding shoes and jeans. Like an idiot, i didn't have my gloves on. I always have my damn gloves on but for some reason didn't put them on when I left . Only road rash i have is on the back of my left hand and a spot on the back of my right hand. The gloves protected the shelf they were sitting on very well. lol. Helmet is scraped up on the left side but nothing appears broken. I will replace it anyway before I ride again.

[IanDMacDonald]

Hey Greg- I bought a cheap Gmax modular from the shop over the Winter. Can't say I'm IMPRESSED with it by any means, but it's an okay helmet. They say that you should pay what you think your head is worth, but I disagree. I have an older $600+ Arai helmet that is all scratched-up, and was just okay. Nothing about either one stand-out as being any less cheap or expensive than the other. I guess I don't understand why a Shoei/Arai is $600+, and mine is $100+.

[BA80]

As I said, this one is almost exactly like the one I killed but it's black matte instead of gloss black. I survived smacking the pavement twice with my head installed and even though it should have been replaced anyway I probably would have kept using it had I not bounced it down the turnpike.

These Hawk helmets are really quite nice and the only complaint I had with the one before was if I left it on for too long it would pinch my ear lobes but even if that happened I could adjust it a little while riding and relieve the discomfort.

It is D.O.T. approved so it has passed the same testing the Shoei or Arai did even though it doesn't have the expensive name stamped on it. The same reason most people who own them buy Harleys.

[jetmechmarty]

What it comes down to is what helmet is going to be comfortable for you. Under the right circumstance a DOT half shell may protect your head as well as a full face helmet. The money is mostly about comfort features, IMHO.

webBikeWorld helmet reviews can be very helpful. Revzilla has a video review of almost every helmet they sell. I think these are a couple of great tools for picking out a helmet.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Hey Greg,
That's a pretty full- featured helmet for $79!

I wish my Scorpion had the internal visor... I got the EXO-700.
I think to get the internal visor I'd have to go with either the 900 or 1000.

The problem is, I love the fit of the one I got!
I also have an HJC and it has one, but I hate the way it fits and feels.
It's a $200 helmet, and pretty high quality, but I don't like the inside materials nearly as well.

I've always wanted a modular for the extra convenience, but not sure how one would fair if you ever face-plant somewhere...
Wouldn't the lower portion come off, leaving your jaw and lower face unprotected?

[XJOK2PLAY]

I was wearing my helmet, armored jacket, riding shoes and jeans. Like an idiot, i didn't have my gloves on. I always have my damn gloves on but for some reason didn't put them on when I left . Only road rash i have is on the back of my left hand and a spot on the back of my right hand. The gloves protected the shelf they were sitting on very well. lol. Helmet is scraped up on the left side but nothing appears broken. I will replace it anyway before I ride again.

Dang, Harry!
Sounds like your helmet did it's job!
Tough way to work on yer memory skills about the gloves... Ouch!

[AlexAlex]

I also liked to ride without a helmet until I put on my bike best brake pads for harley davidson, unused to braking at 50 miles and flew over the handlebars, spent two months in the hospital with a concussion, after that I always wear a helmet wherever I go.

[jetmechmarty]

I wasn't planning to have this accident in 2016. The helmet still hangs in my garage as a constant reminder. I would not have wanted to go through this without a helmet. As it was, I suffered a concussion.

[cajun31]

If you ride two wheels long enough you generally will eventually kill a helmet. Had an idiot slam their brakes on in front of my while riding by 2002 HD Night train and in a split second I was sliding down the road on my chest and helmet. Kept the helmet as a reminder. With all the texting and driving that occurs today you have to drive more defensively then ever before.